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Mr. Dan Albas (Central Okanagan—Similkameen—Nicola, CPC)

Mar/2/22 2:09:28 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, four months ago, devastating floods hit the communities of Merritt and Princeton, among others, in my home province of British Columbia. I gave full credit to the Prime Minister when he told these communities he would have their backs and that he would be there for them. However, that was four months ago, and today the bills are due. When Princeton Mayor Spencer Coyne called the dedicated phone number given to him by the Prime Minister's Office, the Prime Minister and his team would not take his call. I ask all hon. members of the House how our small rural communities are expected to survive, to rebuild and to move forward when the help they were promised is not there for them. I do not mean this to be partisan. It is a serious question. If our federal government cannot deliver the assistance it promises in a timely manner to those who need it the most in rural areas of Canada, we are failing those Canadians. I ask all hon. members of this place to join me in imploring the Prime Minister's Office to pick up the phone, call these communities and make good on the Prime Minister's commitments to them.

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Mr. Adam van Koeverden (Milton, Lib.)

Mar/2/22 2:10:39 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, today I stand in this House of Commons in solidarity with Ukraine and Ukrainians to condemn the brutal and unprovoked attacks and acts of war perpetrated by Russia and Vladimir Putin. Canada is proudly home to the largest Ukrainian diaspora outside of the region, over 1.3 million. Ukrainian Canadians have helped build this country that we all love and call home, and Canada stands with Ukraine. Militarily, financially, diplomatically and from a humanitarian perspective, we will continue to heed the call and support Ukraine's right to thrive as a peace-loving and independent sovereign nation. This Russian attack is not only an attack on Ukraine. It is a grave threat to global peace, democracy and all that ensures our collective safety and security. The world is witnessing some of the bravest and most heart-wrenching acts of Ukrainian patriotism, from regular citizens to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, fighting for their lives and their nation. They are not only fighting for Ukraine. They fight for all of us. We support them. Slava Ukraini.

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Mr. Ken Hardie (Fleetwood—Port Kells, Lib.)

Mar/2/22 2:11:45 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, these times have been unrelentingly anxious for Canadians, with the pandemic; the conflict in Ukraine and other places, too many other places; economic and social insecurity; and so many other issues. The impact of all of this is seen in our mental health crisis in Canada. In conversations and correspondence with our Fleetwood—Port Kells community, it is clear that our collective anxiety is being amplified greatly by misinformation, false news, anger and hate on the Internet. We contribute to this too when partisan rhetoric in the goal of political advantage overrides the need of Canadians for our leadership, certainly through vigorous debate but focused on understanding and serving the common good. Each of us here must be prepared to step in, to correct the record on disinformation, to pop the bubble on conspiracy theories and to call out those who Gordon Lightfoot once described as “the wise and wicked ones who feed upon life's sacred fire”. We were elected to lead. This is the leadership that our country needs.

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Mr. Frank Caputo (Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, CPC)

Mar/2/22 2:12:52 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to deliver a statement on behalf of a member of my staff, Mr. Michael Friesen: In the 1940’s, my grandparents were Ukrainian Mennonites, pacifist farmers caught in a war between two world powers. As the Soviet Red Army swept through Ukraine, they ruthlessly attacked these peaceful people. My grandparents fled with their families as refugees, through Holland, into Paraguay, and eventually made their way to Canada. The trauma of these events left vivid and lasting memories their entire lives. My heart is shattered as I watch history repeat itself 80 years later. Millions of Ukrainian families are facing the same fears my grandparents did, having their lives and families ripped apart. I implore this government to do everything within its power to bring peace to Ukraine, and to never give up on the sovereignty of Ukraine or the democratic free will of the Ukrainian people. And as Ukrainians flee for safety, I beg this country to open its arms to those refugees who want to rebuild their lives in a peaceful nation, just as my grandparents did. God help us all.

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Mr. Peter Fragiskatos (London North Centre, Lib.)

Mar/2/22 2:14:10 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, in 2017, I visited Ukraine as part of my work on the foreign affairs committee with colleagues. We spoke with Ukrainian members of Parliament, political leadership and civil society organizations about the challenges facing their democracy and their hopes for the future. One theme was constant, the threat posed to Ukraine by Vladimir Putin and his regime. That worry was echoed in meetings we held in Latvia and Poland as well. The rise of a right-wing populism in the west that treats security co-operation with suspicion only contributed to those fears. Citizens concerned about the future could be heartened, however, by the way that democracies have come together in response to the actions of Russia. Coordination and co-operation have defined the response. Let this be a moment where a new path is created, one where the complacency and self-confidence that years of stability gave rise to in the west are replaced by a recognition that the ideals of democracy can easily be threatened when division reigns. Slava Ukraini.

