SoVote

Context: House Hansard - 335 - Jun/19/24

Mr. Rick Perkins (South Shore—St. Margarets, CPC)

Jun/19/24 5:21:12 p.m.
Watch
Re: Bill C-352

Mr. Speaker, I rise to present, in both official languages, the 19th report of the Standing Committee on Industry and Technology in relation to Bill C-352, an act to amend the Competition Act and the Competition Tribunal Act. This was, members will recall, a private member's bill from the leader of the NDP. The Bloc-Liberal coalition proceeded to delete every clause, including the apparently offensive title of the bill. I am reporting back, on behalf of the committee, a blank piece of paper for consideration in the House because that is what has resulted from these amendments. I am pleased to report that this bill now no longer has a clause in it, much like the blank slate or the blank commitment of Liberals on their promises.

130 words

Hon. John McKay (Scarborough—Guildwood, Lib.)

Jun/19/24 5:22:12 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, again, in the interest of time, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the following two reports. The first is the 12th report entitled “A Time For Change: Reforming Defence Procurement in Canada”. The 13th report is entitled “Providing Aid to the Civil Power: Disaster Relief and the Canadian Armed Forces’ Domestic Operations”. Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to each of the reports.

83 words

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

Jun/19/24 5:22:49 p.m.
Watch
Re: Bill C-386

Mr. Speaker, Conservatives on the defence committee are submitting dissenting reports and opinions for both of the reports from the committee. As we learned at the procurement study, the global threat environment is increasingly precarious. The decision by the government to cut $1 billion a year over the next three years from the defence budget is unconscionable. We are asking that the government reverse that budget cut. We are asking for more leadership coming from the Prime Minister and the Prime Minister's Office. We believe that we have to have more ministers who are actually in control and accountable. That includes having a secretary within the PCO and a prime minister who actually takes this seriously. We are asking the Prime Minister to designate one minister to be ultimately accountable for all defence procurement. We are also calling on the government to grant members of the defence committee classified defence-related information and clearances so that we can do a better job of oversight and accountability. I would also just want to say, on the issue of aid to civil power, which we also talked about, one of the important messages that we did hear when the committee was meeting is that, while part IV of the National Defence Act does outline that CAF can provide aid to civil power, it always should be the force of last resort. It is ultimately the responsibility of provincial, municipal and territorial governments to provide protection, and they need to invest more in mitigation and response assistance. We also know that the Canadian Armed Forces are dealing with a retention and recruitment crisis, about which General Eyre was very blunt in his assessment. He said, “The demand signal for those primary tasks we're responsible for is only increasing. However, our readiness to do that is decreasing, due in part to the incessant demand for these types of domestic operations.” Therefore, we are asking again that the budget cut be reversed and that we restore the $2.7 billion that was announced in September 2023. We also say that we want to see the private member's bill, Bill C-386, an act respecting the establishment and award of a special service medal for domestic and emergency relief operations, from the member for Cariboo—Prince George, be accepted by the government and concurred in, and that we can recognize those Canadians who step up to participate in domestic operations, such as disaster assistance, pandemic relief and other avenues, and recognize their contributions. Also, we are saying that there should be an increase in youth involvement in aiding and assisting in civilian volunteer disaster relief.

445 words

The Speaker

Jun/19/24 5:25:29 p.m.
Watch

The hon. member for Cowichan—Malahat—Langford is rising on a point of order.

16 words

Mr. Alistair MacGregor

Jun/19/24 5:25:44 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, this is with respect to a bill that I placed on the notice paper just yesterday. Because today is the last day, I am asking for unanimous consent to introduce the bill that is currently on the notice paper entitled “an act to establish a national framework to improve food price transparency” notwithstanding the usual notice period.

61 words

The Speaker

Jun/19/24 5:26:08 p.m.
Watch

Does the member have unanimous consent? Some hon. members: Agreed.

