SoVote

Dec/2/21 10:43:59 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, as I stand in the House of Commons as the newly elected member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview, I want to give my thanks, first, to all those in Calgary Skyview who voted in the 2021 federal election. Regardless of partisan differences, their participation in the democratic process matters deeply. I am honoured to have been elected to represent and serve every one of my them in the 44th Parliament of Canada. I will strive to be the kind of representative they deserve: hard-working, accountable and always available. I want to thank my wife Aman and my three daughters, Amita, Noor and Liv, for their incredible support through the election and in my transition from being a city councillor to a member of Parliament. They have stood by me, side by side, every step of the way and I am so grateful for their love and support. I also want to thank the hundreds of volunteers who believed in me and contributed their time and abilities to my campaign, helping us to one of the most decisive election results in the country. Finally, I want to thank the former member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview, Jagdeep Sahota, for her service to the residents of Calgary Skyview. Throughout my time as a city councillor for Ward 5 and recently as a federal candidate, I often spoke about how governments can make life better for Calgarians. Some hon. members: Oh, oh!

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The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Carol Hughes)

Dec/2/21 10:46:04 a.m.
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Order. I want to remind members that heckling is not allowed. Having conversations from one side of the House to the other is not acceptable while someone has the floor. I want to ask members in the House to be very respectful of those who have the floor. The hon. member for Calgary Skyview.

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Noise/conversations/heckling, interrupting Member speaking

Mr. George Chahal

Dec/2/21 10:46:32 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, we have seen some very challenging times in Alberta over the last number of years, and in my riding in particular. The economic downturn, a massive hailstorm in 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic have had profound impacts on those who call Calgary's northeast home. No matter the challenge, we have come together time and time again to fight for what matters: safe neighbourhoods, healthy families, well-paying jobs and a bright future for our children. I am proud to be part of a government that has put forward bold solutions to the difficult problems facing our city while always focusing on a fair recovery for all. I especially want to acknowledge that the Province of Alberta has received the largest dollar amount in per-capita transfers from the federal government to assist us with pandemic relief and economic recovery. This federal government had our backs when we needed it most. More than ever, Canadians appreciate the value of a strong national government that shows leadership in the face of adversity. The riding I represent is one of the most ethnoculturally diverse in Canada, with people from all around the world who have come to Canada to build better lives for their families. Sadly, all levels of government have not always fulfilled all of their commitments to invest in new Canadians and to adequately respond to racism and discrimination. When I was elected city councillor, I committed to being a strong voice for my constituents by immediately addressing long-standing inequities. In my new role as a member of Parliament, I will continue to embrace my duty to carry on much of this work by investing in people and infrastructure. Our government must help transform Calgary's economy while supporting workers, always making sure that nobody is left behind. I am grateful that our government has committed to continuing its important work in combatting inequities, systemic racism and discrimination. Working Calgarians were instrumental in getting us through the pandemic. Calgary Skyview is home to thousands of essential workers: health care workers, public transit workers, truck drivers and taxi drivers, people working in grocery stores and food preparation, utility workers and tradespeople. These workers did not have the luxury of working from home and were directly exposed to the virus throughout the pandemic. It is easy to thank them, but we must do much more to show our gratitude. Leaders need to show leadership, and those of us with the privilege of sitting in the House need to work even harder, whether we are here in person or working in our constituencies. This federal government has walked the talk by providing key benefits to those who lost their jobs and by procuring vaccines for all Canadians. I have encouraged all Calgarians to get vaccinated and to follow public health guidelines. I will continue to advocate for public health as vaccines become available for our children. Working Calgarians, particularly visible minorities, were often criticized for the high infection rates, even when they were sacrificing their personal health by ensuring the safety of others, volunteering and sharing, and keeping the economy moving by ensuring the flow of goods. Today, upper northeast Calgary has one of the highest rates of vaccination in Canada, at 99.3%. All of those over the age of 12 have had at least one shot. It very likely has a higher percentage vaccinated than my colleagues in the Conservative caucus across the aisle. Ultimately, I know that my constituents will answer the bell when times get tough. As a government, we must remain by their side in support, and embrace their trust by working as hard as they do. The cost of living has become one of the most critical concerns facing Canadian families, and the situation is no different in Calgary Skyview. This government has done great work in tackling the affordability crisis. One example of this is the rapid housing initiative. In Calgary Skyview, across the street from the Akram Jomaa Islamic Centre, the rapid housing initiative is supporting a seniors housing facility with the conversion of a former hotel into a much-needed seniors facility. Local non-profits, such as the Dashmesh Culture Centre, have also shown tremendous leadership through collaboration with government to build the first women's transitional housing project in northeast Calgary. Projects like these save lives and give those in need a chance to get back on their feet and live safe and dignified lives. There is much more work to be done, and our government is ready to get to work on several meaningful initiatives, such as the multi-generational home renovation tax credit. This would impact thousands of families living in northeast Calgary by helping them add a second unit to their home. I recently had the privilege of joining the Prime Minister and the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development for an important announcement in Edmonton. Our federal government came to an agreement with the Province of Alberta on affordable child care, which follows through on our election commitment to make life better not only for families but for all Canadians. Thousands of working families in Calgary Skyview will benefit from our government's commitment to making life more affordable through $10-a-day child care. We cannot talk about how to build resilient and inclusive communities without talking about how we move around them. I have been a long-time advocate for robust and affordable public transit. People living in my riding are the highest users of public transit in Calgary, and this federal government has consistently supported increased investments and access. Whether it is the Blue Line or Green Line, we will stand and support public transit in Calgary—

