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Decentralized Democracy

House Hansard - 205

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
June 2, 2023 10:00AM
  • Jun/2/23 10:58:24 a.m.
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I do appreciate the additional information that the hon. member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan has provided. I feel that I have enough information and I will get back to the House as soon as possible. The hon. member for Elmwood—Transcona.
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  • Jun/2/23 10:58:41 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I just want to contribute some facts to the discussion of these questions of privilege that the member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan has raised.
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  • Jun/2/23 10:58:55 a.m.
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I will go to the point of order first. The hon. member for Northumberland—Peterborough South
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  • Jun/2/23 10:58:59 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, mine is on the same point. Please give the member— The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Carol Hughes): Is yours a point of order or on the question of privilege? Mr. Philip Lawrence: Mine is on the question of privilege.
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  • Jun/2/23 10:59:03 a.m.
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The hon. member for Elmwood—Transcona.
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  • Jun/2/23 10:59:11 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, as a member of the committee on finance and somebody who was there during the times when the member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan alleges there were violations of privilege that went on, I just want to provide a couple of reflections for you, Madam Speaker, and some important facts for you to consider as you deliberate on these questions.
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  • Jun/2/23 10:59:38 a.m.
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I have a feeling that this will take a bit of time, so I will bring this back then right after question period. We are at Statements by Members.
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  • Jun/2/23 11:00:05 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, this has been an interesting process, listening over the last hour to a destructive force that we have in the House of Commons in Canada. The Conservative Party has gone out of its way to please its far right extreme members, sparing no cost. This government focuses on Canada's middle class and those aspiring to be a part of it, focused on helping Canadians in every region of this country by introducing important legislation, including budget legislation. What is the response we have gotten from the Conservative Party of Canada? A filibuster, going out of its way to prevent Canadians from getting the benefits they need at a time when there are a variety of issues that are of concern to Canadians. I find it shameful and disgusting how the Conservative Party continues to play the role of a destructive force on the floor of the House of Commons. I would suggest that its members go to their constituents, listen to what their constituents are saying, come back to the House, behave more like the members of an opposition party and be more creative.
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  • Jun/2/23 11:01:18 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, a great Canadian has died at age 100. George MacDonell survived the Battle of Hong Kong where 2,000 Canadians fought bravely to defend Hong Kongers, including my father and his family. Half of them were casualties. The survivors were taken to be prisoners of war. By war's end, George had dropped to 110 pounds, although he was 6'4". That was just the beginning of his remarkable story. After liberation as a prisoner of war and spending half a year recovering, George completed his high school and university, and eventually became vice-president and group executive of Canadian General Electric. Later, he was appointed by then Premier Davis as the deputy minister of industry, trade and technology. George MacDonell was truly a member of the greatest generation. He fought for freedom and democracy and came home to build post-war Canada. We will remember him.
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  • Jun/2/23 11:02:23 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, this week has been an unprecedented challenge for Nova Scotians. Our thoughts are with those affected by the ongoing forest fires, the largest and most extensive in our history. I wish to send a special thanks to the firefighters, first responders and volunteers for their efforts during this difficult time. As our country and our government continue to adapt and prepare ourselves against the realities of climate change, all Canadians will need to stand united to meet these challenges together. Near my riding of Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook we are closely monitoring the ongoing fires in the Tantallon, Bedford and Hammonds Plains areas. Evacuation and comfort centres are in place to meet the needs of the people on the ground. I want to reassure all Nova Scotians that the federal government is in regular contact with our provincial counterparts. We have deployed CAF members to assist with the wildfire response, in addition to support provided by the Coast Guard, Health Canada and Transport Canada. We will get through this, Nova Scotia strong.
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  • Jun/2/23 11:03:31 a.m.
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Uqaqtittiji, before colonialism, first nations and Inuit had laws. Through the process of genocidal and colonial aggression, indigenous laws were almost lost. I am proud to stand here and confirm that indigenous laws still exist. For Inuit, laws are categorized into three areas: tirigusuusiit, piqujait and maligait. These laws govern behaviours, relationships and respect for the wildlife and environment. I encourage indigenous peoples to use their indigenous laws. There are many opportunities, like in treaty implementation, land protection, relationships with families, communities and, yes, with governments. The elders who possess the knowledge of these laws are passing too quickly. We must revitalize these indigenous laws now.
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  • Jun/2/23 11:04:42 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I want to recognize the tireless work of the firefighters and all those working to protect the communities affected by wildfires. In Quebec, people in Chapais and Sept‑Îles are being evacuated as we speak. British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories, Ontario, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick are also battling wildfires. Wildfires have a major impact on the daily lives of people and communities. We need to take the risks associated with climate change seriously. Our government is there, as always, to support all Canadians who are affected and to help them prepare for future threats.
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  • Jun/2/23 11:05:34 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, Canada's language and cultural advisers, or LCAs, are Canadian citizens of Afghan origin, immigrants who went back to serve their adopted country, so every LCA has family members in Afghanistan. The government’s criteria for admitting these family members to Canada are arbitrary and stingy. Here is how these rules affect one LCA from my riding. In 2021, his brother-in-law was murdered by the Taliban, so the rest of the family fled for their lives across the border. If Pakistan follows through on its threat to deport Afghans, they too will be killed. However, because these events happened before July 2021, the family does not qualify to come here. When my constituent asked to meet with the minister, he was told to go through my office. He did so, and after a two-week delay, my staff were told the minister was just too busy to meet with him. We were then directed to a website reaffirming that the family does not qualify. Surely, trapping Canadians in this kind of catch-22 is beneath the dignity of this nation.
