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Ms. Jenny Kwan (Vancouver East, NDP)

Dec/9/21 1:57:57 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, the member talks as though she really supports affordable housing and those who are homeless, but given the trajectory in which we are going with the government's national affordable housing initiative, we are not going to meet the targets. We will not end homelessness. Given that perspective, would the member support what the NDP is calling for, which is the injection of 500,000 units of social and co-operative housing, so that we can in fact address the housing crisis in this country?

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Hon. Bardish Chagger

Dec/9/21 1:58:37 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, it is important that we keep working together to hit and exceed targets, but I have noticed something about the NDP. They believe that if we cannot meet them, we should not try. Ms. Jenny Kwan: Oh, oh! Hon. Bardish Chagger: We are going to keep trying, we are going to keep investing and we are going to keep making a difference. The rapid housing initiative, as an example, is making a difference in my community in the region of Waterloo. I am really proud of investments like that. The member can continue to yell at me, but we are going to keep putting in effort to make a difference. Every house makes a difference and we need to keep doing more.

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The Speaker

Dec/9/21 1:59:20 p.m.
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I have the honour to lay upon the table the fall 2021 reports of the Auditor General of Canada. Pursuant to Standing Order 108(3)(g), these reports are deemed permanently referred to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.

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Mr. Sven Spengemann (Mississauga—Lakeshore, Lib.)

Dec/9/21 1:59:53 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise to honour and pay tribute to Evan Smith. Evan had a thirst for adventure and relished challenges that took him outside his comfort zone. He loved to explore the great outdoors and camped in every kind of weather, even at 20°C below zero. An experienced paddler, Evan canoed up the Missinaibi River to Moosonee, followed by a dip in James Bay. He served our community through Scouts Canada. A talented musician and an award-winning student, Evan focused on math and the sciences, and it was no surprise to his family that he chose to study engineering at university. Above all, Evan left an indelible mark on everyone he met, with his humour, kindness and down-to-earth demeanour. His parents Debbie and Adam, his sister Jasmine and brother Sean, his loved ones and friends and all others who knew him are devastated by his sudden and tragic death in September at age 18. Evan Smith will be remembered with full yet broken hearts.

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Mrs. Rachael Thomas (Lethbridge, CPC)

Dec/9/21 2:01:00 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, service workers in large part have carried this country through the pandemic. They have continued to care for the sick, to transport food and to provide vital services. They are heroes. Their work has been critical and they have rightfully been afforded allowances for essential travel throughout the pandemic. It is confounding, then, that the Prime Minister is now going to impose vaccine requirements for these essential workers, starting on January 15. If these new requirements come into effect, 20% of Canadian truck drivers who run international routes have indicated that they will quit. It is easy for some in the House to be dismissive of this, but it is important to pause and understand. We are already short 18,000 truck drivers in this country, which means we cannot afford to lose any more because of this arbitrary and harmful policy. More than two-thirds of goods going between Canada and the U.S. travel on roads and highways, so consider for a moment the ramifications: goods will not flow, shortages will result and prices will go up. Let us exercise some common sense and not penalize our essential service workers. Let us stand up for our heroes.

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Ms. Ruby Sahota (Brampton North, Lib.)

Dec/9/21 2:02:11 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to stand in the House today to share some wonderful news about my dear friend and former member of Parliament the Honourable Gurbax Malhi. Mr. Malhi is an inspiration to both the Sikh community and Brampton. In 1993, Mr. Malhi was elected to serve as the Bramalea—Gore—Malton representative in Ottawa and continued to serve for an impressive 18 consecutive years. While he achieved great things through his role as parliamentary secretary to various ministers, he truly made waves and revolutionized politics by being the first-ever turban-wearing Sikh to be elected in Canada and in any legislature in the western world. In fact, Mr. Malhi's election led to the revocation of a Canadian law prohibiting members of Parliament from wearing any headgear, paving the way for future leaders to wear their religious garments freely and with pride. I am thrilled to announce that Brampton named a park in honour of Mr. Malhi this week. I know that I speak on behalf of Brampton when I share my heartfelt congratulations. I thank Mr. Malhi for being a trailblazer and inspiring us all.

