44th Parl. 1st Sess.
February 9, 2023 10:00AM
- Feb/9/23 2:11:25 p.m.
- Watch
Mr. Speaker, after eight years of the Liberal government's soft-on-crime policies, our justice system is broken.
Recently, OPP Constable Greg Pierzchala, a Barrie resident, was murdered by a violent repeat offender who was out on bail. Constable Pierzchala died a devastating and preventable death. I would like to send my deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
In response to this tragedy, OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique has stated, “a minority of offenders commit most of the crime in Canada, and the chronic nature of re-offending by these individuals is not adequately recognized in current bail and sentencing practices.”
Due to the Liberal government's elimination of mandatory prison time for violent offences, criminals are given free reign to terrorize our communities. The result of this failed policy is clear. Last year in Toronto, there were 44 shooting-related homicides. Of those 44 criminals, 24 were out on bail.
After eight years, the Prime Minister needs to take responsibility for his failures. He needs to listen to premiers, police associations and community advocates and reform Canada's broken bail system.
186 words
- Hear!
- Rabble!
- add
- star_border
- share
- Feb/9/23 2:12:33 p.m.
- Watch
Mr. Speaker, it is African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia. Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook is marking the occasion by celebrating the cultural legacy achievements and contributions of people of African descent in our country.
This year's theme is “Seas of Struggle—African Peoples from Shore to Shore”, which recognizes the strength and determination of the people of African descent, from the shores of Africa to the shores of Nova Scotia. There will be a full slate of events, including local celebrations, film screenings, a light show, performances and much more.
As always, the Black Cultural Centre is at the centre of it all. We have seen the centre grow its national profile in recent years. Last summer, it hosted the Prime Minister for the historic No. 2 battalion apology, when the Prime Minister recognized all of the work and research that it did.
Let us all continue to celebrate Black history this month and beyond.
160 words
- Hear!
- Rabble!
- add
- star_border
- share
- Feb/9/23 2:13:39 p.m.
- Watch
Mr. Speaker, every day I hear from countless people in my riding voicing their frustrations as they try to survive under this Liberal-made affordability crisis.
After eight years under the Liberal government, everything in Canada is broken. After eight years, Canadians are out of money and cannot afford to eat, heat or house themselves. Just when we think it cannot get any worse or more expensive, the carbon tax is, again, increasing on April 1. It is no surprise that Canadians are turning to their food banks as this is their only means to feed their families.
After eight years, the government has plagued the country with travel woes, passport and immigration backlogs and affordability crises; offers of MAID as a solution instead of assistance; eased bail access for criminals; and eliminated mandatory minimum sentencing for offenders.
After eight years, it is time for the Liberal government to come to an end. The Conservatives will keep the heat on and take the tax off.
165 words
- Hear!
- Rabble!
- add
- star_border
- share
- Feb/9/23 2:14:39 p.m.
- Watch
Mr. Speaker, after eight years, the Liberal government has only made life more difficult for Canadians. Its ideological policies and lack of leadership are affecting all Canadians, and things are only getting worse.
After eight years, this government still has not resolved the immigration file. People are waiting months, if not years, for an answer from IRCC. This puts a huge burden on families and businesses.
After eight years, Service Canada still cannot respond to passport and EI applications, leaving some of our most vulnerable citizens with no money to put food on the table.
After eight years, this government continues to hurt farmers with ridiculous policies that are increasing production costs and forcing Canadians to use food banks more than ever.
After eight years, inflation is at a record high. The carbon tax is making everything more expensive.
The government does not realize that this failed policy is not working. A Conservative government, with our new leader, will put Canadians back in control of their lives. Enough is enough. It is our turn now.
175 words
- Hear!
- Rabble!
- add
- star_border
- share
- Feb/9/23 2:15:48 p.m.
- Watch
Mr. Speaker, I am deeply saddened by yesterday's tragedy in Sainte-Rose, Laval. St. Augustine defined the nation as a multitude of rational beings, united by the objects of their love. This is a dark time for Laval, for Quebec and for the entire country. We are here, we stood with you yesterday, we stand with you today, and we will stand with you tomorrow.
I want to thank all the first responders and all those who lent a hand. I pay special tribute to the staff at day cares and schools who went to work this morning, to brighten the day of our little ones who deserve only love, tenderness and to be safe. This tragedy reminds us that we cannot allow the darkest part of ourselves to triumph over the best.
I send my thoughts and prayers to my constituents and the victims.
147 words
- Hear!
- Rabble!
- add
- star_border
- share
- Feb/9/23 2:17:16 p.m.
- Watch
Mr. Speaker, today Canadians for Tax Fairness released a damning report on how the richest corporations in Canada used the Canada emergency wage subsidy to get richer and avoid paying taxes. The report shows most of the large Canadian corporations that took public subsidies during the pandemic used tax havens, paid out dividends to shareholders during the pandemic, increased their total dividend payout, did share buybacks and actually reduced their overall employment.
