SoVote

The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Carol Hughes)

Jun/5/23 12:51:23 p.m.
Watch

I thank the member very much. However, I want to remind members that, while members should have access to relevant and accurate information to ensure that they can fulfill their parliamentary functions, it is not for the Chair to evaluate the content of responses to written questions. Again, this is a response from the Speaker. As with Oral Questions, it is acceptable for the government, in responding to a question, to indicate to the House that it cannot supply an answer. Again, I will take the additional information that the hon. member has provided and come back to the House if need be. The hon. member for Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte has a point of order as well.

120 words

Mr. Doug Shipley

Jun/5/23 12:52:11 p.m.
Watch

Madam Speaker, there seems to be a bit of a pattern developing here. I also would like to bring forward my issue with a non-answer, actually a failure to answer my question that was put, which is Question No. 1002. This is a very short question. It is not that I did not like the answer; I did not get an answer. In its answer, the government is saying it did not answer. I will put this into the record to show you another quick instance. My short question was: With regard to meetings and other communications between the Prime Minister, the Minister of Public Safety or their exempt staff, and the RCMP commissioner, Brenda Lucki, since January 1, 2020: what are the details of all such meetings or other communications, including, for each, the (i) date, (ii) type of communication (text message, group chat, in-person meeting, etc.), (iii) participants, (iv) subject matter, (v) agenda items or summary of discussion, (vi) decisions made, if any? This is where I would really like to get into the details—

180 words

The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Carol Hughes)

Jun/5/23 12:53:22 p.m.
Watch

Again, I do not need the details of questions. I have an idea of the question that has been put forward. I would just encourage greater co-operation between members and ministers in their exchange of information and correspondence. This is all part of what has been discussed. I am going to go to orders of the day. I have a question of privilege. The hon. member for Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes.

77 words

Mr. Michael Barrett (Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, CPC)