10 words

Mr. Alistair MacGregor (Cowichan—Malahat—Langford, NDP)

Jun/19/24 5:26:35 p.m.
Watch
Re: Bill C-406

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-406, an act to establish a national framework to improve food price transparency. He said: Mr. Speaker, Canadians have been struggling with the high cost of food for more than two years now. They have been struggling, while corporate grocery giants have made record profits and continue to use their market dominance to stifle competition. As the NDP's food price inflation critic, I have responded by getting the agriculture committee to look at this issue and hold rich grocery CEOs to account. As a result of that work, one of the committee's recommendations was to adopt a standardized approach to unit pricing labelling practices in the grocery sector to assist Canadian consumers in making informed decisions in their purchasing. Today, I am pleased to rise and introduce the national framework for food price transparency act. This legislation would require the Minister of Industry, in consultation with the provinces, to develop a national framework on grocery pricing, unit display practices, transparency on price increases, and promoting unit pricing education to consumers across Canada. There would also be a requirement for the minister to table a report in Parliament, so we can keep the government accountable on the framework. This bill is an important legislative measure to hold grocery giants accountable. I hope all members will join me in supporting it.

228 words

Mr. Damien Kurek (Battle River—Crowfoot, CPC)

Jun/19/24 5:28:19 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, there have been discussions among the parties and, if you seek it, I believe you will find unanimous consent for the following motion: That, notwithstanding any standing order, special order, or usual practice of the House, a bill entitled “An Act to recognize a national livestock brand as a symbol of Canada and of the role of the West and frontier culture in building our nation”, be deemed to have been placed on notice on Monday, June 17, 2024, in the name of the member for Battle River—Crowfoot, provided that it be eligible to be introduced and read a first time during the rubric of Introduction of Private Members' Bills during Routine Proceedings later today.

121 words

The Speaker

Jun/19/24 5:28:57 p.m.
Watch

All those opposed to the hon. member moving the motion will please say nay. It is agreed. The House has heard the terms of the motion. All those opposed to the motion will please say nay.

36 words

Mr. Damien Kurek (Battle River—Crowfoot, CPC)

Jun/19/24 5:29:28 p.m.
Watch
Re: Bill C-407

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-407, An Act to recognize a national livestock brand as a symbol of Canada and of the role of the West and frontier culture in building our nation. He said: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce my private member's bill today to recognize a national livestock brand as a national symbol in Canada. I want to thank the hon. member for Calgary Centre for seconding this bill. His constituency happens to be the home of the Calgary Stampede; I hope to see many members there in a couple of weeks. This act seeks to recognize a national livestock brand as an official symbol of Canada. This is meant to acknowledge and promote the role that western and frontier heritage has played in building our nation. It is not only in western Canada; agriculture, animal husbandry and pioneers have played a role in building our entire country from coast to coast. It would be fitting to have a livestock brand as a Canadian national symbol. For many, a livestock brand holds heraldic significance and is used as a cultural symbol. This bill would give credit to so many, past and present, who have spent their lives building Canada. Livestock brands also have historical significance with indigenous peoples across Canada, particularly on the prairies. It is time that we recognize the work pioneers, farmers, ranchers and indigenous peoples have done in building our economy and our communities. This bill aims to do just that: recognize the importance of Canada's western and frontier heritage by adding this livestock brand to our inventory of national symbols, which include the maple tree, hockey and lacrosse, and the Canadian tartan, among others. I hope all members will support this bill and the recognition that it brings.

300 words

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

Jun/19/24 5:32:29 p.m.
Watch
Re: Bill C-408

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-408, An Act to amend the Referendum Act. She said: Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to put forward this private member's bill. This private member's bill seeks to amend the Referendum Act. We rarely use referenda in Canada. One reason a referendum is so difficult to use, which my private member's bill attempts to remedy, is that we can only put forward a referendum, under our current law, for a constitutional question, and it cannot be on the same ballot with a federal election. Of course, it is far more cost-effective to have them run together. This bill would open up some possibilities, as a private member's bill. I think it is long overdue, and I hope that it will achieve the support of all parties in this place, in a non-partisan effort, which is why I was so keen to have a member of another party join me in seconding.