Once again, Canada's political and corporate elite are lining up at the trough to use public money for their own private gain. When it comes to tax fairness, whether Liberal or Tory, it is the same old story. They do not stand up to these corporations. They refuse to bring in a windfall tax, refuse to increase the corporate tax rate and refuse to go after their friends who use tax havens.
Canadians have had enough. Working people and people on fixed incomes are struggling, and only the NDP is calling for action. It is time to stand up to corporate Canada and take back what it owes Canadians.
182 words
All Topics
- Hear!
- Rabble!
- add
- star_border
- share
- Feb/9/23 2:18:21 p.m.
- Watch
Mr. Speaker, today marks the halfway point of Quebec's Suicide Prevention Week. I should warn my colleagues that this year's theme is blunt: “Prevention is Better than Death.”
It can never be said often enough: Preventing suicide means talking about it. We all have a duty to create an open, welcoming space where nothing is taboo and everyone feels free to express themselves. We have a duty to remember that no one is immune to mental distress. This distress, this suffering, exists, but we need to speak up, dare to talk about it, and remember that mental health problems are health problems, that they do not define us, and that they are treatable. We must remember that help is available, and above all, we must simply remind our loved ones that they are important to us and that we love them.
145 words
- Hear!
- Rabble!
- add
- star_border
- share
- Feb/9/23 2:19:23 p.m.
- Watch
Mr. Speaker, after eight years of the Liberal Prime Minister, inflation is at a 40-year high.
After eight years of the Liberal Prime Minister, half of Canadians are cutting back on groceries.
After eight years of the Liberal Prime Minister, 20% of Canadians are skipping meals.
After eight years of the Liberal Prime Minister, the average rent in Canada’s 10 largest cities has doubled.
After eight years of the Liberal Prime Minister, half of variable rate mortgage holders say they will have to sell or vacate their homes this year because interest rates are at a 23-year high, and nine out 10 young people think they will never be able to buy a home.
After eight years, a bunch of random Liberals, including Mark Carney, Bill Morneau and John Manley, blame the government’s spending from before, during and after the COVID pandemic for the inflation crisis we are in right now.
After eight years, there is hope. Conservatives are ready to form a new government to clean up this mess.
176 words
- Hear!
- Rabble!
- add
- star_border
- share
- Feb/9/23 2:20:26 p.m.
- Watch
Mr. Speaker, a horrifying and unprecedented tragedy occurred in my riding. A Société de transport de Laval bus crashed into the Garderie éducative Ste-Rose on Terrasse Dufferin in Laval, killing two young children and seriously injuring six.
This is so, so sad, and the children, their families and the day care workers are in my thoughts. I am deeply distressed. I want to thank the first responders—the firefighters, police officers and paramedics—as well as the people who were on the scene.
I thank my many colleagues of all parties for their sympathy and condolences following this devastating tragedy. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families affected.
116 words
- Hear!
- Rabble!
- add
- star_border
- share
- Feb/9/23 2:22:23 p.m.
- Watch
Mr. Speaker, this week, the Parliamentary Budget Officer is slamming the government for deciding that it was not worth trying to recover the $15 billion that was overpaid to large corporations in wage subsidies. This is money that they should not have received and that comes out of the pockets of Canadians. That is the equivalent of $1,000 for every Canadian family.
When will the Prime Minister finally go after the money that was illegally given to these big companies?
82 words
- Hear!
- Rabble!
- add
- star_border
- share
- Feb/9/23 2:23:07 p.m.
- Watch
Mr. Speaker, I will remind the hon. member that he has access to it, as it is the public record. Last week, at the public accounts committee, the commissioner of revenue made clear that verification work on determining eligibility for the various COVID emergency programs is ongoing.
It was the CRA public employees who, in a very focused way, helped to administer the various programs that were put in place during COVID. They are now carrying out the vital verification work. This work is taken seriously. It is a fiscally responsible approach. The member voted for it. Let us continue.
100 words
- Hear!
- Rabble!
- add
- star_border
- share
- Feb/9/23 2:23:43 p.m.
- Watch
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister's top tax collector, Bob Hamilton, the commissioner of revenue, said, “it wouldn't be worth the effort” to review and recover the $15.5 billion paid out illegally to these corporations. He said that it would not be worth the effort.
Fifteen billion dollars equals $1,000 for every single household in Canada. It is money taken from working-class single moms who cannot feed their kids and given to wealthy corporations with connections to the government. Why will they not take back the money that was illegally taken and give it back to Canadians?
103 words
- Hear!
- Rabble!
- add
- star_border
- share
- Feb/9/23 2:24:25 p.m.
