44th Parl. 1st Sess.
September 19, 2024 10:00AM
- Sep/19/24 1:44:36 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from London—Fanshawe, with whom I have worked on this file, notably as part of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women.
What strikes me about her speech—what strikes me again today—is that we are still talking about this in 2024, when in 2015, before the Liberals even came to power, the Conservatives knew things about the general. The things they knew were simply accepted and tolerated. There was a report by Justice Deschamps. Even Justice Arbour, when she was appointed, said that recommendations had already been made several years earlier, yet she was asked to produce another report.
Does my colleague agree that the real lack of political will to change the culture within the armed forces is why we are still talking about this today, in 2024?
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- Sep/19/24 1:45:35 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, I want to thank my hon. colleague for her work. We worked very well together on the status of women committee. We were dedicated to hearing the women and the survivors who came forward, and I certainly am grateful for her continued work for women.
It is one of my concerns, and I addressed this in my speech, that there is just a shifting of responsibilities and not a true desire to shift the culture. It is absolutely true that in 2015, with the Justice Deschamps report, moving forward through the various reports and institutions, we heard the same thing and it was not acted upon. Even Justice Arbour said she feared her report would move into “the graveyard of recommendations”.
This is, again, one piece. There is a huge amount of work that we need to do, and listening to the victims is a huge part of that moving forward.
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Madam Speaker, I want to thank all those across Canada who are serving our country. I want to acknowledge the victims of sexual trauma and assault serving in the armed forces who have not received the justice they deserve or the reassurance that things will be different for those who choose to serve after them.
I am thankful for the work of my colleague from London—Fanshawe. I want to ask my colleague about a bill she has worked really hard on, Bill C-362, which is calling to make the national defence ombudsperson an officer of Parliament.
Can the member share how the bill she put forward relates to the bill we are talking about today?
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- Sep/19/24 1:47:16 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, that specific bill is one I brought forward at the same time I brought forward the changes moving sexual assault cases from the military system into the civilian system and to do it quickly.
I have met often with the national defence ombudsperson. He and his predecessor have asked that the role become one of an independent officer of Parliament in order to provide survivors with greater transparency, accountability and independence; to ensure their stories are heard; and to give the ombudsman the opportunity and ability to fully investigate in a safe and secure way, as opposed to having to go through chains of command within the military system.
That independence is really key, and it is something I will continue to fight for in collaboration with the new ombudsperson, who I want to congratulate today.
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Madam Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for London—Fanshawe and add my words to those of the members thanking her for her work. I also worked with her mother, and I would like to thank Irene Mathyssen for consistent leadership on the issue of justice for women who suffered sexual violence in the course of their military service.
Having studied the bill, does the member believe it is possible to make sufficient amendments in clause-by-clause in committee to make Bill C-66 ready for speedy passage?
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- Sep/19/24 1:48:57 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, it is a bit of a tug-of-war because we want to make sure the bill is moved through. I do not want any more women to find themselves in this tug-of-war between the two systems. It is unfair that they see their cases stayed because of it and that they have to go through that back-and-forth. It is also one of the reasons we asked for consistent reviews of this legislation after it is passed. It needs to happen, considering we are changing things back to how they once were in investigating and dealing with sexual trauma within the military.
I wish the consultation had happened with survivors before, so the legislation, slow as it was to come forward, had been done in a better, more fulsome way. It is work we can do in committee. We have to work together. We have to get through a lot of partisanship to do it, but it is possible. I have seen it happen in the status of women and I hope to see it in national defence.
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Madam Speaker, before I begin, I would like to say that I will be sharing my time with the hon. member for Scarborough—Guildwood.
It is truly an honour to rise in the House today to speak to Bill C‑66 and the important work that our government is doing to modernize the military justice system and the culture of our armed forces.
Members of the Canadian Armed Forces work tirelessly to defend Canadians, our way of life, and this magnificent country that we call home. Military members are deployed around the world to defend Canada's interests and support our international partners and allies. They also help communities across the country in times of natural disasters or other emergencies. As the minister said in his speech, supporting members of the Canadian Armed Forces is one of our top priorities.
