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Mr. Warren Steinley (Regina—Lewvan, CPC)

May/3/22 1:52:29 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-8

Madam Speaker, it is a pleasure to join the debate and ask some questions of my colleagues across the aisle. Just for context, for the people at home who love watching CPAC, the member who just spoke, the member for Kingston and the Islands, and his colleague, the member for Winnipeg North, have the responsibility to help get the legislative agenda through the House for the Liberal government. That is why they are little testy right now. It is their job to make sure the legislation gets passed that the government wants and that is its priority. Those members are upset: They basically got their hands slapped because they were not getting the job done. That is why the members are so upset. Unfortunately, this is probably the fourth time the member for Kingston and the Islands has spoken on this bill. The biggest problem he has is that when he goes to the PMO, they are asking him why he is not getting the job done. That is why he is a little more animated in his speech today. Quite frankly, I do not think he is delivering on the promises he made to the Prime Minister.

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Mr. Mark Gerretsen

May/3/22 1:53:27 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-8

Madam Speaker, for the record, I am way less animated today than I was yesterday. I am sorry that member missed that speech. We heard the reality in his question. That member said that this is a priority for the PMO. This bill, and the details of this bill, should be a priority for every member of the House. The supports in here are for teachers and small businesses. The Conservative member for Regina—Lewvan basically said in his question that this is not a priority for the Conservatives but that it is a priority of the PMO, and that is the only reason why this side of the House wants to get it passed. Not everything comes down to a political agenda. From time to time, even though the member might not realize this, we are here to serve Canadians.

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Mr. Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay (Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot, BQ)

May/3/22 1:54:27 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-8

Madam Speaker, frankly, I thought that was a rather strange speech. The member spent a lot of time talking about the official opposition instead of his government's bill. That was an interesting choice to make. Since my colleague encouraged the opposition to support the bill and tried to get the support of a majority of opposition members in committee, I want to ask him how this works now that one of the opposition parties is systematically supporting the Liberals.

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Mr. Mark Gerretsen

May/3/22 1:54:54 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-8

Madam Speaker, the only way this got back here is if a majority of the members at committee voted in favour of it. That is the only way that the report would have gotten back to the House. Clearly, that happened at committee. The member said that he found my speech to be unusual. Did he listen to the 55 Conservatives who have spoken to Bill C-8 just since report stage? It was literally the same speech over and over again, with no central theme to it. There was no central theme to attacking a particular portion of it. This is not the hill to die on, yet Conservatives continually put themselves in a position as though Bill C-8 is the be-all and end-all.

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Mr. Gord Johns (Courtenay—Alberni, NDP)

May/3/22 1:55:43 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-8

Madam Speaker, in addition to the toxic drug supply crisis, Canada is experiencing, as we know—

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The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès)

May/3/22 1:55:54 p.m.
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Could we have some silence to actually hear the questions and the answers? Thank you. The hon. member.

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Mr. Gord Johns

May/3/22 1:55:59 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-8

Madam Speaker, thank you, I really appreciate that. In addition to the toxic drug supply crisis, Canada is experiencing a broader mental health crisis as we deal with the impacts of two years of the pandemic. COVID-19 highlighted what many of us already knew, which is that our mental health care system is woefully underfunded. The Liberal government committed, in its election campaign, to establish a mental health transfer with an initial commitment of $4.5 billion over five years. However, we have yet to see any concrete action or fulfilling of that promise to make it a reality. We know that mental health is health, and Canadians deserve to be able to access the mental health supports they need without worrying about barriers such as cost or availability. This week is Mental Health Week in Canada. I ask my colleague this. Is this one thing that we could all unite behind as parties, and have empathy for those who need support for mental health? When will the government be moving forward with the transfer?

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Mr. Mark Gerretsen

May/3/22 1:57:03 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-8

Madam Speaker, I would agree with the member 100%. The member brought this issue up yesterday. I asked him a question about his private member's bill, and he provided some feedback on what he was hearing throughout the country when he was touring around, talking to people about it. We have come a long way in our understanding and our appreciation of mental health, in terms of the genuine health challenges we have around mental health. I would be willing to work with this member, as I know many members on this side of the House would, to do and provide more, in terms of mental health supports.