- Watch
Mr. Speaker, the opposition leader talks about Canadians. Where was he at the height of the pandemic? When Canadians needed their government, he was talking about an austerity agenda, he was talking about cuts and he was not behind the various programs that helped to sustain this country.
The work of the CRA continues, as I mentioned before. It is ongoing. It is serious, and it is focused. In fact, the member should check the record. In November 2020, it was he and his party who voted to stop that work on the part of the CRA.
97 words
- Hear!
- Rabble!
- add
- star_border
- share
- Feb/9/23 2:24:57 p.m.
- Watch
Mr. Speaker, that is absolutely false. Where was I? I was in the House telling the government that it should not pay wage subsidies to corporations that were wealthy enough to pay out dividends, bonuses and share buybacks. That is where I was.
Now, we find out that it gets worse and that there were 37 corporations that received wage subsidies worth $81 billion that paid out dividends to their wealthy shareholders. This was not money for workers. It was money for the wealthy. Why is it that the government always gives more to the “have yachts” by taking from the have-nots?
105 words
- Hear!
- Rabble!
- add
- star_border
- share
- Feb/9/23 2:25:40 p.m.
- Watch
Mr. Speaker, again, when it comes to vital COVID programs that helped to keep businesses going, the member was against all of that. The key fact about the wage subsidy is that small and medium-sized businesses in particular were kept going throughout the pandemic. That is what we have to keep in mind.
In fact, when it comes to the vital avoidance and evasion work carried out by CRA, the Conservatives had cut the CRA budgets and it could not do that work effectively. In 2015 and onward, we have invested in CRA to carry out avoidance work and evasion work. Investigations are up, as are criminal convictions and time spent in jail among those convicted.
117 words
- Hear!
- Rabble!
- add
- star_border
- share
- Feb/9/23 2:26:19 p.m.
- Watch
Mr. Speaker, it is absolutely true that we were able to collect taxes from powerful corporations while having less bureaucracy at CRA. We delivered more for less. By contrast, the Prime Minister's top tax collector says he does not have the resources to go after the $15 billion the Prime Minister gave in illegal wage subsidies to these powerful corporations.
This is an agency that has added 10,000 additional tax collectors. What are they doing? They are going after the little guy. Why will they not go after the Prime Minister's corporate friends instead?
97 words
- Hear!
- Rabble!
- add
- star_border
- share
- Feb/9/23 2:27:00 p.m.
- Watch
Mr. Speaker, if they want to talk about the little guy, I have been talking to small business owners and charitable organization representatives across this country, and they say to me every time I meet with them, “Thank you for the Canada emergency wage subsidy. We would not have been able to keep our doors open, and we would not have been able to keep our people employed, had it not been for this vital and crucial support at the height of the pandemic.” Unfortunately, we have the Leader of the Opposition saying that it did not want big government and it did not want to help Canadians during that time.
We took a different approach. We were there for Canadians when they needed us, and we will continue to be there.
134 words
- Hear!
- Rabble!
- add
- star_border
- share
- Feb/9/23 2:27:40 p.m.
- Watch
Mr. Speaker, the member should talk to her colleague, who just admitted that I voted in favour of supporting small businesses during the pandemic. However, on this side of the House, we are against fraud. There has been $15 billion in overpayments given directly to the largest corporations, which should not have received it. Now, the Prime Minister's top tax collector says he is not going after the money. He will just leave it in the hands of those corporations. This money equals $1,000 for every household in Canada.
Why do the Liberals put the burden on Canadians who are drowning in debt rather than the powerful corporations that are swimming in profit?
115 words
- Hear!
- Rabble!
- add
- star_border
- share
- Feb/9/23 2:28:23 p.m.
- Watch
Mr. Speaker, I will absolutely say that our government is against fraud as well, and for every dollar we invest in the Canada Revenue Agency, we get five dollars back from people who have avoided their taxes. That is a fantastic return on investment.
Let us be clear: The CRA is working hard to get back the wage subsidies that were given to people in error. Our government also put in place regulations to make sure companies that put money toward profits have those monies clawed back. There is a windfall tax on the banks and insurance companies as well.
We are doing the right thing. We are sticking up for Canadians.
112 words
- Hear!
- Rabble!
- add
- star_border
- share
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Prime Minister refused to challenge the misinformation on the Charter of the French Language at the Standing Committee on Official Languages. He even refused to correct this misinformation to reassure anglophone Quebeckers about the real effects of Bill C-13 and Bill 96. He is not challenging the misinformation and he is not correcting it. If he is not denouncing and correcting it, then he must be condoning it.
At the end of the day, is the position held by the members for Saint-Laurent, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Westmount and Mount Royal on French in Quebec also shared by the Prime Minister? Is that it?
114 words
- Hear!
- Rabble!
- add
- star_border
- share
- menumenu
- notificationsnotifications
- home
- mailmail
- searchsearch
