44th Parl. 1st Sess.
October 3, 2022 11:00AM
Madam Speaker, I rise to speak to Bill C-31, an act respecting cost of living relief measures related to dental care and rental housing. This legislation would help address some of the concerns that many of my constituents have shared with me around the rising cost of living and the increasing difficulty they are facing in making ends meet.
All of us in this House and in this country are seized with the issue of inflation. Indeed, the world is seized with the issue of inflation because it is a global phenomenon. Forces like high oil prices ripple through the supply chain and so do supply chain disruptions, leading to a scarcity of goods and rising prices for them. The economy is still recovering from the pandemic. We are all feeling the pinch.
Canada has done better than most G7 countries and is doing better than our American neighbours and peers, such as the United Kingdom and Germany. We have seen prices come down at the pumps, but according to the latest Statistics Canada numbers and what we are seeing at the grocery store, food inflation remains a serious problem.
While inflation is, as I said, a global phenomenon and a temporary one that will ease in time, that does not make the burden on Canadians today any less real and any less serious. While my colleagues and I in this place can afford to absorb the temporary higher prices, not all Canadians are that fortunate. They need our help, and just as we always have been, since the first act of our government after the 2015 election to lower taxes for the middle class and those working hard to join it by asking the top 1% to pay just a little more, we will be there for Canadians who need help the most.
Canadians are looking to their elected representatives for help, and I was pleased to see Bill C-30 receive speedy support and passage at second reading so that it could go to committee for further study. This is an important part of our government’s response to the affordability challenges that Canadians are facing.
If passed, Bill C-30 will double the goods and services tax credit for six months, delivering $2.5 billion in additional support to roughly 11 million lower-income Canadians. For a typical family, this could mean up to $612, plus $161 for each child under the age of 19. I hope the co-operative spirit continues and we see this legislation passed soon so that Canadians can get this much-needed help to cope with higher prices. I also hope that this same co-operative spirit can prevail in this place with Bill C-31, because it delivers much-needed help for lower-income Canadians struggling with higher prices. They do not want to see politicians stalling on the help they need with political games.
There are two main components in Bill C-31, and the first relates to dental care. While we here in this place benefit from generous employer-provided dental plans that cover us and our dependants, many Canadians are not so lucky. They are forced to pay for needed dental services out-of-pocket, including for their children. Beyond the cost of a regular cleaning for their children, dental emergencies can become financial emergencies and force very hard choices.
Making life more affordable for families across the country must include making oral health care accessible for all. Dental care is an important part of overall health, yet in Canada, one-third of the population cannot afford it.
Creating a proper national dental system from coast to coast to coast that is integrated as part of Canada’s health care system will take time, co-operation and coordination with the provinces and territories. However, in recognizing that we need to start helping Canadians with these costs now, this legislation proposes a new, temporary Canada dental benefit. The benefit would provide dental care for uninsured Canadians with a family income of less than $90,000 annually, starting with children under 12 years old in 2022.
The Canada dental benefit would allow all eligible parents to access direct payments totalling up to $1,300 per eligible child under 12, up to $650 per year, to support the costs of dental care services. Once the program is live, Canadians will be able to access the Canada dental benefit through their CRA accounts. The CRA is prepared to deliver and make it as easy as possible for eligible Canadians to get the money they need for oral health care.
Dental health is an important part of our overall health and should not be sacrificed for financial reasons. With this bill, we would be taking an important first step and putting more money back in the pockets of Canadians who need it the most.
The second major component of Bill C-31 relates to housing. Affordable housing and the high cost of safe and suitable housing is one of the biggest issues for the residents of my riding of Scarborough Centre. This legislation addresses one of the major components of housing that is so often ignored by the official opposition: rental housing. While they have a lot to say about home ownership, they have little to say and little to offer to those who rent their homes.
I have a lot of renters in my community of Scarborough, and many of them are trapped in inadequate and substandard rental housing that does not meet their needs. I say they are trapped because they cannot afford to move to a bigger unit or a nicer unit that could better suit their needs because market rent is now well beyond their means. If they were to leave their current unit, it would be rented out for many hundreds of dollars a month more.
Even within the guidelines, rent increases, in combination with all the other high prices families are facing, are difficult to manage. As part of the national housing strategy—
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- Oct/3/22 1:52:32 p.m.
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I apologize for interrupting the hon. member.
I ask hon. members to please keep the sound low so we can listen to the speech the hon. member is making.
