SoVote

Hon. Robert Oliphant (Don Valley West, Lib.)

Oct/4/23 2:15:42 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, let me add my congratulations on your election. As Speaker, may you have the wisdom of Solomon and the patience of Job. Like all of us in this chamber, you will be assisted by a bright and eager group of House of Commons pages. I welcome the new cohort to this place, and thank them for their willingness to be here, helping us to be our best selves and making this chamber effective and efficient. These talented students have earned their place here through hard work, dedication and a commitment to public service. They are not our servants. They are making Canada a democracy that works. As we welcome them, we remember it is our responsibility to be respectful and kind, and to ensure they have the opportunity to learn, grow and make a meaningful contribution to the future of Canada. As we begin this new session, let us remember all those who work in this chamber and outside it. Security officers, table officers and staff members make it safe and welcoming, ensuring our traditions are honoured. We thank them all.

183 words

Mr. John Brassard (Barrie—Innisfil, CPC)

Oct/4/23 2:16:54 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, with Thanksgiving coming, the Liberals have in the past issued what they call “turkey talking points” as a guide to what they want families to discuss at the dinner table. This year, their talking points should sound something like this: after eight years of this NDP-Liberal government, groceries, gas and home heating have become unaffordable because of their inflationary spending, the debt and the carbon tax. Housing costs are at 30-year highs, rent has doubled and young people have lost hope of ever owning a home. Three in five Canadians will be in financial trouble if interest rates increase. For many families, mortgage costs will double as renewals come due. Seven million Canadians are struggling to put food on the table, and 63% of Canadians spend what they make, while 30% spend more than they make each month. Violent crime is up 39% since 2015, and violent gun crime is up 101%. Finally, Canada has been humiliated and embarrassed on the world stage. As Canadians gather this weekend, let us consider this one last “turkey talking point”: this is a Prime Minister who cannot be redeemed at this point, he must be replaced. Oh and by the way, he is not worth the cost.

212 words

Mr. Peter Schiefke (Vaudreuil—Soulanges, Lib.)

Oct/4/23 2:18:05 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, I extend my congratulations to you once again. When conversations are held in my community of Vaudreuil—Soulanges and in every corner of our beautiful country about the giants of Canadian rock, April Wine's unmistakable rhythm and sound reverberate powerfully. April Wine has woven itself into the fabric of our identity, capturing hearts across generations, with unforgettable tracks such as Roller, Sign Of The Gypsy Queen and I Like To Rock. April Wine's story, marked by the sale of millions of albums, is not only one of chart-topping achievements but also one of tenacity, longevity, passion and, of course, Canadian pride. Central to that sound is the unparalleled talent of Music Hall of Fame guitarist and vocalist Brian Greenway. A proud resident of my riding of Vaudreuil—Soulanges, he has been an integral part of the iconic rock band since 1977. For their decades of contribution to the tapestry of Canadian music, Brian and the members of April Wine received their star on Canada's Walk of Fame this past Thursday, September 28. To April Wine and to Brian, whom I have the honour of hosting today in Ottawa, with his wife, I extend my heartfelt congratulations.

204 words

The Speaker

Oct/4/23 2:19:23 p.m.
Watch

I would like to remind members not to engage in recognizing people who might be in the galleries. I think there are very good reasons why we should not do that. The hon. member for Hastings—Lennox and Addington.

40 words

Mrs. Shelby Kramp-Neuman (Hastings—Lennox and Addington, CPC)

Oct/4/23 2:19:50 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, the current Liberal-NDP government is forcing a carbon tax on the farmer who grows the food and the trucker who ships the food. This is a tax on every single Canadian who needs to buy food. Now we learn that the Liberals want to quadruple the tax, putting an extra financial burden on the farming communities that feed this country by increasing the cost not only of producing food but also of shipping it. Canadians know that the Prime Minister is not worth the cost. After eight years, his tax-and-spend agenda has resulted in constantly raiding the wallets of those struggling, leaving less money to buy basic necessities. Using the personal bank accounts of Canadians to fund vanity projects is not the way to run a government. The Liberals have proven that they have never stepped up, nor have they exhibited even a modicum of financial responsibility. They need to step aside and let in the Conservatives, who know how to take the reins. It is time to start listening to Canadians from coast to coast to coast and to cancel the carbon tax.