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The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Carol Hughes)

Dec/2/21 10:54:37 a.m.
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I have been trying to give the hon. member a signal to let him know that his time was running out. Maybe he could add to his speech during questions and comments. The hon. member for Battle River—Crowfoot, whom I will advise to be very careful.

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Mr. Damien Kurek (Battle River—Crowfoot, CPC)

Dec/2/21 10:55:04 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to enter the debate to ask some very important questions about the content of the Speech from the Throne. My constituents have made it very clear over the last couple of weeks since the Speech from the Throne that two areas are lacking. One is a plan to combat the corruption and lack of ethics in possibly the most corrupt Canadian government in Canadian history. Two is the fact that the government is putting forward a “light on crime” agenda that is letting criminals out on our streets, which is having a serious impact, especially in the rural communities I represent. This is why it is so relevant. Between rural crime, light on crime and the lack of ethics, I would ask the member to address what is seriously lacking in the government's throne speech.

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Mr. George Chahal

Dec/2/21 10:56:08 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I worked very closely on many crime initiatives in Calgary as a city councillor, as a member of the police commission and as the chair of the public safety task force. I can tell the member that our government supported working collaboratively through the public safety task force to bring forward meaningful consultation and funding to support municipalities in crime prevention initiatives, including on guns and gangs. Our government has a commitment to making lives better and safer for all Canadians, unlike the Conservatives, who want to bring assault rifles back to the streets of Canada.

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Mr. Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe (Lac-Saint-Jean, BQ)

Dec/2/21 10:57:03 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, as everyone knows, before I was elected, I worked at a paper mill in Alma. I would like to send out greetings to my colleagues at the Resolute Forest Products plant. I also want to thank my colleague from Calgary Skyview. I gather that, thanks to him, a lot more paper brochures were produced during the campaign by both Liberals and Conservatives. I really appreciate him doing that. Thanks to him, more political material was printed. Getting back to the throne speech—

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Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne

The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Carol Hughes)

Dec/2/21 10:57:33 a.m.
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I have to interrupt the member to point out that his comments seem to be veering toward something I have already made a statement about. I therefore expect the member to ensure that his question is related to the subject at hand.