Jun/5/23 12:54:04 p.m.
Watch

Madam Speaker, my understanding is that, having stood to be recognized on a question of privilege, my standing should have come prior to that piece of business being moved, so I would seek a ruling from the Chair on that item and ask for you to come back to the House. I gave notice to the Speaker's office about the question of privilege that I am raising. It concerns the government's not appointing a Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner. I would like to draw attention to pages 80 and 81 of the third edition of House of Commons Procedure and Practice, which states: Any disregard of or attack on the rights, powers and immunities of the House and its Members, either by an outside person or body, or by a Member of the House, is referred to as a “breach of privilege” and is punishable by the House. There are, however, other affronts against the dignity and authority of Parliament which may not fall within one of the specifically defined privileges. Thus, the House also claims the right to punish, as a contempt, any action which, though not a breach of a specific privilege: tends to obstruct or impede the House in the performance of its functions; obstructs or impedes any Member or officer of the House in the discharge of their duties; or is an offence against the authority or dignity of the House, such as disobedience of its legitimate commands or libels upon itself, its Members, or its officers. As the authors of Odgers’ Senate Practice (Australia) state: “The rationale of the power to punish contempts, whether contempt of court or contempt of the Houses, is that the courts and the two Houses should be able to protect themselves from acts which directly or indirectly impede them in the performance of their functions.” In that sense, all breaches of privilege are contempts of the House, but not all contempts are necessarily breaches of privilege.” At page 82, there is a list of those offences. They include “interfering with or obstructing a person who is carrying out a lawful order of the House or a committee”. In this case, the government is refusing to fill the position of an officer of Parliament who is charged with carrying out the lawful orders of the House. On the same page, it also lists as an offence. “failing to fulfill any requirement of the House, as declared in a code of conduct or otherwise, relating to the possession, declaration, or registration of financial interests or participation in debate or other proceedings.” Without an Ethics Commissioner in place, there is no one on duty to ensure that members fulfill the requirements of the House, as described by the House in law and in its rules. There are serious questions that remain unanswered, like that of Michael Sabia, the former deputy minister of finance, who is now with Hydro-Québec. Mr. Sabia and the finance department were repeatedly lobbied by Hydro-Québec throughout his tenure as the deputy minister. Hydro-Québec approached Mr. Sabia about a job there, but Mr. Sabia declined to pursue it until the budget was released. He knew what the job was, and, lo and behold, the budget contained direct benefits for Hydro-Québec. There are many questions arising from this case that can be answered only by the Ethics Commissioner, and there is not one. Did Mr. Sabia report that job offer? Hydro-Québec lobbied finance, and both the company and the former deputy minister stood to benefit from the decisions he just made in government. It is actions like these that damage the public trust in institutions. The Liberal government, this one in particular, its Prime Minister and its ministers, has a record of repeated ethical breaches that further reinforce the question of privilege I am raising now about the need for an Ethics Commissioner to be appointed. There are several references in reports that have been tabled in the House, which I would like considered. They include the “Trudeau Report” and the “Trudeau II Report”. Both of these outline the first time in the government's history that a prime minister has been found guilty of breaking ethics laws. We also have the now intergovernmental affairs minister who was found guilty of breaking the Ethics Act, and the then president of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, who had given a contract worth $24 million to a family member. The same is true with the former finance minister. We have seen repeated reports of breaches of this code. Madam Speaker, I want to refer you to Joseph Maingot's 2nd edition of Parliamentary Privilege, page 227. It says, “In the final analysis, in areas of doubt, the Speaker asks simply: Does the act complained of appear at first sight to be a breach of privilege...or to put it shortly, has the Member an arguable point? If the Speaker feels any doubt on the question, he should...leave it to the House.” This citation is in reference to a ruling from March 21, 1978, at page 3975 of Debates, where the Speaker cites the report of the U.K. select committee on parliamentary privileges, and from a ruling of October 10, 1989, at pages 4457 to 4461 of Debates. In a ruling of October 24, 1966, at page 9005 of Debates, the Speaker said: In considering this matter, I ask myself, what is the duty of the Speaker in cases of doubt? If we take into consideration that at the moment the Speaker is not asked to render a decision as to whether or not the article complained of constitutes a breach of privilege...and considering also that the Speaker is the guardian of the rules, rights and privileges of the house and of its members and that he cannot deprive them of such privileges when there is uncertainty in his mind...I think, at this preliminary stage of the proceedings the doubt which I have in my mind should be interpreted to the benefit of the member. Finally, on March 27, 1969, at page 853 of the Debates, the Speaker ruled: [The member] has, perhaps, a grievance against the government in that capacity rather than in his capacity as a Member of Parliament. On the other hand, honourable Members know that the House has always exercised great care in attempting to protect the rights and privileges of all its Members. Since there is some doubt about the interpretation of the precedents in this situation, I would be inclined to resolve the doubt in favour of the honourable Member. We have an unprecedented situation, in which the government has an obligation, based on laws passed by members duly elected to the House, to appoint one of those guardians, one of those whose position allows them to safeguard the confidence of Canadians in this democratic institution. AS in the question I raised with respect to the former deputy minister, Mr. Sabia, testimony at the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics, which now appears in Hansard, was heard from spokespeople from the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner who said they are unable to fulfill their obligations because of the vacancy in this role. Members have the right to be able to file with the Commissioner, and the Commissioner then has an obligation to investigate these complaints and whether or not a breach of the act has occurred. In this case, it is incredibly serious. It deals with a deputy minister of the Crown then taking a position, a lucrative one, with a company like Hydro-Québec, which benefited substantially from the budget Mr. Sabia presided over as the deputy minister. Once that cash hit the table, he was out the door and into a job at Hydro-Québec. It is only reasonable that members of the House, on behalf of Canadians, in order to ensure their confidence in the processes we have in place, would be able to raise that with an independent officer of Parliament so there could be an investigation. If that officer of Parliament were to find there was in fact a breach, there are ramifications for that; if not, then the matter is disposed of. This is only one example, because we are not going to hear from all members of the official opposition today on other issues they have observed and that they would like investigated or raised with the Ethics Commissioner, because no one is in that position. In fact, when a standing committee of the House did send for a representative from that office, the office had no one to send except a communications director. I have checked, and if the Speaker consults the act, they are not going to find that members of the House are to raise concerns with the GR director, the PR director or the comms director for the offices of independent officers of this place. They do not have powers that are given to them by statute or by law. The government has that obligation. It also has the power to appoint someone on an interim basis, but it is refusing to exercise that power. What this demonstrates is that the government is availing itself of the ability to mind the store without anyone counting the register at the end of the day. All members of this House were duly elected by their constituents. The official opposition is composed of members who have exercised the right to raise issues to the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner. That independent office has, in the past, found breaches by ministers of the Crown and by other designated public office holders. Madam Chair, I am asking for you to consider this question, come back to the House and make a ruling on whether my privilege, as a member of this House, has been violated by the government's actions and inactions in this case.

