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Dec/3/21 10:52:18 a.m.
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Re: Bill C-3

Madam Speaker, I am sorry to hear the news about the doctor who gave up her practice. In general, we need a tone of collaboration and we need to extend to people something that seems to be getting more and more foreign to our culture, which is grace. We need to have more kindness, we need to come together and collaborate, not just in politics but otherwise. We can disagree without being disagreeable.

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Ms. Julie Dabrusin (Toronto—Danforth, Lib.)

Dec/3/21 10:53:21 a.m.
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Re: Bill C-3

Madam Speaker, it was great to hear from the member opposite about the need to protect all workers, but specifically our health care workers and front-line workers in the health field. Beyond legislation, what can we do to better protect those health care workers? I hear about it all the time from people working in my community in the health care field that they feel very threatened by some of the anti-vaccine rhetoric. How can we work not only within his party but also within our communities to ensure we create a safer environment that goes beyond simply the laws, and disagreeing without being disagreeable?

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Mr. Philip Lawrence

Dec/3/21 10:53:46 a.m.
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Re: Bill C-3

Madam Speaker, there is nothing wrong with going into the battlefield of ideas and bringing the best ideas, and even having heated arguments. However, that is no reason for us to ever disrespect each other, never a reason to show that we do not love one another. We live in the greatest country together. We will work at this together and we will continue to be the greatest country in the world, because we have the best people in the world.

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Mr. Yves Perron (Berthier—Maskinongé, BQ)

Dec/3/21 10:54:20 a.m.
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Re: Bill C-3

Madam Speaker, I listened carefully to my colleague's speech and I more or less agree with what he said about committee work, for example. This morning is a bit unusual compared to most days in the House, in that everyone seems to be happy to work together. It is nice, and everything feels rosy this morning. I am very happy and this should be how it always is. I agree with my colleague that this is what happens in committees. However, it was kind of alarming to hear him say that committees would not be sitting before February. I agree that this does not make sense. When does he think the committees should start up? What is the Conservatives' position on this? Does he think that our Liberal friends could get to work more quickly? Everyone is nice, good and kind, but it is unfortunate that bills are not advancing right now and nothing is going on.

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Mr. Philip Lawrence

Dec/3/21 10:55:19 a.m.
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Re: Bill C-3

Madam Speaker, we want to get to work. Je travaille. Yes, we absolutely want to get to work. Let us get this done. Let us get the negotiations over. Let us get to committee. Let us help the people of Canada.

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Mr. Matthew Green (Hamilton Centre, NDP)

Dec/3/21 10:55:40 a.m.
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Re: Bill C-3

Madam Speaker, I really need to strike while the iron is hot. My good friend from Northumberland—Peterborough South made the bold statement from the Conservative side that we needed more union jobs in Canada, and I could not agree more. Will the hon. member rise in the House today and join the New Democratic caucus in supporting sectoral bargaining to ensure that more Canadians across the country can have access to well-paying union jobs?

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Mr. Philip Lawrence

Dec/3/21 10:56:09 a.m.
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Re: Bill C-3

For a second there, Madam Speaker, I thought he was asking me to cross the floor. While I do respect the members over there, I am completely happy in the Conservative Party where we will, when we form government, get more union jobs in Canada.

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Mr. Maxime Blanchette-Joncas (Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, BQ)

Dec/3/21 10:56:38 a.m.
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Re: Bill C-3

Madam Speaker, before I get into my remarks, I would seek the unanimous consent of the House to share my time with the member for Rivière-des-Mille-Îles.

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The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès)

Dec/3/21 10:56:45 a.m.
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Does the hon. member for Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques have the consent of the House? Hon. members: Agreed.

