SoVote

Context: House Hansard - 328 - Jun/10/24

Jun/10/24 1:49:59 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, indeed, we certainly have heard those concerns not only in briefings, but also in witness testimony. The National Council of Canadian Muslims has certainly raised concerns with respect to parts 1, 2 and 3 of the bill. It is very happy with the registry. We were put in this uncomfortable position because we waited so long for the legislation to arrive in the House of Commons. As the NSICOP report mentions in its conclusion, there are a litany of scathing conclusions against the Liberal government for the delays that have put us in this precarious position. Certainly, and I think I can speak for other committee members, we felt a bit rushed last week, but I believe we gave the bill a thorough vetting in the time we did have. I am looking forward to commencing clause-by-clause this Monday afternoon, and at report stage hopefully this Wednesday. However, these upgrades to the CSIS Act, the SOIA and the Canada Evidence Act in setting up a new registry are incredibly important legislative tools, not only to create a registry but to go after the clandestine operations that we know are happening all too well with respect to foreign interference in Canada.

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Ms. Jenny Kwan (Vancouver East, NDP)

Jun/10/24 1:51:21 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, the NSICOP report indicates that the Prime Minister already knows who these individuals are. When I say “individuals”, we are talking about elected officials, members of Parliament, who knowingly, intentionally and wittingly collaborated with and worked for foreign states to undermine Canada's democratic processes and democratic institutions. In light of that, we have not seen the Prime Minister take any action, and the community, the public and members of Parliament have been kept entirely in the dark. Is it not time that the information be shared with all parliamentarians and, most important, with all Canadians? When we run for office, is it not our job to serve Canadians and not foreign states?

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Individuals

Mr. Alistair MacGregor

Jun/10/24 1:52:21 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, I read the report over and again on my recent flight from home to Ottawa and the conclusions in it are damning. I agree. The fact that the Prime Minister has known this for quite some time, and we only learned about it last week, is a brutal judgment. Earlier I asked the government House leader what the Liberal Party was prepared to do to ensure that its candidates in the next election were not compromised. It is obvious that the government has fallen short on this matter. It has clearly fallen short of our expectations, let alone those of Canadians. We need to find a way to learn the identities of these people. Underlying this critical point is that we need to find a way to ensure they are not on the ballot in the next federal election.

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Ms. Marie-Hélène Gaudreau (Laurentides—Labelle, BQ)

