SoVote

Context: House Hansard - 117 - Oct/25/22

Ms. Marilyn Gladu (Sarnia—Lambton, CPC)

Oct/25/22 1:43:35 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I want to know why today's discussion is on this issue. Canada is facing a lot of problems, such as inflation, immigration, and the war between Ukraine and Russia. Why did the Bloc Québécois choose to talk about this issue today when there are so many more important issues to talk about?

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Mrs. Julie Vignola

Oct/25/22 1:44:17 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I already answered that question. In practical terms, $67 million, the amount I was trying to think of earlier, is more than the budget of the National Research Council Canada, an organization whose research helps all our citizens.

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

Oct/25/22 1:44:45 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time today with the member for Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill. Canada is unique in our status as a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy, with His Majesty King Charles III as sovereign. As a constitutional monarch, the King is Canada's head of state but must still abide by the decisions of the Canadian government. This element of our Constitution ensures that it is the Canadian people who determine the laws that govern us. The Canadian Crown is a reminder that the power to govern our country is shared. Our democratic system allows us to push for the change desired by our people, while the presence of the Canadian Crown offers stability and respect for due process. Over the years, the Canadian Crown has brought prestige and tradition to our celebrations. Royal tours have enhanced milestones in Canadian history, such as Canada's centennial anniversary, celebrated by Queen Elizabeth II, or the 75th anniversary of the Canadian Rangers, celebrated by the then Prince of Wales. Even our Canadian honours system, officially created by our last sovereign, enables us to recognize extraordinary people for their tremendous contributions to our country in a merit-based, apolitical and accessible way. The year 2022 marked Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee. As of February 6, Canada's longest-reigning sovereign was the first to celebrate this historic milestone marking a 70th anniversary on the throne. Canadians across the nation used this momentous occasion to celebrate Canada's achievements over the past seven decades and participate in initiatives organized by the government, a true partnership among federal departments and agencies, Crown corporations, viceregal offices, provincial and territorial governments and non-governmental organizations. The Department of Canadian Heritage received hundreds of applications from communities and organizations wishing to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee, and in turn provided $2.14 million in funding for 363 projects, many of which gave Canadians the opportunity to learn about the history and role of the Crown in Canada. They highlighted how Canada has evolved over the last seven decades and made special efforts to engage youth and indigenous peoples. Many Canadians also took advantage of national programs offered by the Platinum Jubilee. For example, about 26,000 teachers and four million viewers took part in the education program developed by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society that taught students about the constitutional role of the Crown, with environmental and indigenous connections. The Rideau Hall Foundation held a symposium of Queen Elizabeth scholars and high-profile Canadians, which consisted of about 2,000 speakers and participants who discussed topics of significance that shaped Canada and the Commonwealth. A Canadian Platinum Jubilee website was created, with information on the historic milestone, celebratory initiatives throughout the year and a newly developed Canadian Platinum Jubilee emblem. The website garnered well over one million views and social media posts in both official languages and received over 113,000 impressions on the Crown in Canadian platforms. The Royal Canadian Mint issued four commemorative coins for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, all of which received tremendous response. Likewise, Canada Post issued commemorative stamps for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, which saw very successful sales. Each country has symbols and peoples that establish its identity and culture and represent its history and priorities. The Canadian Crown, especially in the context of the royal tours, is a means of promoting those Canadian symbols and people at the national level, helping Canadians get a better understanding of and sense of attachment to their shared values and, on an international level, showing what it is that sets Canada apart from other nations. Royal visits give us the opportunity to highlight Canadian issues, people, places and institutions of importance, and add special significance to the way we honour Canadians and their achievements. During their most recent tour, the King and Queen Consort engaged with small businesses and discussed innovative solutions and the impacts of the pandemic. They met with youth groups and discussed the importance of literacy. They discussed sustainable financial measures in combatting climate change and learned about the impacts that climate change has had on northern Canada and its cultures. They met many indigenous people of Canada, including in my riding of St. John's East, visiting the Heart Garden, participating in national and traditional ceremonies, meeting with indigenous leaders across the Northwest Territories and learning about efforts made to preserve indigenous languages. Through media coverage on the tour, Canadians were given the opportunity to learn about current events in their own country, as well as the nation's history. The organizations and people whom the King and Queen Consort met also benefited from the publicity, raising awareness of Canadians' work. Finally, upon Queen Elizabeth II's passing, a series of commemorative initiatives over a 10-day mourning period were held, ending with a national commemorative ceremony on September 19. Initiatives included a half-masting of the national flag of Canada on all federal buildings and establishments in Canada and abroad, the illumination of several key Canadian landmarks in royal blue and the launch of a commemorative website, which included resources for Canadians to learn about and celebrate the Queen's life and her years of service to Canada. Among those resources was an online book of condolences, where all Canadians were invited to share their personal stories of the Queen, send messages of condolence to her family and thank her for seven decades of service to Canada. Almost 60,000 Canadians signed the online book of condolences and thousands more signed the physical books of condolences that were available for in-person signing at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, the Citadelle of Quebec in Quebec City and multiple community institutions across the country. This was a remarkable demonstration of collective mourning and gratitude by Canadians across the nation. The Prime Minister proclaimed a national day of mourning on September 19, 2022, the day the national commemorative ceremony for the Queen took place in Ottawa, which coincided with her state funeral in London. This designated holiday was an opportunity for Canadians to honour the Queen's life and service. The national ceremony took place at Christ Church Cathedral in Ottawa and highlighted key moments of the Queen's life related to Canada and Canadians, featuring prayers and readings, an indigenous tribute, addresses by prominent Canadians, musical interludes by a wide variety of Canadian artists and a video montage of her 22 official tours in Canada. Attendees reflected a broad selection of Canadian society, including former prime ministers and governors general, representatives at each level of government, multi-faith representatives and notable Canadians and individuals who hold special ties with the Queen or the Crown. The ceremony was broadcast live across the nation and garnered millions in viewership. The Canadian Crown is an institution whose grandeur and dignity clearly contribute to our collective identity, and it has stood the test of time despite the challenges and changes that Canada and the world have faced in recent years. It has overseen our nation's growth and guided us through our evolution as we have learned from past mistakes and looked to a brighter future.