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Ms. Marie-Hélène Gaudreau (Laurentides—Labelle, BQ)

Dec/9/21 2:03:23 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, on November 7, Michèle Lalonde was elected mayor of Sainte‑Adèle in my riding of Laurentides—Labelle with 66% of the votes. Before running for office, she was the president of the Sainte‑Adèle chamber of commerce and tourism. During an interview with the Laurentians' Journal Accès, she spontaneously answered the following question: When was a time in your life when you showed courage? She very quickly and sincerely answered that it was when she decided to make a gender transition. I believe that this new mayor of Sainte‑Adèle is very determined. She is a self-assured person who succeeds in her endeavours without being prejudiced. For those struggling with their transition, she is a role model of success with her positive and constructive spirit. That is why I stand in solidarity with her.

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Mr. Angelo Iacono (Alfred-Pellan, Lib.)

Dec/9/21 2:04:28 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the holiday season is upon us and while some Canadians are preparing to celebrate, it is important to remember that, for some families, the need is even greater during this time. Almost 200 families in my riding rely on food banks. This year, I am again bringing together the people from Jeunes Youth Laval to help me with the Alfred-Pellan food drive, which will brighten the holidays for the less fortunate. Last year, more than 400 pounds of food were collected and the goal is to do even better in 2021. Thanks to the generosity of businesses, farmers organizations and constituents, this initiative aims to make the season merry for everyone as much through the joy of giving as through the one of receiving. Thank you to the young and not so young for their contribution. Thank you to the individuals and businesses who, through their solidarity, make this initiative so successful. Merry Christmas to all.

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Mr. Pat Kelly (Calgary Rocky Ridge, CPC)

Dec/9/21 2:05:32 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, let me thank the amazing people of Calgary Rocky Ridge for returning me to represent them in the House of Commons. I wish to thank my incredible volunteer team, without whom I would not be here today. I thank my parents Marnie and Duane Kelly, my loving wife Kimberley, her parents Brian and Melodie McBeath and our incredible daughters Katie, Jessica and Meaghan for their love and unwavering support. I also thank the other candidates, their teams and the poll workers for ensuring that voters had a choice in a free and open election. I grew up in my riding and have in turn raised my own family in Calgary Rocky Ridge, where the people have elected me in opposition to the government. I will carefully consider all the measures proposed in this chamber, and if the government persists in the policies that have caused so much harm and disappointment in my riding since 2015, my constituents can count on me to oppose them with all the tools available to me in the House of Commons.

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Mr. Shafqat Ali (Brampton Centre, Lib.)

Dec/9/21 2:06:38 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I am truly humbled and honoured to rise for the first time as a member of Parliament in the House of Commons. I want to thank the residents of Brampton Centre for placing their trust in me, and also thank my team, who worked so hard in the election campaign. After losing my father when I was 10 and being raised by a single mom, family means everything to me. I am grateful to my wife Nazia and our children Ibrahim, Mariam and Marwa for their continued support. I love them. Like many newcomers, I moved to Canada with a dream to succeed in this beautiful land of opportunity. Going from a humble beginning to an immigrant success story, I understand what it means to make ends meet and the struggle of a single mother or a university student unable to pay their tuition fees. I will proudly be their strong voice in the House of Commons.

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Ms. Lisa Hepfner (Hamilton Mountain, Lib.)

