SoVote

Decentralized Democracy

House Hansard - 144

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
December 8, 2022 10:00AM
Context: House Hansard - 144 - Dec/8/22
The Speaker
  • Dec/8/22 3:15:20 p.m.
  • Watch
All those opposed to the hon. member moving the motion will please say nay. It is agreed. The House has heard the terms of the motion. All those opposed to the motion will please say nay.
36 words
All Topics
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border
Hon. Karina Gould (Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Lib.)
  • Dec/8/22 3:15:45 p.m.
  • Watch
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. It troubles me greatly that during question period, while the member for Fredericton was asking me a question, the member for Haldimand—Norfolk called her an anti-Semite. I would ask that she withdraw that comment and apologize for it. It is unacceptable to say such things in this place.
60 words
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border
The Speaker
  • Dec/8/22 3:16:23 p.m.
  • Watch
I was not aware of that, but I will look into it and come back to the House, if necessary. The hon. member for Haldimand—Norfolk is rising on a point of order.
34 words
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border
Ms. Leslyn Lewis (Haldimand—Norfolk, CPC)
  • Dec/8/22 3:16:40 p.m.
  • Watch
Mr. Speaker, that unequivocally did not happen. I would like the recording replayed. It did not happen. I do not speak like that. I do not speak to my colleagues like that. I respect my colleagues across the floor equally. I do not do that. That did not happen.
49 words
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border
The Speaker
  • Dec/8/22 3:17:14 p.m.
  • Watch
I would ask members to place their questions and comments through the Chair. It seems there was a possible misunderstanding. I do not want this to turn into a she-said-she-said. The hon. minister.
36 words
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border
Hon. Karina Gould
  • Dec/8/22 3:17:25 p.m.
  • Watch
Mr. Speaker, I hope the blues are checked. It was something that I heard as I was preparing to answer the question. It shocked me greatly. We do not use that kind of language in this House. I am quite troubled by it.
43 words
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border
The Speaker
  • Dec/8/22 3:17:39 p.m.
  • Watch
I will look at the Hansard to see if anything was recorded. If it was, then I will come back to this; if not, we will let it rest. The hon. member for Haldimand—Norfolk.
36 words
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border
Ms. Leslyn Lewis
  • Dec/8/22 3:17:53 p.m.
  • Watch
Mr. Speaker, I do require an apology. If this did not happen, and I know unequivocally that it did not happen, I require an apology.
25 words
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border
The Speaker
  • Dec/8/22 3:18:15 p.m.
  • Watch
As I said, I will check the Hansard and come back to the House, if need be.
17 words
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border
The Speaker
  • Dec/8/22 3:18:46 p.m.
  • Watch
  • Re: Bill C-32 
It being 3:18 p.m., pursuant to order made on Thursday, June 23, the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion at third reading stage of Bill C-32. Call in the members.
42 words
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border
The Speaker
  • Dec/8/22 3:47:12 p.m.
  • Watch
  • Re: Bill C-32 
I declare the motion carried.
5 words
All Topics
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border
The Speaker
  • Dec/8/22 3:47:17 p.m.
  • Watch
I wish inform the House that, because of the deferred recorded divisions, Government Orders will be extended by 12 minutes.
20 words
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border
Mr. Luc Berthold (Mégantic—L'Érable, CPC)
  • Dec/8/22 3:47:52 p.m.
  • Watch
Mr. Speaker, since this may be our last Thursday question of 2022, I would ask the government House leader to tell us what the business of the House is for the rest of this week and for next week, the last week before members return to their ridings for the holidays.
51 words
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border
Hon. Mark Holland (Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Lib.)
  • Dec/8/22 3:48:18 p.m.
  • Watch
Mr. Speaker, that is a good question. We will continue our discussions about when the House will adjourn for Christmas. This afternoon, we will continue debate on the Conservative Party's opposition day motion. After that, we will vote on the adoption of the supply for the current period. Tomorrow, we will be begin debate at report stage of third reading of Bill C-9, the judges bill. Next week priority will be given to Bill S-8, the sanctions legislation; Bill S-4, COVID-19 justice measures legislation; and Bill C-18, the online news act.
