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Apr/7/22 1:54:52 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-14

Madam Speaker, in short, I absolutely concur with my colleague from Kings—Hants that we need to take into allowance issues of population and geography, as my friend, the member for Peace River—Westlock, outlined. He represents 100,000 square kilometres, an area that comprises 500 municipal, provincial and band officials, and that is taken into account in the Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act. It takes into account the factors the Supreme Court specifically cited in the Saskatchewan reference case in terms of establishing and maintaining effective representation.

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Ms. Heather McPherson (Edmonton Strathcona, NDP)

Apr/7/22 1:55:51 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-14

Madam Speaker, my colleague's intervention today was very detailed and fact-based, and I appreciate his attention to detail. He talked about the member for Edmonton—Wetaskiwin having 200,000 constituents in his riding, and something I have been thinking a lot about is the nature of representation when we look at the difference between rural and urban. I wonder if the member would be able to speak to that. Considering the difference in priorities and the different challenges that rural and urban ridings face, would he be interested in making sure, as we determine the three new seats in Alberta, that we have urban and rural priorities in line?

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Mr. Michael Cooper

Apr/7/22 1:56:49 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-14

Madam Speaker, my colleague from Edmonton is quite right when she speaks of the Edmonton—Wetaskiwin riding, which takes in the deep south of suburban Edmonton and has a farming and small-town component. That is something the boundaries commission of each province takes into account among the factors they consider in drawing boundaries, including having regard for communities of interest. They are ensuring, to the greatest degree possible, that the boundaries of each riding align with communities of interest, and at the same time, they are trying to maintain, as best as possible, roughly equal population sizes.

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Ms. Marilyn Gladu (Sarnia—Lambton, CPC)

Apr/7/22 1:57:41 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-14

Madam Speaker, I want to expand on the question from the previous member. When I look at Toronto, we have more than 20 members representing a riding that, arguably, as I have driven from one side of it to the other, is not that different. Is there a question we should be asking at this time about that? Certainly we need more people to support that many individuals regarding services, but do we really need that many members?

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Mr. Michael Cooper

Apr/7/22 1:58:10 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-14

Madam Speaker, that is a good question from my friend, the member for Sarnia—Lambton. There are different challenges that members of Parliament face in representing urban and rural areas. They are taken into account, having regard for additional resources for the members who represent larger ridings by population and by virtue of their geography. However, I underscore that when we allocate seats and draw boundaries, the principle that must be respected to the greatest degree possible is representation by population.

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Mr. Gord Johns (Courtenay—Alberni, NDP)

Apr/7/22 1:58:53 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-210 Bill C-14

Madam Speaker, we are discussing representation in the House, and I talked earlier about the important work we need to do on gender balance and proportionality. I talked a lot about young people and the lack of opportunities for them to have a seat at the table. We know that at 16 years old, young people can drive a car, work and pay taxes in this country. We also know that if they participate at a young age, they have a better chance of voting in the future. As to my question for my colleague, there is a bill before the House, Bill C-210, tabled by my colleague from Skeena—Bulkley Valley. Does the member support allowing those who can drive— Some hon. members: Oh, oh!

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The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès)

Apr/7/22 1:59:37 p.m.
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Order, please. We need to hear the question. The hon. member for St. Albert—Edmonton.

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Mr. Michael Cooper

Apr/7/22 1:59:42 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-210 Bill C-14

Madam Speaker, let me say, in short, that I believe in principle that the voting age of 18 is the most appropriate age. However, I do look forward to debate on the bill.