Jun/10/24 1:53:21 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, I wish to inform you that I will be sharing my time with the member for Beauport—Limoilou. The Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs has held more than 70 meetings on foreign interference in our elections. There have been two questions of privilege, one raised by the member for Wellington—Halton Hills and one raised by the member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, which have been studied by the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs. An independent commission of inquiry has been launched at the relentless urging of my colleague from Trois-Rivières and myself in the House. Now the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians has released a bombshell report showing that Canadian parliamentarians are encouraging foreign governments to use them as part of their manipulations. However, the report has not been met with urgency. The government hopes to put a lid on the scandal and smother it like so many others, but this time, the pressure cooker is about to explode. I think it is about to happen. What will it take for the government to act? I cannot believe it is the Bloc Québécois, a separatist political party, that has to lead the charge on this matter to generate a discussion in the Parliament of Canada. That is crazy. Now even the Parti Québécois wants to launch a national inquiry in Quebec on foreign interference. The mayor of Brossard supports the idea, because the federal government is not doing its job. Last week we learned that members of the House of Commons are being directly influenced by China and, even worse, are instigating interference. They are exploiting the schemes of foreign threat actors to further their own ends. That is serious. I hope that people understand what we are saying. When we talk about it, the government says that it is really not that serious. It is time for it to take responsibility and acknowledge how serious this problem is. People know I am a sovereignist. I am sitting in a Parliament that I do not wish to sit in because I want Quebec to be independent. However, today I am the one asking the federal government to defend Canada. I want the government to realize that it is not addressing the issue. The government did everything it could to smother the scandal by initially vetoing a public inquiry and appointing a special rapporteur who we know is a friend of the Trudeau family as a diversion. Time is running out. Just recently, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety told opposition members to “get over it”. She did this right in the middle of a parliamentary committee meeting. I can tell the member for Pickering—Uxbridge without hesitation that no, I will not get over it, because I have no trust. For months, I have been hearing the security agencies, CSIS, the RCMP and the Communications Security Establishment Canada, pass the buck and tell us that they are doing their job, but that it is difficult. I cannot get over not actually knowing what makes it so difficult. No one has the courage to answer my questions in committee. I have come to my own conclusion, which is that our intelligence agencies are being ignored because the news they are reporting to the highest levels of the Canadian government is not to the Prime Minister's liking. Why? It is because, as has now come to light, members of the government party are under the influence of foreign states. These states have developed clandestine networks surrounding candidates and elected officials to arrange nominations, elections, parliamentary business and government decision-making. Do people realize what is going on? It is unbelievable. These foreign states are surrounding targets with ethnocultural community leaders and prominent Canadian business people and political staffers. These states convey their preferences. What do the collaborators do? They promote the chosen slate to targeted groups of voters. They go through the back door. Back in February 2023, David Mulroney, Canada's former ambassador to the People's Republic of China, told the committee: “[I thought] back in history to the 1930s, when France constructed the Maginot Line. They were not going to suffer what happened to them in World War I, so they were going to build defences that went from the borders in the low countries all the way along the borders of France to Spain. It was impregnable, and it gave the French great confidence. However, the Germans didn't follow that plan. They had another plan. They entered via the Ardennes, and France fell. It was a disaster because they had designed something as they saw fit.” That is exactly what Canada is experiencing.

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Ms. Elizabeth May (Saanich—Gulf Islands, GP)

Jun/10/24 2:00:15 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, I rise today heartbroken at the loss of St. Anne's Anglican Church on Gladstone Avenue in Toronto. As a fellow Anglican, I have worshipped in that space, and I do not think there is a more beautiful church in Canada. I guess I should use the past tense. It was an extraordinary architectural gem, a national heritage site lost forever. When people read that there were works of the Group of Seven in that church, it is not just as though they were paintings hanging on the walls. The paintings were the walls. They were frescoes, unique in the works of the artists J.E.H. MacDonald, Frederick Varley and Franklin Carmichael, and they were portraits of saints and apostles as imagined by Canada's most talented, amazing artists. To the congregation of St. Anne's, its clergy and leadership, we mourn with them and we grieve with them, but we remind them to remember that faith cannot be burned down.

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Mr. Majid Jowhari (Richmond Hill, Lib.)

Jun/10/24 2:01:24 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, today marks the dragon boat festival, a traditional Chinese holiday that commemorates the life and death of famous Chinese scholar Qu Yuan. I look forward to commemorating the festival by attending the highly anticipated 36th Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival this Saturday, organized by the Toronto Chinese Business Association and GWN Dragon Boat. This year, the festival will welcome over 2,000 athletes and 80,000 visitors globally to the Toronto Islands, showcasing Canada's leadership in promoting the sport of dragon boat racing, as well as Asian and Chinese Canadian cultural heritage. Let us continue to honour this Asian Canadian legacy with the spirit of celebration, reflection and solidarity within our communities. I wish everyone a safe and healthy dragon boat festival.

