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Ms. Sylvie Bérubé (Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou, BQ)

Feb/1/22 2:05:02 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I was saddened to learn that Abitibi has lost one of its most beloved citizens. Jean‑Paul Bordeleau, former member of the Quebec National Assembly, was first elected under the Parti Québécois banner in Abitibi‑Est in 1976 and was re-elected in 1981. During his time as an MNA, Mr. Bordeleau served as parliamentary assistant to the minister of manpower and income security, and later to the minister of energy and resources. He was also chair of the committee on economics and labour in 1985. After retiring from politics, Mr. Bordeleau managed to keep himself busy. He served as political assistant to the member for Abitibi‑Est, André Pelletier, as well as president of the Association Québec-France for the Abitibi—Témiscamingue region and vice-president of the Société d'histoire et de généalogie de Val‑d'Or. On behalf of myself and my Bloc Québécois colleagues, I offer my sincere condolences to his wife, Suzanne Couture‑Bordeleau, and their two children.

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Mr. Glen Motz (Medicine Hat—Cardston—Warner, CPC)

Feb/1/22 2:07:17 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, Canadians are frustrated and angry with the government's failed pandemic response. They have had enough government overreach, mandates and infringements on their rights and freedoms. They are losing hope, have lost trust in the government and are tired of the Liberal refusal to provide a recovery plan. The truckers and the peaceful Freedom Convoy have given voice to millions of Canadians who want their country back, who want their lives back and who want their rights and freedoms preserved. These truckers and those who support their message are the working-class Canadians who have kept our shelves stocked and the economy rolling. They, like all Canadians, deserve to be respected and treated fairly. They want to be heard. However, according to the Prime Minister, anyone who opposes the loss of freedoms and rights is a hate group. I say, enough: enough of ineffective lockdowns, restrictions and mandates; enough smearing of alienated Canadians; enough of the ineffective policies and rules; and enough division. The Prime Minister is on notice. He can stop the division, start listening to Canadians and find solutions, or find a new line of work.

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Mr. Ryan Turnbull (Whitby, Lib.)

Feb/1/22 2:09:24 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, as I regularly check in with constituents across Whitby, I have heard time and time again that home ownership continues to be less attainable, and affordable housing is increasingly difficult to find. That is why I was encouraged to see the Prime Minister appoint Canada's first-ever Minister of Housing, whom I had the pleasure of joining just two weeks ago to announce $10.3 million in funding for Durham region. This investment is part of our government's rapid housing initiative. It will support the rapid creation of 42 new affordable housing units and, specifically, it will support the expansion of the Otter Creek housing co-operative in Whitby. This will have a meaningful impact on lifting some of our most vulnerable citizens out of housing need, including seniors, individuals with developmental disabilities and those living with mental illness and addiction. Canadians deserve a safe and affordable place to call home, and I know that work is making an impact across Canada with investments like this in my community.

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Mr. Emmanuel Dubourg (Bourassa, Lib.)

Feb/1/22 2:09:31 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, as we enter February, this year, the Government of Canada has chosen the theme “February and Forever: Celebrating Black History today and every day”. Celebrations will be being held across the country. In the riding of Bourassa, which I represent, we are devoting it to the memory of Don Harley Fils‑Aimé, who passed away on January 11. Don made a significant contribution as a teacher, musician and co‑organizer of Black History Month. He used his talents in service of young people. In June 2019, I had the honour of awarding him the Bourassa MP's medal to celebrate his contribution. Today, I pay tribute to this exceptional man and offer my deepest sympathies to his family and those mourning his loss in the riding of Bourassa.

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Mr. Majid Jowhari (Richmond Hill, Lib.)

Feb/1/22 2:10:30 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, representing Richmond Hill has given me the privilege to learn about different cultures, join in their celebrations and, most notably, enjoy a lot of delicious foods. I am delighted to rise today to acknowledge the beautiful celebration of lunar new year taking place today on February 1, as many Canadians with roots in a variety of Asian cultures, such as those with Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and many more backgrounds, will mark the start of their calendar year. My riding is home to many of these vibrant communities, the majority of whom will also be observing the beginning of the Year of the Tiger. This is a year that signals bravery, courage and confidence, the characteristics that many of us have to demonstrate as we cope with the pandemic. Many celebrations may be virtual this year, but I will surely be attending a few online and enjoying some traditional dumplings in between. Kung Hei Fat Choi. Gong xi fa cai. Xin nian kuai le. Happy lunar new year, everyone.

