44th Parl. 1st Sess.
October 19, 2023 10:00AM
Madam Speaker, talk about reckless. Let me give a good example. The member is criticizing investments we have made in electric vehicles, and she is happy to do so. The Government of Canada entered into an agreement with Volkswagen, creating thousands of jobs, directly and indirectly. Industries will grow as a direct result. VW is investing billions of dollars, and the member is saying that VW does not know what it is doing, apparently, and the jobs that are being created in St. Thomas and the surrounding areas are just not worth it because the reckless Conservative Party believes that electric vehicles are not a thing of the future. How ridiculous is that?
Can the member tell the people of St. Thomas whether the Conservative Party supports the VW plant, which is going to be the largest plant in Canada? Some 200 football fields could fit into it.
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Madam Speaker, that is a great question. I think what the people of St. Thomas would appreciate, instead of giving $31 billion between two plants for 3,000 jobs, is if the Liberals just gave each person $10 million so they never had to work again. They would probably be pretty happy about that, but that is not really the way to grow the Canadian economy.
Conservatives have plans to actually unleash the innovation, technology and natural resources of Canada to grow the economy. Think about those 18 LNG plants and the number of jobs we could have had there. Think about the nuclear facilities we could be building and transporting around the world. That is where the jobs are.
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Madam Speaker, the Conservatives are still accusing the government of inflationary spending, so I have a quick question for my colleague. According to the IMF, Canada invested $50 billion in the oil industry in 2022. I would note that the oil industry made $200 billion in profit in 2022.
Does my colleague think that that expenditure counts as inflationary spending?
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Madam Speaker, the reality is that when we invest in a business and the business generates more royalty and tax revenue for the government to support all of the social programs we want, that is an investment; it is not inflationary spending. When we spend money and it does not create a result, that is inflationary spending.
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Madam Speaker, I always get a great kick out of listening to Conservatives talking about the environment and the economy. It is like looking in a distorted funhouse mirror: We are not even sure if they know what side of the world is up. However, the member says that her numbers are from Danielle Smith, so that pretty much sums it up.
There are nine million direct jobs in the United States in clean tech right now. Speaking of Danielle Smith, last December, Alberta was the gold rush capital of the world for clean energy tech. Just this past July, some were talking about how Alberta was out in front, and then Danielle Smith killed it. If we talk to any international investor about money in Canada, we hear that not a dime will go to Alberta now because of Albertan and Conservative ideology against clean tech.
As for LNG, the member has not a clue what she is talking about. We met with the German Chancellor. He said they are not interested in LNG. They wanted to know if we could provide hydrogen, but hydrogen is something that Conservatives are against, just as they are against the battery plant investments and just as they are against clean tech. They claim they are going to somehow find “technology”, but this technology will help them run their oil and gas industry into the ground.
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Madam Speaker, I am happy to enlighten the member opposite, because clearly he is unaware that in Sarnia—Lambton, a green hydrogen hub is being created. We are supportive of that.
I wonder why he is not standing up for the residents in the north, who are not getting mining jobs because of project approvals and things that his party supported, and why he is trying to shut down jobs in Canada. He is supposed to be in a party of the working people, but the NDP has abandoned the working people in this country. The Conservatives have their backs and will ensure that their jobs are protected as we transition to a cleaner future.
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- Oct/19/23 1:53:03 p.m.
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There seem to be some discussions going on in the House while others are trying to participate in the debate. I would just ask individuals to take those outside. I would also ask members to be mindful of the words they use within the House as well, to make sure they are respectful.
Resuming debate, the hon. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and Seniors.
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Madam Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Labrador.
I am delighted to be standing here today to discuss Bill C-50, a bill that would help ensure Canada's workers are equipped with the skills and training they need to help our country seize the economic opportunities ahead of it. The fact is that as the world advances toward a net-zero future, we need to skate where the puck is going. I will give members a good example from my riding.
The Government of Canada invested to help Algoma Steel, the second-largest steel producer in Canada, bring its operations into the next era by phasing out its thermal coal furnaces and putting electric arc furnaces in their place. This means more clean air in my community. It is the equivalent of taking nearly one million gas-powered cars off the road. It is amazing. It means a healthier workplace for our steelworkers as well.