The Canadian Armed Forces are the backbone of Canada's defence and we have their backs. For our military members to contribute their best work, it is our responsibility to ensure that they can show up every day as their true and authentic selves.
Our government is fully committed to ensuring that military members continue to have confidence in the military justice system. We are taking deliberate, coordinated action across the defence team to create this change in a sustainable and meaningful way.
The changes proposed in Bill C‑66 are designed to reform the military justice system, making it more transparent and more responsive to the needs of our constituents.
However, these crucial institutional changes are only one piece of the puzzle. For decades, the defence team has been grappling with the tough realities and experiences of military members and employees, including those who have been affected by misconduct, harassment and crimes of a sexual nature.
Since 2015, the Minister of National Defence has taken significant steps to prevent this behaviour and find solutions to the problem. One key step was the creation of the sexual misconduct response centre, which became the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre, an organization that provides support services to those directly and indirectly affected and is not subject to the military chain of command.
The sexual misconduct support and resource centre is available to current and former defence team members, as well as cadets and junior Canadian Rangers aged 16 and older and family members of the wider defence community.
Other efforts put forward at this time were steps in the right direction and laid some important groundwork, but they did not meet the need, nor did they go far enough to achieve enduring change. That is why in 2021, the department launched the chief professional conduct and culture, or CPCC, to redouble its efforts to create this lasting change.
The CPCC is the single functional authority for professional conduct and culture at National Defence. The CPCC is responsible for developing policy and programs to address systemic faults, enhancing tracking mechanisms for reporting professional misconduct and leading efforts to develop a professional conduct and culture framework that tackles discrimination, harmful behaviours, biases and systemic barriers.
By making this organization the focus of our efforts to change the culture, we ensure that all of our institutions can move forward in a unified and coherent manner. The CPCC has taken the time to listen to defence team members past and present at all levels, so that efforts to change the culture reflect the experiences and suggestions of our members.
The CPCC's work contributed to the publication of “The Canadian Armed Forces Ethos: Trusted to Serve”, which aims to ensure that military members carry out their duties professionally and with respect for the dignity of all persons.
The department's work is closely linked to the CPCC's efforts to respond to the recommendations outlined in four key external review reports related to culture change and the modernization of the military justice system.
The reports are the following: the independent external comprehensive review by Justice Arbour, which focuses mainly on the issue of harassment and sexual misconduct; the third independent review of the National Defence Act by Justice Fish, which includes recommendations for modernizing the military justice system; the report of the Minister of National Defence's advisory panel on systemic racism and discrimination, which aligns closely with the priorities of the Government of Canada; and the report of the national apology advisory committee board, which was developed to provide recommendations about the Government of Canada's apology to the descendants of No. 2 Construction Battalion.
We have already made significant progress on a number of these recommendations. We have taken measures to implement Justice Arbour's recommendation on how we define sexual offences in policies and how we talk about them. We have also repealed the duty to report in order to prioritize trust and safety, as well as the agency of victims, survivors and affected individuals. We also launched the Canadian Military Colleges Review Board, which is tasked with evaluating the quality of education, socialization and training at our two military colleges. Lastly, we published a new digital grievance submission form that allows armed forces members to access services and recourse options more easily, quickly and efficiently.
The department has also developed a plan to prioritize and sequence work across the defence team in a coordinated and collective effort to implement the remaining recommendations from all four reports. When the CPCC consulted with current and former defence team members from across the country, a common theme emerged: the need for the continuing evolution of the military justice system in response to developments in law and society, and the need to maintain trust in the system.
Through Bill C-66, we are introducing reforms to the National Defence Act to address key recommendations from the reports by former Supreme Court justices Arbour and Fish. They include Madam Arbour's fifth recommendation, as well as eight recommendations from Justice Fish's third independent review of the National Defence Act, designed to, among other things, increase confidence in the military justice system and help remove real or perceived influence from the Canadian Armed Forces' chain of command. Most notably, through Bill C-66, Criminal Code sexual offences that take place in Canada would be under the exclusive jurisdiction of civilian authorities.
