44th Parl. 1st Sess.
May 31, 2024 10:00AM
- May/31/24 11:06:33 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, it is a sad reality that almost daily my office is approached by someone who just cannot catch a break in navigating through the cost of living crisis. Renate from Beaverton, a senior who suffers from severe allergies, has been stuck in an unsuitable unit for years because rental rates are far too expensive.
Meghan from Kawartha Lakes, a farmer, business owner and mother, is faced with a carbon tax on her and her husband's daily operations and she has nowhere to turn for child care due to outrageous costs and long wait-lists.
Just yesterday, Laurie, a senior from Lindsay, called because she is being forced to decide between paying for food and rent, and now she relies on a food bank she was once a dedicated donor to.
As hard as these stories are to hear, they are just the tip of the iceberg in what has become a shameful legacy of the NDP-Liberal agenda, forcing almost two million people per month to the food bank. I join the plea for the NDP-Liberals to show some compassion because, after nine long years, they are not worth the cost or the misery.
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- May/31/24 11:07:37 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, enough is enough. On Wednesday, a Jewish school in Montreal had shots fired at it. On Saturday, two men opened fire at a Jewish school in Toronto. Last night, a synagogue in Vancouver was attacked. Over the course of the last seven months, Jewish buildings and stores have been vandalized; encampments have been set up at universities, where posters extolling terrorist groups and glorifying violence against Jews are common; demonstrators yelling chants for Jews to go back to Poland, calling for intifada and saying that Zionists are not wanted here have surrounded community buildings and blocked access to and exit from them.
At this point, condemnation is not enough. All levels of government need to do more, immediately. At the federal level, we need to designate the IRGC and Samidoun as terrorist organizations. We need to adopt Criminal Code amendments to protect schools, places of worship and community centres the same way we did for hospitals during the pandemic. Enough is enough. Canadian Jews have a right to be safe in our country.
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- May/31/24 11:08:52 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, when I was 14, I met a guy named Joe Kennedy. We formed a friendship that would last a lifetime. On March 9, Joe passed away due to a heart problem, which is ironic given that he had a better heart than anybody I have ever met. He was kind, he was generous and he oozed integrity and humility, which guided him during a successful career, first with Ontario Hydro and later with Community Living Toronto.
He was also the most honest man I ever met; sometimes too honest. I know because I was at the receiving end of it for over 45 years. He dished it out with a dry sense of humour. His opinion mattered to me more than any other and I would not be standing here without him. He was also fiercely loyal and there is probably no greater example than his dedication and commitment to supporting the Toronto Maple Leafs.
However, nothing, and I mean nothing, meant more to Joe than his family, his wife Mary and his daughter Sarah. His final words to me were to make sure they are going to be okay. They are going to be okay, and that is because of Joe.
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- May/31/24 11:10:11 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I have blonde hair with hazel eyes. I am 5'7". I am wearing a black dress with a royal blue blazer. As the shadow minister for disability inclusion, it is my pleasure to recognize National AccessAbility Week. Let us acknowledge the contributions and leadership of persons with disabilities and of their allies, the organizations and communities that care for, support and champion persons with disabilities in Canada.
There is still much to do to make our society more accessible so that persons with disabilities can access many of the services and places most people take for granted. Even in this place, the highest institution in the land, word has come to my attention of ways that this place has not met accessibility needs and I am actively working with House administration on this.
This week and every week, let us recognize the important contributions of Canadians living with disabilities and those who support them, and commit to work on removing barriers to accessibility.
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- May/31/24 11:11:16 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight our government's New Horizons for Seniors program. This federal grants and contributions program for seniors is a truly transformative initiative in the lives of so many seniors across Canada and in my riding of Mississauga—Erin Mills.
Let me take this opportunity to highlight just a few of the many awesome organizations in my riding that do so much great work to bring communities together. These organizations include the Mississauga Seniors Club, Ivan Franko Homes, Shubh Helping Hands, The Meadows Church and Feng Hua Senior Association.
Whether they are awareness programs to educate us about the issues of elder abuse, weekly recreational activities or even helping seniors access government services that they may be eligible for, these organizations represent the heart of my community. It is so important that we come together to support our seniors, who continue to do so much for our community.
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- May/31/24 11:12:14 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, in Durham Region, for years the rite of passage included spending a week with mom and dad at Darlington Provincial Park, with camping, roasting marshmallows and hot dogs, and the famous sing-alongs.
According to the out-of-touch Liberals, kids are rebelling and demanding that their parents cancel their summer vacation and immediately take them to the dentist. Yes, according to the Minister of Health, kids would prefer to say no to spending time with their loved ones this summer and instead have their teeth drilled and filled. Whose kids are the Liberals talking to?