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  • Jun/2/23 11:06:36 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I am excited to tell the House about a true success story in my riding and an example of what can happen when environmental organizations, community groups and government work together toward solutions for conservation and biodiversity. On the DND Carling campus, we have restored urban wetlands that just a few years ago had almost completely dried up because of water diversion and pollution. Today, dozens of new species have returned to the area. These wetlands act as water storage, which has helped to prevent flooding in the neighbouring communities. Wetlands also store carbon, which is a natural climate solution. With the leadership of Kate MacNeil and Donna DuBreuil at the Ottawa-Carleton Wildlife Centre and the advocacy and active participation of residents in the surrounding communities of Crystal Beach, Lakeview and Belltown, they worked closely with the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, PSPC and the NCC to make this project a success. Congratulations to everyone involved.
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  • Jun/2/23 11:07:43 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I rise today to honour the life of my friend, colleague and constituent, Ian Gordon McBride. Ian was a resident of my riding in Thorncliffe Park and an active member of The United Church of Canada. Sadly, Ian died very recently, far too soon after his well-deserved retirement began. Ian worked tirelessly as executive director of the Anglican United Refugee Alliance, or AURA. In his time at AURA, he made an enormous difference in the lives of thousands of newcomers and Canadians, promoting and facilitating private sponsorships of hundreds of refugees across Canada. He put his heart, his soul and his body into this work. His compassion and leadership made Canada a more welcoming and better country. Ian was an inspiration to me not only when I was clergy seeking his assistance, but also as a parliamentarian when he sought mine. I will miss his wise counsel and his company. Ian fought the good fight, he finished the race and he kept the faith. May he rest in peace.
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  • Jun/2/23 11:08:50 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to recognize the rich cultures, heritage, traditions, resilience and diversity of first nations, Inuit and Métis. As we come together to learn and celebrate, we must not forget the underlying social, economic, cultural, institutional and historical causes that have contributed to the violence and vulnerability against indigenous women and girls. We must remember and reflect on the terrible tragedies of the residential school system, the sixties scoop and other colonial policies and the legacy they left behind. It is the responsibility of every Canadian to work toward reconciliation and, in doing so, move closer to a better and more equitable future. I am thankful for the people who have shared with me their stories, and I am honoured to work beside them to ensure the mistakes of the past are not made again. I hope all hon. members in this place will join with me in building a stronger country where indigenous people are treated equally and fairly.
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  • Jun/2/23 11:09:52 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, this week I visited CANSEC, Canada's largest defence and security trade show, and what a show it was. From wearable exoskeletons to a new generation of light armoured vehicles to the technology that will take the first Canadian to the moon, what a show it was. I was blown away. As I toured the floor of the show, innovations in the air, land, sea and even space were on full display. It was fabulous to see so many familiar faces from Canada's defence and security industry, as they employ thousands in my riding of Kanata—Carleton. These are companies like Collins Aerospace, Calian, Leonardo DRS and MDA, all of which are at the forefront of their fields. Their work is not only part of Canada’s growing defence ecosystem, but is also ensuring the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces are equipped with the cutting-edge technology they need to keep us safe.
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  • Jun/2/23 11:10:55 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, on Monday, on a road northwest of Woodstock, a tragic traffic collision claimed the lives of Detective Constable Steven Tourangeau of the Perth County OPP and local school bus driver David James Stewart. Steven Tourangeau was a husband and a father of three. He dedicated his life to keeping our community safe. He had a bright future, both in serving the people of our community and with his family, whom he loved dearly. He was only 35 years old. Dave Stewart was a 71-year-old family man who, in his retirement, chose to spend his time getting children safely to and from school. His unexpected death is a loss to his family, the community and the school kids who appreciated him so dearly. Our entire region is mourning the loss of two admirable gentlemen who served their communities in different but very important ways. Our hearts go out to their families and their loved ones. We will remember the lives they lived and the good they did for the people they loved and the communities they cared about.
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  • Jun/2/23 11:12:06 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I stand in the House today to add my name to those of residents in Fort Erie and Port Colborne who were shocked and disappointed by the decision of the Niagara health system to reduce the operating hours of the urgent care centres in both communities. What makes this decision so disappointing and frustrating is the fact that nearly 8,000 residents in Fort Erie alone are without a family doctor. When speaking with Niagara Health, they say this issue is not about money but is about a lack of the certified nurses and doctors needed to help staff these sites. The Conservatives have been proposing a solution to help fix these health care staff shortages. It is called a blue seal certification program. Implementing a national certification testing standard such as this would mean foreign-trained health professionals would get a chance to take a test and receive an answer and a certification within 60 days. This would go a long way to helping solve the staffing shortages now plaguing Niagara Health, and it would deliver the improved health care services that Fort Erie and Port Colborne residents rightly deserve.
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  • Jun/2/23 11:13:10 a.m.
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  • Re: Bill C-21 
Madam Speaker, today is the inaugural National Day Against Gun Violence. For far too many in our country, gun violence is a deeply personal tragedy that has claimed loved ones, shattered dreams and robbed our sense of security. Many will recall the Danzig Street shooting in the summer of 2012 in my riding of Scarborough—Rouge Park. A gunman fired into a crowded block party, killing two young men and wounding 22 others. Even with the passage of time, the pain and loss linger. Let us honour the memories of victims and support the survivors by wearing white, the colour of peace, and raising awareness around gun violence. As a government, we are taking decisive action to address gun violence with Bill C-21. Today, I call upon the leader of the opposition in the Senate to stop obstructing the passage of this bill. Finally, I want to thank the Toronto Raptors for their collaboration and advocacy in making this day a reality.
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