165 words

Mr. Ali Ehsassi (Willowdale, Lib.)

Jun/19/24 5:33:56 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, there have been discussions amongst the parties, and if you seek it, I think you will find unanimous consent to adopt the following motion on the dire situation in Sudan. I move: That the House: (a) recognize that the conflict in Sudan has displaced over 10 million civilians, has resulted in an unprecedented level of gender-based violence, and is causing the largest man-made famine in decades, where civilians in Darfur are suffering the most dire consequences, including ethnically targeted mass killing and sexual violence; (b) publicly support the UN Security Council Resolution 2736 adopted last week that urged civilian protection, demanded the RSF end its siege on El Fasher and called for all members of the international community to halt the transfer of arms to Sudan; and (c) urge the government to support international justice initiatives to hold the perpetrators and external enablers accountable and ramp up immediate humanitarian relief for Sudanese civilians.

157 words

The Speaker

Jun/19/24 5:35:11 p.m.
Watch

All those opposed to the hon. member moving the motion will please say nay. It is agreed. The House has heard the terms of the motion. All those opposed to the motion will please say nay. The motion is carried.

40 words

Ms. Lianne Rood (Lambton—Kent—Middlesex, CPC)

Jun/19/24 5:35:52 p.m.
Watch
Re: Bill C-409

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-409, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code (hours of work of flight attendants). She said: Mr. Speaker, Conservatives have been travelling across this country, and we have heard for years from flight attendants that flight attendants in Canada are not paid until their aircraft is in motion. This is unfair, and it puts many women and diverse Canadians at a disadvantage. Conservatives believe that people should be paid for the work they do. That is why, today, I am honoured to table the flight attendants fairness act. This bill would make changes to the Canada Labour Code to require airlines to pay flight attendants for the work they do before, during and after a flight. The lack of action from the government on this matter proves once again that the NDP-Liberals are all talk, while Conservatives take action and provide common-sense solutions.

153 words

Ms. Lianne Rood (Lambton—Kent—Middlesex, CPC)

Jun/19/24 5:37:15 p.m.
Watch
Re: Bill C-410

moved for leave to introduce C-410, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (campgrounds). She said: Mr. Speaker, Canada is home to over 5,600 campgrounds that are enjoyed by over 70% of Canadians who actively participate in outdoor and wilderness activities. These businesses employ over 140,000 Canadians and operate on very thin margins, making reinvestment for their facilities and upkeep hard to manage. My riding of Lambton—Kent—Middlesex is home to many campgrounds, and I have heard from people across this country that they are being treated unfairly as small seasonal businesses. The story is universal. After nine years of the NDP-Liberal government, life is unaffordable and Canadian small businesses deserve a break. That is why I am glad today to table an act to amend the Income Tax Act for campgrounds. The change proposed in the bill will allow campgrounds extra capital to use toward conservation, facilities maintenance, managing wildlife, recovery from the elements and increasing services to their campers. Once again, Conservatives are providing common-sense solutions that will cut back on punishing taxes, help grow our small businesses like campgrounds, and give Canadian families more opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors.

202 words

Mr. Marc Dalton (Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge, CPC)

