SoVote

Context: House Hansard - 201 - May/29/23

Mr. Bob Zimmer (Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies, CPC)

May/29/23 1:47:13 p.m.
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Re: Bill S-5

Mr. Speaker, we originally talked about supporting the bill. We are absolutely for the environment. We are conservationists at heart across the way in the opposition here. However, one thing we are deeply worried about is the government's over-regulation. I come from northern B.C., where oil and gas is a big part of what we can give the world in terms of reducing pollution. I was also just up in Yukon, talking to them about critical minerals and getting those developed. However, they say that with the government's over-regulation, instead of getting it developed within eight years, it is going to take at least 30 years. Therefore, here we are seeing more red tape being added to getting our resources developed with this legislation. Can the member answer this question: What is he going to do to actually see some of the good things that Canada produces get to world markets?

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Mr. Richard Cannings

May/29/23 1:48:07 p.m.
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Re: Bill S-5

Mr. Speaker, I spent much of last week in Washington, D.C., with the international trade committee. We talked to quite a number of legislators and congressmen, and almost every one of them brought up this issue: How are we going to get materials mined so that we can get the clean tech of tomorrow going? They all said that what the United States needs is a mining impact assessment system like Canada's system. They held up Canada's system as the shining example of how things should be done. Therefore, I do not know what concerns the Conservatives have. Apparently, from the outside world, we are seen as leaders in developing mines and developing them properly, so that we have not only a clean environment but also the materials we need for the future.

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Ms. Elizabeth May (Saanich—Gulf Islands, GP)

May/29/23 1:49:14 p.m.
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Re: Bill S-5

Mr. Speaker, now that we are at the last stage of the bill, third reading, it is not that the Green Party has reservations, as my colleague just said. Unfortunately, the Green Party is now against the bill because it would weaken our ability to regulate toxic chemicals across Canada and because it only pretends to create the right to a healthy environment. It is a right that cannot be enforced; it is basically a bumper sticker and not a right. Again, everyone who is concerned about the environment across Canada and various environmental groups are being told that the government will bring out a new version of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act really soon. What is my hon. colleague's honest assessment of how likely this is and when it may happen?

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Mr. Richard Cannings

May/29/23 1:50:05 p.m.
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Re: Bill S-5

Mr. Speaker, I agree with the member for Saanich—Gulf Islands. However, I am not holding my breath. I think that if the government wanted to do this right, it would have done it right the first time. All I would say is that my private member's bill has that enforceability part baked into it and extends it to the other parts of the Canadian federal legislation on the environment. It carves out CEPA, because of issues around that legislation, but I would hope the government would use this as a model to fix CEPA once and for all.

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Mr. Kevin Lamoureux

May/29/23 1:50:50 p.m.
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Re: Bill S-5

Mr. Speaker, I tend to disagree with the leader of the Green Party and the suggestion about looking at the right to a healthy environment. At the end of the day, it is incorporated into the legislation. I suspect that what we will see will be more information being provided on the issue of those rights in the coming days, weeks and months ahead. I think we need to recognize that this is a significant step forward, where we have a government policy, in essence, making it very clear. It is more than just a policy; it is done through legislation. Canadians have a right to a healthy environment. I wonder if the member could provide his thoughts in regard to how important it is to talk about this. There has been a lot of discussion about the environment in general, but when we get a statement of that nature in law, it is a significant step forward. Obviously, it is not going to resolve all the issues. Mechanisms, protocols and so forth need to be established. At the very least, we have a government for the first time that is actually incorporating that sort of a principle in legislation. Would he not agree that the incorporation of a right to a healthy environment is good for all Canadians?

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Mr. Richard Cannings

May/29/23 1:52:14 p.m.
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Re: Bill S-5

Mr. Speaker, obviously, I think it is a good idea that we have a right to a healthy environment embedded in some legislation. I would say that the government was so timid about this that when they first brought forward Bill S-5, that right was only in the preamble. It had to be moved into the body of the text to have any legal impact at all. However, we are hearing now that it is unenforceable, as all kinds of civilian actions towards this bill are, and we need that changed. Yes, this is a step in the right direction. As in so many things with the government, better is always possible. I would hope that we would see some movement very quickly to fix this so that Canadians can truly have that right to live in a healthy and clean environment and back it up with some accountability for government actions.

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Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Lib.)