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The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès)

May/3/22 1:57:39 p.m.
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Resuming debate. The hon. member for Hastings—Lennox and Addington will have about two minutes before Statements by Members. The hon. member.

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Mrs. Shelby Kramp-Neuman (Hastings—Lennox and Addington, CPC)

May/3/22 1:57:50 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-8

Madam Speaker, I will be splitting my time today with my hon. colleague for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan. I am pleased to rise today to give my second speech on Bill C-8. I have always indicated my support and preference for proper scrutiny of the bill as it comes through this place. Some hon. members: Oh, oh!

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The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès)

May/3/22 1:58:09 p.m.
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Could we have some quiet please so we can actually listen to the speech? Thank you. The hon. member.

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Mrs. Shelby Kramp-Neuman

May/3/22 1:58:16 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-8

Madam Speaker, earlier this week, I spoke to the House about the importance of allowing Parliament to scrutinize legislation. Imagine my dismay when I glanced over the Notice Paper later that day to see what the government House leader had placed on notice. It was a motion that would mark a severe departure from the normal practices of this place and set a precedent that could easily be abused by current and future governments. Parliament is supposed to be a legislature based on collaboration, not coercion. While I am absolutely in favour of increased scrutiny of legislation, this motion would give the Liberals and the NDP enablers the power to adjourn the House on any whim of any minister. I would note the Liberals chose their executive designation, a minister, as an enabling mechanism, not a member. We should all be wary when the executive tries to worm its way into the proceedings of this place. It is 2022, not 1640. In my earlier speech, I also highlighted just how important the role of a parliamentarian is. We are here to scrutinize the spending of public funds. I will remind my colleagues of the two maxims that govern this institution: One, the executive should have no income that is not granted to it or otherwise sanctioned by Parliament. Two, the executive should make no expenditures except those approved by Parliament, in ways approved by Parliament.

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The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès)

May/3/22 2:00:04 p.m.
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The hon. member will have almost eight minutes to conclude her speech after question period. Statements by Members, the hon. member for Burnaby North—Seymour.

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Mr. Terry Beech (Burnaby North—Seymour, Lib.)

May/3/22 2:00:16 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank our firefighters in Burnaby and in the District of North Vancouver. Not only do they work hard to keep our community safe, but they regularly go beyond the call of duty. On April 23, Burnaby firefighters hosted their gala ball, which raises money for charitable organizations and programs like the firefighter society's nutritional snack program, which helps feed hungry kids in Burnaby schools. This year, they generously donated 50% of the gala's proceeds, more than $50,000, to support the people of Ukraine. I also want to thank firefighters for their advocacy for the people of Burnaby Mountain. Their hard work for the last three years helped us announce $30 million to build a brand new fire hall at Simon Fraser University. This gives our community something extra to celebrate during Hats Off Day in June. The firefighters will be out in full force at station 5, and if they have a dunk tank again this year, I will be going back in it, so everyone should come out, bring the family, enjoy the festivities and take time to thank our local firefighters.

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

May/3/22 2:01:19 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, Princeton, British Columbia, is a rural community in my riding with a population under 3,000. Six months ago, the community was absolutely devastated by severe flooding. The damage was in the tens of millions of dollars, and whenever the promised federal disaster relief funding arrives, it will not be nearly enough. However, there is hope. The community has rallied together like never before. Currently, Princeton, British Columbia, is one of just four communities remaining in the Kraft Hockeyville contest. I cannot state enough how incredible it would be for the town of Princeton to win this award. Not only would the $250,000 provide much-needed support to literally keep a roof over the local arena, but the support would give Princeton the boost it so desperately needs right now to keep moving forward in the rebuilding effort. If there was ever a community deserving of the honour of Kraft Hockeyville, it is Princeton, British Columbia. I ask all hon. members in this place to help the good people of Princeton and this Friday, May 6, when Hockeyville opens, give them their support.

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Ms. Joanne Thompson (St. John's East, Lib.)