Dec/9/21 2:07:51 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise as the member of Parliament for Hamilton Mountain, and I am so grateful to my constituents for electing me to be their voice in the House. Over and over I have heard that our government's plan for a national affordable child care system will be transformative for families in Hamilton Mountain. I recently visited one of the Umbrella Family and Child Centres in my riding with the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. The children I played with at the Templemead centre were completely engaged with their friends and teachers. I spoke at length with the executive director, Darryl Hall, who told me that more child care spaces will ease his wait-list and that our plan will save families in Hamilton Mountain $16,000 a year by 2026. We are still waiting for an agreement with the Government of Ontario. I am proud to fight for families in Hamilton Mountain and to be part of a government that is committed to delivering high-quality, inclusive and affordable child care in Ontario.

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The Speaker

Dec/9/21 2:08:55 p.m.
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Order. Before continuing, I want to remind everyone that statements are being made and we all want to hear what is being said. If members can keep the chatter down, it will make things that much more interesting. The hon. member for Oxford.

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Noise/conversations/heckling, interrupting Member speaking

Mr. Dave MacKenzie (Oxford, CPC)

Dec/9/21 2:09:15 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, it is my honour and privilege to congratulate Damian Warner, Canada's 2021 recipient of the Lou Marsh Trophy, awarded to Canada's top athlete of the year. Damian had the attention of not only all of Canada but the world when he broke the record for the decathlon at the Tokyo Olympics earlier this year. Damian became just the fourth person to ever break the 9,000-point mark and the first in the Olympics. Damian joins a long list of great Canadian athletes who have received this award, but to me, the greatest accomplishment of his is being an outstanding father to my first great-grandson. Congratulations to Damian on his outstanding accomplishment.

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Mr. Taleeb Noormohamed (Vancouver Granville, Lib.)

Dec/9/21 2:10:09 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, on December 13, Ismaili Muslims across Canada will celebrate the 85th birthday of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan. An honorary Canadian citizen and honorary companion of the Order of Canada, the Aga Khan has worked tirelessly to reduce global poverty, advance gender equality and improve health care and education around the world. His Highness continues to inspire the Ismaili community to serve our fellow citizens and improve the quality of life of those around us every day. As Ismailis prepare to celebrate 50 years of settlement in Canada, they recall the partnership between Canada and the Aga Khan, which enabled our community to flee hardship in East Africa in the 1970s and make this our home. Since then, Ismailis from Syria, Iran, Bangladesh and Afghanistan have found refuge in Canada, embracing the Canadian values of pluralism, kindness and compassion. As we mark the 85th birthday of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, we express our gratitude for his leadership. I ask all members of the House to join me in wishing Ismailis across Canada Salgirah Khushiali Mubarak.

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Mr. Marty Morantz (Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley, CPC)

Dec/9/21 2:11:18 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to proudly congratulate the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on their nail-biting victory against the Saskatchewan Roughriders just this past weekend. Our shared pride of the CFL never fails to bring excitement for the whole family to enjoy. Whether fans are watching from their television at home or cheering on the Bombers in person at the IG Field, this season has truly been one for the history books. No team scored more points than the Bombers. No team turned the ball over less or forced more giveaways than the Bombers. No team's margin of victory was consistently well into the double digits the way the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' was. I call on every member of the House to join me in wishing the best of luck to our team in blue as it faces the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for the coveted Grey Cup this coming Sunday. I hope Hamilton is ready; I know we are. Go, Bombers, go.

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Mr. Dan Muys (Flamborough—Glanbrook, CPC)

Dec/9/21 2:12:23 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I am going to have to disagree with my colleagues from Winnipeg and Manitoba, because, as a proud Hamilton area MP, it is a great pleasure to rise and recognize the champions of the CFL's east division, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have had an incredible season. It has been one of sheer grit and determination, which is much like the story of Hamilton itself. It is a team that now looks to avenge the loss it suffered to the Bombers two years ago, except this time we are playing on home turf on Hamilton's own Tim Hortons Field. Let me conclude with the famous chant that has been recited at many Tiger-Cat games over the years and will surely be recited again on Sunday as the Tiger-Cats go on to win the 108th Grey Cup: “Oskee wee wee! Oskee wa wa! Holy mackinaw! Tigers! Eat ‘em raw!”