97 words
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border
Mr. Francesco Sorbara (Vaughan—Woodbridge, Lib.)
  • Dec/8/22 3:49:22 p.m.
  • Watch
Mr. Speaker, it is great to recommence speaking to such an important topic, but also on our government's record of assisting Canadians at this period of time. Our government is well aware that many Canadians are struggling to put food on the table during this period of high inflation. We go to the grocery store and cannot help but feel discouraged to see the price of the food we eat every day continue to rise. Milk, meat, bread, fruit and vegetables all cost more now. Many families across the country are struggling to make ends meet these days because of inflation. However, it is important to remember that inflation is a global phenomenon, and food inflation is no exception. It is the result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and has been exacerbated by Vladimir Putin's illegal and barbaric war in Ukraine. To make things worse, snarled supply chains are affecting people and businesses around the world. However, there is some room for hope in Canada. While inflation was 8.1% in June, it is now down to 6.9%, lower than what we see in many peer economies. For example, in the United States, it is at 7.7%. The EU is in double digits at 10%, and in the United Kingdom is 11.1 %. Still, inflation at 6.9% in Canada is too high. I do personally, as an economist, forecast inflation going down in the quarters ahead, which will bring much needed relief to Canadian families. On the bright side of things, as we are all bracing for a global economic slowdown, I believe there is no country better placed than Canada to weather the coming global economic slowdown and thrive in the years ahead. Indeed, Canada has an unemployment rate near its record low, as more than 500,000 more Canadians are working today than at the beginning the pandemic. We also have the strongest economic growth in the G7 so far this year and the lowest net debt and deficit-to-GDP ratios in the G7. On top of that, our country maintains its AAA credit rating from all three rating agencies. However, we understand that a large number of Canadians will continue to struggle. The next few months will be difficult for our friends, families and neighbours because of inflation. Many Canadians need help to get through the crisis, and our government is there for them. For example, with our affordability plan, we are putting forward a suite of measures totalling $12.1 billion to help Canadians make ends meet and provide for their families. It is important to note that the measures we are putting forward are not pouring unnecessary fuel on the inflation fire. They only provide targeted, fiscally responsible help to those who need it most. I would like to remind my colleagues what our affordability plan has to offer. It would enhance the Canada workers benefit and put up to $2,400 more in the pockets of modest-income families. That would assist nearly three million Canadian workers on a yearly basis. We will cut regulated child care fees by an average of 50% by the end of this year. As I noted in the first two minutes of my speech prior to question period, my family received news that, for little Leia, who is in day care now, the fees have been reduced by 25% and a further 25% will occur by the end of the year. That is great news for not only my family, and we are quite blessed, but also for families who need that assistance and help. There is a 10% increase in old age security, which we had put in prior to the increase in global inflation. This will be $800 more for over three million seniors aged 75 and up who need it the most. Regarding dental care, over 35,000 Canadians have signed up for their children under 12. These Canadians have incomes under $90,000 a year and do not have private insurance. We will make a $500 payment to 1.8 million low-income renters who are struggling with the cost of housing. There is the doubling of the GST credit for six months, which is providing additional relief to 11 million individuals and families. Everything is indexed to inflation. As I mentioned earlier this week, when speaking to Bill C-32, then finance minister Paul Martin introduced the indexation of all benefits of all marginal income tax rates to avoid what is called “tax creep” due to inflation. It was very important. It was one of the largest tax cuts ever introduced in Canadian history and provided a boost to incomes. It is great to see that continue. When we think about the increase in the cost of living, it is due to the cost of groceries, of course, but it is also due to the cost of housing. Our government believes that everyone should have a safe and affordable place to call home. That goal was taken as a given for previous generations, but it is increasingly out of reach for far too many Canadians. Rents continue to climb across the country, pushing people further and further away from where they work. With Bill C-31, we move forward with a one-time top-up to the Canada housing program. This will provide a tax-free payment of $500 to low-income renters, and 1.8 million Canadians will receive this. This payment will provide direct assistance to those who are most vulnerable to inflation and those experiencing housing difficulties. These 1.8 million low-income renters include students who are struggling to pay for housing, and they will be eligible for this new assistance. This one-time top-up is part of a broader set of initiatives introduced in budget 2022. It will invest more than $9 billion to help make housing more affordable, including by alleviating the supply shortage, which is one of the main causes of the high cost of housing, particularly in the GTA. In addition, with Bill C‑32, our government is moving forward with its ambitious package of measures to build more homes and make housing more affordable across the country. In order to help Canadians afford a down payment faster, Bill C-32 proposes to move forward with a new tax-free home savings account. This account would allow prospective first-time homebuyers to save up to $40,000 tax-free toward buying their first home. As with the registered retirement savings plan, or RRSP, contributions would be tax deductible and, as with the tax-free savings account, or TFSA, withdrawals would be non-taxable. The tax-free first home savings account is a new tool that will help prospective first-time homebuyers save for a down payment. We will also enhance the first-time homebuyers' tax credit. The professional fees associated with real estate transactions are another hurdle. That is why we are proposing to double the first-time homebuyers' tax credit. The enhanced credit would provide up to $1,500. I know my time is winding up, so I will stop there. I look forward to questions and comments from my hon. colleagues from all sides of this hon. place.