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Ms. Elizabeth May (Saanich—Gulf Islands, GP)

Apr/7/22 2:00:11 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, today, April 7, is World Health Day. The World Health Organization has asked that this year we focus on planetary health, which is a good idea. We have a planetary health doctor, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which gave us all a prescription on Monday and really clear, good health advice. If we want to be healthy, cut out the bad things and cut down on the smoking. Oh, but the Government of Canada did not like that prescription, not one bit. We have our own quack, apparently. We have our own snake oil remedies. We do not want to cut down; we want to double down, on the smoking, on the Bay Du Nord, on the Trans Mountain pipeline. We are not paying attention to what the planetary health doctor is telling us to do. We will make money smoking. We have enough investments in the cigarette companies. We can use that money to get to net health by 2050. Yes, indeed, we will ignore the health advice to save our planet and it will—

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The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès)

Apr/7/22 2:01:09 p.m.
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Before I call on the next speaker, can I please have some quiet? We can barely hear what is being said in the chamber. There is an issue with the outside lobby, so I would really appreciate it if people kept quiet. The hon. member for Lac-Saint-Louis.

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Mr. Francis Scarpaleggia (Lac-Saint-Louis, Lib.)

Apr/7/22 2:01:28 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, Montreal's West Island has lost a true gentleman and man of integrity who contributed in so many meaningful ways to community and country. Lyle Cruickshank's early work as an educator was followed by a lengthy career supporting the development of Canadian culture with the National Film Board. A pillar of community life, he served three terms on Beaconsfield's city council. A faithful member of the Beaurepaire United Church, Lyle was the inspiration and life force behind Villa Beaurepaire, a church-sponsored project to build a non-profit affordable residence for autonomous seniors that has become a vibrant community in its own right. Last month, I had the pleasure of accompanying our Minister for Seniors, the member for Brampton West, on a visit to this extraordinary model of independent senior living. I ask members to join me in sending our heartfelt condolences to Lyle's wife Susan and children Paula, Devon and Ian.

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Mr. Bernard Généreux (Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, CPC)

Apr/7/22 2:02:31 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, April is cancer awareness month. I was very happy to become the honorary co-chair of the 2022 Leucan shaved head challenge in the Montmagny region together with Jean‑Philippe Dumas, sales manager at Planchers Mercier. This important annual event is an opportunity to raise awareness of the fact that our children also experience health problems. Leucan provides services tailored specifically to children with cancer and their families and also conducts clinical research. Recently I was profoundly affected by the health problems of my grandson Oskar. I understand the difficulties and hardships experienced by families with children who are ill. Our campaign accepts donations, and we have set an ambitious goal of raising $100,000. I invite the Speaker to support me by agreeing to shave his head. I will be shaving mine at the Café Bistro Au Coin du Monde in Montmagny on June 18. Mr. Speaker, you do not have a lot of hair, but you would be shaving it for a worthwhile cause.

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The Deputy Speaker

Apr/7/22 2:03:43 p.m.
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I believe we have the same hairdo. The hon. member for Brampton North.

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Ms. Ruby Sahota (Brampton North, Lib.)

Apr/7/22 2:03:53 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, April is Sikh Heritage Month and April 14 marks the day of Vaisakhi. Vaisakhi is a special day for Sikh people, as it signifies the beginning of the Khalsa Panth created by the 10th guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who initiated the Khalsa as warriors designated to be the protectors of the innocent. Sikhi teaches us the importance of justice, equality and service to others. On this occasion, I would like to recognize the outstanding work of Khalsa Aid Canada, an organization that highlights and practises these important teachings. Khalsa Aid responded rapidly to the crisis in Ukraine and established relief teams in five countries bordering Ukraine. Recently, at the Ukraine-Poland border, my friend Gurpartap Singh Toor and a team of young volunteers from Canada provided langar seva. They provided up to 5,000 free meals a day, along with emotional support, to escaping Ukrainians in one of the largest refugee camps in Europe today. I want to thank these volunteers and the Sikh Canadians who are living up to their Sikh values and making contributions. Happy Vaisakhi. Vaisakhi diyan lakh lakh Vadhaiyan.