Jun/19/24 5:39:08 p.m.
Watch
Re: Bill C-411

moved for leave to introduce C-411, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (arson — wildfires and places of worship). He said: Mr. Speaker, today I am tabling legislation to protect Canada's forests and places of worship from arson. My bill, the anti-arson act, will create two new offences in the Criminal Code. The first offence increases the maximum sentence for causing a wildfire to 18 years, and for subsequent offences to 18 years. After nine years, the Liberal-NDP government has failed to protect Canadians from the rising threat of wildfires. Over half of wildfires are human-caused. Many of these fires are ignited by arsonists from Nova Scotia, to British Columbia and everywhere in between. These fires have led to evacuations, destruction of private and public property, expensive firefighting costs to the taxpayer, increased carbon emissions and significant health repercussions from smoke. The second offence introduces a minimum sentence of five years in prison for a first offence and seven years for repeat offences of damage to a place of worship by fire or explosion. Over 100 churches have been burned, desecrated or vandalized since 2021. Last month, the Jewish synagogue Schara Tzedeck, in Vancouver, suffered an arson attack, leaving community members shocked and horrified. In Peterborough, a mosque was torched by an arsonist and suffered tens of thousands of dollars in damages. Ex-president Kenzu Abdella stated that the issue needs to be taken seriously by all levels of government and that the crime should carry a serious enough consequence to potentially deter arsonists. Churches, mosques, synagogues and temples are more than buildings. These places of worship are where Canadians go to find strength, fellowship with God and others. Pyro-terrorist attacks are an assault on their entire faith community and undermine Canadians' sense of security and freedom. Canadians of any faith should never wake up to find out that their sanctuary has been criminally destroyed. Conservatives will defend their freedom of worship and assembly from pyro-terrorism.

334 words

Mr. Adam Chambers (Simcoe North, CPC)

Jun/19/24 5:42:07 p.m.
Watch
Re: Bill S-258

moved for leave to introduce Bill S-258, An Act to amend the Canada Revenue Agency Act (reporting on unpaid income tax). He said: Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to rise in the chamber to introduce a bill from the Senate, from Senator Downe. This bill would do three things. First, it would amend the Canada Revenue Agency Act to require that the Canada Revenue Agency list all those individuals who have been convicted of tax evasion, whether here or abroad. Second, it would require the CRA to publish, every three years, the tax gap, which is the amount of money that the CRA believes it is owed versus what it received. Third, it would require the CRA to provide more information to the Parliamentary Budget Officer so their office can do a better job in reporting on the tax gap. I would like to thank the senator for his wonderful work. This is the third time the bill has been introduced. The second time, in this chamber, it was narrowly defeated in the 42nd Parliament, but I believe we have the votes with all opposition parties, as we did last time, to make the bill law. I would like to thank the member for Calgary Rocky Ridge, who has done an excellent job on the file as well.

220 words

Mr. Mark Gerretsen (Kingston and the Islands, Lib.)

Jun/19/24 5:43:36 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, I bring to the attention of the House a petition that has been signed by members of my community who bring forward the issue of severe clashes between the military and insurgents that are continuing in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Specifically, they are highlighting the fact that an escalation in violence in eastern Congo has resulted in a desperate humanitarian situation. In addition to that, there are vulnerable women and children, including many children orphaned by the war, who are living in extreme poverty in camps. Petitioners are calling on the Government of Canada to provide humanitarian aid for the children suffering in eastern DRC.

109 words

Mr. Mike Morrice (Kitchener Centre, GP)

Jun/19/24 5:44:24 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, I rise briefly to present three petitions. The first recognizes that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has warned us repeatedly that rising temperatures over the next two decades, if left unabated, will bring, in their words, widespread devastation and extreme weather. The petitioners go on to note that the summer of 2023 was the hottest three months, globally, on record. They note that over the past decade, 85% of warming from greenhouse gases has come from burning fossil fuels, that the oil and gas sector is the largest emitter in the country and that the federal government in 2021 committed to an oil and gas cap. Petitioners then call on the government to move forward immediately with a bold emissions cap for the oil and gas sector that is comprehensive in scope and realistic in achieving an interim and science-based target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

152 words

Mr. Mike Morrice (Kitchener Centre, GP)

Jun/19/24 5:47:22 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, the last petition is from folks across the Waterloo region who call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Middle East, which would include the release of all hostages and political prisoners. They call for an embargo on the provision of munitions and weaponry to Israel. They call for continued funding for UNRWA and for recognizing the Israeli blockade and continued attacks on innocent civilians in Gaza. The petitioners call on the House to work toward Palestinian statehood, for an end to the occupation of Palestinian land and for the House to call for the support of the work of the ICJ and the International Criminal Court.

110 words