SoVote

Context: House Hansard - 131 - Nov/21/22

Nov/21/22 1:48:35 p.m.
Watch
Re: Bill C-32

You voted against pharmacare.

4 words

Nov/21/22 1:48:39 p.m.
Watch
Re: Bill C-32

Madam Speaker, I am talking about the ability of my constituents, who live in small, remote, rural communities, to get to a bigger centre to get their prescriptions, to get their kids in sports, to get groceries or to even get the mail. The carbon tax is hurting the people I represent. I would prefer that the government take its hands out of the pockets of these families, let them spend the money they need to on their families and not have the middleman tell them where it goes.

89 words

The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès)

Nov/21/22 1:48:39 p.m.
Watch

Can we allow the hon. member to answer the question that was asked? The hon. member for Battlefords—Lloydminster.

20 words

Mr. Mario Beaulieu (La Pointe-de-l'Île, BQ)

Nov/21/22 1:49:20 p.m.
Watch
Re: Bill C-32

Madam Speaker, I would like to hear from my colleague. Bill C-32 is notable for what it does not contain. Old age security was increased for people 75 years and older. This created a two-tiered system for old age security, because those between 65 and 75 got nothing. In my colleague's opinion, should there be just one benefit? Should the benefit not be increased for all seniors, not just those 75 and over?

77 words

All Topics

Mrs. Rosemarie Falk

Nov/21/22 1:49:57 p.m.
Watch
Re: Bill C-32

Madam Speaker, one thing I noticed is that the current Prime Minister is great at turning people against one another. He found a way to have two tiers of seniors, just as with child care. There are a lot of people in my constituency who cannot access this $10-a-day child care because they do not qualify. They do not work nine to five. They work shift work. Some of them work all the time and they cannot access it. The current government is very good at railroading the provinces, not having discussions with them, doing whatever it wants and pitting Canadians against one another.

106 words

All Topics

Mr. Brendan Hanley (Yukon, Lib.)