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Mr. Maxime Blanchette-Joncas

Dec/3/21 10:56:57 a.m.
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Re: Bill C-3

Madam Speaker, I rise today in the House to debate Bill C-3, an act to amend the Criminal Code and the Canada Labour Code, with my esteemed colleagues. I would first like to share something with you. In all honesty, today I feel rather excited to again participate in a legislative debate. Indeed, this is the first time in this new Parliament that I have had the opportunity to actively participate in this exercise that is so crucial to the public and democratic life of Quebec and Canada. Five months have passed since I last participated in a debate. During those five months, we were hurtled into an election campaign, which yielded virtually the same result, almost to the seat. During those five months, we were unable to pass bills that would improve our constituents' quality of life in the midst of a pandemic. Did the government not think that there were more important things to do in order to support those in need, including the most vulnerable of our society? My colleagues and I thought that, after those five months, the Liberals would have come up with substantive, strong, straightforward legislative proposals. Unfortunately, the one thing we learned from last week's throne speech is that it is half-baked, inconsistent and lacking in substance. The bill currently before us is more of the same sad thing. It once again demonstrates this government's modus operandi, which involves a lot of rhetoric mixed in with smoke and mirrors. When the smoke finally clears, we see that the bill is mostly a watered down shell. Bill C-3 proposes two measures for the price of one, which, I might add, have nothing in common but the name of the bill. On one hand, the government is seeking to amend the Criminal Code to impose harsher sentences on those who intimidate health care workers and their patients and on those who interfere with access to a health care facility to prevent people from obtaining services. It is a worthy goal, but here again, I have to point out that Ottawa is lagging behind Quebec. In September, Quebec's National Assembly legislated stiff fines for people who protest vaccination near schools and health facilities. Still, better late than never. With this Criminal Code amendment, Ottawa will give prosecutors the tools to charge people who interfere with health care services. We have been trapped in the worst public health crisis of the past century for almost two years now, and our health care system is more vulnerable than ever, so we have to do whatever it takes to protect it. Our health care workers have been holding down the fort throughout this trying time, and we, as a society, must keep them safe.

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The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès)

Dec/3/21 11:00:03 a.m.
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The hon. member will have six and a half minutes to complete his speech when we resume debate after question period. We will now proceed to Statements by Members.

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Mr. Mike Morrice (Kitchener Centre, GP)

Dec/3/21 11:00:32 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I am pleased to speak today to recognize International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and some of the incredible organizations in my riding of Kitchener Centre that are working to enable people with disabilities to live with independence and dignity. From KidsAbility, that empowers children and youth with special needs to realize their full potential, to KW Habilitation, that works with our community to inspire abilities to enrich the lives of children, youth, adults and families. The list goes on and on, and includes Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, KW AccessAbility, Adults in Motion, Christian Horizons, Bridges to Belonging, Independent Living Waterloo Region, Community Support Connections and the Social Development Centre. These organizations, fuelled by their wonderful clients, volunteers, donors and staff, are serving with compassion and improving lives every day. However, we must do more to create an inclusive country for everyone. I am proud to be sponsoring my first petition with the leadership of Disability Without Poverty calling to fast-track—

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The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès)

Dec/3/21 11:01:25 a.m.
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The hon. member for Saint John—Rothesay.

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Mr. Wayne Long (Saint John—Rothesay, Lib.)

Dec/3/21 11:01:28 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I rise in this House today, humbled and privileged to be returned for a third term. I want to thank the people of Saint John—Rothesay for their amazing support and for giving me such a strong mandate. As we all know, we cannot get here alone. I want to thank my family, my beautiful wife, Denise, my sons, Christian and Connor. I want to thank my campaign team, led by Kevin Collins and Warren Coombs. I want to thank those who campaigned in my riding, even the Leader of the Opposition who campaigned not once but twice in my riding. I want to thank everybody who helped me return. I was elected to come here, collaborate and advocate for the riding of Saint John—Rothesay. I am here to deliver critical funding for projects like port phase II, the Coverdale Centre for Women, transitional housing. I was elected to come to Ottawa to fight for my riding of Saint John—Rothesay, and to get to work. I am going to do just that.