Like the sustainable jobs act, this investment was about creating new, well-paying jobs that benefit our economy. People in the community have started calling this investment “generational”. I have talked to steelworkers, and they know that if their grandkids choose to work in the steel industry in Sault Ste. Marie in the district of Algoma, because of this investment, they can do so.
There are industrial facilities like Algoma Steel in many parts of our country, from material to energy to manufacturing. Investors want to power their plants with clean energy, while minimizing emissions and maximizing their high-quality material production.
Members should not just take it from me: The president of the Business Council of Alberta said, “The Sustainable Jobs Act represents an important opportunity for Canada: to shape our future and create jobs by providing the resources that the world needs—including energy, food, and minerals.” Clearly, it is imperative that we advance technology and skills to get good projects built, while fighting climate change.
On the investment and research side, we are working hard to make sure that Canada is at the front of this global race for clean technologies. The Government of Canada is approaching this thoughtfully, through measures such as our hydrogen strategy, a clean electricity vision paper and our recently released carbon management strategy, which will help us secure sustainable jobs in such sectors as cement and steelmaking.
As we work to become leaders in the clean technology sector, we also need to make sure that our people are equipped to lead. Within the Canadian sustainable jobs act, the government would create a future where the Canadian workforce can thrive as it meets the world's growing demand for low-carbon energy, resources and solutions. It is a future where the challenge would not be finding good, well-paying jobs. Instead, the challenge would be keeping up with the demand for skills development and training programs to help Canadians fill them.
Bill C-50 provides an important opportunity to create a legal framework for action that fosters the creation of sustainable jobs for workers and economic prosperity across Canada. This legislation already reflects the feedback we have received from workers, labour organizations, experts, indigenous peoples, provinces and territories, and many other stakeholders.
This legislation would help us do two things. These things are not negotiable if we want workers to succeed in a low-carbon economy.
The first thing it would do is put Canada's workers first. To put it simply, as the government invests in the growth of our energy sector and other low-carbon industries, this legislation obliges the government to bring Canada's accomplished and motivated workers along with us. We are starting this dream together in a good place.
Workers in the conventional energy sector are already well-positioned to succeed in growing clean technology industries such as hydrogen. This is based on a recent state-of-the-industry report from Enserva, which found the following:
...people involved in energy development will be at a huge advantage in terms of jobs and skills as the underlying technical skills required to extract, develop, produce, process and export oil and gas are transferable to different forms of energy, such as wind, solar, biomass and LNG.
While this gives Canadian energy workers a reason to be optimistic, we still need the legislation to ensure that the government has a plan to provide them, their families and their communities with the related supports they need.
The second thing this legislation would allow us to do is to assure existing and potential investors that our workforce is fully up to supporting emerging low-carbon projects and priorities. We must continue to motivate investors to back the businesses that will grow tomorrow's low-carbon economy, while investing public funds into a wide array of sectors and projects.
The latest federal budget alone included $86 billion in new incentives to accelerate the growth of our clean energy sector, with new or enhanced investments and tax credits toward generating clean electricity and hydrogen, manufacturing and adopting clean technologies and advancing the viability of carbon management. This investment stands to help workers in very real ways, since the highest investment tax credits are reserved for the companies that offer the most competitive compensation packages. It is a win for investors, for Canadian workers and for communities.
The legislation has been informed by many things. In 2021 the government released a discussion paper on sustainable jobs, and we invited all Canadians to have their say on it. This led to 18 months of public consultations, highlighted by 17 round tables with a range of stakeholders and partners, including workers themselves. We also received tens of thousands—
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- Oct/19/23 2:00:05 p.m.
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The hon. member will be able to continue the next time this matter is before the House.
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- Oct/19/23 2:00:22 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, it is important we recognize that Canada's diversity is one of our greatest strengths. I reflect back to June, when we celebrated many different events of Canada's Filipino Canadian heritage.
Now we fast-forward to November. On November 12, we are going to be celebrating Diwali. Diwali is celebrated from coast to coast to coast, as Canada's Indo-Canadian community will lead the way. Diwali is a celebration of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. This is a part of Canadian heritage. We should all be very proud of Canada's diversity. For those who are going to be celebrating Diwali on November 12, I wish each and every one of them a very happy Diwali.
