44th Parl. 1st Sess.
October 20, 2023 10:00AM
- Oct/20/23 11:01:43 a.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the gift of life is so precious. The Canadian Blood Services motto is “it's in you to give”, and there is no one who has lived that mantra more than Penhold's Josephine Michaluk, who was just recognized by Guinness World Records as the female with the most whole blood donated. Josephine earned the record after donating her 203rd unit of blood in December of last year.
Josephine's epic journey started back in 1965 while accompanying her sister, who was on her way to donate. The experience left a great impression on Josephine, and with her O+ blood type, she realized just how important her highly compatible blood type was to the people in her community. Penhold's town council acknowledged her at its October 11 meeting “for reaching this milestone and for her...selfless act to help others.”
Her 208th donation will be on November 24. I congratulate Josephine.
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- Oct/20/23 11:02:53 a.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I have the privilege to stand in this House and to use my voice to shine a light or reflect on a moment in time on behalf of my constituents.
I know that over the last weeks, our hearts and souls have been mourning as we are witnessing violence and endless suffering generated by war. I send my love and support to the Muslim and Jewish communities here and abroad that are directly impacted by the events that are unfolding.
Words might appear insignificant at a time when we are collectively facing horror. Words can hurt, but they can also heal. They can change how we perceive the words. We need to see the humanity in one another and not lose sight of everything we have in common. We need to reflect on how we can work with and listen to each other.
Our own country is on a path of reconciliation. Getting there was not easy and is still a constant reaffirmation of our commitment to a better future for all. That is the message I humbly share today. Peace cannot be achieved through violence; it can only be obtained through understanding.
I pray for the world. I pray for peace.
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- Oct/20/23 11:04:00 a.m.
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Mr. Speaker, on the eve of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation this year, I was honoured to join a celebration in Nuu-Chah-Nulth territory of the art created by attendees of the former Alberni Indian Residential School in the late 1950s and 1960s. This artwork was inspired by volunteer artist Robert Aller, who encouraged young artists to paint their ideas, their knowledge and their truths.
After Robert passed away in 2008, 36 paintings were donated to the University of Victoria and then repatriated to the survivors who created them or to their families in 2013, with the assistance of Professor Andrea Walsh in partnership with one of the artists, Wally Samuel from Ahousaht. Since then, they have been widely exhibited to educate Canadians and the world about the legacy of residential schools. They have reached thousands of learners through gallery exhibitions, digital platforms and public presentations.
Canadians owe these artists and their families an enormous debt of gratitude for their generosity of spirit in sharing these wonderful paintings as we seek to reconcile historical wrongs with indigenous people.
Klecko, klecko to all.
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- Oct/20/23 11:05:12 a.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and celebrate Sylvie Pharand‑Gosselin, the first woman president of the Club Quad Petite‑Nation and an Outaouais area trailblazer. Her years as a volunteer, a trail patroller and keeper of a portion of the Duhamel area are indisputable proof of her dedication.
I would also like to acknowledge former club president Alain Lamarche for encouraging women to take on senior management positions within the club. Gender diversity in sports clubs enriches our communities with a broad range of experience and ideas. Despite some progress, however, the road to gender equality remains long.
That is why I am asking all parliamentarians to continue supporting our government's efforts to improve equal opportunity in Canada. We have to keep taking concrete action that paves the way for women like Sylvie Pharand‑Gosselin to enter leadership positions at all levels.
In closing, I congratulate Club Quad Petite‑Nation.
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- Oct/20/23 11:06:20 a.m.
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Mr. Speaker, it is with immense pride that I rise to mark an exceptional occasion: the 100th anniversary of Premier Tech, based in Rivière-du-Loup. Premier Tech has forged a reputation for excellence with 100 years of history, determination and daring.
The story began when the Bélanger family purchased a small business. It moved into horticulture with sphagnum peat moss and is now known for automation and waste water treatment.
Premier Tech employs 5,200 people in 28 countries, has 48 plants and generates sales of over $1 billion. The company is deeply committed to its home community, but it is also involved internationally in the world of cycling. The Israel-Premier Tech team has achieved major successes, including at the Tour de France with Canadian cyclists.
I would like to commend my friends Bernard Bélanger and his son Jean, who, through their hard work and vision, have shaped our community and made a positive impact on a global scale.
I wish Premier Tech a bright and prosperous future, and happy hundredth anniversary to the company and its teams.
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- Oct/20/23 11:07:33 a.m.
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Mr. Speaker, last week, the Canadian Council of Imams hosted its annual gala dinner. Founded in 1990, the council has been a unifying forum for Canadian imams and chaplains. At this fifth annual gala dinner, a member of my constituency, Chaplain Imam Imran Ally, received the well-deserved Community Imam Award in recognition of his continuing service to society.
Imran's dedication is truly inspiring, and the recognition by his peers speaks volumes to the impact he has had on our community. Through his tireless efforts, he has not only served the Muslim community, but also made significant contributions to society. We are fortunate to have individuals like Imran among us, individuals who work tirelessly to bridge divides, to bring communities together and to spread the message of love, compassion and unity.