Nov/21/22 1:50:45 p.m.
Watch
Re: Bill C-32

Madam Speaker, I am very pleased today to take part in the debate on the Government of Canada’s fall economic statement. We live in very uncertain times. Canadians and all the citizens of the world are struggling not just with one crisis but with multiple crises. Our world is struggling with an inflationary crisis and with an increasingly devastating and costly climate crisis. Canada and its allies are trying to combat the rise of extremism, of isolationism and of the aggression in authoritarian countries like Russia, China and Iran. Members of the opposition may wish to minimize the climate crisis or misrepresent the inflationary crisis as being caused by Canada's leader, by Canada’s efforts to combat climate change or by our government’s efforts to support Canadians through the COVID–19 pandemic. However, Canadians, including those of my constituency in the Yukon, know that these issues have a much further reach and a more complex origin than any message bottled into a TikTok video. Canadians of all ages are dealing with a host of crises simultaneously that have not been seen before, and stress, in particular, our children and our grandchildren. They are the younger generations whose very futures are at stake. They face a radically changing planet, because older generations have waited too long to listen to our scientists and elders who pleaded that our climate was changing. They face unsustainably high costs of living. They face a growing tidal wave of right-wing populism channelled out of frustration with the status quo and directed against the very measures that would help alleviate that discontent. Lester B. Pearson once said, “The choice...is as clear now for nations as it was once for the individual: peace or extinction.” Although his words are somewhat chilling when we reflect on Russia's current illegal war in the Ukraine, I would also add today that the choice now includes addressing this climate crisis or facing extinction. Baby boomers and generation Xers, like me and many of my colleagues, have been particularly blessed in generations of global stability, high standards of living and mostly peace and prosperity. However, despite all we have been given, the future is increasingly uncertain. Our children, grandchildren, younger parliamentary colleagues, candidates, staff, activists and constituents are the ones who have to face that incertitude, that uncertain future, a future fraught with the destiny of our planet. The fall economic statement that we are now debating is well positioned to address the times and the challenges, as well as the opportunities that we are presently living. One of the key components of the economic update is to give younger Canadians a helping hand by making Canada student loans and Canada apprenticeship loans interest free. Thirty per cent or more of what a government student or apprenticeship loan borrower in Canada repays to the government is interest. More than half of Canadian students utilize Canadian student loans. Someone from Dawson City who travels to Victoria, Edmonton or Ottawa for an undergraduate degree and takes out a $40,000 loan for that degree will currently pay an additional $13,000 in interest alone. This says nothing of the cost of pursuing a graduate degree or professional degree like engineering or medicine. With the passage of this bill, that is money they can reinvest in the economy now, or save for a down payment on a home. This is a big step forward for Canada and for our younger Canadians. I returned from my riding after a long day of travel yesterday. Many people spoke to me to tell me how much they welcomed this support. Young people are not alone in feeling the brunt of rising costs and an uncertain future, which is why our affordability plan is already in place. That includes increasing the Canada workers benefit, cutting average child care fees by 50% and increasing old age security pensions by 10% for those over age 75, and more. Rising costs of living are felt particularly in northern and remote communities like those in the Yukon. This has hit families across the Yukon hard. Now, while our government is working hard to help those at the lowest income levels, our middle class is also struggling. The government is building an economy that works for all Canadians. Contrary to what we sometimes hear from across the aisle, there is no magical solution to the pinch of inflation, including removing the price on pollution, which would literally be robbing Peter now to pay much more to Paul later. Times are indeed tough. According to Statistics Canada, in the past year alone the cost of heating oil in Whitehorse has increased as much as 80¢ a litre, and it currently sits at almost 60¢ a litre more than it did last fall with a similar increase in the price of diesel and regular gasoline. Since 2019, the price on pollution has increased about 13¢ a litre. Though, due to the fluctuations in oil and gas prices in September 2021, Yukoners were actually paying less per litre than they were in January 2019, the year the price on pollution was introduced. The increase in the price on pollution earlier this year was about three to four cents, while the price per litre overall has increased 60¢ to 80¢. Our price on pollution, which some refer to as the carbon tax, represents less than 5% of that overall increase. The Yukon government offers its own climate action rebate program. Much of the increase in fuel prices and the cost of living is tied to inflation, higher oil prices and global pricing decisions made by OPEC, along with the global economic impact of Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine and the lingering supply chain impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pricing pollution is the most responsible and economical way to reduce emissions in the long run, and while it has increased, it is not having the dramatic impact on inflation and rising prices that the opposition accuses it of. They are more focused on suggesting that devastating forest fires, melting permafrost and more severe storms are not happening because of anthropogenic global warming, and on suggesting that climate change is not wreaking havoc on our infrastructure, people and economy, rather than either coming up with alternatives to combat climate change or proposing concrete measures to support Canadians with these rising costs. Not only does Canada and Yukon offer rebates on the price on pollution, putting more money in the pockets of the average citizen than the price on pollution costs, but we are working to implement measures that would support Canadians through these difficult times. Our government has not only introduced measures such as the doubling of the GST tax credit for six months to help Yukoners struggling the most with higher prices, but also invested in a net-zero emission that runs on clean energy so we would not beholden to the decisions of OPEC. For Yukoners who rely on home heating fuel and are looking for an alternative, I hope they will explore the Canada greener homes initiative, which offers grants of up to $5,000 and low-interest loans of up to $40,000 to help transition homes and lower their emissions. Our government is investing in the jobs of tomorrow, as demonstrated by our fall economic statement, and is working to build the economy of tomorrow with investments in the sustainable jobs training centre and launching the Canada growth fund. The CGF is Canada’s low-carbon financing initiative, which would attract private sector investment in Canadian businesses and projects to help reduce emissions and deploy clean technologies that drive growth, achieve climate targets and capitalize on Canada’s natural resources and critical supply chains. Our fall economic statement also introduces a competitive clean technology tax credit of 30% of the capital cost of investments to ensure that Canada can compete with the United States in attracting clean technology developments. This credit would be critical for business, communities and individuals in the Yukon, as we look to green our economy and our energy grid, which is heavily reliant on fossil fuels. I just came from Yukon Geoscience Forum, where our government's critical ministerial strategy and our investments in moving to clean energy were welcomed enthusiastically. Clean energy needs mines, and mines need clean energy sources. The Yukon has a great future in both. The clean tech tax credit would be available for investments in electricity generation and storage systems, including run-of-the-river, tidal, and small modular nuclear reactors, all of which are potential components of long-term efforts to green the Yukon’s energy grid. It would also be accessible for low-carbon heat equipment and zero-emission industrial vehicles, such as those used in mining and construction. As one of the strongest economies in the G7, with an excellent international credit rating, and a debt-to-GDP ratio that continues to decline, we are facing headwinds in a strong economic position. Our communities in Yukon deal with long winter nights every year, but we know that spring, summer and the sun await us all, as they await all Canadians. Our government will be there to continue to help Canadians through what could be a dark winter. We will continue to base our decisions on data and facts. We will continue to build an economy that works for all Canadians.