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- Oct/19/23 2:01:23 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, on October 10, Prince Edward Island, and indeed all of Canada, lost a distinguished citizen and public servant: the Hon. Jim Lee, who served as premier in Prince Edward Island from 1981 to 1986.
He accomplished many things during his time, including playing an instrumental role in the establishment of the veterinary school at the University of Prince Edward Island. He was also instrumental in the construction of the Prince Edward Island Convention Centre, the amalgamation of the Charlottetown and P.E.I. hospitals and the construction of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
During his time as premier, he was the P.E.I. signatory on both the Canadian Constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It was said by his son that his father “never put a lot of energy into taking credit for the things he helped P.E.I. achieve.” He was an Islander who fought for the lovely island he called home and the people he represented.
On behalf of Canada's Conservatives and His Majesty's loyal opposition, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. I thank Premier Lee for making both Prince Edward Island and Canada a better place.
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Madam Speaker, over the past few months, as I knocked on doors in my riding of Brampton East, I have had many conversations about public safety. All levels of government have a role to play in keeping our communities safe, and here in Parliament, we are working together to further strengthen our Criminal Code.
After consultations with all 13 premiers and police chiefs across Canada, our government has brought forward a bail reform bill, Bill C-48, which would help keep repeat violent offenders behind bars.
I have had numerous discussions with the police chief, the mayor and colleagues across all levels of government, and I am happy to see this bill being supported by colleagues in this very chamber.
That is not all. We have helped combat guns and gangs, providing $120 million to the Province of Ontario; strengthened border security, with over $500 million to CBSA, which will help prevent contraband coming into this country; and instituted a national freeze on handguns, which means that handguns can no longer be transferred, purchased or imported into Canada.
I remain focused on working with all levels of government to ensure families can live and prosper in a safe environment.
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- Oct/19/23 2:03:56 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, the wonderful city of Saint‑Hyacinthe is blowing out 275 candles this year. This afternoon, I welcomed the mayor, André Beauregard, to my office and presented him with a commemorative plaque to mark this very happy anniversary.
What is now a city was once a seigneury. Its first mayor was Louis-Antoine Dessaulles, Louis-Joseph Papineau's nephew. In the 19th century, it was home base for one of the most active wings of the Parti patriote. In the early 20th century, it was an important and dynamic industrial hub. Saint‑Hyacinthe is now an agri-food technopole, with its farms, processing plants and research centres making an unparalleled contribution to Quebec's foodscape.
Saint‑Hyacinthe is also home to North America's only French-language school of veterinary medicine, as well as to the Institut de technologie agroalimentaire du Québec. There is always something going on there in sports, culture and journalism. The city has seen many important figures in Quebec's history rise to prominence. One thing is for sure: Saint‑Hyacinthe will continue to be an important part of our story.
I wish my city, our city, Saint‑Hyacinthe, a happy 275th anniversary.
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- Oct/19/23 2:05:10 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about a topic that I am very familiar with, and that is menopause. It is an important but often overlooked topic that affects many women in our society.
Menopause is a normal occurrence in the life of a woman, but it can have a major impact on her mental and physical health. During menopause, women go through changes that can cause many symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, joint pain and genitourinary conditions. These symptoms can interfere with women's daily activities and cause problems with their work, relationships and overall well-being. It is essential to offer women support and raise public awareness by improving knowledge and encouraging an open and honest dialogue on menopause.
Women work behind the scenes. We need to support them when they begin this new chapter in their life and ensure that they continue to prosper in our society.
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- Oct/19/23 2:06:11 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, after eight long years, many Canadians have reached their breaking point. Seniors struggle to buy healthy food and to heat their homes. Middle-class families are using credit cards just to make ends meet. Our youth have given up on the dream of ever owning their own home.
The inflationary tax and spending policies of the NDP-Liberal government have destroyed small businesses in my community. They have gutted peoples' lives, yet the government still does not have a plan to balance the budget. In fact, Liberals will say things have never been better, but Canadians know that the Prime Minister is not worth the cost.
Fortunately, hope is on the way. Conservatives have a common-sense plan to axe the carbon tax, lower costs, balance the budget and give people hope once again. It is time to get Canada back on track.