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Mr. Rob Morrison (Kootenay—Columbia, CPC)

Jun/10/24 2:02:18 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, today I would like to highlight a group local to Nelson, B.C., the N2 Neighbourhood Network. Heading up this group is Tanya, a local business owner who is passionate about keeping Nelson safe and prosperous for future generations. Although local to Nelson, the N2 Neighbourhood Network has travelled around Kootenay—Columbia and B.C. to listen to business owners and communities alike regarding the increasing crime and drug use in our areas. By listening to folks, Tanya and the group can bring awareness to situations that are, frankly, getting out of hand: needles in playgrounds, graffiti on public and private spaces, and damage to and theft from our small business owners. They meet publicly, with all welcome, to discuss solutions to bring these ideas to the authorities. It is appreciated to have such passionate community contributors openly trying to better our communities, seeing that public drug use and blatant disregard for property and people's safety are getting out of control. I look forward to supporting this group and seeing how it grows for a better future.

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Ms. Lena Metlege Diab (Halifax West, Lib.)

Jun/10/24 2:03:25 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, June is graduation season, and today I rise to congratulate all graduates, especially those in my riding of Halifax West. This accomplishment is the result of years of hard work and marks the beginning of a new chapter. For all our graduates, their teachers, parents, extended family and school administrators have been essential to their success. They have supported and believed in them, pushed them and inspired them. They have been there to share their successes from elementary to high school and beyond. I want to give a shout-out to the graduates of Charles P. Allen High School, Halifax West High School, Citadel High School, École secondaire du Sommet, Bay View High School, as well as our NSCC grads and those receiving a degree from the Mount, Saint Mary's University, Dalhousie and King's. I send my congratulations. I encourage them to be curious. I encourage them to pursue their dreams. I hope they find their place in our country and in our world.

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Ms. Sylvie Bérubé (Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou, BQ)

Jun/10/24 2:04:40 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I would like to talk about a young man from my riding who is making us proud in the realm of lifesaving sport. His name is Marc-Antoine Bernier. Marc‑Antoine is an inspiring and determined young man I have had the pleasure of meeting several times. He is heading off to the Lifesaving World Championships in Australia in August. This will be his second time competing in the championships. His first was in Italy in 2022. Marc‑Antoine has been training at the Dam'eauclès lifesaving club in Val‑d'Or for the past 10 years. Yesterday, he won the title of Canadian lifesaving champion in the 19-plus age group at a competition in Victoria, British Columbia. Over the past few years, Marc‑Antoine has also had opportunities to participate in other high-profile competitions, including the Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships, where he was the only person representing Quebec. At the upcoming Lifesaving World Championships in Australia, I will be cheering Marc‑Antoine on, as will everyone in Val‑d'Or, in Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou and across Quebec.

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Mr. Yasir Naqvi (Ottawa Centre, Lib.)

Jun/10/24 2:05:47 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I am excited to rise today to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the Centretown Community Health Centre, a pillar of support and compassion in my community of Ottawa Centre since 1969. Over the past five and a half years, CCHC has evolved into a multiservice, non-profit organization offering a wide array of services that cater to the diverse needs of the residents of Centretown. I know that personally because I had the great fortune of serving on the board of Centretown Community Health Centre for several years. Through its work, CCHC's mission extends beyond simply treating disease. Its holistic approach includes promoting healthy lifestyles, supporting mental health, fighting addiction and promoting inclusive communities, to ensure that every individual feels valued, supported and empowered. There are many people to thank, but I want to congratulate all the staff for their hard work in serving so many in our community.

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Mr. Shuvaloy Majumdar (Calgary Heritage, CPC)

Jun/10/24 2:06:58 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, every day I hear NDP-Liberals make the disturbing claim that Canadians get more than they pay into the carbon tax. It is as if they are completely tone-deaf to the voices of real Canadians, so I am bringing the stories of everyday Calgarians right into this chamber. Here is the real impact of the carbon tax: For the Royal Canadian Legion 285, it was $12,144 this year; for Bitter Sisters Brewing Company, it was $8,200 last year; and for Maria, her husband, and their two wonderful children, the burden is becoming absolutely unbearable. They buy expired food just to make ends meet, denying their kids the proper nutrition they need. Now they are on the brink of having to turn to food banks and the Woodcreek Community Association food pantry. My neighbours are suffering. NDP-Liberals need to act and axe the tax.