1589 words

All Topics

Mr. Terry Duguid (Winnipeg South, Lib.)

Nov/21/22 2:00:05 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, I would like to send my heartfelt congratulations to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for the most successful regular season in their 92-year history. Although Winnipeg did not win the Grey Cup this year, its fans and the entire city of Winnipeg are grateful for the exciting season the team brought us. I would also like to congratulate the Toronto Argonauts for their Grey Cup victory. The team had an excellent season and put on a gritty and impressive championship performance. The Bombers were led by Mike O'Shea, who won his second consecutive coach of the year award, and quarterback Zach Collaros, who won his second consecutive trophy as the league's most outstanding player. I give a big shout-out to the four hometown athletes who were on the Bombers' roster this year, including Nic Demski, Brad Oliveira, Geoff Gray and Mike Benson, all of whom were born and raised in Winnipeg. We are so proud of them and the entire team.

166 words

Mr. Ron Liepert (Calgary Signal Hill, CPC)

Nov/21/22 2:01:09 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, like most members in this place, I took time on Remembrance Day to honour those who sacrificed so much for us, giving us the opportunity to participate in forums like this. At the same time, I also recognized our brave men and women of our Canadian Armed Forces. Too many Canadians take our freedom for granted, and Russia's attack on Ukraine should serve as a clear wake-up call. However, while we honour our brave men and women of the Canadian forces, both past and present, the government must start reinvesting in our military. Our funding is inadequate. Our equipment is out of date, and personnel are leaving the forces in greater numbers than are joining. Many of our veterans also need help, and again, the Liberal government is failing to adequately address our veteran situation. Whether it is the veterans who need help, or the current state of our military, the government is failing.

158 words

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

Nov/21/22 2:02:13 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay respect to Mr. Bill Saunders, a Newfoundland veteran of the Second World War, who passed away last week at the age of 101. Mr. Saunders joined the Royal Navy at 18 years old and was at sea when the first Allied vessel liberated Hong Kong from the Japanese in August 1945. He went on to be a dedicated member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 1 for over 70 years, until the age of 98. The best way to describe Mr. Saunders is through a quote from the Legion Branch president: “When he came through the door, everyone seemed to light up when they see him”. That just paints the perfect picture of the man he was, respected as a mentor and a teacher. As the number of World War II veterans remaining reduces, let us take the time to connect with veterans, hear their stories and learn from them. What they experienced and fought for, we must never forget. We pay respect to Mr. Bill Saunders and think of his friends, colleagues and families during this sad time. May he rest in peace.

193 words

Mrs. Claude DeBellefeuille (Salaberry—Suroît, BQ)

Nov/21/22 2:03:31 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, Quebec celebrates the social economy every November. When people purchase goods or services from the social economy, the whole community benefits. The social economy is about supporting businesses that care about community and local services. The social economy is about businesswomen and businessmen who value quality of life and citizen engagement. These are business leaders who prioritize quality of life over profit no matter what. Quebec's social economy is a big deal. We are talking $47.8 billion. We are talking 220,000 Quebeckers working for 11,200 companies all striving to change the economic landscape. I salute the Chantier de l'économie sociale for its dynamic involvement, the 22 regional hubs and every consumer across Quebec who chooses the social economy. On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I wish everyone a happy social economy month.

145 words

Mr. Peter Schiefke (Vaudreuil—Soulanges, Lib.)

