SoVote

Context: House Hansard - 181 - Apr/20/23

Mr. Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay (Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot, BQ)

Apr/20/23 2:03:01 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, today I want to pay tribute to a great constituent and a great Quebecker. I recently had the pleasure of bestowing, with my own hands, an honorary plaque acknowledging the full life and career of Yves Michaud. Originally from Saint‑Hyacinthe, he cut his teeth as a war correspondent and editorial writer at Clairon de Saint‑Hyacinthe. As such, he was a pioneer in the fight against obscurantism. He then became an MNA with the party of the Quiet Revolution, founder of the newspaper Le Jour, which published separatist ideas, diplomat as the delegate general of Quebec in Paris, president and CEO of the Montreal convention centre, precursor of the discovery of good French wine in Quebec and crusader against the abuses of powerful financial corporations as the “Robin Hood of the banks”. Yves Michaud has conducted his entire life as an unwavering patriot and a proud separatist. He deserves our utmost appreciation and honours from every Parliament. Thank you for everything, Mr. Michaud.

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Mr. Emmanuel Dubourg (Bourassa, Lib.)

Apr/20/23 2:04:04 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, Julie Sigouin and Mohammed Barhone are two well-known community leaders who, unfortunately, passed away recently. I would like to honour their memories today, here in the House of Commons of Canada. Julie was an engaged, tireless and very empathetic individual. She helped improve the lives of people through various community organizations in Montreal North, including Halte-Femmes Montréal-Nord in the riding of Bourassa. Mohammed was involved in the community for 25 years. At the organization RePère, he helped fathers develop their relationship with their children, mainly in Ahuntsic-Cartierville. He was also an advocate. On behalf of the citizens of Bourassa and myself, I offer my sincere condolences to their families and loved ones. May they rest in peace.

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

Apr/20/23 2:05:06 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak of a tale of two bridges, but, unlike the classic Dickens novel, there are no best of times. There are only the worst of times for the residents of Bolsover and Bobcaygeon. For three long years, two bridges under Parks Canada have been out of service, cutting communities in half. In Bolsover, residents must drive 20 minutes to re-enter their community just to buy groceries and get the mail. In Bobcaygeon, one of the busiest locks in the Trent-Severn Waterway is covered in tarps, with heaps of twisted, jagged metal leaning against historic monuments, cordoned off by traffic cones and bent metal fences. Sherry Peel, owner of the iconic Bigley Shoes, says that locals feel trapped and isolated. Taylor and Craig Poole, owners of Buckeye Marine, lament that there has been little communication and engagement with stakeholders. With no date of completion from Parks Canada, residents are feeling that the government simply does not care about them. I challenge the minister to listen to those affected by his department's reluctance and finally take action to help these communities.

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Hon. John McKay (Scarborough—Guildwood, Lib.)

Apr/20/23 2:06:15 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, last week I had the honour of leading 10 senior parliamentarians to Taiwan. All the while, the People's Republic of China conducted its war games overhead and at sea. The Taiwanese officials, on the other hand, were effusive in their welcome. From the president and the vice-president, to many other senior ministers, the Taiwanese appreciated the efforts of our delegation of Canadian parliamentarians from all parties to come alongside them during their time of routine bullying by China. President Tsai particularly appreciated the unanimous report of the Canada-China committee on Taiwan relations. We had an opportunity to ceremonially present it to the her in person. Taiwan has become the unfortunate centre of geopolitical tensions. It is important that Canada demonstrate our support for this young democracy, which is standing up for itself and for us against tyrannical bullying.

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Ms. Pam Damoff (Oakville North—Burlington, Lib.)

Apr/20/23 2:07:24 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, this Saturday, April 22, is Earth Day, which was first held in April of 1970. There are so many ways to get involved and demonstrate support for environmental protection. A few of the things that come to mind are becoming familiar with climate and environmental education, breaking free from single-use plastics, participating in a community cleanup, planting trees or donating funds to support the planting of trees, and fighting against fast fashion by supporting sustainable clothing. There are several community cleanups and tree-plantings taking place in my riding of Oakville North—Burlington this weekend, organized by BurlingtonGreen and The Oakville Community Centre for Peace, Ecology and Human Rights. This year, I will be there with a team once again to take part with our community. This year's theme is “Invest in Our Planet”, and I encourage all members to get out this weekend, get some fresh air and invest in our planet.