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Madam Speaker, as part of the national housing strategy, we are addressing the issue of affordability and the lack of rental housing construction and capacity. We have introduced the rapid housing initiative, a $2.5-billion program to finance the construction of modular housing as well as the acquisition of land and the conversion of existing buildings to affordable housing. The rental construction financing initiative gives developers low-cost loans during the riskiest phases of construction. This helps developers to better predict costs so they are more incentivized to build rental projects, all while meeting important criteria in terms of affordability, accessibility and energy efficiency.
These programs are working, but it will take time to have an impact and begin bringing prices under control. Canadians need help now. That is why this legislation proposes to invest $1.2 billion to provide a direct federal Canada housing benefit top-up payment of $500 to 1.8 million renters who are struggling with the cost of housing. This is in addition to the $4 billion we are already investing to provide an average of $2,500 in direct financial assistance for the cost of rent to Canadians across the country through the existing Canada housing benefit.
This new, one-time benefit would be available to applicants with incomes below $35,000 for families, and $20,000 for individuals, who pay at least 30% of their income on rent. If this legislation is passed, eligible renters will begin receiving payments before the end of this year. To be eligible, applicants must have filed their 2021 tax return and will need to attest that they are paying at least 30% of their adjusted net income on rent. Families must have a net income of $35,000, and individuals must have an income of less than $20,000. An estimated 1.8 million low-income renters, including students, who are struggling with the cost of housing would be eligible for this new support.
This is help that my constituents very much need. It would put more money back into the pockets of lower-income Canadians who need it to help buy groceries and put gas in their car so they can get to work. I urge my colleagues not to delay in passing this important legislation. Let us deliver help to those who need it the most, and let us do it today.
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Madam Speaker, it is interesting, going back to the previous Liberal speaker, that Liberals do not want us to be talking about the carbon tax today. It is not surprising that they do not want to hear us talking about their plan to triple the carbon tax.
The reason we are raising this, of course, is that it speaks to the Liberal government's approach to affordability. The Liberals are presenting these measures as their so-called affordability package, but the reality is that they are continuing to increase taxes on Canadians. They have scheduled automatic tax increases for next year. The Liberals plan to raise payroll taxes and triple the carbon tax.
This is central to the debate today because, when the government says it is concerned about inflation and affordability, it was, frankly, not talking about inflation at all until the member for Carleton became Conservative leader. The Liberals were completely ignoring the issue. Now they say they care about it, but they are persisting with tax increases. Why are they persisting with their tax hikes?
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Madam Speaker, the climate action incentive provides an annual credit for an individual in Ontario, my home province, of $373 for an individual and $186 for a spouse or common-law partner, and $93 per child under the age of 19. Every dollar raised through carbon pricing in Ontario goes back to the residents of Ontario. The less we pollute, the more we save.
When we are talking about affordability and helping Canadians, why does the hon. member want to take hundreds of dollars out of the pockets of Ontario families?
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Mr. Speaker, I listened intently to my colleague across the way as she went on and on about the cost of living relief measures, which are being offered on a one-time basis to help people through today's economic times.
Her government has been in office since 2015. If it had made meaningful, significant investments over the past seven years, the housing shortage would not be as severe as it is today.
How does the member explain that to her constituents?
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Mr. Speaker, housing is an issue. Since we came into power, we have invested in the national housing strategy. I have seen first-hand an increase in the rental units. Through the rapid housing investments, we have been able to invest. In my own riding there has been an investment of 57 additional units, and we had a groundbreaking ceremony. The money is going into different housing projects. Investing $2.5 billion in modular housing is increasing rental stocks.
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Mr. Speaker, we stand in this place to talk about how dental care is so important for the health of children under 12, but it is also a financial benefit. It would be beneficial for our health care system, which is under attack and so overburdened, as children would not have to go for emergency care. We could do preventative work.
Could the member comment on the value of that, and perhaps how dental care is similar to things such as mental care and pharmacare, which are also very cost effective preventative measures against further hardships on our health care system?
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Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the hon. member for her advocacy on dental care. Every Canadian deserves good oral health care. It is a key component to overall well-being. That is why we, as a government, are committed to working to build a comprehensive, longer-term national dental care program. It is really very important.
When I talk to families in my riding, it is very heartbreaking to see that some families cannot afford to take their kids to the dentist, even for a simple cleaning. I am really proud to stand in the House today to support the temporary dental benefit, which would provide up to $1,300 to families to take care of kids' dental needs.