May/29/23 1:53:26 p.m.
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Re: Bill S-5

Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to be able to rise and speak to legislation that will have a very positive impact on Canadians. If we listen to what Canadians are talking about, we often hear the issue of the environment coming up. Within the Liberal caucus, I can assure people who are following the debate that, whether it is me or members of the Liberal caucus, we have a high degree of sensitivity in wanting to ensure that what we are doing here in Ottawa reflects Canadians' desires and interests in terms of what they are telling us. Canadians tell us that the environment does matter and that it counts. We have a government in a minority situation. They would like to see members of Parliament, on all sides of the House, recognize the importance of the issue of the environment and start taking actions to support the words we use during an election. We see the position that the official opposition is taking on the environment. I want to use two examples. Today, it is all about Bill S-5 and what is happening with it. It is about how the Conservative Party has once again made a change towards the environment. I would suggest that this is a negative change. This is consistent with what the Conservative Party did in the last federal election. We constantly get criticized by the Conservatives regarding a price on pollution. Most Canadians see and recognize the value of this, as do other countries and jurisdictions around the world. They see that pollution should not be free and that there should be a price on pollution. However, only the Conservative Party of Canada here in the House of Commons, from the get-go, said it opposed a price on pollution. After being tuned up by Canadians, it actually said it is now in favour of a price on pollution. In the last federal election, every one of the members sitting here today actually said they agreed with a price on pollution in their election platform. They all campaigned on it. However, with a new, shiny, ultra-right leader, they now say they do not support a price on pollution. How is that relevant to the debate we are having today? It is relevant because not that long ago, about two weeks ago, the Conservatives were telling Canadians that they voted in favour of Bill S-5 and they thought Bill S-5 was a good idea. They were right two weeks ago when they were telling that to Canadians. They were ultimately responding, in part, to what their constituents were telling them. One of the biggest things in Bill S-5 deals with the right to a healthy environment. Imagine taking a statement of that nature and incorporating it into law. This is why I asked my NDP colleague to provide a comment on it. Given what Canadians are telling us about the importance of the environment, how could someone oppose that? How is it possible that the Conservatives would vote against it? If we want to talk about popping the bubble of hope, that is what the Conservatives have done in recent days. The Conservatives have said that they now oppose Bill S-5. Why did they flip-flop? An hon. member: Because of you. You flip-flop. Mr. Kevin Lamoureux: Mr. Speaker, they say it is because of me. I do not think I carry that much influence within the Conservative caucus. I can say that the Conservatives are on the wrong side of yet another important environmental issue. They need to understand that the environment does matter. When they say they are now opposed to it, what are they voting against? They are voting against what their leader often talks about: common sense. Why would one oppose the right to a healthy environment? Yes, a lot of regulations and protocols need to be established to ensure that right, but, again, for the very first time, we actually have that now in legislation, the very same legislation that the official opposition is going to vote against when it comes up for a vote. Maybe we should wait another week or two. Maybe they might change their mind again on this issue. It is an important vote. We are dealing with additional regulations to deal with toxic chemicals. What is it about toxic chemicals that the Conservative Party of Canada feels, within this legislation, is bad? We are not hearing that. The Conservatives are not saying that they do not like this legislation because of this particular aspect. They are talking about tailings ponds and apparently that is what caused them to flip, even though, before the amendment, it came to the House from the Senate with it. One has to start questioning where the Conservative Party is on the environment. I will give part two when we begin debate again after question period.

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Mr. Chandra Arya (Nepean, Lib.)

May/29/23 2:00:07 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, Indo-Pacific region is growing in terms of population and economy. It is also a strategically important region in the current turbulent global situation. The region offers much-needed markets for Canadian exports and a secure place for Canadian investments. Canada has a well-formulated Indo-Pacific strategy. Among other things, this highlights the importance of our relationship with India. India is a growing market for our exports, with pulses today and potential products like small nuclear modular reactors in the future. India is also a secure place for our increasing need to diversify our investments. Our pension funds and the private sector have already invested $84 billion there. India is also the leading source of our much-needed skilled immigrants and a major provider of international students.

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Mr. Richard Bragdon (Tobique—Mactaquac, CPC)

May/29/23 2:01:11 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, today marks the beginning of the 58th annual National Prayer Breakfast and leadership dinner here on Parliament Hill. The Canadian National Prayer Breakfast is the longest-running parliamentary event in Canada and is the longest-running national prayer breakfast in the world. I am deeply grateful and honoured to be serving as chair for this year's event that is seeing people from coast to coast and around the world come to be part of it. In these times of great uncertainty and instability throughout our world, it is of vital importance that we remember that there is a source higher than we are to which we can turn. As the psalmist, King David, once said, when our hearts are overwhelmed, lead us to a rock that is higher than we are. I encourage all members to join me in welcoming all those attending this year's National Prayer Breakfast, leadership dinner and young leaders summit, and may God continue to keep our land glorious and free.

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Ms. Lisa Hepfner (Hamilton Mountain, Lib.)

