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

Mar/2/22 2:27:18 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I thank the member opposite for his suggestion. The fact is that, since the beginning of this crisis, we have been listening to Ukrainians and to our partners around the world to see what we can do that will help in this situation: either punish Russia, move toward de-escalation or provide greater support for the people of Ukraine. We are looking at all different ways in which we can make positive impacts in the lives of Ukrainians, and in ending this, we will continue to draw on all sorts of suggestions from people of things we can do.

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

Mar/2/22 2:27:53 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, it is clear that authoritarian states such as Russia and China are spreading disinformation. In the last election, China spread disinformation leading to the defeat of MPs in this very House. Right now, Russia is spreading disinformation through proxies such as Russia Today, RT. Will the government take seriously this threat, take immediate action under section 7 of the Broadcasting Act and order the CRTC to adopt a new policy of general application so that we can get these propaganda tools of the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China off of Canadian airwaves?

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

Mar/2/22 2:28:32 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, we must defend Canadians from disinformation and propaganda. Just as he has been conducting warfare in Ukraine since 2014, Vladimir Putin has been conducting information warfare there and throughout the world. As I said yesterday, we will be asking the CRTC to review Russia Today's presence on Canadian airwaves, but it is important that what separates us from countries like Russia is that this decision is in the hands of independent regulators, not in the hands of politicians.

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Mr. Yves-François Blanchet (Beloeil—Chambly, BQ)

Mar/2/22 2:29:09 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, there are some matters on which we agree, such as co-operation with major international institutions and humanitarian assistance, which must be generous, and which is ultimately more important that military assistance. There are, however, some matters on which we do not quite agree. I refuse to believe that the government would endorse the idea that we need to send western oil to help Ukraine, which does not even want it. I thought that maybe there was just a misunderstanding or that yesterday's question was misinterpreted. I want to give the Prime Minister another chance. Does the Prime Minister support the hare-brained idea that we should send oil from western Canada to Europe to support Ukraine?

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