SoVote

May/2/23 2:00:16 p.m.
Watch

Before I go to Statements by Members, I want to remind hon. members that, when they bring friends to the House of Commons, especially when they are in the back by the lobbies, they should make sure they keep the volume of their friends down a bit. During a couple of speeches, there was lots of noise going on in the lobbies. I would ask that members keep their conversations down a minimum roar so that conversations can be held here in the House of Commons.

86 words

Mr. Michael Coteau (Don Valley East, Lib.)

May/2/23 2:00:57 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, health care workers are the backbone of our health care system in Canada, and members of the Service Employees International Union play a crucial role in delivering quality care to patients across this country. From PSWs and nurses to support staff and caregivers, these dedicated individuals work tirelessly to ensure that Canadians receive the best possible care. Through their hard work and dedication, SEIU members have helped to improve health care outcomes for millions of Canadians. They were on the front lines during the pandemic, putting their own health at risk to care for others. However, their contributions go beyond just health care. SEIU members are also leaders in advocating for better working conditions and fair wages, not just for themselves but for all workers. I would like to invite all members of the House to join the SEIU this evening at 6 p.m., in room 325 in the Wellington Building, to take a moment to recognize members' invaluable contributions and personally thank them for their service.

170 words

Hon. Erin O'Toole (Durham, CPC)

May/2/23 2:02:00 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, this morning, parliamentarians, members of the military, veterans and the mental health community gathered for the 10th annual Sam Sharpe mental health breakfast. We heard a song from Terry Kelly and a keynote speech from retired Major Mark Campbell, a 30-year veteran of the military, a proud PPCLI officer and someone who was gravely injured on his second tour in Afghanistan, losing both lower limbs and suffering from major physical and mental injuries. He spoke in raw form about his recovery from the mental and physical wounds of service. He spoke about the impact of those wounds on Donna and their children. He spoke about his frustration with Ottawa and challenged us to do better as a nation. However, Mark also provided hope, talking about how the Soldier On program and peer supports helped him, as well as how we are making progress. That is why Roméo Dallaire and I started this breakfast 10 years ago. I want to thank the Hon. Roméo Dallaire. I also want to thank the hon. member for Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound and Senator Rebecca Patterson, two great veterans themselves, for carrying on this important discussion on mental health each Mental Health Week. We must honour those who serve. This event gives hope, healing and purpose to our veterans and first responders.

226 words

Mr. Francesco Sorbara (Vaughan—Woodbridge, Lib.)

May/2/23 2:03:32 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, yesterday evening, I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Canadian icon Gordon Lightfoot. With a career spanning over six decades, Lightfoot's music captured the hearts of generations of Canadians and fans worldwide. His songs reflected the Canadian experience, from the vast beauty of our country's landscapes to the struggles and triumphs of our people. The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald remains a haunting and powerful commemoration of the people who lost their lives in a tragic event. Lightfoot's talent and contributions to the Canadian music industry were widely recognized. He received many accolades throughout his career, including from the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, and won numerous awards, including the Order of Canada and the Governor General's Performing Arts Award. As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his legacy, which will live on in the dynamic Canadian soundscape he helped shape. On behalf of all Canadians, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Gordon Lightfoot will be greatly missed, but his music will live on forever.

179 words

Mr. Sébastien Lemire (Abitibi—Témiscamingue, BQ)

May/2/23 2:04:37 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, Quebeckers will have two new reasons to watch NFL games. Two of our own heard their names called in the draft last week. Victoriaville's Matthew Bergeron was selected in the second round by the Atlanta Falcons, after an outstanding run on the offensive line at Syracuse University and the Cégep de Thetford. The 23-year-old bulldozer is expected to clear a path straight to the end zone for running back Bijan Robinson. Sidy Sow, another titanic offensive lineman, will stick closer to his native Bromont after being drafted in the fourth round by the New England Patriots. A standout player for Eastern Michigan and Champlain College, his extraordinary athleticism will be a crucial part of Bill Belichick's efforts to return to the top of the division. Quebec has become a hotbed of talent, and Quebeckers will proudly follow these two young men, just as they followed Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and Tshimanga Biakabutuka. I wish our new NFL pros a great season.

168 words

Ms. Anju Dhillon (Dorval—Lachine—LaSalle, Lib.)

