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

Jun/22/22 2:12:07 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, last Sunday, the congregation at Beaconsfield United Church celebrated Reverend Shaun Fryday as he prepared to embark on a well-deserved retirement after 22 years of dedicated pastoral service. Shaun’s boundless goodwill and warm humanity will be dearly missed by church members, and indeed by the entire Montreal West Island community. In addition to his role as a spiritual leader, Shaun displayed vision and determination in his efforts to strengthen the foundations of community. He was a driving force in the creation of the West Island LGBTQ2+ Centre and served as the organization’s chair, offering wisdom, support and guidance. Shaun’s ministry was also marked by a deep commitment to social justice overseas. He travelled five times to the Philippines in support of indigenous communities defending their rights against local mining operations. Like so many, I will miss Shaun’s spiritual and community leadership, but also his engaging voice on matters of government policy.

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Mr. Dean Allison (Niagara West, CPC)

Jun/22/22 2:13:13 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to share the story of James Topp. James is a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces. He has served for 29 years. James is marching on foot from Vancouver to Ottawa to support Canadians hurt by vaccine mandates. The march started at the Terry Fox statue in Vancouver and is ending at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa. That is 4,293 kilometres in approximately 130 days. James himself has suffered the consequences of the punishing vaccine mandate policy. He was placed on leave without pay from his civilian position in the RCMP. He is also currently in the process of being released from the Canadian Armed Forces, all because of a medical decision. I invite all MPs in the House to meet James and to hear his story, and the stories of those he met along the way to Ottawa. Starting a conversation and listening to each other during these difficult times, when our country seems so divided, is the only path forward. James has started the conversation, and I intend to participate for the good of our country.

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Ms. Iqra Khalid (Mississauga—Erin Mills, Lib.)

Jun/22/22 2:14:20 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of grade 8 students at Thomas Street Middle School in Mississauga-Erin Mills to highlight an important figure in our history, Mathieu Da Costa. Mathieu da Costa is said to have been the first recorded person of African descent to set foot on this land that we now call Canada. He is one of so many Canadians of African descent who have helped build this country since long before Confederation. He was a gifted linguist and played a vital role in building early relations with indigenous peoples of this land. In particular, he is said to have served as an interpreter between French explorers and the Mi'kmaq people. Today, he is recognized from coast to coast to coast in museums, monuments, roads and schools. I am glad that these stories have been so inspiring to youth in my riding of Mississauga-Erin Mills. It is always a good time to celebrate Black history in Canada, and I hope we can all continue to recognize the accomplishments of our diverse communities all across this beautiful nation.

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Hon. Jim Carr (Winnipeg South Centre, Lib.)

Jun/22/22 2:15:34 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, for the first time since the start of the pandemic, the schools in Winnipeg South Centre have completed an entire school year in person. For the next two weeks, I will be attending the farewell ceremonies and convocations of schools to offer warm congratulations to students on a year of success and for committing to their studies and persevering during uncertain times. Everyone deserves to have a bright future full of possibilities ahead of them, and I am confident that the class of 2022 will take full advantage of their moment. I wish the graduates every success as they move on to the next exciting chapter of their lives and their careers. I wish good luck to the graduates.

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Mr. Dan Mazier (Dauphin—Swan River—Neepawa, CPC)

Jun/22/22 2:16:28 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, my constituency is proud to be home to four teams in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League: the Dauphin Kings, the Neepawa Titans, the Swan Valley Stampeders and the Waywayseecappo Wolverines. I rise today to congratulate all of them on a fantastic season, but I want to especially congratulate the Dauphin Kings on a stellar year of hockey. Last month, after a nail-biting game seven against the Steinbach Pistons, the Dauphin Kings were victorious in the MJHL finals. Congratulations to all the players who worked to win the Turnbull Memorial Trophy. Congratulations to coach and general manager Doug Hedley for leading a great team to victory. I also want to thank the community of Dauphin for rallying behind the Kings and expressing their unwavering support in countless ways. Next year, the national Centennial Cup will be hosted in Portage la Prairie, and I have no doubt that one of my riding's MJHL teams will claim victory.

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Mr. Gary Anandasangaree (Scarborough—Rouge Park, Lib.)

Jun/22/22 2:17:33 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Constable Vijayalayan Mathiyalaghan, a Tamil Canadian who led a life of exemplary service to his adopted country, Canada. Vijay enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces in 2011 and served in the 2 Combat Engineer Regiment. He notably served in Ukraine in 2018 as part of Operation Unifier, where he used his expertise in explosive ordnance disposal to train local forces in mine clearing. These skills undoubtedly helped save the lives of many Ukrainian soldiers and civilians in the dreadful war that ensued. In 2020, Vijay joined the Ottawa Police Service and was assigned to frontline operations with A Platoon Central. Vijay was highly respected by his colleagues in the city of Ottawa, with many remembering him for his kind nature and selflessness. He will be sorely missed by the Canadian military, Ottawa Police Services, his close-knit Ottawa Tamil community and the growing network of Tamil law enforcement professionals across Canada. He leaves behind a proud family, community and country.