My sincere congratulations to Imran. May peace and unity continue to guide our path forward.
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Mr. Speaker, a new report from the Public Policy Forum concludes that Atlantic Canada's offshore wind potential will make the region an energy powerhouse going forward. Installing turbines around the Sable Island Bank could produce enough energy supply for 6.5 million average Canadian homes, which is almost twice as much as what is being used by Atlantic Canada today.
This boom would mean thousands of jobs and billions of dollars for Atlantic Canada. However, on Tuesday, the Conservatives, including several MPs from Atlantic Canada, voted against Bill C-49, a bill that would allow for the development of the offshore wind industry in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.
On this side of the House, people can count on our government to help Atlantic Canadians today and every day.
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- Oct/20/23 11:09:53 a.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the NDP-Liberal government knew carbon tax 2 would increase the cost of energy and disproportionately impact low- and middle-income Canadians, yet it is imposing the tax anyway. Carbon taxes 1 and 2 will add 61¢ per litre to the price of fuel, and because of the government's punishing fuel taxes, we are already seeing fuel prices in B.C. at over two dollars per litre.
After eight long years of inflationary spending and failing policies, even Liberal MPs are speaking out against the carbon tax. Those Liberal MPs are realizing that when we tax Brad, the farmer who grows the food, tax Rob, who transports the food, and tax Joanne, who has to drive to buy the food, the food becomes too expensive. It is no wonder 60% more Canadians per month are expected to use food banks in 2023.
After eight years, it is even more clear that the Prime Minister is not worth the cost.
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- Oct/20/23 11:11:03 a.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I would like to give a special acknowledgement and shout-out to Winnipeg transit drivers for both educating me and being there in a very real and tangible way to ensure there are all forms of diversity in transportation.
Over the summer, the Government of Canada tabled a report about public transit in general in Canada. No government in the history of Canada has committed more public dollars to ensure that we have a solid public transit system from coast to coast to coast. It is a commitment that is genuine. It is there to help build communities and connect people in every way.
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- Oct/20/23 11:11:52 a.m.
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Mr. Speaker, after eight years of the current NDP-Liberal government, where are we at? Well, more Canadians are frozen out of the housing market, rents are doubling, inflationary deficits are driving up mortgage payments and our federal government is saying, “Our inflation is not all that bad; look at other countries.”
That is exactly what an enterprising Ontario couple did. They sold their modest 2,400-square-foot suburban home in Fergus and bought a 6,300-square-foot château in the South of France on 37 acres. It was an even trade. However, with the NDP-Liberal made-in-Canada inflation, the couple said that if they sold the chateau now, they probably could not move back to Fergus.
More and more Canadians are realizing that this tax-and-spend Liberal Prime Minister is just not worth the cost, at least for those ordinary Canadians who were hoping one day to have their own modest home right here at home in Canada.
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- Oct/20/23 11:12:57 a.m.
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Mr. Speaker, after eight years of the current Liberal-NDP government, life is unaffordable. Families in northern Saskatchewan and across Canada are faced every day with austerity measures. There is less food, fewer activities for their kids, fewer trips to see grandma and grandpa and less money for rent or a mortgage at the end of every month. However, as families are forced to make cuts, the Liberal-NDP government spends.
There is something morally wrong when a government grows bigger and continuously throws money around while taxpayers themselves are forced into cutting for their own families. This is backwards. The solution is to have less for the government and more in the pockets of families: more healthy food, more activities for their kids and more trips and time to spend with family.
The Liberal-NDP government's inflationary deficits are driving up the cost of everything. Canadians are tired of it, and they want hope. After eight long years, the Prime Minister is simply not worth the cost.
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- Oct/20/23 11:14:05 a.m.
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Mr. Speaker, this evening, thousands of people in more than 40 cities across Quebec will mark Homelessness Awareness Night, an event whose mission is to raise awareness of poverty and homelessness in Quebec.
This year marks the 25th edition of Homelessness Awareness Night in Longueuil. Many activities have been planned to help people gain a better understanding of the difficult conditions that homeless people experience and to learn more about homelessness organizations.
The public is therefore invited to go to St. Mark Park this evening to visit the community village, listen to the stories of people who have experienced homelessness and participate in the solidarity walk.
I commend Table Itinérance Rive‑Sud and all members of the organizing committee for their commitment to giving a voice to the homeless and shining a light on the realities of homelessness.
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- Oct/20/23 11:15:11 a.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I normally rise in this chamber with gratitude and vigour. However, today, the events of the last two weeks, with the attacks by Hamas and response by Israel, have me at a loss.
I represent a riding with a Jewish population that has contributed so much, including fighting in both world wars. From my work, I know the constant battle against anti-Semitism that we face and the symbols of hate that have been painted on the sidewalks, streets and even my own lawn signs.
I am blessed in the Windsor-Detroit area with having a Middle Eastern population. I have stood in solidarity with them from the original blame for the Oklahoma City bombing to 9/11 blame and the Islamophobia that still persists. I am proud to be part of a movement to always push back and speak the truth against that type of rhetoric.