Through Bill C-66, Criminal Code sexual offences committed in Canada will fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of civil authorities.
Bill C-66 also seeks to modify the process for appointing the director of military prosecutions, the director of defence counsel services and the Canadian Forces provost marshal. It will also expand the class of persons who can be appointed as military judges or non-commissioned members and it will expand the class of persons who can file an interference complaint with the Military Police Complaints Commission. It will enable those acting on behalf of a victim to have access to a victim's liaison officer under the victims bill of rights.
The well-being of the members of our armed forces is one of our top priorities. They work hard to defend us, our country and our partners around the world. It is our responsibility to ensure that they can work in an environment that is free from any kind of discrimination, harassment or misconduct.
Our government is committed to changing the culture within our armed forces so that every member of our defence team can be authentic and feel valued, included and encouraged to give the best that they can in service of Canada every day.
The changes that our government is making to the culture within our armed forces and our military justice system are part of an ongoing process.
In closing, I would like to salute our armed forces.
I thank all our members here in Canada and abroad for their extraordinary service. I really hope the House will find a strong resolution to send the bill to committee.
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- Sep/19/24 2:00:32 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, I am thrilled to recognize the Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation, also known as CCOC, as it celebrates a phenomenal milestone: 50 years of transforming lives and building communities. CCOC owns and manages over 50 properties that provide nearly 1,600 affordable homes, primarily in the heart of Ottawa Centre. Its mission is to foster diverse, inclusive and sustainable communities for individuals of low and modest income.
It has been an honour for me to work with CCOC on many projects, like the Beaver Barracks community. This summer, we announced a $12-million investment with CCOC that will help it retrofit and repair 1,200 homes. That is 75% of its total housing stock. This is not just about an investment in bricks and mortar. It is an investment in people, community, pride and the future of our city.
I congratulate CCOC for all its hard work in building a community for everyone.
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- Sep/19/24 2:01:34 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, this summer, the people of Jasper faced a devastating tragedy as wildfires tore through their community, destroying homes and threatening lives. In the face of that disaster, we witnessed the extraordinary strength of the people of Jasper. We saw an incredible response from nearby communities, which came together to support evacuees and relief efforts.
Volunteers and first responders, risking their own lives, showed remarkable courage to protect what they could and support those in need. We owe a deep debt of gratitude to all who risked their lives, especially Morgan Kitchen, a young firefighter who made the ultimate sacrifice just weeks after his 24th birthday. The bravery of all who faced the flames will never be forgotten.
The road to recovery is long, but the spirit of Jasper is stronger. Together we will rebuild, and together we will heal.
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- Sep/19/24 2:02:37 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, yesterday, on September 18, the Canadian Medical Association apologized for its role and the role of the medical profession in the past and ongoing harms to first nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in the health system. This apology was delivered at a public ceremony in Victoria, B.C., on the traditional unceded territory of the Songhees and Kosapsum nations. In preparation for this apology, the CMA underwent a multi-year process to review its archives, social media accounts, parliamentary debates and committee records. An ethics review on these records was completed that outlined the ethical and professional commitments and responsibilities of the medical profession.
The CMA acknowledges that harm to first nations, Inuit and Métis peoples continues. It has developed a reconciliACTION plan that outlines how it will advance reconciliation, promote indigenous health, follow through on its pledge to act against anti-indigenous racism in health care and support the medical profession in making the system a safer place for first nations, Inuit and Métis patients and providers.
I invite members to visit the CMA website to learn more about the CMA's reconciliACTION plan and to do their part to invoke Joyce's principle to ensure equitable access to health care for all.
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- Sep/19/24 2:03:44 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the Copyright Act.