1698 words

The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Carol Hughes)

Jun/5/23 1:05:35 p.m.
Watch

I thank the hon. member for bringing this to my attention. Certainly, we will get back to the hon. member on that.

22 words

Bringing

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

Jun/5/23 1:07:13 p.m.
Watch

moved: Motion No. 1 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting the short title. Motion No. 2 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 2. Motion No. 3 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 4. Motion No. 4 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 5. Motion No. 5 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 6. Motion No. 6 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 7. Motion No. 7 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 8. Motion No. 8 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 9. Motion No. 9 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 10. Motion No. 10 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 11. Motion No. 11 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 12. Motion No. 12 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 13. Motion No. 13 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 14. Motion No. 14 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 15. Motion No. 15 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 17. Motion No. 16 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 18. Motion No. 17 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 19. Motion No. 18 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 20. Motion No. 19 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 21. Motion No. 20 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 22. Motion No. 21 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 23. Motion No. 22 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 24. Motion No. 23 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 25. Motion No. 24 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 26. Motion No. 25 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 27. Motion No. 26 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 28. Motion No. 27 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 29. Motion No. 28 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 30. Motion No. 29 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 31. Motion No. 30 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 32. Motion No. 31 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 33. Motion No. 32 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 34. Motion No. 33 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 35. Motion No. 34 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 36. Motion No. 35 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 37. Motion No. 36 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 38. Motion No. 37 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 39. Motion No. 38 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 40. Motion No. 39 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 41. Motion No. 40 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 42. Motion No. 41 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 43. Motion No. 42 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 44. Motion No. 43 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 45. Motion No. 44 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 46. Motion No. 45 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 47. Motion No. 46 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 48. Motion No. 47 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 49. Motion No. 48 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 50. Motion No. 49 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 51. Motion No. 50 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 52. Motion No. 51 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 53. Motion No. 52 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 54. Motion No. 53 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 55. Motion No. 54 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 56. Motion No. 55 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 57. Motion No. 56 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 58. Motion No. 57 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 59. Motion No. 58 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 60. Motion No. 59 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 61. Motion No. 60 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 62. Motion No. 61 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 63. Motion No. 62 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 64. Motion No. 63 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 65. Motion No. 64 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 66. Motion No. 65 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 67. Motion No. 66 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 68. Motion No. 67 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 69. Motion No. 68 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 70. Motion No. 69 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 71. Motion No. 70 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 72. Motion No. 71 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 73. Motion No. 72 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 74. Motion No. 73 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 75. Motion No. 74 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 76. Motion No. 75 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 77. Motion No. 76 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 78. Motion No. 77 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 79. Motion No. 78 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 80. Motion No. 79 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 81. Motion No. 80 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 82. Motion No. 81 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 83. Motion No. 82 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 84. Motion No. 83 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 85. Motion No. 84 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 86. Motion No. 85 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 87. Motion No. 86 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 88. Motion No. 87 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 89. Motion No. 88 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 90. Motion No. 89 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 91. Motion No. 90 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 92. Motion No. 91 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 93. Motion No. 92 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 94. Motion No. 93 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 95. Motion No. 94 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 96. Motion No. 95 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 97. Motion No. 96 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 98. Motion No. 97 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 99. Motion No. 98 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 100. Motion No. 99 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 101. Motion No. 100 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 102. Motion No. 101 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 103. Motion No. 102 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 104. Motion No. 103 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 105. Motion No. 104 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 106. Motion No. 105 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 107. Motion No. 106 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 108. Motion No. 107 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 109. Motion No. 108 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 110. Motion No. 109 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 111. Motion No. 110 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 112. Motion No. 111 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 113. Motion No. 112 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 114. Motion No. 113 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 115. Motion No. 114 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 116. Motion No. 115 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 117. Motion No. 116 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 118. Motion No. 117 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 119. Motion No. 118 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 120. Motion No. 119 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 121. Motion No. 120 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 122. Motion No. 121 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 123. Motion No. 122 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 124. Motion No. 123 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 125. Motion No. 124 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 126. Motion No. 125 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 127. Motion No. 126 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 128. Motion No. 127 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 129. Motion No. 128 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 130. Motion No. 129 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 131. Motion No. 130 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 132. Motion No. 131 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 133. Motion No. 132 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 134. Motion No. 133 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 135. Motion No. 134 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 136. Motion No. 135 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 137. Motion No. 136 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 138. Motion No. 137 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 139. Motion No. 138 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 140. Motion No. 139 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 