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Mr. Warren Steinley (Regina—Lewvan, CPC)

Apr/20/23 2:08:34 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, we recently lost a good one in Regina. Derek Meyers passed away on March 28. He was 45, he was an oil man, he was a sports broadcaster and he was the MLA for Regina Walsh Acres. Derek's passions were his family, friends and community, and he instilled these traits in his kids. Derek was one of the most positive and enthusiastic people I have ever met. His brother Darcy summed him up perfectly. With Derek, “It was the journey and the company that mattered, not the destination...It was about enjoying life together, building great memories and adding friends along the way.” Derek's friend Jill said, “The seemingly mundane in Derek’s world could become thrilling, joyful and full of ease and laughter.” Derek's sister Brandi compared him to the lightbulb. She wished her brother had not burned so bright because the brightest bulbs always burn out the quickest. I consider Derek my ”where and when” friend. Could he come play in a ball hockey tournament? “I am in. Where and when?” Want to come door-knocking in February? It is -30. “I am in. Where and when?” Hey bud, want to just meet up for a beer and just talk about our families, the Riders, anything but work? “I am in. Where and when?” Derek had three young kids, loved politics and sports. We had a lot in common. His infectious positivity just made a person feel better. Our thoughts and prayers are with his partner Laurie, kids Dayn, Sebastian and little Eisley. May my friend rest in peace. I will see him for beers again someday. I am just not sure where and when.

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Mr. Tony Van Bynen (Newmarket—Aurora, Lib.)

Apr/20/23 2:10:21 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today, proud to represent my community of Newmarket—Aurora and, most important, the broader community of York Region. Home to nine municipalities and over 1.2 million residents, York Region is one of the largest municipalities in Canada. As a former mayor of Newmarket, I know how important it is for all levels of government to work collaboratively and in partnership with one another. When we work together effectively, we can produce something more significant than any one of us could accomplish on our own. I want to thank Wayne Emmerson, the chair of the Regional Municipality of York, his staff and their mayors for coming to Ottawa to share their priorities, their issues, their concerns and the opportunities with our government. Let us continue to work together and accomplish the best for our communities.

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Ms. Melissa Lantsman (Thornhill, CPC)

Apr/20/23 2:11:18 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in honour of and in the memory of John Oostrom, the former member of Parliament from the riding of Willowdale, and a long-time resident of Thornhill. John passed away in early March of this year, leaving behind his wife and constant companion Sigi, three daughters, his grandchildren, nieces and nephews. John had a story like so many Canadians, immigrating here from the Netherlands to build a home and raise a family in a country with unlimited opportunity, where hard work paid off and service to the community was a calling. John was a successful businessman before he became the first Dutch-born Canadian elected in the House of Commons. We recognize John's service to Canada and to the Toronto area, and send our sincere condolences to his family, which attended his funeral this past week in Thornhill. May he rest in peace.

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Mrs. Shannon Stubbs (Lakeland, CPC)

Apr/20/23 2:12:15 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, our Conservative leader will never allow federal control over provincial resources. Since Confederation, then for the west in the prairie transfer agreements and in the 1982 Constitution, resource development is provincial jurisdiction. However, last week, news broke that the Liberal justice minister actually said that he would “commit to looking at” the prairie deal when asked if he would cancel it. Conservatives and prairie premiers immediately told him to back off from his threat, so then he said, “At no point did I commit... to reviewing” exactly what he committed to look at. The PM says that this is not what the NDP-Liberal costly coalition means, but, still today, neither he nor any one of them will outright confirm that they will uphold provincial jurisdiction. After eight years, they have killed billions in major projects, innovation, jobs, indigenous equity and opportunity and forced companies to flee Canada, because they do want control, to shut down parts of it. Their top target is always Alberta. However, an attack on one is a danger to all of us. A strong Alberta means a strong Canada. Therefore, the Conservatives will fix what they broke, keep westerners and all provinces in control—

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Mrs. Brenda Shanahan (Châteauguay—Lacolle, Lib.)

Apr/20/23 2:13:25 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight that this is National Volunteer Week, a very special time for us to recognize that life in our communities would be much more difficult, less cheerful and less united without the thousands of dedicated individuals who give of themselves to so many organizations and associations. I would like to commend them and thank them for their generosity and dedication. Whether in community, sports, recreational or cultural groups, their work is essential. I especially commend all those who volunteer in the very active riding of Châteauguay—Lacolle. I would also like to take this opportunity to highlight the outpouring of solidarity and mutual assistance shown by residents and first responders during the recent ice storm in our region.

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The Speaker

Apr/20/23 2:13:25 p.m.
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The hon. member for Châteauguay—Lacolle.

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Ms. Lisa Marie Barron (Nanaimo—Ladysmith, NDP)

Apr/20/23 2:14:22 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, today, I want to take a moment to celebrate an incredible group of improv students and their coach, William Taylor, from Ladysmith Secondary School. Ladysmith Secondary has long supported creativity and expression through one of theatre's most challenging art forms, improvisation. This style of performance bridges quick thinking with storytelling, creating magic for audiences and performers alike. In February, the team's talent collaborations and lots of practice led to a win at the Vancouver Island improv competition. As a result, the team recently travelled right here to Ottawa where it competed in Canada's improv finals. Over 300 talented teams came together from across Canada for this competition, yet the students from Ladysmith Secondary did not let that stop them and brought home a bronze medal. I am beyond proud of their work, their dedication and for showing all of Canada the incredible arts and culture found within the beautiful town of Ladysmith. Congratulations.