Nov/21/22 2:04:42 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, every year during the holidays, the people of Vaudreuil—Soulanges come together to make the holiday season a happy one for everyone. With global inflation this year, it is more important than ever. I rise today to thank the organizations and individuals in my community who play a leading role. I want to thank organizations like Moisson Sud-Ouest, which provides food to 92 food banks and soup kitchens. I thank the incredible individuals who are working hard every day, people like Stéphane Spisak, Marie-Andrée Prévost and the entire board of directors, as well as all the employees and dedicated volunteers. I invite everyone in our community to support them. The easiest way to do so is to give generously to the media food drive, which will be held across Quebec on December 1. All proceeds collected will go toward helping put food on the table for seniors, families and kids over the holidays and into the new year. I invite all members of my community of Vaudreuil—Soulanges who can to give generously.

186 words

Mr. John Nater (Perth—Wellington, CPC)

Nov/21/22 2:05:49 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, in the summer of 1995, John Davidson pushed his son Jesse in his wheelchair across Ontario in what was known as “Jesse’s Journey”. What was the purpose of this journey? It was to raise funds and awareness for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In 1998, John walked across Canada to continue the journey. Along the way he would break a Guinness world record for the fastest crossing of Canada by foot, but more importantly, he raised another $1.5 million for Duchenne research. Since then, Jesse’s Journey has granted more than $16 million in research funding. Twenty-seven years after it all began, Jesse’s Journey is now Defeat Duchenne Canada. The name might have changed, but the purpose remains: a world where those born with Duchenne can live long and healthy lives. John Davidson, representatives from Defeat Duchenne Canada and Duchenne families, such as grade 7 student James Allen, who is living with Duchenne, are in Ottawa today. I hope all members will join me in welcoming them to Ottawa and committing to the hard work and resources necessary to defeat Duchenne and other rare diseases.

194 words

Mr. Adam van Koeverden (Milton, Lib.)

Nov/21/22 2:06:59 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, congratulations to the Toronto Argonauts on their record 18th Grey Cup victory, the most any Canadian professional football team has ever won. Chad Kelly, the backup quarterback for the Argos, came on for the injured McLeod Bethel-Thompson in the fourth quarter. A pair of touchdowns from AJ Ouellette, and the Argos were once again champions with a hard fought 24-23 victory over the strongly favoured Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Toronto linebacker Henoc Muamba had a key interception late in the game and was named the game's most valuable player and top Canadian. Henoc is only the second player in CFL history to be named both most outstanding player and most outstanding Canadian in the Grey Cup championship game. After 11 years in the league, this is Henoc's first Grey Cup, and he credited the positive culture on his team and the support of his family for his success. To the players and the coaches, the Argos staff and everyone in their locker room, their families, supporters and fans, and to the incomparable legendary Michael “Pinball” Clemons, we say congratulations. We thank them for playing the Canadian game with three downs, a larger field and our rules. Once again, I send my congratulations the Toronto Argonauts, the double blue, on their record 18th Grey Cup win.

222 words

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

Nov/21/22 2:08:12 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, this weekend I was honoured to march alongside Iranian Canadians as they demanded justice, justice for PS752, justice for Mahsa Amini and justice for victims of the Iranian regime's human rights violations. Canada shares in their calls for justice. Last week, our government announced another round of sanctions against the Iranian regime, targeting IRGC commanders, state-affiliated weapons firms and UAV manufacturing companies. These sanctions prohibit dealings with the listed individuals and entities, effectively freezing any assets they may hold in Canada and prohibiting them from operating in our country. Canada will not hesitate to use all diplomatic tools at its disposal to respond to the Iranian regime's aggressions, whether in Iran or abroad. We will attain justice for victims of flight PS752, for Mahsa and for the Iranian people.

134 words

Mr. Ted Falk (Provencher, CPC)

Nov/21/22 2:09:23 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, this coming Sunday is the first Sunday of what Christians call Advent. It is the first of four Sundays that anticipates the coming of Jesus. The Christian church has seen this as a time of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus the king. Here was God coming to us as a baby to live among us to invite us into a personal relationship with almighty God. Each Sunday in Advent represents God's promises of hope, peace, joy and love. That is what God wants to bring into this broken world. We read in the gospels of the wise men, the kings, the leaders of the time, bringing gifts to this baby because they knew something in this baby's coming merged truth, justice and mercy with this world. Still today, Jesus invites people to accept, through faith, the forgiveness that he offers and the gift of eternal life. I wish the Speaker, all members of this House and all Canadians across this beautiful country the hope, peace, joy and love of Jesus throughout this Advent season.