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Mr. John Brassard (Barrie—Innisfil, CPC)

Feb/1/22 2:11:33 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Rob Warman who passed away on January 15. Originally from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Rob joined the RCMP in 1951 out of high school and was posted to Newfoundland. Later, he would fondly share stories of chasing rum runners from St-Pierre and Miquelon. In 1954, Rob joined the RCAF service police, later the MP, beginning an association that would last over 60 years. Never one to slow down, Rob joined the law and security program as a professor at Georgian College. He was a city builder, serving on Barrie city council for 21 years. He volunteered for many organizations, including the Royal Canadian Legion, and was instrumental in Barrie's becoming a twin city of Zweibrücken, Germany. Rob returned to his air force roots, proudly serving as honorary colonel of 16 Wing at Base Borden from 2006 to 2010. On behalf of everyone in Barrie—Innisfil who knew and loved Rob, I want to extend my sincere condolences to his wife of 60 years, Alice; his children, of whom he often said have not turned out half-bad; and five grandchildren. Per ardua ad astra. Rest easy, our friend.

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Mrs. Élisabeth Brière (Sherbrooke, Lib.)

Feb/1/22 2:12:53 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, this week is National Suicide Prevention Week in Quebec. My heart goes out to all the families and loved ones of those we have lost to suicide and to those who have struggled and have seen people struggle with suicidal thoughts. I want all Canadians to know that if they are having a tough time or know someone who is struggling, they need to ask for help and talk about it. No one should feel ashamed about asking for help. In fact, the purpose of this year's theme, “Talking about suicide saves lives”, is to encourage people to use the digital sphere to open a dialogue on what they are thinking and feeling. We all have an important role to play. Providing support or listening without judgment can make all the difference in saving lives.

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Mr. Rob Morrison (Kootenay—Columbia, CPC)

Feb/1/22 2:13:46 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal recipient and long-time Kootenay resident Carmen Purdy passed away on November 24, 2021, at the age of 82. He will be missed. Carmen was a fierce supporter of wildlife management and the Kootenay way of life. He founded and was co-chair of the Kootenay wildlife heritage fund, whose mission was to conserve wildlife through land acquisition and winter feeding. He also served on the board of The Nature Trust of British Columbia and the Agricultural Land Commission. His knowledge on the subject of wildlife was unparalleled, and Kootenay—Columbia is blessed to have been the beneficiary of his passion and commitment to this work. I am grateful for his many contributions, both to our communities and to the wildlife that surrounds them. Today, we celebrate the life of Carmen Purdy. On behalf of the Government of Canada and the constituents of Kootenay—Columbia, I offer my sincere condolences to his wife Carol, their three children and his many friends.

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Mrs. Cheryl Gallant (Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, CPC)

Feb/1/22 2:14:44 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, thousands of people have come to their Parliament and demanded to be heard. They have come in defence of their fellow Canadians, who are being denied their livelihoods by the Prime Minister. They have questions and concerns that have been mocked instead of addressed. Canadians have had enough of the fear, division, and wild and reckless spending by a government that just does not care. The country's IOU has gone from the billions to a trillion. The Prime Minister's arbitrary mandates are fanning the flames of inflation, so truckers and supporters are here on Parliament Hill to take a stand. All this misery, and the Prime Minister who donned blackface and groped a reporter called those who disagree with him racists and misogynists. He and the government must end their mandates and understand that a Canadian is a Canadian is a Canadian.

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Mrs. Salma Zahid (Scarborough Centre, Lib.)

Feb/1/22 2:15:51 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, today is the 10th annual World Hijab Day, which is a day to encourage women of all religions and backgrounds to wear and experience the hijab for a day and learn more about it. Everyone's choice is different. I did not grow up wearing the hijab; I began wearing it after a battle with cancer. My personal reflections during that process brought me closer to my faith. The hijab does not change who I am or how I represent my constituents. A hijab does not change the way a doctor cares for her patients or the way a teacher cares for her students. It was my choice. I stand in solidarity with all who choose to wear it or choose not to. I encourage my colleagues to wear a hijab for a day. Today, let us stand with all those who have had to face losing their jobs or have been subjected to Islamophobia because the hijab was their choice.

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Mr. Blake Desjarlais (Edmonton Griesbach, NDP)

Feb/1/22 2:17:00 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, every February people from across Turtle Island participate in Black History Month. It is a time to recognize and honour the history and legacy of Black Canadians, but it is also a time for us to unite and recommit to fighting against anti-Black racism in this place and across Canada. Black Canadians continue to face overt barriers and life-threatening discrimination, particularly by the police. Just recently, Moses Erhirhie, a Black Canadian, died following an interaction with York police on January 21, just weeks ago. Erhirhie's family says that since the shooting they have been left almost entirely in the dark. No one should have to lose their life to police without an answer. We remember Moses. This Black History Month, let us recognize the great progress we have made, but also the tremendous work that remains.