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Mrs. Claude DeBellefeuille (Salaberry—Suroît, BQ)

Apr/7/22 2:05:06 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I am excited to rise today to congratulate Nicole Thauvette on winning the “Don Quichotte” award, which recognizes individuals who are working hard to build a better, fairer and more humane world. Nicole Thauvette, an amazing woman from Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Quebec, embodies those goals. Nicole is a smart woman with an intrinsic drive to improve our community, one heart at a time. This award reflects the kindness she shows everyone around her and her commitment to helping those who are often forgotten. She is being overwhelmed by a huge wave of love today, but it is well deserved, given the laughter she spreads to everyone around her, the bursts of creativity and freedom she inspires, and the many times she has offered people a shoulder to cry on. I admire Nicole Thauvette tremendously and sincerely appreciate her friendship, so I have decided to celebrate her myself and award her the very first Lys de Salaberry—Suroît. Thank you, Nicole. She is such an inspiration.

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The Deputy Speaker

Apr/7/22 2:06:19 p.m.
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I just have a little suggestion to keep the conversations outside. There are some great S.O. 31s, Statements by Members, going on today. I think everybody wants to get a good clip and make sure we hear everything that is going on. Let us keep those conversations outside.

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Mrs. Marie-France Lalonde (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Lib.)

Apr/7/22 2:06:36 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, on Monday, April 4, I had the privilege of participating in a local fundraiser in support of Ukraine. Thanks to Mayor Jim Watson and local elected officials, Councillors Matt Luloff, Laura Dudas and Catherine Kitts, for joining us. The community of Orleans was invited to visit the drive-thru set up at Soul Stone Restaurant to pick up delicious, traditional Ukrainian delicacies, perogies and borscht. This amazing event was organized by the Knights of Columbus in partnership with Sam and Emily Hee, owners of Soul Stone Sushi Bar and Grill, who graciously provided their indoor space to the many volunteers to help set up the distribution of food. I want to recognize John Sanko and his family for his effort and his leadership in making this such a great success. Orleans residents naturally responded to the call, as 609 dozen perogies were sold within two hours. With a fundraising goal of $20,000 between this event and the GoFundMe page, today we have reached close to $19,000. All of the proceeds are going to the Red Cross Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal. Again, I thank Orleans for its generosity and support.

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The Deputy Speaker

Apr/7/22 2:07:56 p.m.
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Again, I would remind members that S.O. 31s are actually 60 seconds long.

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Mr. Larry Maguire (Brandon—Souris, CPC)

Apr/7/22 2:08:04 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, this past week, the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair opened its doors to thousands of enthusiastic visitors after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19. Held annually in Brandon, the fair is one of western Canada’s largest agricultural events and one of only two fairs in Canada to receive royal designation from Queen Elizabeth II. We could feel the energy in the Keystone Centre as visitors took in the world-class show jumping and heavy horse competitions. Show jumper Piet Van Genugten and his horse Haido performed impressively and won the Wawanesa Insurance Grand Prix as the finale to the week. Livestock displays, live entertainers and hundreds of exhibits engaged folks of all ages and all walks of life. The hands-on agricultural education program and petting zoo put smiles on plenty of kids’ faces. Thousands of people, myself included, were incredibly happy to get back to this time-honoured tradition in our community. Congratulations to Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba president Kathy Cleaver and her board on another great fair, and thanks to all the volunteers who invested their time in the fair’s success.

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Hon. John McKay (Scarborough—Guildwood, Lib.)

Apr/7/22 2:09:14 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, yesterday our friend, former MP and cabinet minister David Kilgour, died. Everything in David's life was animated by his deep Christian faith. The anti-politician's politician, David ran for the Conservatives and won. He ran for the Liberals and won, and ultimately sat as an independent. He had little or no time for the compromises of politics, or prime ministers or party leaders. If a government hung in the balance over Darfur, so what? If he was banned by the Government of China for advocating on behalf of the Falun Gong or the Uighurs, so what? David's passion was so strong and his advocacy so effective that it was ultimately taken up by many others. While David could be described as a maverick with a cause, he also knew how to work a room. He put people together to move agendas, and David always had an agenda. David lived by Matthew 22: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind,” and “love your neighbour as yourself.” David had a diverse set of neighbours, and he loved them all. I thank Laura for sharing him with us.

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