May/2/23 2:05:42 p.m.
Watch
Re: Bill C-233

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my eternal gratitude to my colleagues in this chamber, who voted unanimously for Bill C-233, also known as Keira’s law. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Senator Dalphond, who sponsored the bill in the Senate, and the senators, organizations and individuals who supported this fundamental change to the Criminal Code of Canada. Last week, the bill received royal assent. My colleagues have all worked together to help break the cycle of violence and empower those who are suffering. This legislation will strengthen laws surrounding domestic violence and coercive control. For the first time ever under the Criminal Code, coercive control will have to be taken into consideration, since it is guaranteed that all judges will receive training on domestic violence and coercive control. In addition, electronic bracelets will provide greater safety and peace of mind for complainants. This law sends a clear message to abusive spouses: Our justice system is equipped to monitor all aspects of their behaviour, even the subtle and devious ones.

174 words

Mr. Earl Dreeshen (Red Deer—Mountain View, CPC)

May/2/23 2:06:56 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, May 2 is Curly Hair Day. Giant axonal neuropathy is a rare childhood genetic disorder; it affects the nervous system, and it is terminal. There are 73 cases of GAN in the world. Two such cases are in Alberta. One of these is our grandson, Julian. There are international pilot projects that could offer unique research therapies for this and other genetic conditions, but what we lack is the ability to seamlessly coordinate such projects. One of the symptoms that led to the diagnosis of GAN for Julian was his tightly curled hair. This marker, which is so obvious in this disorder, sparked an initiative called Hannah's Hope Fund, which calls for May 2 to be Curly Hair Day. To support these children and their families in the struggle for a cure, I encourage members to think about them every May 2.

145 words

Mr. Patrick Weiler (West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, Lib.)

May/2/23 2:07:57 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honour the memory of Garry Watson, a founding father of Whistler ski resort. He was as responsible as any person for making Whistler the greatest ski resort and ski community in the world. In 1960, Garry saw the potential that Whistler presented as a world-class ski resort, and he dreamed that it would one day host the winter Olympics. By 1966, he had helped open the area to skiers. Garry served three terms on Whistler council, including its inaugural edition, and he was instrumental in creating the vibrant and walkable town centre that makes the village special. He helped create and sustain a world-renowned model for workforce housing with the Whistler Housing Authority, and he consistently gave back to the community, including through the Whistler Community Foundation and Whistler Health Care Foundation. Garry was rightly awarded a well-used lifetime ski pass, freedom of the municipality, the Citizen of the Year award and the Community Achievement Award from B.C.’s Lieutenant Governor. Garry’s dream for Whistler was eventually realized when it hosted the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Beyond these achievements, Garry will forever be remembered as a loving husband and someone who was always a willing and cherished mentor.

210 words

Ms. Jennifer O'Connell (Pickering—Uxbridge, Lib.)

May/2/23 2:09:05 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, I recently met with a constituent of mine, Patty Seyers, who bravely shared her story of survival after sexual violence and the revictimization that survivors often face throughout the justice system process. Patty mentioned that publication bans are meant to protect the identity of victims, but they are too often used to protect the accused and even perpetrators found guilty of sexual-based crimes. Many survivors and advocates are on the Hill this week, hosting an event tonight called My Voice, My Choice with the member for Victoria. I encourage all members to listen to this advocacy and support passing legislation to give back survivors’ voices, choices and consent. It took Patty four years to have the publication ban on her case lifted. Today, I wanted to use the voice I have in this place to tell her story and share the bravery of so many others like her who are sharing their experiences to bring change and equality to our justice system.

166 words

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

May/2/23 2:10:11 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise as the co-chair of the Canada-Netherlands Parliamentary Friendship Group to recognize the very special bond between these two countries. In anticipation of May 5, Dutch Heritage Day, we will be celebrating in Ottawa this afternoon. In Holland, May 5 is, of course, the day Dutch people celebrate Bevrijdingsdag, or Liberation Day, when Canadian soldiers played a major role in their liberation during World War II. For this reason, I am pleased to invite all members of Parliament to join us this afternoon for a special reception with the Netherlands’ ambassador to Canada, hosted by the Speaker. We look forward to marking this special occasion with all members as we continue our work to grow the special relationship between Canada and the Netherlands, be it through commerce, culture or people-to-people ties. It goes without saying that the million-plus Canadians of Dutch descent have played a major role in shaping Canadian culture and society. Fijne Bevrijdingsdag. I wish everyone a happy Dutch Heritage Day.

