44th Parl. 1st Sess.
April 24, 2023 11:00AM
Madam Speaker, the budget contains much inflationary pressure. There is $15 billion for an infrastructure bank that never built a project and another $15 billion for a slush fund in the Canada growth fund with no details on what that is about. Although there is such an crisis in affordable housing, as there is in my riding, the budget has $5.5 billion dollars to build only 4,500 spaces and remove barriers to building maybe another 100,000. That is a huge gap, and it is another inflationary pressure.
Could the member comment on that?
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Madam Speaker, that goes back to the same idea we noticed here. The government spends too much and achieves too little. If this continues to be the case, there is no hope that we will see any actual results.
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Madam Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Kingston and the Islands.
I am pleased to rise today to talk about our budget. As the member for Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Rural Development, I am pleased to talk about its impact on rural Canadians from coast to coast to coast.
This budget is based on our plan to grow our economy, fight climate change and continue to make life more affordable for Canadians in every community. The previous Conservative government cut the rural secretariat; by contrast, our Liberal government appointed the first federal minister of rural economic development to ensure that federal programs are adapted to the unique realities and needs of rural communities and allow those communities to finally have a dedicated voice at the cabinet table.
Our government recognizes that rural communities are the cornerstone of our economy. When rural Canada succeeds, the rest of Canada is stronger for it. The Minister of Rural Economic Development and I have travelled across the country to remote and indigenous rural communities and they shared their priorities with us directly. They also talked about how we can work together to ensure that every community has what it needs to prosper.
From what we heard, the top priority of rural communities is to close the connectivity gap to ensure that every Canadian has access to reliable, affordable high-speed Internet no matter where they live. We are making this happen.
Since 2015, our government has made $7.6 billion available for expanding access to this essential service. The universal broadband fund, with its budget of more than $3.2 billion, is the largest federal investment in broadband in Canada's history. That is 10 times the investments of all the previous governments combined. We have consistently increased funding for the fund to ensure that we are on the right track to exceed our objective of connecting 98% of Canadians by 2026 and 100% of Canadians by 2030.
Last fall, we added $485 million to the fund to continue our work. I want to point out that the Conservative Party voted against those essential investments every chance it got. Those significant investments helped compensate for the previous Conservative government's 10 years of inaction. In 2014, only 79% of Canadians had access to high-speed Internet, while today 93.5% of them do. That is real progress.
Since the fund was launched, over $2.2 billion in funding has been announced for 260 projects and six federal-provincial funding arrangements. The money announced will make it possible for over 950,000 households, including over 29,000 indigenous households, to get affordable and reliable high-speed Internet access. The universal broadband fund has already helped provide high-speed Internet access to over 200,000 underserved households across the country, and 80,000 additional households should have improved access by the end of the year.
In Quebec, almost 100% of households are covered by projects that will get them connected to high-speed Internet. That would not have been possible without the investments that we made and our partnership with the provincial government. The fund makes it possible to offer access to reliable high-speed Internet at an affordable price. Affordability is an issue that is of concern to many Canadians living in rural areas.
Despite the progress made on connectivity and rebuilding our economy following the pandemic, global inflation means that many Canadians are still finding it hard to put food on the table. That is why the 2023 budget includes new targeted supports for the most vulnerable Canadians to help them with the cost of living while working to build the economy of tomorrow, an economy that benefits all Canadians and gives them the means to prosper.
I would like to focus on one of these affordability measures, the new grocery rebate. We know that staples are more expensive today, especially in rural areas where the cost of living is higher. These higher prices are a source of great stress for families. That is why we are proposing $2.5 billion to lessen the effects of inflation in a targeted manner for 11 million low-income families. On average, a couple with two children will qualify for up to $467 more, single Canadians without children will receive up to $234 and seniors will receive up to $225 more. We have shown that, as a government, we are there for Canadians when they need us, as is the case with the Canada child benefit. This measure will put more money in the pockets of Canadian families and seniors who need it most.
Investments in budget 2023 will strengthen Canada's health care system, allocating $198.3 billion for reducing backlogs, expanding access to family health services and ensuring that the provinces and territories can provide the top-quality health care that Canadians deserve. The budget also introduces a new Canadian dental care program that will benefit up to nine million Canadians. This program will guarantee that no Canadian family will have to choose between dental care and paying bills at the end of the month. These investments will bring real changes to the daily lives of Canadians in rural regions. Parents should not have to worry about the cost of their child's dental checkup. Seniors should be able to consult a doctor without having to worry about travelling too far because there are no doctors in their community.