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The Deputy Speaker

Oct/25/22 1:53:43 p.m.
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I just want to remind folks that as people are starting to come in, the noise outside the chamber seems to be a lot noisier than normal. Every time the door from the lobby opened, we could hear it bleed into the microphone. Let us make sure we keep the volume down as people are coming into the chamber to participate in question period. Questions and comments, the hon. member for Sarnia—Lambton.

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Ms. Marilyn Gladu (Sarnia—Lambton, CPC)

Oct/25/22 1:54:11 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member opposite for her tribute. I also had a book of condolences in my office and the response from the community was overwhelming. The Queen certainly was very revered. All of us in this House were the Queen's reps and now we are the King's reps. I was very surprised when I called the Governor General's office to try to get pictures of the King for the airport and my office. I was told they were not going to do that. Would the member agree that with the new King in place, we should be making sure his presence is spread throughout the land?

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Ms. Joanne Thompson

Oct/25/22 1:54:49 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, it is still early days in King Charles III reign, so there is much work that still needs to happen. However, we are a country of diversity, a country that is made up of so many different places with different cultures. We are able to come together to share ideals, but also to celebrate our differences. I look forward to that continuing in the future.

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

Oct/25/22 1:55:27 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, during our esteemed colleague's speech, I heard words like “celebration”, "jubilee”, “recognize” “commemorative coin”, “stamp” “participating”, “visits” and so on. For me, that is just a smokescreen. It is deliberately turning a blind eye and denying our reality. The member should look back at our history, the history of French Canadians, and at what happened two or three centuries ago. Perhaps kowtowing and being subject to the monarchy and this completely archaic institution works for them, but I am letting them know that it does not work for most Quebeckers. We want nothing to do with that.

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Ms. Joanne Thompson

Oct/25/22 1:56:18 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, it is very interesting. Newfoundland and Labrador, as members know, joined Canada in 1949. Prior to that, we were under British rule. Our ability to still maintain a unique culture that is quite diverse and interesting along very different opinions and ways of being has come about because of our past. We grow stronger as we move forward when we understand who we are and we take the best of who we are, move into the future and learn from mistakes in the past.

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Mr. Kevin Vuong (Spadina—Fort York, Ind.)