175 words

Mr. Anthony Housefather (Mount Royal, Lib.)

May/2/23 2:11:14 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, in April, members of Parliament observed commemorations of the Holocaust, the Armenian genocide and the genocide in Rwanda. Remembering is vital, but education is equally important, if not more so. Racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and other forms of hate are proliferating today at an alarming rate, especially online. We need our children to know about the history of genocide and where hate can lead. I want to congratulate the Foundation for Genocide Education and its founder, Heidi Berger, for working with the Government of Quebec over the past eight years to create an online teaching guide featuring case studies of nine 20th century genocides. The French version of the guide has been available to high school history teachers across Canada since 2022, while the English version has been available since April 27. I again call on our provinces and territories to introduce mandatory genocide education, using the guide “Studying Genocide” as the main resource, so that Canada’s youth will learn the consequences of hate and intolerance.

174 words

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

May/2/23 2:12:25 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the mayor of Baie‑Saint‑Paul, Michaël Pilote, had to declare a state of emergency because of the devastation caused by heavy rainfall. However, that was not all. Two firefighters who went to the rescue of people trapped by the flooding in Saint-Urbain were carried away by floodwaters. They are still missing. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of these two heroes. It is with great humility that I wish to honour the sacrifices of first responders. They put their heart and soul into helping their fellow citizens. They give everything they have to help those in danger. Members of the Paramedic Association of Canada are in Ottawa to meet with their MPs, tell them about the challenges they face every day and show them how dedicated they are to the well-being of Canadians. Firefighters, police officers and paramedics deserve our respect. All Canadians have a place in their heart for these first responders because they recognize how important first responders are and how difficult their job is. No one appreciates them better than those who have needed their services in the past. We hope that the two firefighters who were swept away will be found safe and sound. Let us remain hopeful.

215 words

Mr. Eric Melillo (Kenora, CPC)

May/2/23 2:13:41 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, after eight years under the Prime Minister, Canadians are struggling; however, Conservatives have a plan to make Canada work for the people who do the work. We will bring home lower prices by ending inflationary deficits and scrapping the carbon tax on gas, groceries and home heating. We will bring home more powerful paycheques by cutting taxes and clawbacks to reward hard work, as well as bringing in homes that people can afford by getting rid of the gatekeepers and freeing up land to build on. We will bring home safe streets by ending the Liberals' broken catch-and-release bail system. We will bring home freedom from foreign election interference and woke government censorship. We have a lot of work to do, but we are ready to get into the driver's seat. We are going to bring it home for Canadians.

145 words

Mrs. Élisabeth Brière (Sherbrooke, Lib.)

May/2/23 2:14:41 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, today I want to talk about Mental Health Week. This year's theme, “My Story”, is about sharing stories and experiences with others to improve our mental health, fight stigma and help others feel less alone. Talking about mental health is important every day, but this week is an excellent opportunity to highlight how important it is to be aware of our own mental health and that of those around us. A great way to learn more is to visit the Wellness Together portal or check out the resources at mentalhealthliteracy.org. Together, we can build a better, healthier future for everyone, a future in which all Canadians know enough about mental health to recognize when their family members, their friends or they themselves are struggling and know how to access the mental health support they need. Let us take care of each other.

148 words

Ms. Laurel Collins (Victoria, NDP)

May/2/23 2:15:46 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, thousands of people across Canada are unable to access crucial support because of gaps in identification services. In Victoria, the Community Social Planning Council is working to change this through its monthly ID clinics. It has helped over 750 individuals in our community. The council's team helps underserved community members to obtain verified copies of their identification. This means that they can access a range of essential services, including housing, health care, banking, immigration services and employment. Without a physical copy of their ID, an individual is excluded from most aspects of our social safety net. When I recently met with their executive director, Diana Gibson, she shared that their ID clinics would not be able to continue to operate without over $210,000 of annual funding. They have been unable to find federal funding to sustainably support their clinics. These are some of the most marginalized members of our community, and we need the government to fund these services, to invest in the future and to give opportunities to Canadians from all socio-economic backgrounds. My thanks go to the Community Social Planning Council for all the important work it does.

