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Dec/10/21 11:05:45 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the people of Oshawa for re-electing me for the seventh time. I am truly honoured. This Sunday, musicians are gathering at the historic Regent Theatre in downtown Oshawa to help feed their neighbours in the fourth annual concert to Feed the Need. The proceeds from this event will go to Feed the Need in Durham, an agency that distributes food and other essential items to food banks, shelters, schools and other food programs across Durham region. With the funds generated from the concert, $300,000 worth of food has been distributed to those who need it most, and the need has never been greater. Since the start of the pandemic, food bank use across my region has increased 30%. I want to thank the producer, Joe Solway, of the Rotary Club of Bowmanville, as well as the talented and generous musicians who have stepped up to make this show happen. The rotary clubs of Durham region, including my own club in Oshawa, are grateful to help those most in need. I wish all my friends and neighbours a merry Christmas.

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Mr. Arif Virani (Parkdale—High Park, Lib.)

Dec/10/21 11:06:45 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, tashi dalek. I rise today to celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to his Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1989. His Holiness is an honorary Canadian citizen and a global symbol of peace, compassion and harmony as a spiritual leader of six million Tibetans. I had the privilege of meeting His Holiness in India in 2018. In that meeting, he asked me to ensure that elected leaders around the world would not forget about Tibet and the cause of Tibetan linguistic, cultural and religious freedoms. Today, on this international Human Rights Day, I renew the commitment I made to His Holiness then; that I will continue to champion the cause of the Tibetan people, a resumption of the Sino-Tibetan dialogue and the middle way approach, an approach that seeks nothing more than greater autonomy for Tibet within China, based on the concepts of equality and mutual co-operation. For His Holiness the Dalai Lama, thuchi che, ka drin che for all that he has done, not just for the Tibetan people but for the global community, and promoting the cause of peace and pluralism

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Mrs. Sophie Chatel (Pontiac, Lib.)

Dec/10/21 11:07:47 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, the Gatineau Chamber of Commerce held a gala a few weeks ago for its Excelor Awards, which recognize entrepreneurs in our region. I congratulate all of the nominees and winners, and more specifically, Manuela Teixeira, an entrepreneur I admire a lot. She is the CEO of Old Chelsea Square and the owner of the Chelsea Pub and Biscotti & Cie. She is not afraid of a challenge and does an amazing job of showcasing Pontiac and the entire Outaouais region. Again, I congratulate this pioneer for all her hard work and what is to come.

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Mr. Michael Kram (Regina—Wascana, CPC)

Dec/10/21 11:08:51 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, as this is my first time rising in this 44th Parliament, I would like to thank the many volunteers who worked on my re-election campaign. As everyone in this chamber knows, even when we win, a political campaign is a humbling experience, because we realize just how much we depend, as the saying goes, on the kindness of strangers. An election campaign is a team effort, and Regina—Wascana was no exception. Whether people were door-to-door canvassers, phone bank callers, lawn sign installers or doing any of the many jobs on this campaign, I want them to know that their contributions made a difference. Of course, I must thank my two biggest supporters, my mom and dad, for their unconditional love and support. I thank the voters of Regina—Wascana for once again placing their trust in me. I will work every day to earn their continued trust and support.

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Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Winnipeg North, Lib.)

Dec/10/21 11:09:55 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, the Canada greener homes grant is all about our communities, our environment, our jobs and helping people make their homes more energy efficient. The Government of Canada will be issuing up to $700,000 worth of grants, up to $5,000 each, to encourage and help homeowners make their homes more energy efficient. Whether it is replacing windows, adding insulation and so much more, people can apply for these grants knowing that they too can play a role in fighting climate change, while at the same time creating jobs, improving our communities and making a difference. I would like to encourage the residents of Winnipeg North and others to apply for this grant. Collectively we can improve Canada's housing stock by making it more energy efficient, which means cheaper utility bills and fighting climate change at the same time.

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Mr. Gary Vidal (Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River, CPC)

Dec/10/21 11:10:51 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, it is an honour today to rise and recognize a teacher from Meadow Lake's Carpenter High School, Derek Eftoda. Derek recently was named as a Guiding the Journey national award winner by Indspire, a charity that invests in the education of first nations, Inuit and Métis students. Mr. Eftoda is known as a teacher who builds authentic relationships with all his students and creates an environment in his classroom of mutual respect. As an avid storyteller, Mr. Eftoda's tale of fighting off a bear from inside his tent or his close encounter with a cougar on his acreage are just two of the many stories that have become legendary among his students. As the only non-indigenous teacher to win this award, Mr. Eftoda understands that reconciliation is accomplished through actions of respect and finding a positive path forward. He is an example for all of us to follow. I ask all members to join me today in recognizing Mr. Eftoda.