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Carbon

Hon. Ruby Sahota (Brampton North, Lib.)

Jun/10/24 2:08:03 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, Brampton is forging its way as a sports hub in Canada. Bramptonians have been recognized for their achievement in sports around the world. I rise today to highlight a young athlete in my community who is setting records and proudly representing Canada on the world stage. Harkunwar Singh Teja is an archer who recently set new records at the Pan American youth and masters championships. He received a gold medal in the compound under 15 men's category, and both of his results, from the qualification round and the final, broke continental records. These records are recognized as both Pan American championship records and records in the Americas. We hope that his record will stand for years to come. This is a historic moment for archery in Canada and a proud one for Jiwanjot Singh Teja, a world-renowned archery coach who is also Harkunwar's father and mentor. I send my congratulations to Harkunwar.

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Mr. Irek Kusmierczyk (Windsor—Tecumseh, Lib.)

Jun/10/24 2:09:06 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, today I rise in the House of Commons to pay tribute to a legendary teacher, Mr. Gary Rankin, sometimes referred to as “Mr. Riverside”, for his love of teaching. He has been teaching for 23 years, all of them at Riverside Secondary School. I would also like to pay tribute to his work in the Riverside Minor Baseball Association. At Riverside High School, he coached sports teams, but where he truly left his mark was leading the Riverside student parliament, teaching leaders of tomorrow how Parliament works and what public service is all about. Mr. Rankin retires this year, leaving behind a legacy of community service as a great teacher and a great role model. I know this because three of my staff at my constituency office and on Parliament Hill were once his students. To Mr. Riverside, we say congratulations on his retirement. It is never “goodbye”, but perhaps, “this House now stands adjourned”.

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Mr. James Bezan (Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman, CPC)

Jun/10/24 2:10:08 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, after nine years, the government has given hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts to their lobbyist friends. The Department of National Defence handed out $72 million in consulting contracts last year alone. This includes the usual recipients, such as McKinsey, which was awarded a total of 13 non-competitive contracts, but that is not all. The Prime Minister's favourite company, SNC-Lavalin, is back. It was once again awarded contracts worth well into the six figures. When questioned about this at the public accounts committee, neither the defence minister nor his officials could answer what these contracts were for. Meanwhile, our troops are being forced to visit food banks and couch surf, and some have even started GoFundMe campaigns, yet the Liberal-NDP government has handed out millions in contracts to Liberal insiders and friends. Conservatives demand that the government treat our troops with the respect and decency they deserve. In an increasingly dangerous world, it will not be lobbyists who will defend Canada but the brave members of the Canadian Armed Forces, who will be called upon to serve our great nation.

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Mr. Peter Fonseca (Mississauga East—Cooksville, Lib.)

Jun/10/24 2:11:15 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, in June we come together to celebrate Portuguese Heritage Month, a significant occasion when we acknowledge the remarkable contributions that Portuguese Canadians have made to this great country. Today, June 10, is Portugal Day, observed both in Portugal and across the globe. As a Portuguese Canadian, this day holds a deep sense of pride and joy for me personally. It is a momentous occasion that allows us to reflect on our shared heritage and commemorate the achievements and traditions of Portugal. Since the first Portuguese immigrant pioneers to Canada, over the course of these 70-plus years, the descendants of these courageous pioneers have flourished and achieved greatness throughout this magnificent country. Today, let us take this opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments and honour the rich heritage and seamless integration of the Portuguese community in Canada. Feliz Dia de Portugal, de Camões e das Comunidades Portuguesas. Viva Canada. Viva Portugal. Obrigado.