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- Oct/3/22 2:00:56 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I am excited to rise today to announce that October 1 marked the start of German Heritage Month. What better way to celebrate than by experiencing the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, which will be kicking off this Friday with the official keg tapping at Carl Zehr Square in front of Kitchener City Hall. This will mark the start of 10 days of excitement and activities throughout the Waterloo region, including the famous, nationally televised Thanksgiving Day parade on Monday, October 10.
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is the largest Bavarian festival in North America. Over its 53 years of existence, it has grown to include 40 family and cultural events. I invite all members of this House to join Onkel Hans at one of the six festhallen located throughout the region and enjoy wonderful German food, dance and beverages.
Oktoberfest is wunderbar. Prost.
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- Oct/3/22 2:01:58 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I stand here today to pay tribute to the late Dr. Bradley Truman Noel. On September 10 of this year, after partaking in a motorcycle ride to raise money for the Keur Yermande House in Senegal, Dr. Noel lost his life in a moose-vehicle accident while returning home to Springdale.
Doc, as he was affectionately known to his students, was a pastor, teacher, mentor and friend to so many in our province. He had the ability to challenge beliefs on difficult subject matters with love and empathy. An example of this is his recent book, Tinder, Tattoos, and Tequila: Navigating the Gray Areas of Faith.
To quote one of his colleagues, “Brad was a mentor and friend to so many regardless of background, religion or age. His death has left a huge hole, but his life’s impact and legacy will live on in those he has invested in and mentored. That is the true measure of a leader.”
May the love of his life, Dr. Melinda Noel, his family and friends, and the hundreds of students who studied under him, know that our hearts and prayers are with them.
Soli Deo gloria.
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- Oct/3/22 2:03:16 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to highlight Simeon Pompey's significant contribution to his community of Notre‑Dame‑de‑Grâce and to the students of Dawson College.
He was honoured by the Forces AVENIR recognition program for his mentorship of students at Dawson College and his extensive involvement in the community services provided by Comité Jeunesse Notre‑Dame‑de‑Grâce, the local youth committee.
Simeon has been a force for good through his leadership of the CJNDG community recreation services. Many of his students at Dawson College find employment at our community recreation centres and parks, where they lead summer camps, reading clubs for kids and bocce for seniors, and animate numerous park activities. Simeon has also expanded his love of golf to include a children’s life skills program called “First Tee”.
Simeon supports causes and communities with humility, hard work and a commitment to families. It is my great honour to recognize Simeon Pompey as a distinguished teacher, community leader and father in my community.
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- Oct/3/22 2:04:32 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, this afternoon, one of my constituents, Sylvie Paquette, will receive the Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education for her work as an educator for the Mamie Pom early childhood centre in Saint‑Césaire.
Quebec is proud of its early childhood centre model. It was established by Quebec's first female premier, Pauline Marois, and is the gold standard in early childhood development and in enabling women to go back to work.
Ms. Paquette is receiving this award in recognition of her efforts, her educational methods and her innovative spirit, as well as her dedication to ensuring that the children have every opportunity to get the best possible start in life. Equal opportunity is part of Quebec's social safety net, and we want to continue promoting it.
Congratulations to Ms. Paquette. I encourage her to continue her partnership with the families who trust her with their children, and I commend her for her creativity.
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- Oct/3/22 2:05:31 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and pride that I rise to recognize the achievement of an athlete from my riding of Argenteuil-La Petite-Nation. Weightlifter Étienne Jolicoeur has made a name for himself by winning the North American Open held in Calgary on September 16 and 17, with lifts totalling 241 kilograms. At just 16 years old, he took gold in the 67‑kilogram category. He has a great athletic career ahead of him.
In addition, Matis Blais stood out in the 73‑kilogram category, taking 5th place.
Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation has a tradition of excellence in weightlifting. I would be remiss if I did not mention the important work being done by Guy Marineau, who trains young athletes of excellence in this sport.
Congratulations to Étienne and Matis. They are worthy ambassadors for Argenteuil-La Petite-Nation, and I admire them greatly.
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- Oct/3/22 2:06:35 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, Canadians are getting sick and tired of this out-of-touch NDP-Liberal coalition government. Their support is plummeting across the country. Canadians see hope in a strong, unified Conservative team that will give them back control of their lives.
It is very telling that the NDP has signed a secret backroom deal to prop up the arrogant Liberal government until 2025, and Canadians will respond accordingly during the next election. It has gotten so bad for the federal NDP out west that its provincial comrades in Saskatchewan do not even want the member for Burnaby South, the current federal leader, around. I cannot believe it. The home of Tommy Douglas decided to uninvite the federal NDP leader to its provincial convention. What is the reason? It is because the NDP leader and his party would rather prop up the Prime Minister and the incompetent government than stand with the hard-working people of Saskatchewan.