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Relevancy

Mr. Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe

Dec/2/21 10:57:55 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I understand. I just wanted to congratulate my colleague on his fine work. Let us come back to the Speech from the Throne. There is no mention of human rights in the speech, even though the Liberals keep telling us that they are the champions of international human rights. I saw that a motion was rejected by the Liberals on Tuesday. They were unable to get it passed, even though the majority of the Liberal caucus was in favour of the motion. When the Prime Minister came to power in 2015 he said he was going to change Canada's international reputation. Personally, all I have seen is someone get dressed up in costume in India. Is that the real answer?

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Mr. George Chahal

Dec/2/21 10:58:38 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I am not sure if the first statement by the hon. member for Lac-Saint-Jean regarding support for factory workers was a question or comment. Our government supported workers throughout the pandemic, through the CERB and small business supports, to ensure all Canadians across Canada who could not work had those supports to safely stay home to protect themselves and their families. Regarding your question with respect to human rights, Canada has shown strong leadership internationally on many human rights initiatives. We look forward to doing more work on human rights across the globe.

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The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Carol Hughes)

Dec/2/21 10:59:28 a.m.
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I would remind the member that he is to address his questions and comments through the chair. He may want to use the words “he” or “she” as opposed to “you”. A brief question, the hon. member for Vancouver East.

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Remarks addressed to the Chair

Ms. Jenny Kwan (Vancouver East, NDP)

Dec/2/21 10:59:37 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, the government recognizes there is a great need in terms of health emergencies. Right now, we have an overdose crisis in my riding of Vancouver East. More people are dying from overdoses than they are dying from the pandemic. Will the member work with the NDP and support our call to decriminalize and ensure that there is a safe supply so we can save lives?

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Mr. George Chahal

Dec/2/21 11:00:15 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, all our municipalities across Canada are faced with health emergencies in their cities. In Calgary, for instance, we have had a tremendous number of challenges in our downtown core with many of our most vulnerable, especially during this pandemic. We have great local organizations such as the Bear Clan Patrol that have stepped up to support community members in need. I look forward to working across the aisle with all parties in a collaborative manner to ensure we bring innovative solutions forward.

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Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Winnipeg North, Lib.)

Dec/2/21 11:01:03 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, one thing I have noticed, and we saw it very recently, is that the Conservative Party wants to continue its personal attack on members of the House of Commons. Virtually from day one, and we can go back to 2015 or to the days when the leader of the Liberal Party was the leader of the third party in this chamber, the Conservative Party's agenda—

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Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne

The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Carol Hughes)

Dec/2/21 11:01:34 a.m.
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Order, please. It is very difficult to hear what the member is saying when members on this side of the House are yelling. I would say that it is more than heckling. Neither are acceptable when someone has the floor. I would ask members who have questions and comments to jot them down if they think they might forget them and they will have an opportunity to ask them after the member's speech. The hon. member for Winnipeg North.

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Noise/conversations/heckling, interrupting Member speaking

Mr. Kevin Lamoureux

Dec/2/21 11:01:59 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I suggest that my Conservative friends pay a bit more attention to the policies that the government puts forward and less attention on the personal attacks, as we have seen on the Prime Minister and other members. At the end of the day, no matter what the Conservative Party determines is its priorities, our priorities will continue to be Canadians from coast to coast to coast and delivering good, sound public policy that is going to make a real difference. I want to talk about some of the things from the last election, some of the commitments I made to being an advocate in the House of Commons, ensuring that the government continued to move forward on issues that really matter. I have talked about the Canada child care program in the past and the millions of dollars, close to $10 million or maybe even a bit more than that today, that go to support children in Winnipeg North every month, and how important it is that the government continue to support that program. From a historical perspective, no government in the history of Canada has supported children in the same way that this government has in the last six years. We have lifted thousands of children out of poverty, and that includes hundreds in Winnipeg North. The Conservatives will have their own agenda, but I and other Liberal members of Parliament will continue to advocate for the best interests of children. That is one of the reasons why we are very proud of the fact that we are moving forward on $10-a-day child care. Does the Conservative Party not realize that we all benefit by that program? It would enable more people to be engaged in the workforce. The more people who are engaged in the workforce, the better it is for our GDP. One only need look at the wonderful province of Quebec, and many of my Quebec colleagues talk about the child care program and the positive impact it has had in Quebec. I am sure Ontario will come onside at some point, but all of Canada will benefit from the $10-a-day child care program. That is caring and listening to our constituents. It is advocating for programs that are going to make a difference. Another program—

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Mr. Kevin Lamoureux

Dec/2/21 11:04:51 a.m.
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The member says—

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Mr. James Bezan

Dec/2/21 11:04:51 a.m.
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It'll take you 20 years to get there.