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Mrs. Kelly Block (Carlton Trail—Eagle Creek, CPC)

Dec/10/21 11:11:58 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, it is a privilege to rise today and thank the voters of Carlton Trail—Eagle Creek for once again placing their trust in me to be their voice in the House of Commons. Our constituency is a large, diverse and beautiful rural riding that reflects the values of integrity, respect and excellence, as well as a deep commitment to hard work and perseverance. I will do my utmost to faithfully carry out the responsibilities that my constituents have entrusted to me. I want to thank my husband Milton and my family for their support and their sacrifices over the years. I also want to thank my campaign team and the many volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the election campaign. I would not be here without their support and efforts. In closing, I wish my constituents, everyone in this place and, indeed, all Canadians a very merry Christmas and a new year filled with good health and happiness.

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Mrs. Sherry Romanado (Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne, Lib.)

Dec/10/21 11:13:09 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, it is with gratitude and humility that I rise in the House today to thank the people of Longueuil—Charles‑LeMoyne for placing their trust in me and electing me to be their MP in Ottawa for a third time. I have had the honour of representing the people of this riding since 2015, and I will continue to stand up for their interests during the 44th Parliament with renewed energy and determination. The people of Longueuil—Charles‑LeMoyne have always generously shared their comments and suggestions with me about issues that matter to them, and I encourage them to continue to do so. My team is always there to serve them, and my door is always open. I thank the constituents of my riding from the bottom of my heart for their renewed trust and support. I will always strive to do them proud, and wish them all the best this holiday season.

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Ms. Leah Gazan (Winnipeg Centre, NDP)

Dec/10/21 11:14:14 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, last night, we received very sad news of the passing of Danielle Adams, a member of the Manitoba legislative assembly for Thompson, who tragically died in a car crash yesterday. Danielle was a mother of two, loving partner to her husband Bill, a friend to many of us and a very hard-working NDP MLA for Thompson, who worked tirelessly for her constituents. Danielle was a strong advocate for the north and for people, fighting for accessible, affordable child care. She was a kind, loving and respected colleague to many. Today, I extend my deepest condolences and love to Danielle's children, Nick and Joe, her husband Bill, her friends and family, the city of Thompson and the Manitoba NDP caucus. May Danielle fly with the eagles. Rest in peace.

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Mr. Sébastien Lemire (Abitibi—Témiscamingue, BQ)

Dec/10/21 11:15:27 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I am immensely honoured to acknowledge Marc‑André Fleury's 500th career win. From Sorel‑Tracy to the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, from Pittsburgh to Las Vegas and now Chicago, Marc‑André has dominated his sport. This passionate athlete known by the nickname “Flower” is an extraordinarily talented goalie with quick reflexes. He is a gentle man who is always smiling and is well liked by his teammates, and he has overcome every obstacle that high-level hockey has thrown at him with an exemplary attitude. With three Stanley Cups and a Vezina Trophy under his belt at the age of 37, Marc‑André is already a living legend, especially after earning this 500th career win in a shutout in front of his friends and family in Montreal. Last week, I had the chance to watch his 497th career win in Washington. Marc‑André Fleury ranks up there with the two greatest goalies in history, the Quebeckers Patrick Roy and Martin Brodeur. I congratulate him on all his accomplishments. The hall of fame awaits him. In the meantime, he still has a long career ahead of him. Quebec is proud of him.

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Mr. Rick Perkins (South Shore—St. Margarets, CPC)

Dec/10/21 11:16:34 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, this week, P.E.I. potato farmers drove 6,000 bags of spuds to Ottawa to raise awareness about the Liberal government’s ban on P.E.I. potato exports. The government’s half-baked plan is smashing the island’s biggest economic driver, yet the four silent island Liberal MPs are not fixing the problem. There are 300 million pounds of potatoes that sit idle. Hundreds of jobs are lost and countless family farms are at risk. In 15 days, families on both sides of the border will be sitting down to a Christmas dinner with turkey and cranberry sauce, deprived of P.E.I. mashed potatoes. If the Liberal government's export ban isn’t lifted, P.E.I.’s potatoes will not be spending their Christmas on plates across North America. The Prime Minister has admitted that this ban is political and not backed by science. It is time that the spuds from the bright red mud started rolling down the highway smiling.