141. Motion No. 140 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 142. Motion No. 141 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 143. Motion No. 142 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 144. Motion No. 143 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 145. Motion No. 144 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 146. Motion No. 145 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 147. Motion No. 146 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 148. Motion No. 147 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 149. Motion No. 148 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 150. Motion No. 149 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 151. Motion No. 150 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 152. Motion No. 151 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 153. Motion No. 152 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 154. Motion No. 153 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 155. Motion No. 154 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 156. Motion No. 155 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 157. Motion No. 156 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 158. Motion No. 157 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 159. Motion No. 158 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 160. Motion No. 159 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 161. Motion No. 160 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 162. Motion No. 161 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 163. Motion No. 162 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 164. Motion No. 163 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 165. Motion No. 164 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 166. Motion No. 165 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 167. Motion No. 166 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 168. Motion No. 167 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 169. Motion No. 168 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 170. Motion No. 169 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 171. Motion No. 170 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 172. Motion No. 171 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 173. Motion No. 172 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 174. Motion No. 173 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 175. Motion No. 174 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 176. Motion No. 175 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 177. Motion No. 176 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 178. Motion No. 177 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 179. Motion No. 178 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 180. Motion No. 179 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 181. Motion No. 180 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 182. Motion No. 181 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 183. Motion No. 182 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 184. Motion No. 183 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 185. Motion No. 184 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 186. Motion No. 185 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 187. Motion No. 186 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 188. Motion No. 187 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 189. Motion No. 188 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 190. Motion No. 189 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 191. Motion No. 190 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 192. Motion No. 191 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 193. Motion No. 192 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 194. Motion No. 193 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 195. Motion No. 194 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 196. Motion No. 195 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 197. Motion No. 196 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 198. Motion No. 197 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 199. Motion No. 198 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 200. Motion No. 199 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 201. Motion No. 200 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 202. Motion No. 201 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 203. Motion No. 202 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 204. Motion No. 203 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 205. Motion No. 204 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 206. Motion No. 205 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 207. Motion No. 206 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 208. Motion No. 207 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 209. Motion No. 208 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 210. Motion No. 209 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 211. Motion No. 210 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 212. Motion No. 211 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 213. Motion No. 212 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 214. Motion No. 213 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 215. Motion No. 214 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 216. Motion No. 215 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 217. Motion No. 216 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 218. Motion No. 217 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 219. Motion No. 218 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 220. Motion No. 219 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 221. Motion No. 220 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 222. Motion No. 221 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 223. Motion No. 222 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 224. Motion No. 223 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 225. Motion No. 224 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 226. Motion No. 225 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 227. Motion No. 226 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 228. Motion No. 227 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 229. Motion No. 228 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 230. Motion No. 229 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 231. Motion No. 230 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 232. Motion No. 231 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 233. Motion No. 232 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 234. Motion No. 233 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 237. Motion No. 234 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 238. Motion No. 235 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 239. Motion No. 236 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 240. Motion No. 237 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 241. Motion No. 238 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 242. Motion No. 239 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 242.1. Motion No. 240 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 243. Motion No. 241 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 244. Motion No. 242 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 245. Motion No. 243 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 246. Motion No. 244 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 247. Motion No. 245 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 248. Motion No. 246 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 248.1. Motion No. 247 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 249. Motion No. 248 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 250. Motion No. 249 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 251. Motion No. 250 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 252. Motion No. 251 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 253. Motion No. 252 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 254. Motion No. 253 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 255. Motion No. 254 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 256. Motion No. 255 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 257. Motion No. 256 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 258. Motion No. 257 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 259. Motion No. 258 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 260. Motion No. 259 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 261. Motion No. 260 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 262. Motion No. 261 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 263. Motion No. 262 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 264. Motion No. 263 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 265. Motion No. 264 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 266. Motion No. 265 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 267. Motion No. 266 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 268. Motion No. 267 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 269. Motion No. 268 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 270. Motion No. 269 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 271. Motion No. 270 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 272. Motion No. 271 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 273. Motion No. 272 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 274. Motion No. 273 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 275. Motion No. 274 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 276. Motion No. 275 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 277. Motion No. 276 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 278. Motion No. 277 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 279. Motion No. 278 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 280. Motion No. 279 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 281. Motion No. 280 That Bill C-47 be amended by deleting Clause 282.