May/29/23 2:02:11 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, Shalem Mental Health is a Hamilton-based organization providing critical mental health services to children, youth, couples and families in more than 100 communities across Canada, including in my riding of Hamilton Mountain. We know that social inequities can affect physical and mental health. Shalem delivers thousands of hours of subsidized therapy every year to those who would not otherwise be able to afford it. Its inclusive and often creative approach to mental health has established it as a leader in the areas of trauma-based attachment therapy and psychotherapy. Shalem regularly collaborates with local community and child welfare agencies to reduce or eliminate barriers to healing, such as with its art outreach program for street-involved youth. May is mental health month, and I would like to thank Shalem Mental Health for continuing to broaden the scope of its important work, which it now delivers through employee assistance programs across the country. Shalem will be celebrating its 60th anniversary next month, and I wish the organization hearty congratulations.

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Mr. Denis Trudel (Longueuil—Saint-Hubert, BQ)

May/29/23 2:03:23 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, today, we have lost one of the greats. Michel Côté has left us. He always made us laugh and now, leaving us like this, he has broken our hearts. He had a spectacular career, first with Marcel Gauthier and Marc Messier in Broue, the most popular play in Quebec history. A record 6 million people have gone to see it. That is phenomenal. His television hits include Omertà: la Loi du silence and La petite vie; we all cherished Pierre Gauthier and Jean-Lou, two characters who were polar opposites. His movies include Cruising Bar, Liste noire, Le dernier tunnel, C.R.A.Z.Y.—in which I had the honour and privilege of starring alongside him—and De père en flic, to name but a few. He is a giant who has left his mark on generations of Quebeckers, and will continue to do so for a long time to come. Quebec's artistic community has just lost one of its most extraordinary representatives. To his family, friends, loved ones and all Quebeckers, I offer my deepest condolences.

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Hon. Steven MacKinnon (Gatineau, Lib.)

May/29/23 2:04:42 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to have the opportunity to acknowledge the 35th anniversary of the Centre d'action bénévole de Gatineau this past May 25. For more than three decades, the centre's team has delivered a host of services directly to the Gatineau community, services such as meals on wheels, transportation support, friendly visits and more. I applaud the team's energy; they have made volunteerism and community involvement their priority for the past 35 years. These volunteers have given the Gatineau community something very special. Without their dedication, our community life and the help provided to the more vulnerable would not be what they are today. We owe the centre a debt of gratitude. From the bottom of my heart, I thank the entire team, the centre's board members and its many volunteers. I thank them and wish them a happy 35th anniversary.

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

May/29/23 2:05:46 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, all of Quebec is in mourning today. Iconic actor Michel Côté has left us far too soon at the age of 72. This immensely and uniquely talented man, who was proud to call Lac-Saint-Jean home, had a profound effect on generations of Quebeckers who saw him perform on the stage and on screens big and small. From Broue and C.R.A.Z.Y. to La petite vie and Omertà, Michel Côté made us laugh and he made us cry. He had a singular knack for bringing to life the characters he played, as varied as they were. Regardless of what part he was playing, we believed it. Wherever he went, we followed. Michel Côté was a respectful and respected man who has left an indelible mark on our history. He is no longer with us, but he will live on forever in our hearts and minds as one of the greats. On behalf of my colleagues, I want to offer my heartfelt condolences to his lifelong partner, Véronique Le Flaguais, to his sons, Charles and Maxime, and to his many friends.

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

May/29/23 2:06:52 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the Toronto Rock lacrosse team had its playoff run end recently, and while heartbreaking, I want to extend congratulations for another terrific season. I am proud that the Rock owner, Jamie Dawick, chose Oakville as the team’s home for its state-of-the-art practice facility and head office. The TRAC, as it is fondly known, hosts the Rock’s pre-season games before Christmas, when they accept donations to the food bank and the Oakville firefighters toy drive. Players like Oakville’s own Dan Dawson, who gives his all on the floor every game while working as a firefighter and giving back to his community, exemplify the culture of the team. This summer the Rob MacDougall Memorial Tournament to be held at the TRAC will raise funds for KidSport. I have been a proud season-ticket holder for over 20 years and want to say thanks to the Rock for another great season. “Go Rock Go.”

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Mr. Majid Jowhari (Richmond Hill, Lib.)

May/29/23 2:07:51 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, with a once-in-a-century global pandemic, worldwide increase of agricultural commodity prices, energy costs and, most importantly, climate change and population increase, maintaining access to sustainable and affordable food systems is an important priority. In parallel with our government’s initiatives, Fresh Green Farms, a Vancouver-based private enterprise run by brothers Bahram and Shahram Rashti, has championed the path towards sustainable food systems using vertical farming. Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting their facility in B.C., where I saw first-hand how UP Vertical Farms is doing its part in helping Canada navigate its food security issues by developing Canada’s largest, most advanced and cost-effective hydroponic vertical farms to locally grow high-density leafy greens, all while maintaining the operation’s environmental impact at a minimum. At full capacity, they would be able to serve not only B.C. but western Canada. I would like to congratulate the Rashti brothers for the inspiring work they are doing for their community and for Canada.