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Mr. Blaine Calkins (Red Deer—Lacombe, CPC)

Mar/2/22 2:15:12 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, responsible firearms ownership should be acknowledged as part of Canada's cultural and sporting traditions. We know that firearms owners are among the least likely people in society to commit a criminal offence with a firearm. We have a robust system of checks and balances for law-abiding firearms owners in our country, yet the Prime Minister is still rolling ahead with the forced confiscation of Canadians' sporting rifles under the guise of removing assault-style weapons. It is no coincidence that the Liberal government is not sending AR-15s to Ukraine. They are not military-grade rifles. It is time for evidence-based policy when it comes to firearms, not an ideological crusade that will cost billions of dollars without increasing public safety. We need to focus on combatting gang-related gun violence and ensure that the hard-working men and women of the CBSA have the resources they need to stop the illegal flow of firearms. It is time for the government to target criminals and not law-abiding Canadians who they simply disagree with.

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The Speaker

Mar/2/22 2:16:08 p.m.
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Order. I want to remind everyone that there are Statements by Members and we all want to hear what the hon. members have to say. The hon. member for Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes.

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Leeds

Mr. Michael Barrett (Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, CPC)

Mar/2/22 2:16:23 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, for two years Canadians have been doing the hard work of getting themselves and each other through this pandemic. They followed public health advice. Many got vaccinated and everyone supported their communities. Now, we are seeing hope and renewal in the provinces and around the world as our allies lift restrictions and mandates and Canadian provinces begin to do the same. Saskatchewan and Alberta have dropped their mandates. Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic provinces will all do the same this month. There will be no more vaccine passports and no more mask mandates. The provinces are showing Canadians respect and leadership by providing the framework to return to normal. Canadians have made it clear that they want to rebuild what has been lost over the last two years. They want to come together. They want to make their families and communities whole again. The government needs to step up and join our allies and the provinces. It needs to resist the politics of division. It needs to follow the science. Prime Minister, it is time to end the mandates.

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Hon. Greg Fergus (Hull—Aylmer, Lib.)

Mar/2/22 2:17:26 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I would like to talk about my extraordinary former assistant, Olivier Duhaime. We met in the summer of 2015 while running in Gatineau Park. He became my first political aid on the Hill. Olivier is an ultra-marathoner. For the 150th anniversary of Canada, he ran from Quebec City to Ottawa in five and a half days. He is extremely intelligent, which explains why he left me to join the team of the infrastructure minister at the time. Nine months ago, Olivier and Justine became parents to a beautiful daughter named Léa. However, our dear Olivier is now facing his biggest challenge yet, a fight against cancer. I almost pity those cancer cells, because Olivier is a determined man. He will beat cancer the same way he tackles his 180-kilometre ultra-marathons: one step at a time. I invite members to join me in showing love and support for Olivier with a big round of applause.

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Ms. Leah Gazan (Winnipeg Centre, NDP)

Mar/2/22 2:18:54 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, on March 8, we celebrate International Women's Day. It is a day when we honour the contributions of women and trans and non-binary individuals who have paved the way for fighting for gender equality as we strive to realize a world free of discrimination. In Canada and around the world, we celebrate and honour those who advanced rights, changed systems and opened doors for individuals like me to be able to take our rightful places in institutions that have historically excluded us so that we, too, could lead and be in decision-making spaces. Our struggle is not over. We must continue to fight for gender equality until all Black, indigenous, racialized and disabled women and trans and non-binary individuals can live and thrive without discrimination. I call on all members of Parliament to celebrate the contributions of women and trans and non-binary individuals, and join the movement to realize gender equality for all.

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

Mar/2/22 2:20:02 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the Laurentian region FADOQ, a Quebec network of senior citizens, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. I think it is important to mark the occasion, because this organization makes a huge difference in the lives of seniors aged 50 and up in the region. Unlike what some people might think, the FADOQ does not just host leisure activities for seniors. It also helps to combat isolation and improve the quality of life of our seniors, which is very important. It advocates for things like access to high-speed Internet and affordable housing in the region. Since 1972, the Laurentian region FADOQ has been creating a strong community of more than 43,000 members, volunteers and partners. I commend the Laurentian region FADOQ for its work and wish it a happy 50th anniversary.