Oct/25/22 1:57:00 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I agree a lot with what my colleague has said. When I first swore an oath of allegiance to what was then Her Majesty's Royal Canadian Navy, it was such a huge part in becoming part of my identity, being the first in my family to grow up in this country. Was I Chinese Canadian? Was I Canadian? What was I? I am hoping my colleague could speak a bit about the royal family's connection to what Canadian identity is.

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Ms. Joanne Thompson

Oct/25/22 1:57:33 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, each province in Canada is incredibly unique. As I said a few moments ago, we carry our own cultures forward. What is really interesting about our shared past, with the monarchy as part of our Constitution, is that we also have shared space where we can come together and celebrate who we are as individual provinces, and then also lean into what we have in common. It is that shared value that really creates the strong Canada we know and love.

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Mr. Xavier Barsalou-Duval (Pierre-Boucher—Les Patriotes—Verchères, BQ)

Oct/25/22 1:58:15 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, for me, being a royal subject is not part of my identity that I am proud of. In fact, I would say that it is almost shameful. I might add that, unlike others here, I did not have a book of condolences for the Queen on my desk for people to sign, although anyone who wanted to was quite free to do so. That said, I listened to the monarchical plea of my colleague across the way. I strongly disagree with her, as members might have guessed. Perhaps this particular thought might elicit an interesting response from her. Monarchy is imposed. However, we live in a democracy. As people elected by the public, we have the power to decide to free ourselves from the monarchy and emancipate ourselves. A majority of the population, both in Quebec and in Canada, would like to see us cut ties with the monarchy. I would like to know if my colleague across the way, whose feelings for democracy must be quite strong, thinks it is important that the will of the people be reflected in the decisions of their elected representatives.

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Ms. Joanne Thompson

Oct/25/22 1:59:28 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I can certainly tell the House that the constituents in my riding are very concerned with the cost of living, with the need to expand dental care and to work toward climate action.

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

Oct/25/22 1:59:55 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate His Worship John Tory, the mayor of the city of Toronto, on his decisive re-election last night. Mayor Tory has been instrumental in bringing all the people of the city of Toronto together. He brilliantly manoeuvered the COVID-19 pandemic and ensured that the most vulnerable were supported. Under Mayor Tory’s leadership, the City of Toronto is building an unprecedented level of transit, including the Scarborough subway extension. He is also committed to affordable housing and, in particular, transitional housing that has the proper supports for all. Our government is fortunate to work with such a dynamic and accessible mayor, and we look forward to working to make Toronto an even better place to live, work and raise a family. My heartfelt congratulations to the 25 city of Toronto councillors who were elected, including my municipal counterpart, Dr. Jennifer McKelvie, on her resounding re-election. I also want to welcome Jamaal Myers, the new councillor for Scarborough North. Finally, I want to thank all those who put their names forward to serve their communities.

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Ms. Arielle Kayabaga (London West, Lib.)

Oct/25/22 2:01:37 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, today, marks three decades of Canadian global nutrition leadership. That is 30 years of Nutrition International being Canada’s flagship nutrition organization, whose work to eliminate malnutrition worldwide has saved over seven million lives. Ensuring people have not only food but the right nutrition to allow them to survive and then thrive is more important than ever now. In this challenging global context, nutrition must continue to be a central pillar of Canada's efforts to tackle the food security crisis especially with the combined shocks of war, supply chain disruptions and droughts threaten our lives. Nutrition International continues to work hand in hand with governments to support the most vulnerable communities and Canadians can be proud of this work. I wish Nutrition International a happy 30 years.

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Mr. Maxime Blanchette-Joncas (Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, BQ)

Oct/25/22 2:02:36 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, today is the 21st Quebec Marine Day, a day to recognize and celebrate the marine industry's many contributions to our collective well-being. The marine industry is a true economic engine, directly and indirectly employing nearly 25,000 workers in Quebec. They work tirelessly from one end of the mighty St. Lawrence Seaway to the other, transporting the goods consumed by millions of North American households. My riding is in the Lower St. Lawrence region, and the marine industry is a huge part of our daily lives and our culture. The seaway and its ships have shaped life in the Lower St. Lawrence for hundreds of years. Downtown Rimouski is also home to the Institut maritime du Québec, the largest marine training centre in the country, and the only francophone one. Training the superior marine industry workforce of the future right in the heart of our region is a tremendous source of pride. May the marine industry continue to flourish, and I wish everyone an enjoyable Quebec Marine Day.