1216 words
All Topics
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border
The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Carol Hughes)
  • Dec/8/22 3:57:22 p.m.
  • Watch
I commend the hon. member for his French. We will now move on to questions and comments. The hon. member for Longueuil—Saint-Hubert.
25 words
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border
Mr. Denis Trudel (Longueuil—Saint-Hubert, BQ)
  • Dec/8/22 3:57:31 p.m.
  • Watch
Madam Speaker, I also commend my colleague for his French. He has really made a lot more effort than some. He spoke more in French than many of the Liberal members from Quebec that we have heard speak recently in the House. I commend him and thank him for that. He spoke a lot about housing. Today, the federal housing advocate released a report on homelessness that is rather critical of what is currently happening in Canada. I will read an excerpt from her press release, which states, and I quote: “Today, the Office of the Federal Housing Advocate released a series of research reports on homeless encampments that confirm a human rights crisis is unfolding in cities across Canada”. Here, in a G7 country, we are experiencing a human rights crisis when it comes to housing and homelessness. How will the government respond to that report?
149 words
All Topics
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border
Mr. Francesco Sorbara
  • Dec/8/22 3:58:29 p.m.
  • Watch
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question this afternoon. As regards housing and the cost of living across the country, it is very important to bring in measures to help all Canadians. On the housing front, with the measures put in place by the fall economic statement, some of which will flow through Bill C-32 and the upcoming housing accelerator fund, we will work with all levels of government to ensure that the housing supply is boosted for Canadian families, for first-time buyers and for Canadians from coast to coast to coast.
96 words
All Topics
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border
Mr. Charlie Angus (Timmins—James Bay, NDP)
  • Dec/8/22 3:59:10 p.m.
  • Watch
Madam Speaker, it is always important to help the Conservatives deal with their deep political amnesia. Let us go back to before Doug Ford tried to rip up the charter rights of janitors in schools and before Doug Ford tried to pave over the greenbelt to help wealthy investor pals. Do colleagues remember his very first act? It was to attack the carbon-trading system that existed in Ontario, because the people in Ontario did not pay a carbon tax. It was Conservatives who brought a carbon tax into Ontario and then stamped their feet, shouted and hollered while Ontarians had to pay a carbon tax they never had to pay before. That was all because of Doug Ford. Why is it that the Conservatives come up with one dumb plan after another to hurt ordinary people and then blame everyone else for the things they have inflicted on us?
150 words
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border
Mr. Francesco Sorbara
  • Dec/8/22 4:00:06 p.m.
  • Watch
Madam Speaker, the hon. member always has insightful commentary. I have had the opportunity to travel with the member for a number of days, and I got to know him as well at committee. I consider him a friend. Our government will continue to put in place measures that will continue to help Canadians deal with the affordability issues we see due to global inflation. We will continue to move this economy forward. We will continue to create good jobs and good futures for Canadian families across this beautiful country that we are blessed to call home.
97 words
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border