May/3/22 2:02:26 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, April 29 was a good day for housing in St. John's East, as it marked the announcement of 132 new affordable housing units. Affordable housing options are transformational investments for our communities, and we know that if we want to improve housing affordability and combat homelessness, we need to continue investing across the whole housing continuum. That includes building more affordable housing near necessary supports and amenities, and having repairs done for existing homes to preserve and revitalize communities. This is why the national housing strategy is so important. It ensures that women have the housing they need to stay safe and thrive. It provides workers with a home they can return to at the end of the day so they do not have to make the decision between rent and food. Last week, it was about ensuring that the most vulnerable residents of St. John's have somewhere to go and a place to call home.

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Mr. Luc Desilets (Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, BQ)

May/3/22 2:03:31 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, we are right in the middle of Mental Health Week, and this year the focus is on the great strength that lies in empathy, because, before we weigh in, we need to tune in. That is what it means to get real about how to help, as the Canadian Mental Health Association is calling for us to do this week. I would like to take this opportunity to draw special attention to veterans. Veterans are more likely to be dealing with mental health problems, compared not only to members of the military, but also to the general public. They are more likely to experience homelessness and to consider suicide. Behind all of these problems is the toll that military service takes on mental health. Even Quebec’s greatest war hero, Léo Major, suffered from severe post-traumatic stress disorder at the end of his military career. This Mental Health Week, I encourage all Quebeckers to get real about how to help and to talk with a veteran. Empathy and listening can go a long way.

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Ms. Annie Koutrakis (Vimy, Lib.)

May/3/22 2:04:41 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to talk about something that many Canadians, especially Montrealers, are passionate about. We all know that Montreal bagels are the best. For generations, Canadians from across the country, and the greater Montreal area in particular, have sought out the best bagel in the world. Today, I would like to inform my colleagues that another name can be added to the list of best bagel shops: Bagelmania. Located in my riding of Vimy, Bagelmania spreads joy and love throughout Laval and Montreal with its warm, delicious bagels. Sophie Trivlidis and her brother Kosta have been in the business for 26 years. Their hard work and dedication have been recognized by the newspaper Le Devoir, which just included Bagelmania in its list of the top 10 bagels in all of Quebec. Congratulations, Sophie and Kosta. May the best bagel win.

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Mr. John Barlow (Foothills, CPC)

May/3/22 2:05:57 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, ciamar a tha sibh. May is Gaelic Nova Scotia Month, a time to celebrate Gaelic history, culture, language and contributions, not just in Nova Scotia but across Canada. Gaelic speakers were among the first explorers and settlers to our country. It was the mother tongue of Canada's first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. When the Scots first immigrated to Canada, Gaelic was the third most common language in our country. Through time, that language almost disappeared, but now more young people are excited to learn about the language and the culture of their ancestors. Fiddle and bagpipe music and Gaelic song provide a rich history and culture. Dance, storytelling, local history and customs are filled with the heart and soul of a Gaelic renewal here in Canada. Many Canadians, including my two talented daughters, kept these storied traditions alive through things like highland dancing, the Highland Games and Gaelic music. We want to see that revival all across Canada in communities across the country. I encourage all Canadians to take a moment to listen to a Gaelic song, read a poem by Robbie Burns and be inspired by the beauty of Gaelic culture.

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Mr. Majid Jowhari (Richmond Hill, Lib.)

May/3/22 2:07:10 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, as a mental health advocate, I am pleased to rise today to acknowledge Canadian Mental Health Week, May 2-8. We are all aware of the immeasurable impact of COVID-19 on Canadians' mental health, but we need to couple awareness with actions in various ways. First, we need to understand the problem by investing in research and evidence-based policies that inform us of the social determinants of health and mental health outcomes. We then need immediate collaboration among federal, provincial and territorial governments to achieve mental health parity by bringing services and resources up to par with those allocated for physical health. These efforts will be informed by the national standard framework for mental health, which, once developed, can formalize what we can expect regarding timelines, access and quality of mental health services across Canada. To conclude, I echo my support for a three-digit mental health suicide prevention hotline to make emergency support more accessible for those who need it the most. We keep saying that mental health is health. We need to bring this statement to life. We need to commit to the above-mentioned actions. Let us get real.

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