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Decentralized Democracy

House Hansard - 339

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
September 19, 2024 10:00AM
  • 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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  • Sep/19/24 2:14:38 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I want to highlight the amazing work of the Mobile Youth Services Team, or MYST, and in particular its crime reduction and exploitation diversion program. It has been serving at-risk youth in our region for over 20 years. It is tackling online sexual and gang exploitation, and the intersecting crises of the toxic drug supply, mental health issues, poverty and homelessness. It has an extremely effective program with an incredible success rate, where it proactively engages with youth and their families to provide support and key referrals. Currently, there is one MYST team that is handling over 250 active cases of youth in crisis. We know the frequency of youth being targeted by sexual predators and for gang recruitment has been increasing, and calls to the team have ballooned. It has applied to the Department of Justice, because despite the high demand it recently had to reduce the hours of its program to only two days a week. Without new funding, it faces the prospect of closing as early as March 2025. MYST teams have an incredible impact, and this model could be replicated across the country. The loss of this program would be devastating, given the need in our community—
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  • Sep/19/24 2:15:57 p.m.
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I am sorry to interrupt the hon. member. It is very important for all members to please try to respect the 60 seconds. The Chair does give some leeway on that, but not a significant leeway. The hon. member fro Beauport—Limoilou has the floor.
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  • Sep/19/24 2:16:08 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, as the saying goes, all good things come in threes. Quebec City's baseball team, the Capitales, took that to heart and won their third consecutive Frontier League championship. Fans were treated to quite a show. On Saturday, in an exhilarating and spectacular game, the Capitales won the finals against the Washington Wild Things, thanks to magician Anthony Quirion, who hit a three-run homer. This is the 10th title in the history of the franchise, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. This title is the result of the talent, consistency and hard work of all the players and the entire organization, including manager Patrick Scalabrini and president Michel Laplante. Congratulations, and thank you for being the pride of our town for another year running. Until next year.
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  • Sep/19/24 2:17:13 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, what is the “Liberal Bloc”? It is the most centralizing, costly and divisive Liberal government in history. It is the Liberal government that has no respect for Quebec, imposing programs, claiming that the Liberal occupant of the big federal seat knows best and can do better than the elected members of Quebec. It is a government that breaks ethics rules without facing the consequences, that lets authoritarian countries interfere in our elections, that gives Canadian citizenship to a terrorist. What is the “Liberal Bloc”? It is the Bloc who voted to keep this minority government in place more than 200 times. It is the Bloc who authorized this Liberal government to spend $500 billion, fuelling inflation and increasing the cost of everything. It is the Bloc that supports the Liberal government that wants to radically increase fuel taxes, ban hunting rifles and allow house arrest for violent criminals. It is the Bloc that is going to prop up the Liberal government next week against the interests of Quebec. The Bloc Québécois has gotten absolutely nothing for Quebec in exchange for its unconditional support of the Liberal government. The Bloc Québécois is the worst negotiator that Quebec has even seen. That is the “Liberal Bloc”.
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  • Sep/19/24 2:18:23 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, today I had the honour of hosting the second Young Polonia Leadership Summit on Parliament Hill. We brought together 35 young leaders from across Canada to talk about issues important to Polish Canadians, including getting more young people engaged in politics. Over one million Polish Canadians contribute to building vibrant and generous communities across Canada. Now we see a new generation of Polonia taking the mantle to lead the Polish diaspora in this new century, young people who say “Yes we can”, and who have the courage and power to build a better Canada and a better world. I want to thank the Canadian Polish Congress, the Polish Canadian Business and Professional Association of Windsor, and the Embassy of the Republic of Poland for working together to organize this summit and to empower Canada's young eagles.
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  • Sep/19/24 2:20:17 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the Premier of the Quebec nation said today that the Liberal government's decision to double the number of temporary immigrants to 600,000 individuals poses a threat to social services for Quebeckers. Will the leader of the Bloc Québécois do what the Premier of the Quebec nation is asking, and reconsider supporting this Liberal government next week? Will he defend the interests of Quebeckers and the Quebec nation?
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  • Sep/19/24 2:20:19 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, like you, I was a page in the House of Commons a few years back, and I would like to congratulate and thank the new cohort of pages we are fortunate to have with us this year. We know how important their responsibilities are. Members of the House appreciate their service. I thank them for being with us in the coming months. As for the Leader of the Opposition, what he is saying is laughable. He is saying that we should just keep cutting back on programs to help Quebeckers and the Government of Quebec, including health care, child care and day care.
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