It might seem perfectly reasonable to everyone that an act of such importance to artists, authors, writers, musicians and so many others should be modernized, but no. The industry has been lobbying the government for years with simple proposals, yet nothing has budged. Modernization, however, would inject $10 million more a month into the cultural sector.
Last night, I was honoured to host a reception on the Hill attended by members of the copyright community. They fail to understand why the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry still refuses to listen. Unless we properly and fairly compensate our artists, writers, filmmakers, composers, authors and all others, our culture will slowly disappear.
The ball is in the minister's court. It may not be too late, unless he wants to be remembered as the minister who did nothing when he had the chance to do something.
Happy 100th anniversary to the Copyright Act.
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- Sep/19/24 2:04:48 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, today, I want to take a moment to recognize the remarkable achievements of our athletes from the summer Paris 2024 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
We won an astounding 27 Olympic medals this year, making the Paris 2024 Olympic Games our best performing Olympics in history. This could not have been possible without the incredible efforts of our amazing athletes and teams, who have inspired us all. They have not only elevated our national spirit, but showcased the exceptional talent emerging from all corners of our country.
Let us also recognize our incredible Paralympians, who represented Canada with immense skill, bringing home 29 medals. Their hard work, determination and excellence have continuously inspired us and represented Canadian excellence on the global stage.
I send a big congratulations to all of our team Canada athletes on a historic Olympic season. They have inspired millions of Canadians across our country from coast to coast to coast.
Go, Canada, go.
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- Sep/19/24 2:05:47 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, imagine living in a rural community like Merritt or Princeton, British Columbia. People work hard, pay their taxes, but see little return from Ottawa.
In 2021, these communities were devastated by massive floods. The Prime Minister told them that he had their backs: ministers visit, telling them to hang tight for their new disaster mitigation adaptation fund; the municipalities apply, jump through every hoop, spending hundreds of thousands in engineering studies, only to be denied. Adding insult to injury, communities that never experienced flooding or fires are receiving funds, while Merritt and Princeton are left behind.
Every member here should know that the people in these communities are angry at these broken commitments. It has gotten so bad that Merritt has created an e-petition, calling on the government to honour its promises. I encourage all concerned citizens to support petition e-5135.
If being Canadian means anything, it means looking after one another. I would remind the Prime Minister that it is never too late to do the right thing for Merritt and for Princeton.
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- Sep/19/24 2:06:55 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the invaluable contributions of orthotic and prosthetic professionals to the health and well-being of Canadians. These dedicated certified orthotists and prosthetists, and registered orthotic and prosthetic technicians help individuals regain mobility and lead active lives.
Through their expertise, they enhance the quality of life for countless Canadians, including those in my riding of Kitchener South—Hespeler, and strengthen our communities and health care system.
This year, we will celebrate the first-ever National Orthotics and Prosthetics Day on September 19. This day will highlight and promote their essential services and the individuals who benefit from their care. By commemorating this day, we aim to build stronger partnerships and a more collaborative support network for orthotic and prosthetic professionals and their patients across Canada.
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- Sep/19/24 2:07:58 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, this month, Yukon lost one of its most accomplished and best-loved citizens, Rolf Hougen.
If we were to walk around downtown Whitehorse, we would see Rolf's impact everywhere in the variety of businesses he built over the 80 years that he lived in Yukon. He also founded the territory's first cable TV company, as well as its first commercial radio station, CKRW.
Among many other philanthropic activities, Rolf established the Yukon Foundation in 1980, opening doors for numerous Yukoners to pursue their education and research. Rolf's generosity touched the arts too, donating space in the Hougen Centre to support local artists. He was also one of the founders of the Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous, evolving from the winter carnivals he started in the 1940s.
A passionate photographer and historian, Rolf captured the essence of his family, his businesses and our territory with great care. Rolf Hougen was the Yukon's nation builder, and his legacy will continue to inspire us.
As Yukoners reflect on his passing, let us hold on to Rolf's spirit of connection, his commitment to the community and his boundless kindness.
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- Sep/19/24 2:09:06 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, after nine years of the NDP-Liberals, taxes are up, costs are up, crime is up, time is up.