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- Oct/19/23 2:07:19 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, since its first recorded presence in the 1860s, the Muslim community in Canada has grown to 1.8 million people. October is celebrated as the Canadian Islamic History Month, in recognition of the significant contributions that Muslims have made in the arts, sports, academics, literature, sciences and in their communities.
Canadian Islamic History Month is a time to learn about the history of Islam in Canada, and about the past and ongoing challenges and barriers that Muslim Canadians face.
This month Canadians should explore the Muslim faith, culture and traditions with mosque tours, delicious food and refreshments, while learning about Islam by attending open houses throughout October. This month is a time to continue working towards a compassionate, inclusive and safer Canada for everyone.
I wish everyone a happy Canadian Islamic History Month.
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- Oct/19/23 2:08:26 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I often wear running shoes around the Hill and today is no different. Today, I'm sporting my kicks with ParticipACTION for their “sneak it in” campaign. Everyone knows that being physically active is important for our physical, mental and social well-being, but for some people it can be more challenging to access some of those opportunities. I am thrilled that our government is supporting organizations like ParticipACTION that strive to motivate all Canadians to find ways to be physically active and encourage us to make physical activity a part of our day, and a Canadian cultural trademark.
Our government's funding through the community sport for all initiative has allowed ParticipACTION, the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association, KidSport, JumpStart and many other committed Canadian physical activity stakeholders to provide grants to community groups and teams that deliver organized sports to Canadians who might need a little support in trying out some new activities or adopting a more active lifestyle.
Whether it is through our support for ParticipACTION's ParticiPARKS initiative or their national community challenge, JumpStart's champions of community or champions of play initiative, KidSport's mission to ensure that all kids can play or the CPRA's community sport intervention of reaching each and every one, our government is proud to accept the challenge to help Canadians be more physically active.
I will do a jumping jack because I have one more second left.
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- Oct/19/23 2:09:42 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, after eight long years of the Prime Minister people are struggling. Tyler bought a home a couple of years ago. Since then his mortgage has shot up from $1,600 to $4,000 a month. He said that he can no longer afford it, and is going to have sell it and downgrade to make his life livable.
Then there is Candis who has also seen her payments double. She can no longer afford new clothes for her kids and has to take her kids out of sports in order to make ends meet.
Shaffy is a welder at Seaspan Shipyards. His mortgage is $7,528. He told me that he has no freedom because he is forced to work seven days a week, 10-hour shifts. He cannot give his body a rest because he will lose his home.
The Liberal-NDP government's out of-control spending has led to spiralling interest rates. Tyler, Candis and Shaffy are the ones suffering from their incompetency. Canadians cannot afford the Prime Minister.
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- Oct/19/23 2:10:44 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer, celebrate the progress made against the disease and support those who are impacted by it. Every year nearly 28,000 Canadians are diagnosed with breast cancer and thousands more are living with the disease. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian women.
I am so fortunate to be a two-time survivor of breast cancer. First diagnosed at the age of 42, I know the importance for Canadian women to have the opportunity to be tested at the age of 40 and not have to wait until 50. I have advocated for the age reduction in Canada many times over the years. I am so pleased that this past June, the Government of Canada announced up to $500,000 in additional funding for the Canadian task force to help update the breast cancer screening guidelines in Canada.
I encourage all women to get regular mammography testing. It can save their lives.
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- Oct/19/23 2:12:03 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, after eight years of the tired Liberal-NDP government, ideology matters more than helping Canadians with the crippling cost of living. Thankfully, some Liberals are beginning to break ranks with the government over its punitive carbon taxes that will see Canadians pay an extra 61¢ for every litre of gas. The member for Avalon has warned his party that it cannot make life more expensive for people than they can handle, but all of his colleagues do not care. The member for Cloverdale—Langley City was quick to dismiss the concerns of struggling Canadians and double down on the carbon tax as a tool to force change in consumer behaviours. These Liberals just do not get it.
The people of Newfoundland and of Saskatchewan cannot turn their lives around on a dime. Farmers and producers do more than their fair share to control carbon emissions in a way that the current government just does not comprehend. They know that this Prime Minister is not worth the cost. Only a common-sense Conservative government would axe the tax and bring home lower prices for all Canadians.
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