Yes, we all know that dental health is important, but this is not an either-or question. Sadly, this summer many Oshawa families will not be able to afford a local staycation because of the Liberals' out-of-touch tax-and-spend agenda. When the Liberal MP for Whitby stated that their net-zero goals were going to cause pain, is this what they were talking about?
Why does the NDP-Liberal government not axe the carbon tax and lift the taxes on gasoline so Canadians can save that extra $670 over the summer and afford a traditional family camping trip with the kids?
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- May/31/24 11:13:21 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, what could be better than packing up the bathing suits, the camping gear and some snacks and hopping in the truck for a family road trip? Well, according to the Liberals, it is picking up some extra shifts at work just to be taxed to the max and then staying home, pretending the couch is a van and Netflix is the great outdoors, or maybe it is another trip to the food bank line.
After nine long, miserable years, it is crystal clear that the Prime Minister is simply not worth the cost. In the middle of this cost of living crisis, the Liberal-NDP government hiked up the carbon tax by a whopping 23% this year. That is why common-sense Conservatives are calling on the carbon tax coalition to give Canadians a summer break by axing the carbon tax, the federal fuel tax and the GST on gasoline and diesel, lowering gas prices on average 35¢ a litre, so families can afford a simple summer vacation.
Conservatives will axe the tax on everything for everyone after the carbon tax election, but until then, let us give Canadians a summer break.
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- May/31/24 11:14:20 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, “cowabunga” is a word that is used to express delight. Fittingly, it is also the name of a pizzeria in my riding of Hamilton Mountain that recently won the title “world's best cheese slice” at the International Pizza Challenge in Las Vegas.
Owners Andy Huynh and Justin Tanda had entered the competition several times in years past, and they always did well, but this year was different from the start. This year, they almost could not compete at all. The luggage that held their signature sourdough got lost during their flight south. Luckily, they kept a little bit in their carry-on, and a staff member grabbed a last-minute airline ticket to bring them some more.
I can tell members that that sourdough crust, with its Canadian cheese and sauce ingredients, is the perfect mouth-watering combination. The international judges agreed. If the cheese pizza is perfect as it is, just imagine how good the pizzas are with other toppings added.
The word is out. Hamiltonians are so enthusiastic about the pies that Cowabunga can hardly keep up with demand. I know my family cannot wait to go back.
Congratulations, Cowabunga.
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- May/31/24 11:15:28 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I am honoured to wear today a purple pin in recognition of May as Lupus Awareness Month. Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, affects more than one in a thousand Canadians. Managing lupus is as complex as diagnosing it.
I want to share the story of my constituent Brenda, from New Westminster, who has battled lupus for over three decades. This disease can impact organs, including the skin, eyes, joints, heart, lungs and kidneys. Brenda requires 17 different medications to manage her lupus effectively.
That is why the NDP advocates for increased funding to support a comprehensive approach that encompasses medication for symptom management, lifestyle adjustments and consistent supervision by health care professionals. Together, we must ensure all lupus patients have equitable access to quality care, which is crucial for their well-being now and in the future.
I extend my gratitude to Brenda; to my terrific niece, Charlotte, who works as a teacher and battles lupus; as well as to Lupus Canada, for its tireless advocacy during Lupus Awareness Month.
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- May/31/24 11:16:35 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, radio is a one-of-a-kind medium that really becomes part of people's everyday lives, sometimes literally. This is definitely true in the case of Yves Desautels, a Radio-Canada traffic reporter who just retired after a 47-year career.
From Regina, where he began his career, to Montreal, where he eventually got behind the wheel of his famous “hedgehog”, Mr. Desautels, Yves, quietly became part of our morning and afternoon routines, a trusted companion on our commutes to and from work. Even when working from home, we would tune in to listen to him, like a faithful friend whose voice is so comforting. With the perfect touch of humour at just the right time, he always struck the right tone when the situation was more serious, and was always grateful to the listeners who regularly called in to inform him of current traffic conditions.
Whether we like it or not, Yves Desautels is retiring. Yes, it will leave a void, but it has been so lovely seeing and hearing all the tributes he is receiving these days. To paraphrase journalist Anne Marie Lecomte, what a perfect off-ramp for him.
I wish Yves Desautels a happy retirement.
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- May/31/24 11:17:41 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, “We can't redistribute what we don't have.” After nine years of Liberal inflationary spending, this is what Mark Carney, likely the next leader of the Liberal Party, said in a campaign-style speech at a recent meeting of the Liberal politburo, Canada 2020: “We can't redistribute what we don't have.”
As plates of expensive food were being distributed to Liberal backroomers, while countless Canadians stood in line at a food bank, Mark Carney went on to blame Canadian workers and job creators for not producing enough revenue for the Liberals to redistribute to wealthy insider friends: “We can't redistribute what we don't have.”