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Mr. Martin Champoux (Drummond, BQ)

Feb/1/22 2:17:58 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, today is the first day of Black History Month, and the theme, “Honor the past, inspire the future”, is well chosen. The best way to honour the past is to raise awareness and salute Black communities for the indisputable contributions they have made to the history, culture, and social, economic and political life of Quebec, Canada, North America and the world. This is always a good opportunity to look to the future and reflect together on a society and a Quebec that are more egalitarian, more united and free from prejudice, but it is also an opportunity to celebrate. That is why I am inviting all Quebeckers to check out the wealth of online programming on offer for Black History Month. Talks and panel discussions will be happening all month, with the closing event, the Gala Dynastie, taking place on March 5. I also invite the public to look into local Black History Month events being held throughout Quebec, from Gatineau to the Lower St. Lawrence.

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Ms. Michelle Ferreri (Peterborough—Kawartha, CPC)

Feb/1/22 2:19:08 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, Bloomberg reports Canada has the second most inflated housing bubble in the world. Listen to this letter from a Peterborough—Kawartha constituent: Dear MP Ferreri, my 26-year-old son and his partner put in an offer on a house today; a 40-year-old, 1,200-square-foot bungalow, no appliances, on a tiny lot and no air conditioning. It was listed for $599,000. My son offered $702,000 with no conditions. There were 18 offers and it sold for $830,000. My son has been pre-approved for $700,000 and it is not enough. He and his partner have great jobs and I have even cosigned. What is the incentive for our children to get educated and get a job, when their wages cannot meet the demand of society? People are losing hope of ever having a home. This economic crisis is a mental health crisis. We need federal leadership, not “just inflation”.

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Ms. Arielle Kayabaga (London West, Lib.)

Feb/1/22 2:20:08 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, February 1 marks the beginning of Black History Month in Canada, and as the first Black woman elected as the member of Parliament for the riding of London West, I rise today to encourage everyone to learn about, celebrate and acknowledge the contributions that Black communities in Canada have made and continue to make. I also want to highlight the London Black History Coordinating Committee, which works tirelessly every year to increase awareness of Black History Month in London. This year, as it marks its 20th anniversary, the theme of “respecting the past, embracing the present, impacting the future” speaks to so much progress made and all the work that remains. As I rise in the House, I am always reminded that I stand on the shoulders of many giants, like the honourable Jean Augustine, who broke the glass ceiling so that many women who look like me can take a seat in the House and fight for racial equity and a better, fairer and more inclusive country. This month, and every day, I urge the House to fight the racism and discrimination that Black Canadians continue to face and work to create a Canada where no one is left behind.

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

Feb/1/22 2:21:32 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, all Canadian families are struggling to keep up with the ever-increasing cost of living. Canadians have not seen 4.8% inflation in 30 years. The Parliamentary Budget Officer does not hold back in his most recent report. He says that the government's plan to spend $100 billion on economic stimulus is having the exact opposite effect. Not only will this spending not help the economy, but it will actually make inflation worse. Why is the government not listening to the Parliamentary Budget Officer?

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Hon. Chrystia Freeland (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Lib.)

Feb/1/22 2:22:14 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives continue to push a false narrative to talk down the Canadian economy. I want to use this opportunity to share good news. Yesterday, Statistics Canada published new data showing that our GDP increased by 0.6% in November. That means that by the time omicron emerged, our economy had completely recovered from the COVID-19 recession. I congratulate Canadians and thank them for their—

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The Speaker

Feb/1/22 2:22:53 p.m.
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The hon. member for Louis-Saint-Laurent.

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

Feb/1/22 2:23:00 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, after question period, I wonder if the Deputy Prime Minister would come with me to a mall or grocery store here in Gatineau and tell people who are paying 8% more for their groceries that the GDP has just gone up by 0.8% and everything is fine. Or will the Deputy Prime Minister speak directly to Canadians and tell them we are going to tackle inflation?

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Hon. Chrystia Freeland (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Lib.)

Feb/1/22 2:23:24 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, once again, the Conservatives continue to focus on their own partisan interests—it is easy to see why—and talk down the Canadian economy. The truth is, Canada's economic potential just keeps growing. In fact, the IMF recently projected that Canada would have the second highest growth rate in the G7.

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

Feb/1/22 2:24:02 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, again, I would urge the Deputy Prime Minister to go to the IGA in Gatineau and tell Madame Tremblay not to worry because the IMF says all is well in Canada. Like all other Canadians across the country, Madame Tremblay is paying more for her groceries. That is what is having a direct impact on Canadians. Why is the Deputy Prime Minister looking down on Canadian families who are actually paying for Liberal inflation?

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