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Ms. Pam Damoff (Oakville North—Burlington, Lib.)

Dec/10/21 11:17:39 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, today is Human Rights Day, marked every year to commemorate the day in 1948 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Here in Canada, the Canadian Human Rights Act was adopted in 1977, and I am proud that our government in 2016 added gender identity and expression. Our Charter of Rights and Freedoms is a document that guides us as Canadians. This year, the United Nations is choosing to highlight that at the heart of human rights lie the principles of equality and non-discrimination. We must ensure that everyone can live in dignity, regardless of who they are, who they love and where they live. Around the world and here at home, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted already existing inequalities. Today let us make a commitment to build back better, to build a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

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Mr. Gérard Deltell (Louis-Saint-Laurent, CPC)

Dec/10/21 11:18:45 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, in two weeks, Canadians will be celebrating Christmas, but it might not be as merry as some families would have liked. Why? It is because the number one concern of all Canadian families right now is the ever-increasing cost of living. We have been talking about it here for days and days, even weeks. Yesterday, we finally got the numbers. We learned from Canada's Food Price Report that all families will be paying $1,000 more. Why is the government refusing to address the inflation that is affecting all Canadian families?

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Hon. Randy Boissonnault (Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, Lib.)

Dec/10/21 11:19:25 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for his question and congratulate him on his re-election. Inflation is an issue of real concern to Canadians, but we know that it is a global phenomenon, not a problem unique to Canada. I want to reassure Canadians. We are working hard to make life more affordable. Our child care plan will reduce family expenses considerably. We are also determined to make housing more affordable.

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Mr. Gérard Deltell (Louis-Saint-Laurent, CPC)

Dec/10/21 11:19:59 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I am sure the Minister of Tourism, along with all 338 MPs, knows that this is not just a global issue. It affects all Canadian families directly. I invite the Minister of Tourism to visit food banks in his riding and tell people not to worry because it is a global problem. No, this problem affects all Canadian families, and the government is refusing to talk about it. There is barely a mention of it in the throne speech. The word “inflation” comes up just once. Lucky for her, that word is the same in French and in English. When will the government get serious about tackling inflation, which is affecting all Canadian families?

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Hon. Randy Boissonnault (Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, Lib.)

Dec/10/21 11:20:37 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I would like to talk about some of the specific ways our government is helping Canadians face the very real challenges related to affordability. A single mother of two will get $13,600 from the Canada child benefit. An average Saskatchewan family will get a carbon pricing rebate of almost $1,000. A student will save $3,000 because of changes to the loan program. That is how we are helping families with affordability.

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Mr. Gérard Deltell (Louis-Saint-Laurent, CPC)

Dec/10/21 11:21:10 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, when the price of fruit goes up 5%, the price of vegetables goes up 7%, and the price of dairy products goes up 8%, it is time to take concrete measures to control inflation. The first thing that a responsible government should do is at least control spending, because if it does nothing, all Canadian families will pay a steep price. “Justinflation” is making it impossible for families to make ends meet. When will the government deal directly with the problem of inflation, which is affecting every Canadian family?

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Hon. Randy Boissonnault (Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, Lib.)

Dec/10/21 11:21:44 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, since coming to power, our government has worked to make life more affordable for Canadians. My first vote in the House was on cutting taxes for the middle class. We established the Canada child benefit to support families. We increased support for seniors, reduced small business taxes, increased the Canada workers benefit, and increased the Canada student grant, all to make life more affordable.

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Mrs. Stephanie Kusie (Calgary Midnapore, CPC)

Dec/10/21 11:23:59 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, inflation is rising and Canadians are going to feel it even more at Christmas. For many, it will not be just gifts and presents that are more expensive this year, but putting food on the table for family and friends. If they can even afford to plan a Christmas dinner, a turkey will cost 25% more; eggs for their eggnog are up 7.4% and bacon for breakfast is up 20.2%. When will the minister take action and address this inflation crisis?

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Hon. Randy Boissonnault (Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, Lib.)

Dec/10/21 11:24:28 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, let me share some of the ways the government is helping Canadians with the very real challenge of affordability. A single mom with two kids will receive $13,600 from the Canada child benefit; the average family in Saskatchewan will get almost $1,000 in the carbon price rebate; a student will save more than $3,000, thanks to the changes we made to the loan programs; and in Alberta, a family of two using child care starting January 1 will save, at a minimum, $12,000. That is how we are making life more affordable for all Canadians. Some hon. members: Oh, oh!

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