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Mr. Brad Vis (Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon, CPC)

Jun/22/22 2:18:40 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, June 21 was National Indigenous Peoples Day, and June is National Indigenous History Month. Throughout my riding, there have been events showcasing and celebrating indigenous and Métis culture. I am proud to represent the number-one riding in Canada: Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon. What makes my riding so great is that it is home to the Sts’ailes and the Stó:lo people, the Stellat’en people, the Secwépemc people and the Nlaka’pamux people in the Fraser Canyon, as well as many others. Last weekend, I was pleased to participate in Sasquatch Days, and I am so proud to represent the riding that is home to the mythical sasquatch. Children from one of our local indigenous dance clubs did the sasquatch dance, and indigenous groups from across B.C. and Washington state took part in competitive canoe races for all ages. What a great way to celebrate sport and to bring people together. I thank the organizers from the village of Harrison Hot Springs and the Sts’ailes people for putting on such a wonderful event.

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Mr. Richard Martel (Chicoutimi—Le Fjord, CPC)

Jun/22/22 2:19:48 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, last week there was a landslide in La Baie, which is in my riding. A house was destroyed, but fortunately there were no casualties. Since then, nearly 80 families have been evacuated and are homeless. It is a terrible situation. The City of Saguenay is predicting another major landslide in the coming weeks, and that really worries me. Earlier this week, I spoke with the Minister of Emergency Preparedness, who has assured me that he is ready to intervene on behalf of the citizens of La Baie should the provincial government make such a request. I thank him for his co-operation. In these difficult and uncertain times, I take comfort in the fact that all levels of government are working together and joining forces to ensure that families are not left to fend for themselves. I want to thank the firefighters and the police for the excellent work they did in evacuating families. To all those affected: Stay strong. My heart goes out to them. The people of Saguenay are always there to help one another.

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Ms. Leah Taylor Roy (Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill, Lib.)

Jun/22/22 2:21:12 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the plight of a 45-year-old female has been brought to my attention by Judith Goldberg, a principal in my riding. Teachers and students at Forest Run school are passionate and determined to do something about this situation. They have created art and a website, and ultimately circulated a petition. This female has been kept captive for over 40 years. Pregnant five times, each time she lost her child and was left to mourn on her own. She lives alone in a concrete space with little room to move about. I visited the school and spoke with some of the students. One young boy looked at me, confused, and pleadingly asked, “What if someone did that to us?” The 45-year-old female is named Kiska. She is an orca whale, a sentient being like us. She is highly intelligent and sensitive, and is currently being held captive at Marineland. In 2019, the House passed Bill S-203 to end the captivity of whales, but Kiska was not released. Her misery was grandfathered in. She could live somewhere, such as the Nova Scotia Whale Sanctuary, and have decades left if we do not allow her to die first due to her confinement. Judith and her students know it is wrong for us to condone this in 2022. It is past time for us to do the right thing.

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Ms. Heather McPherson (Edmonton Strathcona, NDP)

Jun/22/22 2:22:43 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, today I want to take a moment to acknowledge and thank the incredible team of Ukrainian interns who have been working in our offices over the past several months. Some hon. members: Hear, hear! Ms. Heather McPherson: Mr. Speaker, parliamentarians have benefited from the work of these dedicated young leaders in the past, but of course this time it is very different. While Russia wages an illegal war in their homeland, while Russia is committing a genocide against their people, and while Ukrainians are fighting heroically for their freedom and democracy, these amazing women have been here helping us with our democracy. In particular, I want to thank my intern, Mariia. It has been an incredible pleasure to work with her. I thank all the 2022 Ukrainian interns for strengthening the bond between Canada and Ukraine, and for reminding us every day that democracy matters in Ukraine and everywhere in the world. I thank them so much for being here.

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Mr. Sébastien Lemire (Abitibi—Témiscamingue, BQ)

Jun/22/22 2:24:29 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate and express my deep appreciation to representatives of Quebec teams and the Fondation Équipe‑Québec. Not once, not twice, but three times, our Quebec teams have been crowned world champions. Again this year, we won World Ball Hockey Federation titles in three categories: women's, master's and men's. The events were held at Mont‑Tremblant in Quebec. I congratulate Patrick Ducharme and Alex Burrows on working so hard to promote the up-and-coming sport of ball hockey. I thank the organizers for doing such a great job. Bravo. I also want to express my appreciation for the Fondation Équipe‑Québec and its president, Stefan Allinger, as well as Robert Sirois and Pascale Pinard. They are dedicated to improving our Quebec athletes' access to international competitions by giving them a chance to play for Quebec in every sport. I got into politics to feel the kind of national pride I felt on June 12 at Mont‑Tremblant. I look forward to repeating the experience during every international sporting event.