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Mr. Stephen Ellis (Cumberland—Colchester, CPC)

Dec/3/21 11:02:36 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, Nova Scotia is the most beautiful province in Canada. I am fortunate to represent the riding of Cumberland—Colchester and visit natural sites, such as the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark. There are five UNESCO sites in Canada, and the Cliffs of Fundy is the only one in Nova Scotia to be bestowed this honour. Within this park are highlights such as the highest tides in the world, the Not Since Moses run along the beach floor, and Ottawa House By-the-Sea Museum, which was the summer residence of Sir Charles Tupper. This majestic park stretches 165 kilometres across the north shore of the Bay of Fundy, spanning 77 communities from Lower Truro to Apple River. Tourists from around the world visit the park's captivating and unique scenery and adventurist activities. I would like to take this moment to congratulate the executive director of the Geopark, Beth Peterkin for being awarded the annual Lieutenant Governor's Community Spirit Award celebrating the power, strength and diversity of vibrant communities across Cumberland—Colchester.

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Ms. Leah Taylor Roy (Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill, Lib.)

Dec/3/21 11:03:49 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate you on your appointment. I am pleased to stand in the House today on behalf of all of my constituents. Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill and the greater York Region area is composed of delicate interconnected natural ecosystems. The provincial government is proposing to construct two highways in York Region. Highway 413 would run through Vaughan, Caledon, Brampton and Halton Hills, to meet the Highway 401 and 407 interchange. The Bradford bypass would cut through the Holland Marsh to connect Highways 400 and 404. Each of these projects comes with profoundly negative environmental consequences, such as running through the pristine greenbelt and fertile farmlands, raising emission levels, degrading the water quality in Lake Simcoe and undoubtedly leading to increased development in the green spaces surrounding them. I stand here today to draw attention to the adverse impacts on the environment these projects would cause and to the opposition raised by several first nations that would be affected thereby. Nearly 10,000—

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The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès)

Dec/3/21 11:04:58 a.m.
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The hon. member for Churchill—Keewatinook Aski.

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Ms. Niki Ashton (Churchill—Keewatinook Aski, NDP)

Dec/3/21 11:05:02 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, the climate emergency is here. Indigenous and northern communities are already paying the price. Eighteen first nations and northern communities in our region depend on the ice roads for survival. For a few weeks a year, thousands of indigenous peoples depend on temporary ice roads we call winter roads to bring in fuel, building supplies, water trucks, equipment, bulk food, what they need to survive. These first nations have severe housing crises and a shockingly high cost of living. Ice roads are a lifeline, but they are disappearing. A warming and unpredictable climate means shorter seasons, and this year is even worse. Communities like the east-side first nations need all-weather roads now. This was in the works under an NDP provincial government, but the Conservatives cancelled, and the federal Liberals could not care less. This can no longer pass. It is a matter of life and death. It is time the federal government worked with first nations to build an all-weather road system. It is time the federal government gets serious about climate change and stands with indigenous communities—

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The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès)

Dec/3/21 11:06:09 a.m.
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The hon. member for Madawaska—Restigouche.

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Mr. René Arseneault (Madawaska—Restigouche, Lib.)

Dec/3/21 11:06:15 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, the entrepreneurs in Madawaska—Restigouche are passionate people who show their innovative spirt on a daily basis. In addition, they have shown resilience and creativity since the pandemic. Our local businesses were able to stand out, making a difference in our communities, and we are very proud of them. The businesses that have endured during this time of economic uncertainty continue to employ our neighbours, friends and loved ones. They continue to offer us their goods and services with the usual warm welcome we have come to expect. The best way to show our appreciation is to buy local, to do our Christmas shopping at our local businesses this holiday season. This will help support the economic vitality of all of our communities. When we buy local, the economic spinoff goes further than the business itself. I encourage people of Madawaska—Restigouche to discover or rediscover what our local businesses have to offer. Buy local.

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