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Mr. Peter Schiefke (Vaudreuil—Soulanges, Lib.)

Dec/9/21 2:13:37 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, as the holiday season approaches, I rise today in the House to salute the organizations in my community of Vaudreuil—Soulanges and their support teams, who work tirelessly to help people in need. They include the Dorion Dream Center, L’Actuel in Vaudreuil‑Dorion, Le Pont Bridging and Meals on Wheels in Hudson, Café de la Débrouille in Rigaud, La Source d’Entraide in Saint‑Lazare, as well as Moisson Sud‑Ouest and the meals on wheels program at the Centre communautaire des aînés Vaudreuil‑Soulanges. We are fortunate to have such a diverse group of dedicated and organized volunteers. On behalf of this entire community and the House, I express my sincere thanks and gratitude. I also invite everyone in Vaudreuil—Soulanges to continue showing the solidarity that we have always shown and give to these organizations that have always given to us.

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Mr. Alistair MacGregor (Cowichan—Malahat—Langford, NDP)

Dec/9/21 2:14:37 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, Ottawa can be both a rewarding and frustrating place, rewarding because of the many opportunities we have in making a real difference in the lives of our constituents, but frustrating in that many of the proposed solutions can be too slow or ineffective in addressing the challenges our country is facing. I believe that politics is an inherently optimistic enterprise and that we are all here to do right by our communities and make this country a better place. We have the ability, and the responsibility, to enact policies and transformational change that will leave a legacy for future generations. We owe it to them to be bold in confronting climate change, enacting health care reform, pursuing justice and reconciliation with indigenous people, and setting Canada on a path toward the renewable and clean energy economy of the future. I am very thankful to the residents of Cowichan—Malahat—Langford for again putting their trust in me to be here to fight for this bold future. Finally, allow me to wish you, Mr. Speaker, and all my colleagues in the House a happy and healthy holiday season.

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Mr. Yves Perron (Berthier—Maskinongé, BQ)

Dec/9/21 2:15:47 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, this year we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Sainte‑Geneviève‑de‑Berthier conference of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, an institution that makes a huge difference in the lives of Berthier—Maskinongé residents. I would like to highlight the contribution of the volunteers, who work together to keep this conference of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul alive and well. They have big hearts and they give of their precious time to ensure that second-hand clothing, furniture and other household items can be sold at very low prices by providing financial support to the Groupe d'entraide En toute amitié thrift store and furniture counter. Long before going green was the thing to do, these individuals made it a priority to encourage people to recycle and reduce waste. They also organize an annual food drive in Berthier and run Opération Bonne Mine, which helps families get their kids what they need for school and contributes to student retention. I tip my hat to them, and I wish the Sainte‑Geneviève‑de‑Berthier conference of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul a very long life.

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Ms. Melissa Lantsman (Thornhill, CPC)

Dec/9/21 2:16:50 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, we are guaranteed freedom of expression in our Constitution except, apparently, according to the Toronto District School Board, when it comes to calling out anti-Semitism. School board trustee Alexandra Lulka was unfairly singled out for her criticism of anti-Semitic resources distributed back in May. They promoted terrorism. Even a review concluded that the pamphlets were anti-Semitic and Lulka was right, but the TDSB's integrity commissioner went ahead and recommended censure of this trustee. The threat of censuring trustee Lulka not only shows that the TDSB does not consider the lived experiences of Jews who have faced dangerous consequences of vile hate to be valid, it shows that it does not care. It is extremely concerning given we have spent the last year facing a reckoning on racism. Last night, TDSB trustees listened to reason and made the only justifiable decision. They voted no; it was 10 to seven. It should have been 17 to zero. This should have never been considered, and it is far from over in the largest taxpayer-funded school board in the country. I will never let it go unnoticed in the House.

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