My statement today to try to help end the violence in Gaza, Israel and Lebanon was crafted many times. However, despite trying, it never left me feeling anything but ill. Therefore, here I am; my only message is to find enough forgiveness and respect in humanity to end all violence. I appreciate that it is a naive message, but after 21-plus years in Parliament, I need to speak the truth: I do not have the answers, but I love my constituents of all races, ethnicities and religions. I am sorry that I do not have the solutions. I know that it is never too late to save someone who is alive. Everyone can join me, or let me join them, in solidarity for forgiveness of our failures to all the victims.
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- Oct/20/23 11:16:31 a.m.
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Mr. Speaker, today was the 34th Nuit des sans-abri, a homelessness awareness event that seeks to raise awareness about homelessness, poverty and social alienation. This year's theme is “no roof, no choice”. More than 60 municipalities across Quebec will host this event.
Tent parks in the four corners of Quebec; single mothers who sleep in their car with their children; seniors who, after living in a home and working their entire lives, end up on the street; young, pregnant women with no roof over their heads, including one who will end up giving birth in the streets, in the middle of downtown Gatineau: This happens in our communities, and it is in our communities that organizations have to help battered women who stay in relationships that are toxic to themselves and their children because they cannot find a place to live. It is in our communities that families have to cut back on how much food they buy and seniors have to limit their medication budget to keep a roof over their heads.
Quebec is on the brink of a major humanitarian crisis. The government has already recognized housing as a right. Now it has to ensure that this right becomes a reality for everyone.
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- Oct/20/23 11:17:40 a.m.
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Mr. Speaker, since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, the Toronto police chief has reported a 132% increase in hate crimes. We have seen horrific stories of a sign written in spray paint in Centennial Park that says “Attack the Jew” or a vandalized message in London that says “Kill all Muslims”. This is absolutely unacceptable.
We can all be revolted by the horrors of Hamas, but we should never blame our fellow citizens in Canada who are Muslim. They did not commit those atrocities.
We can debate the decisions of the Israeli government, but we have no right to insult our Jewish neighbours or attack their local synagogue.
This must be a country based on freedom, where it does not matter if one's name is Mohammed or Martin, Chang or Charles, Singh, Smith or Steinberg. We are all Canadians. We are all compatriots. Let us embrace each other with love.
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- Oct/20/23 11:19:00 a.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today excited to congratulate Umicore Rechargeable Battery Materials Canada. This past Monday marked its official groundbreaking for the manufacturing plant it is building in Loyalist township, located just outside my riding.
The plant will manufacture materials that are required for the production of electric vehicle batteries. In full swing, its operation has the capacity to produce enough battery materials to support the production of over 800,000 electric vehicles each year. What is more, it is designed to be nearly carbon-neutral from the start of production.
Of course, this is excellent news for our region in terms of economic development and job creation. It is also great news for Ontario and Canada, as it helps strengthen our position as a global leader in the electric vehicle and battery supply chain.
I am proud that the federal government has committed up to $551 million, through the strategic investment fund, to support this project.
I send congratulations and best wishes to Umicore, as well as thanks for choosing eastern Ontario.
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- Oct/20/23 11:20:12 a.m.
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Mr. Speaker, after eight years, the Prime Minister is not worth the cost or the lack of competition.
Yesterday, the Competition Bureau reported that, now, the lack of competition is worse than it was at any time in 20 years, leading to higher prices for consumers and higher profits for corporate oligarchs. Now the Liberal government is considering allowing Canada's biggest bank to gobble up the seventh-biggest bank, to eliminate competition and force up mortgage rates on Canadians who already cannot afford to pay their bills.
Will the government side with consumers and homebuyers, instead of corporate oligarchs and big banks, and block this merger?
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- Oct/20/23 11:20:54 a.m.
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Mr. Speaker, as the Conservative leader recycles “common sense” cliches from decades ago as if he were an automaton from the Mike Harris era, our government has taken decisive action to help Canadians with the price of groceries by supporting more competition in the marketplace and by increasing housing supply, waiving GST on new rental construction. These are two significant measures the members opposite can support right now by supporting the government's bill on affordability, but they have stated that they will not do so.
Can someone from the opposition benches please explain to us all how voting against measures that are going to substantially help middle-class families is common sense?
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- Oct/20/23 11:21:37 a.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I will tell us what is not common sense: spending $8 million on a barn. We just found out that the Prime Minister's Capital Commission spent $8 million to replace a barn at Rideau Hall.
We have long said that the Prime Minister is not worth the cost after eight long years.
While Canadians cannot afford a home, how is it that the Prime Minister is spending $8 million on a barn? By the way, was it made of gold?
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- Oct/20/23 11:22:18 a.m.
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Mr. Speaker, those are quite the words from the Leader of the Opposition. I remind him that, when he was responsible for housing during the Harper years, there was $300 million spent for housing, with fewer than 100 homes built. We can do the math: That is $3 million a home. That is the record of so-called fiscal responsibility on the other side.
On this side, we are getting homes built. Just this morning, the Prime Minister announced over $100 million for the City of Brampton, which is going to lead to 24,000 homes being built in the coming years. We are going to continue to work with municipalities through partnership.
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