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Mr. Rob Morrison (Kootenay—Columbia, CPC)

May/29/23 2:09:10 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the serving and retired members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for their dedication and service to Canadians, keeping us safe for the last 150 years. Congratulations. The price of everything continues to rise, as do, unfortunately, opioid deaths. Over the last eight years, Canadians have witnessed an overdose increase of 300% as the Liberal government continues to flood our streets with taxpayer-funded drugs. In communities like Cranbrook and Nelson, addicts are taking free government drugs, selling them, using the proceeds to buy fentanyl and dying of overdoses. Safe supply inhalation sites are not a solution, and our communities are in chaos. The sounds of children laughing outside the local fast food restaurants have been replaced by the sounds of emergency service vehicles dispatched to yet another overdose, dispatched to yet another repeat violent crime. An overwhelming number of residents in Kootenay—Columbia are calling for the government to immediately reverse its deadly policies and redirect taxpayer-funded drugs to rehab, detox, treatment and recovery programs. Let us bring our loved ones home.

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Mr. Mark Gerretsen (Kingston and the Islands, Lib.)

May/29/23 2:10:18 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to welcome representatives from my alma mater, Queen's University, to Parliament Hill today. Queen’s is a leader in Canada and around the globe. Last year, it was ranked seventh in the world by the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, which measures contributions to the United Nations sustainable development goals. That real-world impact is thanks to Queen’s exceptional students, faculty and staff. Quickly emerging as a leader in critical minerals and EV batteries, Queen’s is helping to move Canada toward a low-carbon and prosperous economy. Queen’s is working to train more family doctors and nurses to address the critical shortages faced in our communities. There is exciting and groundbreaking work happening across all disciplines. The McDonald Institute is building on Nobel Prize-winning research to unlock the mysteries of dark matter, and position Canada to lead breakthrough scientific discoveries. Once again, I welcome Queen's University. I hope my fellow parliamentarians will join us for a reception this evening at 5:30 p.m. in Room 228 of the Valour Building.

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Mr. Rick Perkins (South Shore—St. Margarets, CPC)

May/29/23 2:11:39 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I am speaking from the fire command centre in Shelburne County on the wildfire crisis at both ends of my district, here and in Halifax. A massive wildfire in Halifax, where I was this morning, forced the evacuation of 18,000 people. That is as many people as are evacuated currently in western Canada. Most left with only the clothes on their backs, as the fire moved extremely fast. There are no fatalities and no missing people so far. The Halifax fire continues to burn out of control, and many homes have been lost. I was at the Halifax comfort centres last night and this morning. The stories are heartbreaking. People rushed to their cars as the fire swept into their backyards, forced by 40-kilometre-an-hour winds. Here in Shelburne County, we are battling an out-of-control wildfire covering 20,000 acres. The communities from Port Clyde to Barrington West have been evacuated and are under threat. More than another 2,000 people have been evacuated. To professional and volunteer firefighters, saying thanks does not seem like enough as they risk their lives to save our communities. I thank the countless volunteers helping these families. Our prayers go out to the families in these uncertain and tragic days. Please pray for our communities.

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Mr. John Williamson (New Brunswick Southwest, CPC)

May/29/23 2:13:20 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, a forest fire is currently uncontained a few kilometres outside of Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, in Bocabec and Chamcook. Yesterday evening, the fire was approximately 100 hectares in size. Today, it has grown by over 400%. Four hundred families have already been evacuated, and it is not known how many homes have been destroyed. This morning, seven fire water bombers resumed work, but on-the-ground resources are needed. My deepest gratitude goes out to the firefighters, volunteers and other first responders working hard to get these fires under control in my riding, elsewhere in New Brunswick and in Nova Scotia. I know the federal government has reached out to my premier and I appreciate that. I urge the federal government to offer any assistance to maritime provinces, local emergency personnel and my constituents to control and extinguish these fires. Godspeed.

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Mrs. Sophie Chatel (Pontiac, Lib.)

May/29/23 2:14:07 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, today all Quebeckers and Canadians are mourning the loss of a great actor, a creative force, a great man. Michel Côté was the perfect blend of passion and discipline. He was a charming and extremely sensitive person. As an actor, he had great range. He could go from playing Jean-Lou in the sitcom La petite vie to playing Pierre Gauthier in Omertà, not to mention his inspired portrayal of four separate characters in Cruising Bar. On stage, he was one of the pillars of the play Broue, which was performed more than 3,000 times. He was a caring man and a family man. He actually played several father roles, including in that masterpiece of Quebec cinema, the film C.R.A.Z.Y., and in the comedy De père en flic. Michel will remain forever in our hearts.

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