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The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Carol Hughes)

Dec/2/21 11:04:51 a.m.
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Order, please. Members need to restrain themselves a bit for the respect of not only the individual who has the floor right now but also for this place. Again, if members have questions and comments, please reserve them for when it is time for questions and comments. The hon. member for Winnipeg North.

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Noise/conversations/heckling, interrupting Member speaking

Mr. Kevin Lamoureux

Dec/2/21 11:05:10 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, the problem is that I am very much limited on the time I can speak on all these wonderful initiatives, so I would appreciate it if the members on the other side would be more quiet. Another area in which this government has done exceptionally well is supporting our seniors. Again, from day one, we increased substantially the guaranteed income supplement. The GIS is there to support the poorest seniors in Canada. We gave substantial increases, approximately $900 annually, to the poorest seniors, again, lifting literally thousands of seniors out of poverty in all regions of our country. That happened even pre-pandemic. During the the pandemic, we gave direct payments to seniors, with an additional payment for those on the lowest income. We made an election platform commitment to increase payments to those seniors age 75 and over because of the limitations in terms of abilities and additional costs that they had to incur. It was 10%, which was unheard of. These are the types of commitments this government has made to our seniors from day one and we still continue to make them today. Listening to our constituents and advocating for programs really make a difference. That is what Liberal members of Parliament are doing. I would encourage my Conservative friends to get on board with some of these programs as opposed to suggesting, as they did in the last election, that our proposed child care program was not a good thing, that they would take it away. Now we have the new horizons program. The government has enhanced the funding for this program and continues to promote it, because it is to the benefit of seniors throughout the country. I would suggest that all members of Parliament look at that program and promote it in their communities. The program has tangible results for seniors in all our constituencies. Much like our support programs for seniors, such as new horizons, we also have programs for young people. Let us look at the youth summer program. Over the last five or six years, we have more than doubled of the program. Thousands and thousands of youth are getting employment, often their first opportunity for employment, because of this program. It is making a real difference in all our communities. Much like the new horizons program, which as members of Parliament we all get to contribute to the success of that program in our constituencies, members need to look at this program and promote it among their constituents. When I was first elected as a parliamentarian in 1988, one of the primary issues was health care. Health care is not just provincial jurisdiction. I know this will upset the separatists from the Bloc, but Canadians love and cherish our health care system. During the pandemic, we learned a little more about areas that needed more attention. I am thinking about national long-term health care. We need to have better long-term care for our seniors. This government is committed to delivering that. Every Liberal member of Parliament understands it and advocates for that in his or her constituency, and nation-wide. We understand the importance of medication. Since day one, we have invested literally hundreds of millions to keep prescribed medicine prices as low as possible for Canadians. In our throne speech in September 2019, we indicated that willing provinces should come and talk to us about the national pharmacare, because the only way we can have a national pharmacare program is if we have support from the provinces, and that is something we want to see. For the first time, we have a Prime Minister who understands the issue of mental health, and we have now incorporated that into national policy. That is something I believe all members of the House should get behind, because it is definitely something all Canadians want. They want government to play a stronger role on the issue of mental health, and we are seeing a commitment to that. I have to provide comment on reconciliation. This is something opposition members like to criticize. I can tell members that 80% of the 94 calls to action are being acted on in one way or another, with many of them having been passed. Whether it is regarding language, child care or a statutory holiday, this government takes the calls to action very seriously, and we are acting on them. I look forward to any questions that might come.

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