4204 words

Clause
214

The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Carol Hughes)

Jun/5/23 1:07:13 p.m.
Watch
Re: Bill C-47

There are 904 motions and amendments standing on the notice for the report stage of Bill C-47. I will get to the points of order after I am finished. Motions Nos. 690 and 750 will not be selected by the Chair because they could have been presented in committee. Motions Nos. 456 to 683 will not be selected by the Chair because they are repetitive and could have been presented in committee. All remaining motions have been examined, and the Chair is satisfied that they meet the guidelines expressed in the note to Standing Order 76.1(5) regarding the selection of motions in amendment at the report stage. Motions Nos. 1 to 455, 684 to 689, 691 to 749, and 751 to 904 will be grouped for debate and voted upon according to the voting pattern available at the table. I will now put Motions Nos. 1 to 455, 684 to 689, 691 to 749 and 751 to 904 to the House.

164 words

Mrs. Salma Zahid (Scarborough Centre, Lib.)

Jun/5/23 1:58:59 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, June is Filipino Heritage Month in Canada and I would like to wish a happy Filipino Heritage Month to Canada’s Filipino community. This past weekend, I attended the Filipino Canadian National Congress convention in Halifax with the member for Halifax West, and I was reminded again how this community was making a difference in every corner of Canada. One of the fastest-growing communities in Canada, they are our doctors and nurses, our caregivers and restaurateurs, our sports stars and business owners. So many were on the frontlines in the pandemic, working so we could stay home and bend the curve. With the MP for Mississauga—Streetsville and Senator Gigi Osler as role models to the next generation, I hope we will see even more Filipino Canadians taking their place in public life. I look forward to celebrating with everyone this month. Mabuhay Canada. Mabuhay Philippines.

151 words

Mr. Blaine Calkins (Red Deer—Lacombe, CPC)

Jun/5/23 2:00:03 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to champion the outdoor way of life that millions of Canadians hold dear. With over eight million avid anglers, two million passionate hunters and countless others who relish our great outdoors, we must defend and promote this cherished heritage. These pursuits not only provide immeasurable personal benefits, but also contribute a staggering $18 billion to our national economy. Let us not forget that hunting, fishing and trapping are a huge part of Canada's history, which shaped us into the resilient nation we are today. However, the past eight years of the Liberal government have brought unprecedented frustration to some of those who hunt and fish, such as fishing closures that are not based in science, delayed decisions on selective marked fisheries and inaction to control pinnipeds that are devastating fish populations. There is also the full-on ideological attack on lawful gun owners that would have banned thousands of rifles and shotguns used by hunters. Only Conservatives truly respect those who hunt, fish and trap. Only Conservatives will prioritize conservation. Only Conservatives will safeguard Canada's outdoor way of life, generate new opportunities and ensure abundance for generations to come.

196 words

Mr. Angelo Iacono (Alfred-Pellan, Lib.)

Jun/5/23 2:01:10 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, Canada and Italy have been partners and loyal friends for more than 75 years. In this spirit of deep friendship founded on common values and in honour of the Festa della Repubblica, every member is invited to the raising of the Italian flag in front of the Centennial Flame tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. The simple tricolour design embodies the essence of Italy. The bright green symbolizes hope, growth and the fertile lands of the Italian peninsula. The pure white represents faith, purity and peace, as well as the commitment to harmony. Finally, the vibrant red symbolizes courage, strength and the indomitable spirit of the Italian people. It evokes Italy's determination and immense pride in its heritage. A domani mattina.

125 words

Ms. Monique Pauzé (Repentigny, BQ)

Jun/5/23 2:02:15 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, today, June 5, we are marking the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day. This year, the UN is urging us to do more to tackle the use of single-use plastic. We must be more responsible, but that is not all I want to talk about today. On this World Environment Day, our thoughts go out to the thousands of Quebeckers and Canadians whose lives have been devastated by the widespread forest fires. In Quebec, the SOPFEU has responded to 416 fires that are still burning. This is an absolute disaster. Climate change has a real impact on people and on our forests. We need to start a real green transition and really move away from oil, but, for the time being, let us say thank you to the thousands of men and women who are fighting these fires. Let us also thank the armed forces for supporting them and for supporting the people affected by the fires. They help us keep hope alive. We thank them.