Our leader and Conservatives will always put the people first.
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- Oct/3/22 2:07:39 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, when the larger-than-life Bill Blaikie, in full Scots regalia, piped in the Robbie Burns dinner, carved the haggis and called down the wrath of Burns in Gaelic, we were absolutely convinced that the perfidious English were storming Parliament Hill. A Scotsman's Scotsman, Bill could have been a stand-in for Hagrid in the Harry Potter movies.
I shared a few faith and politics panels with Bill, he the social gospel New Democrat, and me, an endangered species, an evangelical Liberal. Bill's faith and politics were well integrated, but, as I pointed out to him, it is a lot easier when one is in perpetual opposition. No milquetoast, Bill enjoyed carving up pontificating Liberal cabinet ministers as much as the haggis. In a pinch, a Conservative would do just as well. Many a House leader found that Bill knew the rules and procedures of the House better than they did, much to their chagrin.
He was a great man, a great bear of a man, a great parliamentarian and a great Christian. To the member for Elmwood—Transcona, we share in his family's loss.
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- Oct/3/22 2:09:03 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, freedom rallies are taking place around the world to protest the death of Mahsa Amini who went to visit relatives with her family, just like we would do. Instead of receiving a warm embrace from loved ones, she was stopped by the so-called “morality police”, taken into custody and beaten. She died three days later. Mahsa was just 22 years old with her whole life ahead of her, and her death is unforgivable.
To the brave women protesting the death of Mahsa Amini who are met with arrests and bullets, we see them, we hear them and we stand with them. There must be a prompt, impartial investigation into her death. Crackdowns on protesters must stop. Respect for human rights must be upheld, including freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and association.
Human rights are universal, non-negotiable and indivisible. Women’s rights are human rights.
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- Oct/3/22 2:10:09 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the new Conservative leader will put the people first: their paycheques, their savings, their homes, their country.
The carbon tax is an utter failure. The Liberal government would have us believe that it will drive emissions down, but emissions have gone up under its tenure. B.C. has had a carbon tax for 14 years and its emissions have gone up four megatonnes. Quebec has had a similar program for 12 years and its emissions have gone up four megatonnes as well.
The reality is that the carbon tax drives the price of everything up and it is punishing on Canadians who can least afford it. The Liberals would have us believe that they will get more money back than they pay, but the Parliamentary Budget Officer has said this is false and many Canadians will pay more. Still the Liberals are planning to triple the carbon tax in April of 2023. Clearly the Prime Minister is experiencing the carbon tax differently than hard-working Canadians.
Help is on the way. A Conservative government with its new leader will scrap the carbon tax.
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- Oct/3/22 2:11:18 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, in recent weeks, many of my constituents have written to me to express their horror at the terrible situation currently unfolding in Iran. I was very shocked, as they were, to learn of the death of a 22-year-old Kurdish woman, Mahsa Amini, after being detained by the police. Her crime was not wearing the hijab in accordance with government guidelines.
The protests that have erupted across Iran since Mahsa’s death have been met by unspeakable brutality on the part of Iranian forces, who in some cases have used live ammunition to disperse the crowds, killing dozens. My daughter-in-law's family is from Iran. While I am incredibly thankful that they are here in Canada, enjoying the freedom of our country, I am outraged to see so many innocent people lose their lives simply because they are peacefully protesting in the street.
I call on Iran to put an end to all forms of harassment and discrimination against women and to respect their citizens’ right to peaceful protest.
Zan, zendegi, azadi.
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- Oct/3/22 2:12:30 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the devastating impact the Liberals are having on our country will be deeply felt this Thanksgiving.
At a time of record-high inflation and rampant unaffordability, many Canadians will struggle to afford their Thanksgiving meals. Others will find it difficult to pay for fuel or fare to visit loved ones, and those travelling by air will be faced with delays and cancellations. Some will be seeing family for the first time in years after being forced apart by a government that cannot even provide basic services to its citizens.
These are the realities facing Canadians. The Liberals deny that they are responsible for any of it, but it is Trudeau.
This Thanksgiving, Canadians will overcome these challenges. They will make sacrifices to gather with family to share a meal and to give thanks. Their perseverance is inspiring and should serve as a reminder that it is not the government that makes Canada what it is.
That is why I am thankful that ordinary Canadians are committed to reclaiming the “can” in Canada.
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