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- Apr/24/23 2:00:37 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, today, I rise to celebrate a family-operated Canadian business of which I am very proud. I want to congratulate the Primucci family on the 60th anniversary of their delicious Pizza Nova brand. For many years, the Primucci family has been sharing the rich taste of Italy with Canadians.
Pizza Nova is more than just great food; it is a a labour of love since 1963. Pizza Nova stands for passion, for family, friends and delicious pizza. I am happy to share this moment of celebration with it today. People can say thanks and congratulations by taking their families for an authentic Italian pizza in one of the 150 locations in southern Ontario to celebrate its 60th anniversary.
On behalf of my husband Sam and I, and our community, we offer our most sincere congratulations to Sam and Gemma Primucci, founders of Pizza Nova chain, and to their terrific family members who have grown it into a very successful franchise operation.
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- Apr/24/23 2:01:46 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, I recently had the pleasure of joining in the recognition of fishing legend, Bob Izumi, who hails from Chatham-Kent in southwestern Ontario.
Bob recently received a rare honorary membership to the all-party parliamentary outdoor caucus in recognition of his outstanding work in promoting fishing, family activities and environmental stewardship. Bob is known across North America for hosting Canada's longest-running syndicated television series, Bob Izumi's Real Fishing Show, which ran for 38 years.
It is also great to see Bob pay tribute to his father Joe, who, in addition to raising Bob, his sisters Lynn and Georgina, and brother Wayne, while working two or more jobs, also made time to teach community bowling, baseball and organize Canada's first-ever bass fishing tournament right here in Kent county.
I thank Bob for representing his community and country with so much dignity and his ever-present smile.
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- Apr/24/23 2:02:57 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, with majestic landscapes, stunning wildlife, rich and diverse culture, and sophisticated cities, Canada has so much to offer.
The millions of Canadians employed in the tourism sector are proud to show visitors our national treasures like the old-growth forests, beaches and coastal indigenous art on the Pacific coast, Banff National Park in the Rockies, stunning Niagara Falls in Ontario, la richesse historique et culturelle de la ville de Québec, and the quaint, historic village of St. Andrews.
The truth is that Canada's economy, from coast to coast to coast, is powered by tourism. Tourism is pivotal for social cohesion, and our cultural ambassadors who work in this space are instrumental in showing the world our cultures and values.
With the coming launch of our new tourism growth strategy, Canada is committed to helping this sector reach its full potential by attracting more people to choose careers in tourism, attracting and supporting events big and small right across the country, and investing in the people and the infrastructure that will set tourism up for success now and into the future.
As co-chair of the all-party parliamentary tourism caucus, I want to wish everyone a happy Tourism Week. I encourage members to highlight the wonders of their ridings, and the workers and businesses that help share them with the world.
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- Apr/24/23 2:04:09 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, today marks the start of Tourism Week, so I want to take this opportunity to invite everyone to come and experience Quebec's wonders and hospitality.
Tourism is in our nature, whether in the regions or in the city. Quebec is known for its wide open spaces and majestic river, for its breathtaking landscapes where a hike quickly becomes an adventure for everyone. Everyone should come and discover urban Quebec, with its architecture that is unrivalled in North America, its cultural offerings and nightlife.
Come discover how indigenous peoples, who have been here for thousands of years, helped shape Quebec's history, geography and tourism. The friendship between Quebeckers and first nations has spanned more than four centuries. Visit any of the 17 tourism regions in Quebec and meet our friendly people, who are always happy to welcome tourists and help them explore the numerous events and festivals that take place throughout summer and winter.
Welcome to Quebec, a country larger than life.
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- Apr/24/23 2:05:25 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, Eid al-Fitr is one of the most important days in the Islamic faith. To the Muslims in Nepean, and all across Canada, I wish them, again, Eid Mubarak.
After a month of fasting and spiritual reflection, Eid al-Fitr is a joyous occasion for communities and a time of celebration. I celebrated Eid and exchanged Eid greetings with thousands of Muslim Canadians at the event hosted by the Muslim Association of Canada last Friday.
Let us find inspiration from the values of compassion, gratitude and generosity that are at the heart of Islam. This is also an opportunity to recognize the many contributions Muslim Canadians have made, and continue to make, to the socio-economic development of our country. Muslim Canadians have strengthened the rich multicultural fabric of Canada.