169 words

Mrs. Élisabeth Brière (Sherbrooke, Lib.)

Jun/5/23 2:03:23 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, as a region with numerous lakes and rivers, the Eastern Townships face many challenges in terms of preserving their waters and ecosystems. Last month, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard announced the new aquatic invasive species prevention fund, which will provide $875 million over the next five years for projects across the country. My colleagues from the Eastern Townships and I have announced that $644,000 from this fund will be going to the Regroupement national des conseils régionaux de l'environnement du Québec, which includes the Eastern Townships CRE, or regional environment council. I thank the Eastern Townships CRE and all the regional partners for their co-operation in seeking lasting solutions to protect our water. On that note, my colleague from Compton—Stanstead has shared an excellent handbook for boaters that will soon be delivered to households across Sherbrooke to raise awareness of our vulnerable lakes and rivers. By working together, we can protect this precious collective resource. Happy World Environment Day.

176 words

Hon. Michelle Rempel Garner (Calgary Nose Hill, CPC)

Jun/5/23 2:04:29 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, our planet and our country are literally burning. Objectively, the Liberal environment minister is making it worse. Not only has he allowed Canada's greenhouse gas emissions to climb to a record high, but he has also done so while dogmatically enforcing policies that are not getting the job done and are making the cost of living worse. That is because the Liberals' deficit-fuelled inflation crisis means that Canadians cannot afford to replace their high-emissions cars, even if they want to, or make improvements to energy efficiency in homes they do not have or cannot afford to live in. We need to address climate change and make life more affordable. Today, I beg the Liberals to do smarter things, including getting more public transit bills, building more emissions-free electricity plants and, more importantly, cancelling policies that do not work, such as ineffective, inflation-causing deficit spending and taxes. None of us can afford to allow these failures to continue. We just need to look outside today.

171 words

Ms. Valerie Bradford (Kitchener South—Hespeler, Lib.)

Jun/5/23 2:05:39 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, I am thrilled to announce the seventh season opening of the Hespeler Village Market, a vibrant and community-centred hub that is a haven for local vendors and shoppers alike. Nestled in the heart of Hespeler village, this eagerly anticipated market brings together a diverse array of vendors showcasing their finest products and creations. However, it is more than just a place to buy and sell. It is a celebration of Hespeler's rich culture, heritage and craftsmanship. Visitors can expect to discover an abundance of fresh produce, baked goods, unique artworks and so much more. Beyond the stalls, the Hespeler market also serves as a gathering space for events and entertainment. It is a cherished meeting spot where neighbours can connect, families can explore and memories can be made. It is truly the hub of Hespeler. I ask members of the House to join me in celebrating the opening of the Hespeler market, and I encourage my colleagues to pay Hespeler a visit and experience this one-of-a-kind market first-hand.

176 words

Mr. Churence Rogers (Bonavista—Burin—Trinity, Lib.)

Jun/5/23 2:06:48 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an amazing accomplishment of a young lady living in my riding of Bonavista—Burin—Trinity. Her name is Trinity Hogan, and she recently participated in a peace poster competition hosted by Lions Clubs International. Ms. Hogan, hailing from Port Rexton, placed first in both the local contest and the eastern Newfoundland school contest. Following that, her poster was sent to Lions Clubs International, where it placed in the top 23 from over 600,000 entries globally. Along with the entire community, I am inspired by Trinity’s poster and message for global peace. I am also hopeful for our tomorrow because of youth like Trinity. I want to congratulate Trinity Hogan on behalf of this House and my entire riding, and I would like everyone to join Trinity in her wishes for peace and hope.

145 words

Mr. Michael Barrett (Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, CPC)

Jun/5/23 2:07:58 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, the cost of the Liberal government is driving up the cost of living. The more the Liberals spend, the more things cost. They have added more than $60 billion in new spending, and what do Canadians get? They get more inflation, more taxes, higher costs and worse government services. Canadians are struggling. Mortgage payments and rent have doubled under the Liberal Prime Minister, and that is if one is able to afford a home or find a place to live to begin with. The cost of food is at a 40-year high, driving more than 1.5 million Canadians to food banks in a single month. Now, the Liberals are adding a second carbon tax, increasing the price of food and necessities that will cost the average family another $600 per year. Things have gotten so bad that retired seniors are trying to re-enter the workforce, because they have to choose between heating and eating. After eight years of the Liberal Prime Minister, everything feels broken, and Canadians have less money in their pockets. Conservatives will bring home a government that works for people who work. It is time to bring back common sense for the common people.