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Mrs. Stephanie Kusie (Calgary Midnapore, CPC)

Mar/2/22 2:21:05 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, over the past seven days, the world has seen a complete violation of international law and our collective humanity through Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Canada has already taken important steps to support Ukraine, but we must do more by declaring Russia's ambassador to Canada persona non grata and expelling him from the nation. He must know that he is no longer welcome here. Canada expelled Russian diplomats in 2014 and again in 2018 for other deplorable actions. This is another vital measure the government must take to send a clear message to Moscow that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We have done this before and we must do this again. We must stand for Ukraine, stand for democracy and stand for world order, and not sit idly by while our allies perish.

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Mr. Sukh Dhaliwal (Surrey—Newton, Lib.)

Mar/2/22 2:22:09 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I stand today with a heavy heart for the people of Ukraine, who continue to face the onslaught of an unprovoked and illegal invasion that has been launched under false pretenses and that is targeting civilians. My heart and prayers go out to all residents of Ukraine and to the Ukrainian diaspora. To the families and parents in Surrey—Newton and throughout Canada, I encourage them to think about these circumstances as a teaching moment. We must talk to children and let them know about the value of life and liberty, the light of hope and courage, and the conviction of fighting for what is right. May God help the people of Ukraine.

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Mr. Luc Berthold (Mégantic—L'Érable, CPC)

Mar/2/22 2:23:09 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, for seven long days, we have watched Putin's regime carry out an illegal invasion of Ukraine. Cities are being bombed relentlessly, civilians are being targeted and horrific war crimes are being perpetrated by Russian forces. If silence is complicity, the Russian ambassador's statement yesterday showed his full approval of these war crimes. There is no justification for Putin's crimes. Will the Prime Minister expel the Russian ambassador to Canada, yes or no?

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Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.)

Mar/2/22 2:23:41 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, from the beginning, we have been very clear in our condemnation of this illegal and unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russia. We have also been clear about the actions we are taking with united countries around the world. We will continue to examine all the various ways we can help the people of Ukraine. We will continue to draw on suggestions and recommendations to see what we can do to help the situation, to push back against Russia and to establish a better future for all Ukrainians.

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Mr. Luc Berthold (Mégantic—L'Érable, CPC)

Mar/2/22 2:24:20 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I know that the Prime Minister sees the same images that we do. We are seeing the indiscriminate bombing of Kharkiv and Kyiv. From day one we have seen hundreds of civilians killed during the Russian invasion, while 900,000 people are fleeing. This is an attempt to destroy Ukraine and the Ukrainian way of life. There is no reason for the Putin regime's spokesperson to remain in Canada to spread disinformation. I will ask him again: does the Prime Minister plan to call for the expulsion of the Russian Ambassador to Canada?

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Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.)

Mar/2/22 2:24:54 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, as I said, from day one of this illegal invasion, we have been doing everything we can to help and protect the Ukrainian people, to restore peace and security in the region, and to punish Russia for these unjustified and unjustifiable acts. That is why we have imposed unprecedented sanctions. We have sent military aid, including weapons. We are there to work with the international community, and we are open to any suggestions to be there and to do the right things to help Ukrainians.

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Mr. Luc Berthold (Mégantic—L'Érable, CPC)

Mar/2/22 2:25:35 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, we cannot allow the Russian ambassador to spread disinformation right here in Canada. Almost all provinces are implementing their plan to end health measures. Public health officials have stated that it is time to learn to live with COVID-19. Canada has one of the highest vaccination rates in the world, and we now have tools to fight COVID-19. This Prime Minister insists on living in the past. The provinces are moving forward, but he would rather be right. Will the Prime Minister listen to his own public health experts? When will he put an end to federal health measures?

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Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.)

Mar/2/22 2:26:12 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, on this side of the House, we will continue to make decisions based on science and fact-based evidence. Everyone is fed up with COVID-19 and the restrictions, but Canadians answered the call and have the highest rate of vaccination in the world. Vaccination is the best way to protect our economy, our health systems and people. It is the best tool we have, and we will continue to look at which measures can be lifted, such as those at the border that were lifted a few weeks ago.

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Hon. Michael Chong (Wellington—Halton Hills, CPC)

Mar/2/22 2:26:48 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the government has recalled Ambassador LeClaire from Moscow, which is one of the things we called for last week. The U.S. has expelled 12 Russian diplomats this week for espionage. If the government will not expel the Russian ambassador and his disinformation, will it at the very least follow the lead of other allies of Canada and expel Russian diplomats engaged in subversive activities here in Canada?

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