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Mr. Todd Doherty (Cariboo—Prince George, CPC)

Jun/10/24 2:12:25 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, after nine years of the NDP-Liberal government, Canada's opioid and overdose crisis is raging out of control. The Prime Minister's solution to the crisis has been to flood our streets with taxpayer-funded drugs marketed as safe. Now a doctor from London, Ontario, where Canada's first safe supply program started, is sounding the alarm. Dr. Sharon Koivu, who initially supported the program, said that safe supply has “worsened the addiction crisis” in her community. She revealed that safe supply is being diverted and sold to organized crime, and is leading to London having a 40% higher opioid death rate than the rest of Ontario. One of her patients actually moved from his apartment to a tent near a local pharmacy, where safe supply pills were much cheaper and more abundant. The government is not fixing the opioid crisis. It is actively making it worse. For the good of all Canadians, the Prime Minister must put an end to his radical drug experiment today.

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Mrs. Shannon Stubbs (Lakeland, CPC)

Jun/10/24 2:13:30 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, after nine years, poverty and food insecurity are emergencies in Canada. Last year, a record two million Canadians had to visit food banks in a single month. Food Banks Canada says nearly half of Canadians feel financially worse off since last year, and 25% cannot afford to feed themselves. An Alberta food bank reported that four times more working people have to access help than in 2022. Across Canada, one in five people says they or someone they know used a food bank in the last year. However, the NDP-Liberals still plan to quadruple their inflationary carbon tax over the next six years. The budget watchdog already proved their carbon tax is not worth the cost and drives up the price of everything for everyone. The majority of people are worse off with the carbon tax, but the Prime Minister will not listen. Like before, he is covering up reports that show the carbon tax's real cost to Canadians. Only common-sense Conservatives will axe the tax, for all for good, and bring home lower prices so Canadians can afford to eat, house, heat, cool and drive themselves, essentials in Canada.

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Mr. Tim Louis (Kitchener—Conestoga, Lib.)

Jun/10/24 2:14:38 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I have been studying French for three years now and I just want to say that it is never too late to learn. I want to thank my teacher, Jacinthe Parisé, and all the teachers helping us here in Parliament learn French or English. I also want to thank the interpreters who work hard to share their talent and help us communicate with one another. I appreciate their patience with my pronunciation. I am proud that Canada is a bilingual country, and I encourage everyone to learn French or English. If I can do it, anyone can. We should never stop learning. I am proud to have delivered this message in French.

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Mr. Matthew Green (Hamilton Centre, NDP)

Jun/10/24 2:15:44 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour the life well lived of the brilliant mathematician, civil rights lawyer, professor and peace movement activist Mr. Peter Rosenthal, who passed away on May 25 at the age of 82. Mr. Rosenthal is remembered in the words of our mutual friend Max: Peter Rosenthal worked two very demanding full-time jobs. He came to Canada to teach Mathematics at the University of Toronto in the 1960s, but once he arrived, spent an equal amount of time fighting against injustice as a social justice lawyer through our legal system. In his legal career, he'd take on pro bono cases, representing the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty, victims of police brutality, and other marginalized groups of society. Peter remained humble, treating everyone he met with kindness and curiosity, and never let his politics get in the way of his friendships. He was beloved by his family.... To honour Peter's life, please take a moment to delight in the beauty of mathematics, and speak out against injustice wherever you find it.

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Mr. René Villemure (Trois-Rivières, BQ)

Jun/10/24 2:16:53 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, in March, the extraordinary and dynamic David Labrecque announced that he was retiring after 35 years as an educator. For the past 10 years, he was executive director of the Alphonse-Desjardins Sports Centre. At the time, I wished him a happy and restful retirement and said that he could look forward to spending time in his garden. However, following a brief three-week retirement, in a dramatic twist, on April 3, the organizing committee for the 59th Quebec Games in Trois-Rivières—which will take place from July 25 to August 2, 2025—announced the appointment of David Labrecque as executive director. With David at the helm, everyone can rest assured that the games will run smoothly. I would like to congratulate the president of the Quebec Games in Trois-Rivières, Martin Leblanc, and his team on this excellent appointment. Good luck, David.

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