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- Apr/24/23 2:06:25 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the Patro de Charlesbourg will turn an important page in its history this spring. Carolle Pelletier will step down as executive director and take her well-deserved retirement after 35 years of good and faithful service.
Ms. Pelletier started going to the community centre at the age of 12. In 1989, the board of directors named her assistant director of this venerable institution in the riding of Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles. She then became acting director and then, in December of that same year, executive director, heralding the start of major changes within the institution.
Ms. Pelletier is the living memory of the Patro de Charlesbourg, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. She embodies that very precious connection among the board of directors, staff, volunteers and the community. For 35 years, she has upheld the Patro de Charlesbourg's mission, which is to contribute to the well-being of people of all ages through recreation, sport and community support. Over the past few years, I had the pleasure of spending time with Ms. Pelletier and working with her on various projects. I was always impressed by the vision, passion and dedication of this great woman. On behalf of the people of Charlesbourg and myself, I thank Carolle and wish her a wonderful retirement.
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- Apr/24/23 2:07:56 p.m.
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[Member spoke in Punjabi]
[English]
Mr. Speaker, today, I want to commemorate two extraordinary events.
Dasmesh Darbar Gurdwara hosted the world's largest Sikh nagar kirtan parade in Canada's fastest growing city of Surrey. There were 700,000 who people gathered from all across the country and abroad to celebrate the birth of the Khalsa. For miles, all one could see was a sea of chunnis, turbans, floats, flags and lots and lots of food.
I want to give a big thanks to all the sevadars, the volunteers and the sponsors, who made one of Canada's greatest events happen this weekend.
Then today, the Liberal Sikh caucus and the Ottawa Sikh Society hosted a three-day Akhand Path celebration of Vaisakhi, Khalsa Day and Sikh Heritage Month. This is the only such event continuously done in any Parliament in the world and something of which all Canadians should be proud.
A special thanks goes out to all the Hill staff and volunteers, and especially the Khalsa Aid volunteers who came out and made this an amazing Sikh Heritage Month.
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- Apr/24/23 2:08:55 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, it is my absolute honour and pleasure to be hosting over 40 Hispanic and Latin American leaders to the House of Commons today, including, for the very first time, a member of the Latinx LGBTQ2 community.
With representatives from Victoria to Nova Scotia and four provinces, they are in Ottawa to build relations with parliamentarians, to exchange knowledge and information, and to network.
There are over one million Canadians of Hispanic or Latin American descent in Canada today. It is a community that is often not very visible, but its members are top lawyers, business leaders, journalists, scientists, doctors, urban strategists, educators, heads of community organizations and so much more. Their contributions are immeasurable and they embody the words “diversity is our strength” for indeed their contributions make Canada a stronger, better country. Through their hard work and dedication, this growing community will play an important role in Canada's future growth and prosperity.
Gracias to the leaders of the Hispanic and Latin American Canadian community. They are an inspiration not only within the community but to all Canadians.
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- Apr/24/23 2:10:24 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, while the Prime Minister was off enjoying a free luxury trip last Christmas, many Canadians were wondering if they would be able to make their mortgage payment or their rent payment. It is clear that when the Prime Minister was talking about sunny ways back in 2015, he was actually talking about his Trudeau Foundation funded trips to Jamaica.
We already know the Communist regime in Beijing donated over $200,000 to the Trudeau Foundation. We also know the special rapporteur, who will be investigating foreign interference in the 2021 election, was a member of the Trudeau Foundation until just weeks ago.
There is only one way to get to the bottom of this never-ending story between the Prime Minister, Communist Beijing and the Trudeau Foundation: an open, independent public inquiry.
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- Apr/24/23 2:11:15 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, on April 18, I was on hand to congratulate the Hon. Gurbax Singh Malhi as he was presented with the key to the City of Brampton in recognition of his outstanding achievements as a trailblazer for the Sikh and South Asian community. His service and dedication to strengthening diversity in Canada is truly commendable.
As the first Sikh member of Parliament, his persistence on wearing his turban resulted in a historic change in the rules with respect to wearing headgear in the House of Commons.
Mr. Malhi’s legacy of breaking barriers, fighting for equality and being a strong advocate for public service is an inspiration not only for us, but for generations to come.