Due to the Liberal government's elimination of mandatory prison time for countless violent offences, criminals are given free rein to terrorize our communities. The results of the Liberal government's soft-on-crime policies are clear: Canadians do not even feel safe walking down their streets or taking transit.
A new study by the Macdonald-Laurier Institute shows that sexual assaults and robberies, such as muggings and carjackings, are up in practically every major city in Canada. Between 2016 and 2023, the sexual rate has almost doubled in York Region and sexual assaults are up by more than 30% in the neighbouring Peel Region.
The Conservatives will ensure that repeat violent offenders remain behind bars while awaiting trial, and we will bring back mandatory jail time for serious violent crimes that were repealed by the Liberal government. A Conservative government will bring home safe streets.
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- Sep/19/24 2:10:11 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the memory of Louis March.
I first had the opportunity to meet Louis March when he came to my office with a mother who had lost her son to gun violence. He was always there to support people in need, but also to empower the voices of people who had been impacted by gun violence. He was a truly committed advocate, someone who could be counted on to be at every event and to always support the needs of the communities that were trying to fight gun violence in our city, and he was effective.
I would like to take this moment to recognize all of the great work that was done by Louis March. May his memory be a blessing, and may we all stand and recommit to ending gun violence in our communities.
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- Sep/19/24 2:11:10 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, after nine years of the NDP-Liberal government, taxes are up, costs are up, crime is up and time is up.
The Prime Minister wants to quadruple the carbon tax, but to appease his new unelected finance minister, Mark “carbon tax” Carney, he is implementing a second carbon tax that will cost Canadians another $9 billion on top of the already $25 billion that the carbon tax is costing.
Costs are also up due to carbon tax addiction and government corruption. Carbon tax Carney stands to benefit moments after his new appointment from the latest government announcement, a $10 billion handout to his firm, Brookfield, that will further line his pockets with taxpayer money.
It does not stop there. Carbon tax Carney is part of Telesat, which just got over $2 billion to build broadband access that the private sector could have done for half the cost.
Thankfully, time is up. With Liberal scandals passing each day, Canadians are beyond tired and frustrated with the corrupt Prime Minister. Canadians are ready to change the NDP-Liberal government with one that will axe the tax, build the homes, fix the budget and stop the crime.
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- Sep/19/24 2:12:17 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, after nine years of the NDP-Liberals tax is up, cost is up, crime is up and time is up, and that could not be more true than for the leader of the NDP.
His video a couple of weeks ago saying that he ripped up his coalition agreement and then saying that Canadians were fed up with the Prime Minister all proved to be nothing more than a stunt. Minutes ago, the NDP members said that they would vote to continue to have confidence in the Prime Minister next week, when the question is called on the floor of the House of Commons.
He refused 49 times to say how he would vote, and now we know why. The coalition between the Liberals and the NDP is alive and well. Canadians have been sold out by the NDP, and it should be simple. We should call a carbon tax election for Canadians to have their say, because they do not want to see the carbon tax quadrupled to 61¢ a litre.
The NDP have sold out Canadians. In the next election, Canadians are going to boot many of their MPs out of the House of Commons.
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- Sep/19/24 2:13:28 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, it is so exciting to be back in the House and to be able to continue working for the wonderful people of Châteauguay—Lacolle, soon to be known as Châteauguay—Les Jardins-de-Napierville.
It is especially exciting to be able to implement federal programs to make life more affordable for Canadians. Over the summer, I saw first-hand in my riding how our action plan is working and making life easier for hundreds of households. I had the opportunity to visit SOLIDES, the Société locative d'investissement et de développement social, which is the largest property owner in Châteauguay. This organization buys and renovates apartment buildings and rents them out at affordable prices. This model can and should be replicated across Canada. SOLIDES was recently allocated more than $3 million from the affordable housing fund to help renovate and maintain its buildings.
I would like to congratulate the entire team at SOLIDES on their excellent work.
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