182 words

Ms. Ya'ara Saks (York Centre, Lib.)

Nov/21/22 2:10:34 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, November 20 is National Child Day in Canada. This special day honours our commitment to upholding the rights of children through two historic events: the signing and adoption in 1959 of the UN Declaration and in 1989 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. This year's theme is “8 Million Rising”. Across Canada there is a growing movement of young change-makers, who are standing up for their rights and speaking up for their generation. National Child Day is an important occasion to reflect on the progress to date and the challenges that remain, especially for indigenous, racialized and 2SLGBTQI+ kids. To support our children with the best start in life, our government introduced the Canada child benefit, lifting over 435,000 children out of poverty. It is building a nationwide system of high-quality, affordable child care, and it is laying the groundwork for a national school food policy to help ensure children are well nourished. Finally, it is implementing the Canada dental benefit for children under 12. Children are not just the future. They are leading in the present as well.

191 words

Mrs. Stephanie Kusie (Calgary Midnapore, CPC)

Nov/21/22 2:11:43 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, listen to this list of Canadians. Vanessa, a single mom in Calgary, just wants to use her minivan to drive her kids to school, to dance and to sports. Cooper in Chilliwack uses his truck to drive from his shop to his clients to use his plumbing skills all around the region. Flora heats her home in Newfoundland with oil to keep her and her husband Peter warm. Jackie thinks twice about turning up the thermostat a degree instead of deciding to just put on a sweater. Mark gets in his big wheeler in Milton at the crack of dawn to deliver food to grocers. What do these Canadians have in common? They are struggling to keep up with energy prices under the Liberal-NDP coalition, and to the Prime Minister, they are just polluters.

137 words

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

Nov/21/22 2:12:48 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, the Auditor General recently released a report, and the results are in: The federal government does not know if it is reducing chronic homelessness. Five years have gone by since the launch of the federal government's national housing strategy, yet there is no accountability for billions of dollars spent, while more and more people are living in tents and cars. This is unacceptable, and it is only getting worse right across Canada. The federal government must develop a clear strategy with timelines and targets for ending chronic homelessness, including a definition with measurable targets. The Liberals' plan to announce large amounts of money with no follow-up and zero accountability is not working, and it is failing Canadians. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has already spent $4.5 billion and committed $9 billion more to tackle homelessness, but cannot conclude if any of those funds have made a measurable difference. Canadians need leadership. Canadians need a plan. Canadians need homes built now. They cannot afford more of this wasteful and bad bureaucracy from the Liberal government.

180 words

The Speaker

Nov/21/22 2:13:51 p.m.
Watch

Order. I want to remind everyone that statements are being made and there are very important things being said. I want to make sure everyone can hear everything. Members talking among themselves should try whispering rather than talking across three benches or across the floor. The hon. member for Etobicoke Centre.

51 words

Mr. Yvan Baker (Etobicoke Centre, Lib.)

Nov/21/22 2:14:19 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 89th anniversary of the famine genocide in Ukraine, known as the Holodomor, when the Soviet Union closed Ukraine's borders and confiscated all food to destroy a Ukrainian population opposed to its rule. There were 19 people per minute, 1,200 per hour and 28,000 per day dying of famine at the height of the Holodomor. The world was silent, and millions died as a result. After World War II, we said, “Never again.” Year after year, here in this House, we commemorate genocides and atrocities, and we say, “Never again.” Right now, in Russian-occupied Ukraine, it is happening again. Russia is executing; Russia is torturing; Russia is raping women and even children. Russia is committing genocide in Ukraine. Let us learn the lessons of the Holodomor. The only way to stop this is for the world to help Ukraine liberate all occupied territories. If we do not do this, then millions of Ukrainians will become victims of a genocide; we will show that we did not learn the lessons of the Holodomor, and we will have lost the right to ever again use the words, “Never again.”

203 words