I want to thank the Brampton city council for recognizing Mr. Malhi’s community service with this well-deserved honour.
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- Apr/24/23 2:12:28 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, last week, I spoke with constituents, who are rightfully worried that their summer travel plans and passports will be derailed again this year, this time because of the strike.
Instead of offering a solution, what was the minister responsible for passport’s advice? Just do not apply for a passport, which is incredibly tone deaf for my constituents and all Canadians.
Even worse, the minister went on to say that any primary documents submitted with a passport application, such as a birth certificate or citizenship certificate, could not be returned until after the strike. Therefore, for the many Canadians who applied for a passport in the last couple of weeks, their documents are now stuck with Service Canada until the strike ends.
It takes a special type of incompetence for the Liberals to spend 50% more on bureaucracy and still end up with the biggest public service strike in 40 years.
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- Apr/24/23 2:13:08 p.m.
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I want to remind everyone that S.O. 31s are taking place and I know we want to hear what people have to say. Hopefully it is about what is going on in their ridings and is something special to them.
The hon. member for Langley—Aldergrove.
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- Apr/24/23 2:13:49 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, 150,000 public service workers are out on strike and once again Canadians are paying the price for the Prime Minister's total incompetence. He had two years to do a deal, but he dropped the ball and failed to bring it home. Instead, he is spending $20 billion a year more on federal bureaucracy, yet delivering poorer services. To top it all off, he has caused the biggest strike in a generation. That takes a special degree of incompetence.
After eight years of the Prime Minister's terrible mismanagement of the economy, his inflationary spending and waste are having a devastating impact on Canadians, including public service workers.
The Conservatives will bring back common sense into the budgetary process to ensure that taxpayers get value for their money, which includes an effective, efficient and motivated public service. It is time to bring it home.
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- Apr/24/23 2:14:37 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, with National Volunteer Week recently behind us, I would like to take a moment to honour the many volunteers in my riding of Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of meeting many of these volunteers, who give so generously of their time, talent and energy for the sake of others. They strengthen the fabric our communities and make a huge difference in the lives of the people around them. In a world that is changing by the minute, they make a vital contribution to the well-being of our communities. We all know that times are hard. People of all ages need help, and volunteers answer the call without asking for anything in return.
Their commitment benefits us all and deserves recognition and support. For that reason, I would like to express my deep gratitude to all the volunteers who contribute their skills and time for the good of their fellow citizens.
To all the volunteers, thank you.
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- Apr/24/23 2:15:35 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the world just marked Earth Day and Canadians understand that climate change is an existential crisis. However, our actions have not met our aspirations or the urgency required. We must significantly reduce our fossil fuel usage.
A clear majority of Canadians want the oil and gas sector to do its fair share. Oil and gas accounts for just 5% of our economy, yet is responsible for 26% of Canada's emissions. That is more than any other sector.
To meet our targets, Canada must reduce emissions 60% below 2005 levels by 2030. Done right, this transition will lower household energy costs, create more sustainable jobs and allow us to reach our climate targets for the first time in history. To do so requires a hard legislated cap on oil and gas emissions in Canada.
I urge the government to hold the oil and gas sector to these necessary and urgent targets. Our planet's health and that of all species living on it depend on it.
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- Apr/24/23 2:16:42 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, on April 21, 2004, the Bloc Québécois member for the riding of Laval Centre, Madeleine Dalphond-Guiral, moved Motion No. 380, which recognized the 1915 Armenian genocide as a crime against humanity.
Twenty years earlier, as early as 1980, the government of René Levesque was one of the first to recognize the unspeakable tragedy of the massacre of 1.5 million people, or two-thirds of the Armenian population.
Every year, April 24 marks the day we commemorate that genocide. Men, women and children were murdered in cold blood. It was a genocide, the crime of all crimes.
Today, I stand before you to once again repeat the word “genocide”. It is a difficult word to hear, but out of a duty to remember, we must say the word for those who are still victims of genocide today, so we never forget.
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- Apr/24/23 2:18:47 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, as a result of the Public Service Alliance of Canada strike vote, over 700 CAF members at CFB Petawawa are left without hot water or heat because the workers manning those utilities are not considered essential.
This is absurd. Supporting the men and women who keep us safe in an increasingly volatile world is among the most essential of jobs. The government needs to either declare these workers essential or end the strike as soon as possible and turn the heat and water back on at CFB Petawawa.
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