189 words

Mr. Richard Martel (Chicoutimi—Le Fjord, CPC)

Oct/4/23 2:21:01 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, Quebeckers are at the end of their rope. Inflation is at an all-time high, and people are struggling to make ends meet. In my riding, food bank visits have increased by 40% to 50%. People are suffering. Quebeckers are having to find a second job to get by. Meanwhile, what does the government decide to do? It adds a carbon tax that increases everyone's cost of living. What is more, it has the Bloc's support. Quebeckers are not buying it. The Bloc Québécois voted against repealing this tax on June 5 and claims it does not apply in Quebec. That is not true. Not only is the Bloc placing an additional burden on Quebeckers, but it also wants to add to it. The Bloc Québécois has stated loud and clear that it wants to drastically increase the carbon tax. One thing is clear: Voting for the Bloc Québécois is costly. Soon enough, Bloc members will have the chance to vote for our motion to repeal the tax. It remains to be seen whether they will listen to their Liberal partners or to Quebeckers.

201 words

Ms. Anna Gainey (Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Westmount, Lib.)

Oct/4/23 2:22:14 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in the House during Women's History Month to pay tribute to Ruth Gagnon, a leader in my riding of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Westmount. As the executive director of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Quebec, Ms. Gagnon has devoted 44 years of her life to supporting women in the criminal justice system in Quebec. This community organization based in Notre‑Dame‑de‑Grâce helps women involved in the criminal justice system by offering crime prevention and reintegration programs. Through her work, Ruth Gagnon helps hundreds of women regain their dignity every year. Her work is recognized by her peers, and now it is being recognized by the House.

123 words

Ms. Bonita Zarrillo (Port Moody—Coquitlam, NDP)

Oct/4/23 2:23:14 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, today is the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People. In the spring, the NDP led the call for the House to declare the continued loss of indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people as a Canada-wide emergency and to commit to providing immediate and substantial investment. This included the red dress alert, which would activate the public's assistance whenever an indigenous woman, girl or two-spirit person goes missing. Families and organizations such as Sisters in Spirit and the Native Women's Association are calling on the federal government to invest in this alert system to save lives. This is a matter of life and death. There is no more time to wait. The Liberals have not done enough to protect precious lives. The government continues to fall behind in enacting the calls for justice for indigenous women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse people. Today, the NDP calls on the Liberal government again to take this emergency seriously and immediately act on the call for a national red dress alert.

184 words

All Topics

Mr. Yves Perron (Berthier—Maskinongé, BQ)

Oct/4/23 2:24:35 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, the Festival de la galette de sarrasin de Louiseville, Louiseville's legendary buckwheat pancake festival, is now in its 44th year. Over the past few days, I was thrilled to be inducted as an honorary member of the Confrérie des Sarrasins, the buckwheat brotherhood. I was delighted to pledge that I would faithfully promote this invaluable local product. The members of the Confrérie can rest assured that I will do them proud in promoting buckwheat and buckwheat products. I would like to thank the grand master of the Confrérie, Marc H. Plante, and festival director André Auger for giving me this honour, which I was lucky to share with the reeve of the Maskinongé RCM, Jean‑Yves St‑Arnaud. I invite my colleagues to join us for the remainder of the festival and witness the climax of the celebrations at this Sunday's parade. As I now like to proclaim from the balcony at city hall every year, long live buckwheat country.

179 words

Mr. Tom Kmiec (Calgary Shepard, CPC)

Oct/4/23 2:25:40 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, after eight years of the Liberal government, housing costs have doubled. The average price of a house in Calgary is $548,000. That is up 20% just from 2020. The average home in Canada now costs nearly double one in the United States, even though they house 10 times as many people on less land. The average rent in Calgary for one bedroom is $1,718; for two bedrooms, it is $2,121. This is up 17% year over year. Monthly mortgage payments on a typical home in Canada are now $3,560. That is up by a gobsmacking 151% since the NDP-Liberal government took power. Ash in my riding wrote, “it’s starting to look like the most affordable and realistic option for me and many others would be moving to the United States”. Inga says, “it pains me to see people, including immigrants...in such dire straits.” Residents in my riding know this: The Prime Minister is just not worth the cost.

172 words

Mr. George Chahal (Calgary Skyview, Lib.)

Oct/4/23 2:26:44 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to and commemorate the life of a remarkable Calgarian, Chris Snow. With his unwavering courage in the face of adversity and dedication to the Calgary Flames, Chris has been an inspiration to countless others and has left a lasting impact on our hearts. Chris was the assistant general manager of the Calgary Flames. He embodied the spirit of resilience and determination throughout his life. His courageous battle against ALS was a testament to his unyielding strength. He faced this devastating disease with unwavering resolve, becoming a symbol of hope for those living with ALS and their families. Beyond the world of hockey, Chris's impact extended into the community. Today, we also remember Chris as a loving husband to his wife, Kelsie, and a dedicated father to their two young children. His love and devotion to his family were evident in all aspects of his life, and his legacy of love and commitment will forever be cherished.