Mark Carney would know, because his international wealth redistribution scheme, something called the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero, is falling apart, and now he has his sights set on the wallets of everyday Canadians. “We can't redistribute what we don't have.”
Here is a message to Mr. Carney: A Conservative government will stop arch-elites like him from taking another dime from working-class Canadians to redistribute to their wealthy friends.
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- May/31/24 11:18:44 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I rise today in the House of Commons to honour the life of Hannah Pare, who dreamed of being a nurse since the moment she could walk. Her first patients were her stuffed animals that she examined with her toy stethoscope. It was to no one's surprise that Hannah studied nursing at the University of Windsor, where she stood out for her hard work, warmth and peer mentoring. It was her calling. When she graduated, she was snapped up by Windsor Regional Hospital and began a bright future as a neurology nurse. On May 2, Hannah passed away at the age of 22 from medical complications.
In a final act of selflessness, Hannah saved the lives of seven women through organ donation. Her sister Grace opened a GoFundMe page to establish a Hannah Pare memorial scholarship, which has already raised $55,000 to support the next generation of nurses.
Hannah's love and spirit were boundless and will continue to live in our hearts and touch the lives of many.
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- May/31/24 11:19:56 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, this is breaking news. Last week, the GDP per capita was worse than in 2017. This week, it is worse than in 2016. After nine years of the NDP-Liberal government, Canadians are getting poorer. A recent study from the Fraser Institute found that Canadians are experiencing the worst decline in living standards in the last 40 years. Food banks are being overwhelmed. The cost of housing has doubled. Homeless encampments are now across our country. Canadians need a break.
Will the Prime Minister stop his inflationary spending, stop his carbon tax, stop putting ideology before Canadians and just, for goodness' sake, stop?
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- May/31/24 11:20:41 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, the member today talks about the Fraser Institute. I have heard him and other Conservative MPs in the past talk about Rebel Media and cite it, for example. They ought to expand their horizons and actually look at the IMF list on GDP per capita. The reality is that we actually lead. We, in fact, are ahead of Japan, Germany, France and the United Kingdom. The reality is also that the Conservatives want to cut pensions. Unemployment would be higher under them. It is an endless list.
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- May/31/24 11:21:21 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, there we have it. Over and over again, the Liberals tell Canadians that they have never had it so good, when in reality that is far from the truth. We learned today that 0.7% is how much the GDP per capita declined in the first quarter. Things keep getting worse here.
The Liberals are capable of giving a carbon tax carve-out. Why will they not give a carve-out to all Canadians this summer? We know that the carbon tax adds to the cost of living. They know it, we know it and Canadians know it. On Monday, they will have the opportunity to vote for our common-sense motion to save Canadians 35¢ per litre on gas. Will they vote in favour of it? Will they finally give Canadians a break?
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- May/31/24 11:22:06 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, the member opposite is obviously from Ontario. What he just made clear and what the Conservative Party always makes clear is that they want to ruin the rebate for their constituents, a quarterly payment that disproportionately and positively benefits lower-income Canadians and middle-income Canadians.
The member talks about, as he always does, GDP per capita. Again, I would refer him to the IMF list. We are ahead of powerhouses like Japan, Germany, the U.K. and France.
It is a hard time. We have more to do, but we are going to approach this in a responsible way, not like the other party with its austerity agenda.
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- May/31/24 11:22:44 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, as always, the Liberals give us half-truths. The reality is that Canada has the worst GDP per capita in the G7. Those are the numbers. More than that, our constituents are feeling it. Their constituents are feeling it. The longer the Liberals are in government, the poorer Canadians get. Canadians desperately need a break.
Will the Liberals agree to giving Canadians a fuel tax holiday, or better yet, call a carbon tax election?
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- May/31/24 11:23:16 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I have been hearing the members opposite talk about road trips. I would like to tell them about my last road trip when I was driving across Canada with my family. We had to cancel our camping plans because of wildfires. We had to reroute our road trip because of wildfires.
We are taking action to make sure we are fighting climate change. The members opposite are letting the planet burn.
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- May/31/24 11:23:39 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, CAA‑Québec conducted a poll of its members about their summer vacation plans. Unfortunately, the result was brutal. According to the Journal de Québéc, “inflation, the price of gas and mortgage renewals are putting a damper on Quebeckers' vacation plans”. Those are exactly the three themes we tackle here on behalf of Canadians every day during question period and they are exactly the three themes this Liberal government keeps washing its hands of.
When will this government understand that Quebeckers and Canadians have had it with this irresponsible management?
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- May/31/24 11:24:13 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, the member across the way knows full well that Quebec is not included in the Canada-wide or federal price on pollution because Quebec has its own system.
The member also knows that what he is proposing would help Quebeckers save a penny or two per litre of gas. To actually get the savings they have been told to expect, Quebeckers would have to drive to Mexico and back every summer.
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