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Ms. Lena Metlege Diab (Halifax West, Lib.)

Oct/25/22 2:03:55 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the friendship between Canada and France is stronger than ever. As a member of the Canada-France Interparliamentary Association, I helped strengthen our bilateral relations during our 48^th annual meeting earlier this month. I would like to thank my colleagues from the association, our French counterparts, as well as the French senators and all those who welcomed us. The week of exchange highlighted our common interests to protect the environment and promote cultural diversity. I learned a lot about the state of the francophonie in British Columbia, as well as about our relations with First Nations communities. I also participated in the unveiling of the Amicitia France-Canada monument at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa, which commemorates our shared principles and the lasting historic connection between our countries. Vive le Canada! Vive la France!

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Mrs. Rosemarie Falk (Battlefords—Lloydminster, CPC)

Oct/25/22 2:04:57 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, activist policies drive the NDP-Liberal agenda, while economic management, transparency and basic government services fall by the wayside. Canadians still cannot get a passport. ArriveCAN contracts are being fabricated. Political interference is once again being covered up. The disappointments just keep coming. Canadians are facing soaring costs, inflation at a 40-year high and a looming recession. They are watching the costs of everything go up and seeing the value of the dollar in their pockets shrink. The cost of living is top of mind for my constituents and Canadians across the country, yet the NDP–Liberal coalition continues to tax, spend and pour fuel on the affordability crisis. While the Prime Minister might go to great lengths to tell Canadians that he has their backs, the reality is that the NDP-Liberal costly coalition costs them the shirt off their backs.

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Mrs. Rechie Valdez (Mississauga—Streetsville, Lib.)

Oct/25/22 2:06:07 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, October 24 is an important day of celebration for the Sikh, Hindu, Jain and Buddhist communities across Canada and all around the world. These communities will gather with friends and family to celebrate Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas. The core values of Diwali celebrate that spiritual victory, knowledge, light and good will triumph over ignorance, evil and darkness. Throughout this month, I had the honour of celebrating Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas with a multitude of groups and constituents in my riding. These celebrations remind us that diversity is our strength and they recognize the significant contributions that the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and Jain faiths make in Canada. I would like to wish everyone who is celebrating, a happy Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas.

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Ms. Jenna Sudds (Kanata—Carleton, Lib.)

Oct/25/22 2:06:56 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, yesterday was an exciting day in Ottawa, municipal election day. Today, we woke up with a new mayor-elect and new city council, including 11 new councillors. I am incredibly proud of my friend Mark Sutcliffe, who is our new mayor for Ottawa, with his vision, his campaign and his dedication to making our city the best possible place. The energy of countless volunteers who rallied around Mark and his vision was contagious. Our city came out in large numbers, showing their confidence in his leadership and his vision. For the three west Ottawa city councillors who serve in my riding of Kanata—Carleton, Cathy, Allan and Clarke, I look forward to working alongside them in our amazing community. For all the candidates who stepped up and had the courage to put their name on the ballot, our city is better because of them. Lastly, I offer a special thanks to outgoing mayor Jim Watson for his steadfast leadership over the years. He has served us incredibly well and I hope he gets a much-deserved vacation.

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Mr. Jamie Schmale (Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock, CPC)

Oct/25/22 2:08:15 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, each year, two students from each of my riding's seven secondary schools are selected to participate in a program called the “Capital Experience”. During their three-day trip to Ottawa, they will learn about various career opportunities that await them following their graduation from post-secondary education. I would like to introduce this year's participants: Brody Bolger and Veronica Beynon from Haliburton Highlands Secondary; Ella Voliotis and Jacob Partridge from Crestwood Secondary School; Logan MacInnis and Sophie Kaloudas from Fenelon Falls Secondary School; Olivia Rodd and Kayla Ryan from LCVI; Olivia Kylau and Jocelyn Kennedy from I.E. Weldon Secondary; Brodi Gorrill and Zoe Hannah from Brock High School; and, of course, Megan Rodd and Sarah Hawkins from St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School. This trip is only possible because of the generosity and kindness of local sponsors, such as Lions and Rotary clubs, Royal Canadian Legions and small businesses. It is my hope that these students will be inspired as they consider future opportunities. I would like to invite my colleagues to welcome these students to Ottawa.

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