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Mrs. Marilène Gill (Manicouagan, BQ)

Apr/20/23 2:15:28 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-228

Mr. Speaker, pension plans are finally protected. The Senate has just passed Bill C‑228. After tabling this bill three times, every time I was elected, and after seven years of raising awareness, providing information, collaborating, coordinating, rallying public opinion and negotiating, I can finally say, to everyone who helped ensure pension plans would be protected in the event of bankruptcy or restructuring, “mission accomplished”. I want to offer my warmest congratulations to the Cliffs retirees, who approached me in 2015 to speak on their behalf in Ottawa. From the bottom of my heart, I thank the United Steelworkers for believing in this cause and supporting it from start to finish. Their voice has been heard. I also want to thank my colleagues in both houses. On a more personal note, I especially want to thank the member for Sarnia—Lambton. Workers and their unions are the ones who change things, and changing things requires strength, solidarity and respect.

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Mr. Eric Melillo (Kenora, CPC)

Apr/20/23 2:16:38 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, after eight years of the Prime Minister, Canadians are struggling more than ever. People are turning to food banks in record numbers, young people are worried that they will never be able to afford a home and people are struggling just to fill their gas tanks. This week, the NDP-Liberal coalition approved its new budget, which only features more of the same failed policies that have caused these issues in the first place. Thankfully, the Conservatives have a different solution. We are going to cap government spending to control inflation. We are going to get more homes built. We are going to make paycheques more powerful. We are going to scrap the carbon tax that is driving up the cost of gas, groceries and home heating. The Conservatives stand ready to jump into the driver's seat, bring it home for Canadians and fix what this coalition has broken.

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Ms. Arielle Kayabaga (London West, Lib.)

Apr/20/23 2:17:36 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, last week, I had the honour of going to Kigali in my capacity as a Canadian MP to attend the 29th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis in Rwanda. On April 7, we began the 100-day mourning period. Today, on Parliament Hill, we will be commemorating the genocide against the Tutsis where we will do our part in marching toward a world that truly represents the sentiment of "never again". Hate speech was one of the tools used to misinform and incite violence during that time, and today we continue to see hate speech propagated online. Complacency of this reality will not help us achieve "never again". We cannot sit silent while revisionism and genocide denialism prevails because then we risk facing another genocide, we risk destroying the healing that people have worked so much for. Let me say it in the House that genocide was against the Tutsis, and I personally condemn everyone who denies that. I personally commit to survivors to continue to use my voice and platform to bring awareness and to make sure that the road of reconciliation continues.

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Mr. Pierre Paul-Hus (Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, CPC)

Apr/20/23 2:18:57 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has developed a very particular type of incompetence. Since he was elected, he has increased the cost of bureaucracy by 50%. At the same time, he managed to convince the union to call the biggest strike in 40 years. Now, our veterans, immigrants, small businesses and Canadian taxpayers are deprived of services. How will the Prime Minister fix the mess he has created?

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Hon. Mona Fortier (President of the Treasury Board, Lib.)

Apr/20/23 2:19:29 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform my colleagues that public servants are people who provide important services to Canadians for the government. We are currently negotiating to make sure we have an agreement that is competitive, fair to employees and reasonable to taxpayers. We are working very hard at the bargaining table and we will continue to do so until we have an agreement.

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Mr. Pierre Paul-Hus (Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, CPC)

Apr/20/23 2:20:02 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, why is the Prime Minister not standing up and answering our questions? Why is the Prime Minister not working for Canadians? Is he busy planning another vacation with his friends at a Trudeau Foundation member's luxury hotel? He does not think about people waiting in line for their passports; someone takes care of that for him. He does not think about crowded airports; he has a private jet. He does not think about small businesses because he has never balanced a budget. Canadians want an answer. When will he finally get to work and fix the problem he created?

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Hon. Mark Holland (Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Lib.)

Apr/20/23 2:20:34 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, for the third day in a row, yes, the Prime Minister took a vacation over Christmas with his family in a house with his friends. That is the truth. For the third day in a row, yes, that is the case.

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Mr. Jasraj Singh Hallan (Calgary Forest Lawn, CPC)

Apr/20/23 2:20:54 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, it takes a special type of Liberal incompetence to not only blow up the bureaucracy by 50%, spending $21 billion of taxpayer money, while also causing the largest public sector strike seen in 40 years. Even before the strike, those Liberals were breaking records, creating massive backlogs at passport offices, Service Canada, airports and immigration. Apparently not even the public servants could stand the Liberal government's incompetence anymore. Could the Prime Minister stand up and inform the House how it feels to break the record for government incompetence?

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