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Ms. Lianne Rood (Lambton—Kent—Middlesex, CPC)

Jun/22/22 2:25:43 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the cost-of-living crisis is real, and it is hurting Canadians in my riding and across Canada. Inflation has hit a 40-year high of 7.7%, and all the Liberals are doing is playing the blame game. Inflation has increased the cost of groceries by more than 25%, which is lowering the amount of food families and seniors can put on their tables. The cost of fuel has been increasing, which also has a direct impact on the cost of production and the cost to transport food to grocery stores. The stories I am hearing from my communities are heartbreaking. The food banks in our small rural towns are busier than they have ever been, and demand is going up exponentially. Skyrocketing food prices are driving up food security concerns across the board. One woman even caught her senior neighbour eating canned cat food because she could not afford groceries. Many more seniors have told me they believe the hardship and lack of support is because the government is waiting for them to die. That is unacceptable, and the Liberal government is letting this happen.

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Mr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.)

Jun/22/22 2:26:49 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend the retirement of one of my constituents, Mrs. Diana Nugara. For the past 32 years, Diana has served both her Brampton and neighbouring Toronto community as a court officer with the Toronto Police Service. As a first generation Canadian to immigrant parents, Diana has played an important role in assisting with policing and community services across the GTA. To name a few, her achievements include everything from facilitating various contraband raids to helping save the life of an individual who went into cardiac arrest in the courtroom. In the latter part of her career, Diana helped train and test a new integrated computer system that will help police officers and court houses increase reporting efficiencies. Like many frontline workers throughout the pandemic, Diana continued to work and fulfill her duties. Diana can now expect a well-earned, restful retirement with her husband Kelvin, who is also a former court officer with 33 years of service; her mother Anna; her adult children; and her first grandchild, Sebastian. Please join me in congratulating Diana and wishing her the best during her retirement.

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The Speaker

Jun/22/22 2:27:54 p.m.
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Before continuing to question period, I would like to remind everyone that referring to anyone in the gallery is not permitted. I would also like to remind everyone that, when we are referring to someone, whether in a question or in a answer, it is by their title or by their riding, whichever one is more convenient.

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Hon. Candice Bergen (Leader of the Opposition, CPC)

Jun/22/22 2:28:34 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, accusations that the Prime Minister used the Nova Scotia mass shooting to advance his political agenda are extremely troubling. We believe Superintendent Darren Campbell when he says that Commissioner Lucki pressured the RCMP to reveal certain information. We also believe that it is possible the commissioner was pressured by the PMO and the public safety minister's office. These Liberals have a pattern of interfering in investigations to advance their political agenda, just as we saw in SNC-Lavalin. Will the government commit today to a full, open and transparent investigation to get to the bottom of this?

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Hon. Bill Blair (President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness, Lib.)

Jun/22/22 2:29:17 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the independence of law enforcement operations is a key principle of our democracy and it is one that our government deeply respects and one that I have always defended. At no point did our government pressure or interfere with the operational decisions of the RCMP. I would take the opportunity to direct the members to the commissioner's statement from yesterday in which she makes it very clear that there was no interference.

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Hon. Candice Bergen (Leader of the Opposition, CPC)

Jun/22/22 2:29:42 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, somebody is not telling the truth, and it is not Superintendent Darren Campbell. He did not just experience this differently. We know the Liberals have a track record of interfering in investigations when it is to their advantage. When they are caught they deny it, then they deflect and then they blame. It is sickening to think that they are using the worst mass shooting in Canadian history for political gain, but it is very possible. We need to get to the truth on this. Again, I am going to ask the minister and the government: Will they commit to a full and open investigation?

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Hon. Bill Blair (President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness, Lib.)

Jun/22/22 2:30:22 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I am happy to share with the members opposite the truth. In fact, yesterday, the commissioner of the RCMP released a statement in which she said, and I quote: It is important to note that the sharing of information and briefings with the Minister of Public Safety are necessary, particularly during a mass shooting on Canadian soil. This is standard procedure, and does not impact the integrity of ongoing investigations or interfere with the independence of the RCMP. It is important that she concludes: I take the principle of police independence extremely seriously, and it has been and will continue to be fully respected in all interactions.

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Hon. Candice Bergen (Leader of the Opposition, CPC)

Jun/22/22 2:31:00 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, they deny, deflect and blame. Inflation has hit a 40-year high and Canadians are worse off than they ever could have imagined. With 7.7% inflation, it is Canadians who are suffering. While Liberals blame COVID, Putin and everything else, Conservatives have asked, and are still asking, that the Liberals cut taxes and give Canadians a break at the pumps. Even President Biden announced a three-month gas tax break, but these Liberals cold-heartedly keep saying “no”. Liberals would rather see Canadians suffer than accept any of our good ideas. Is that not the truth?

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Hon. Jonathan Wilkinson (Minister of Natural Resources, Lib.)

Jun/22/22 2:31:43 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, my hon. colleague is certainly correct that affordability is a critically important concern for Canadians. That is why the Deputy Prime Minister, in a speech last week, talked through the $9 billion in support that we are providing on that basis. We are also working to help stabilize global energy prices through increasing production of oil and gas alongside our partners in the United States, Brazil and other countries, to ensure that we are concurrently addressing the energy crisis that exists in a manner that will ensure affordability for Canadians.

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