195 words

Ms. Kristina Michaud (Avignon—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia, BQ)

May/2/23 2:17:01 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, the wet spring has caused many rivers in Quebec to overflow, and many municipalities are grappling with severe flooding. In Lanaudière, residents have had to evacuate, and the situation in the Outaouais and Laurentides remains critical. In Charlevoix, Baie‑Saint‑Paul has been divided in two by the Gouffre River, which tragically swept away two firefighters yesterday. They are still missing. Our hearts go out to their loved ones as they await news, and to everyone whose lives have been turned upside down by the forces of nature. Even after the flood waters recede, residents' troubles will be far from over. Repairing the damage will take a lot of effort, and going back to life as normal will take an act of courage. To help our constituents overcome this ordeal, we have a vital role to play as their elected representatives. We have a duty to make ourselves useful, contribute toward solutions and come to the aid of the hardest-hit disaster victims. In the face of this spring flooding, we must show unwavering solidarity.

181 words

Mr. Adam Chambers (Simcoe North, CPC)

May/2/23 2:18:10 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, a cloud hangs over the “Sunshine City” as we mourn the passing of the legendary Gordon Lightfoot. Gordon Lightfoot was born in Orillia in 1938. He sang choir at St. Paul's United Church and performed on numerous occasions at the ODCVI high school. It was his connection to the Canadian atmosphere and the environment around him that made him special. He is to Canadian music what the Group of Seven is to Canadian art. Indeed, Gordon said, “I simply write the songs about where I am and where I’m from”. His presence was synonymous with the Mariposa Folk Festival. He headlined it countless times and even supported the festival when it struggled financially. In 2022, he was inducted into the Mariposa Hall of Fame. Tom Wilson perhaps said it best: “Gordon Lightfoot lives in our blood; he’s the soundtrack to some of our greatest and most beautiful memories as well as some of our biggest disasters and has comforted us in those times.” We extend condolences to his family and friends and thank them for sharing Gordon and his talents with us.

195 words

Mr. Ryan Turnbull (Whitby, Lib.)

May/2/23 2:19:26 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, well, I have fantastic news for Durham Region to share today: 104 new electric buses and charging infrastructure, 8,000 tonnes of carbon emissions reduced per year and $74 million in federal support. That is $12 million in funding through the Canada community building fund and $62 million in financing through the Canada Infrastructure Bank. This large investment in zero-emission buses will dramatically improve the public transit system that connects our region, making it easier to get around while improving air quality and helping fight climate change. It is innovative federal financing like this that helps regional governments like Durham Region afford the needed updates to our public transit infrastructure. Unlike the Conservatives, our government invests in communities and infrastructure, demonstrating concrete action for a greener and more sustainable future. It is a great day for Durham Region.

141 words

Ms. Anju Dhillon (Dorval—Lachine—LaSalle, Lib.)

May/2/23 2:20:40 p.m.
Watch
Re: Bill C-233

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my eternal gratitude to my colleagues in this chamber who voted unanimously for Bill C- 233, also known as “Keira’s law”. I express my heartfelt appreciation for Senator Dalphond, who sponsored my bill at the Senate, and senators, organizations and individuals who supported this fundamental change to the Criminal Code of Canada. This bill received royal assent last week. We have all worked very hard to break the cycle of violence and empower those who are suffering. This legislation will strengthen laws surrounding domestic violence and coercive control. For the very first time in the context of the Criminal Code, coercive control will be taken into account, because all judges will now be required to receive training on intimate partner violence and coercive control. Electronic monitoring devices will also provide complainants with greater safety, security and peace of mind. This law sends an unmistakable message to violent intimate partners.

160 words

Hon. Pierre Poilievre (Leader of the Opposition, CPC)

May/2/23 2:21:54 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, for two years, the government knew that an agent for Beijing made arrangements to intimidate the family of a Canadian MP in response to a vote in the House of Commons. The government knew about this two years ago, yet it kept the agent accredited, allowing him to continue threatening the MP's family and other Canadians of Chinese origin. Why did the Prime Minister not take action?

71 words

SoVote

House Hansard - 189