202 words

Mr. Randeep Sarai (Surrey Centre, Lib.)

Jun/5/23 2:09:06 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, for many, the sacred place of worship is Jerusalem, Mecca or Varanasi. For the Sikh community, that place is the Harmandir Sahib, globally known as the Golden Temple. However, in June 1984, the most sacred place of worship for Sikhs was stormed in an orchestrated military operation. In this gruesome attack, thousands were killed, many at point-blank range, and the sarovar turned red with blood. The Akal Takht was blasted. The Sikh Reference Library, containing thousands of manuscripts, paintings and scriptures, was torched to the ground. Forty other gurdwaras around the country were also attacked, and, 39 years later, Sikhs around the world still remember this tragic day. The Sikh community will forever send its prayers to the victims of this massacre, while also praying that such a dreadful attack on a place of worship never happens again. We shall never forget 1984.

146 words

Ms. Melissa Lantsman (Thornhill, CPC)

Jun/5/23 2:10:03 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, the Liberal budget is the work of a finance minister who says one thing and does another. She does not answer a single question asked of her in this House, and she lectures Canadians who do not agree with her. The $60 billion in new spending pours gas on the inflationary fire. She admitted that to be true. She said she would not do it, and she did it anyway. She told Canadians that the budget would be balanced in 2027. Now, she says it will never be balanced. She said the debt ratio would go down, but she cannot tell this House the number, because it went up. Canadians cannot afford the Prime Minister or the government. They think we can spend our way to prosperity, but the last eight years have created a crisis. There is good news, though. Conservatives will deliver lower prices and more powerful paycheques by capping spending, ending the deficits and scrapping the carbon tax. Those are our demands of this budget. The choice is clear. It is freedom versus control, prosperity versus poverty and technology versus more taxes. There have been enough lectures from the minister. Canadians cannot afford to be duped by her any longer.

205 words

Hon. Andrew Scheer (Regina—Qu'Appelle, CPC)

Jun/5/23 2:11:11 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, “Water, water everywhere, so let's all have a drink.” At least Homer Simpson thought so as he scooped up a mouthful of sea-water to quench his thirst. Of course, while it may have the illusion of relief, drinking ocean water will not cure thirst; it will only make it worse. That is a lot like the Liberal budget. It is full of salt water. Canadians are parched with inflation caused by massive Liberal deficits. Even prominent Liberals, such as John Manley, Bill Morneau and the finance minister herself admitted that bigger deficits would make the problem worse. Not only are the Liberals salting the water by tripling the first carbon tax and introducing a second one, but they are also racking up $63 billion in new inflationary deficits. Extra spending means extra borrowing, which means higher interest rates for Canadians. Therefore, the illusion that Liberals are offering in response to the cost of living crisis will actually just make things worse. Canadians will not be fooled. They are smarter than Homer Simpson and the finance minister, and they are demanding the real relief that Conservatives are offering. We are offering the fresh water of lower taxes, an end to inflationary deficits and a stop to the waste and mismanagement.

215 words

Hon. Greg Fergus (Hull—Aylmer, Lib.)

Jun/5/23 2:12:17 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, last Monday was the 40th anniversary of Le Gîte Ami, a veritable beacon of compassion and community in my riding. Over the past four decades, this extraordinary organization has touched countless lives by providing shelter and support to those in need. Le Gîte Ami has become an integral part of our region, providing shelter, food and a glimmer of hope to the most vulnerable among us. Its commitment to the fight against homelessness and poverty has transformed lives and inspired a wave of positive change. Thanks to the dedication of its staff and volunteers, Le Gîte Ami has built a legacy of compassion, unity and resilience. It has fostered a sense of belonging and restored dignity to people facing unimaginable challenges. On this milestone anniversary, let us pay tribute to Le Gîte Ami for its outstanding contributions to the people of Outaouais. May its light continue to shine, lighting the way to a more inclusive and compassionate society. Congratulations for 40 amazing years.

173 words

SoVote

House Hansard - 206