165 words

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

Oct/4/23 2:28:33 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, after eight years, eight long years, this Prime Minister is not worth the cost of food. In today's news, we read that inflation is preventing Quebeckers from eating as healthy as they should because of high grocery store prices. Sixty-three per cent of Canadians are afraid for their health because of the outrageous cost of groceries after eight years under this Prime Minister. Will the Prime Minister keep his promise to lower the cost of groceries by Thanksgiving, which is this Monday, yes or no?

89 words

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.)

Oct/4/23 2:29:12 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, two weeks ago, we introduced the affordable housing and groceries bill, which will incentivize the construction of more rental housing and increase competition, particularly among grocery stores. Instead of working with us to move this forward before Thanksgiving, the Conservative Party chose to obstruct debate because it has no plan for supporting Canadians. Actions speak louder than words. I am therefore asking all members of the House to work together to pass Bill C-56 as soon as possible.

82 words

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

Oct/4/23 2:29:55 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, thanks to his coalition with the NDP, the Prime Minister has a majority and can push through any measure he wants. However, after eight years, the cost of food is going up. He is the one who promised a month ago to bring down the cost of groceries by Thanksgiving. Will he keep his promise and lower the price of peas by 22%, the price of lettuce by 33%, the price of turkey by 37% and the price of potatoes by 74%? He is the one who made the promise. Will he lower prices by Thanksgiving this Monday?

100 words

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.)

Oct/4/23 2:30:36 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, if the Leader of the Opposition really wanted to get assistance out to Canadians quicker to help them with groceries and housing, he would not have obstructed our affordable housing and groceries bill. He would rather play political games and obstruct the business of the House than work with us to get Canadians the help they need. We will continue to focus on providing assistance to Canadians and we will continue to be there for people to help with the cost of living.

85 words

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

Oct/4/23 2:31:17 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, it is impossible for us to obstruct anything because we do not hold a majority. The Prime Minister's government does hold a majority, however, thanks to his coalition with the NDP. They can pass anything they want. However, all they have done is pass legislation to increase the carbon tax by 300% to 61¢ per litre. Will the Prime Minister keep his promise to lower the cost of groceries before Thanksgiving? He is the one who made that promise. Will he keep it, yes or no?

90 words

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.)

Oct/4/23 2:31:57 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, when we wanted to provide dental care to help Canadians, the Conservatives filibustered. The same thing happened with affordable child care. Now, they are obstructing the affordable housing and groceries bill. They are using parliamentary tricks to obstruct the process. The fact is that we can always count on the Conservatives to obstruct measures that help Canadians if they can get in some partisan attacks in the process. On this side of the House, we remain focused on helping Canadians.

82 words

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

Oct/4/23 2:32:51 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, after eight years, all the Prime Minister can do is blame others for the exorbitant inflation that he has imposed on Canadians' food bills. He promised a month ago that, by Thanksgiving, food would be affordable. Yet, since that time, the CEO of Food Banks Canada has said that we have more Canadians than ever relying on assistance just to eat. A poll out just today shows that two-thirds of Canadians are actually afraid for their health, because they cannot buy nutritious food after eight years under the Prime Minister. Will he keep his promise to deliver an affordable Thanksgiving dinner to Canadians, yes or no?

109 words

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.)

Oct/4/23 2:33:36 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, we can see that the Leader of the Opposition is always ready to play political games. A few weeks ago, we moved forward with the affordable housing and groceries act, which will help build more rental homes and increase competition, including among the largest grocers. However, instead of working with us to move this forward before Thanksgiving, the Conservative opposition chose to obstruct debate around these measures. We are going to continue to stay focused on helping Canadians while they stay focused on playing political partisan games.

89 words

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

Oct/4/23 2:34:27 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister can pass any bill he wants anytime he wants because he has a majority in coalition with the NDP. That is why he promised a month ago that he would make food affordable by Thanksgiving in a big, blustery photo op. My question for the Prime Minister is this: By this Monday, Thanksgiving, will he reverse the 22% inflation in the price of peas, the 33% inflation in the price of green salads, the 37% price inflation in the cost of frozen turkeys and the 74% price inflation for potatoes? Will he keep his word? Will he bring the prices down, yes or no?

109 words

SoVote

House Hansard - 229