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Decentralized Democracy

House Hansard - 51

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
April 1, 2022 10:00AM
  • Apr/1/22 11:12:04 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, once again, the Liberal government's hubris has been on full display. After heartlessly increasing the carbon tax today, the government's refusal to listen to hard-working Canadians, agriculture producers and small business shop creators shows just how out of touch the NDP-Liberal government truly is. This tax disproportionately affects Canadians in rural and remote areas and is a callous cash grab. Plowing through with this carbon tax increase only puts more strain on already squeezed budgets in businesses throughout the country. While the government spins its tax increase, I have heard directly from families who have indicated that this increase on top of already soaring prices is unsustainable. It is my constituents from Regina—Lewvan who are feeling the tightening of their budgets, and they are unsure what they can do about it. These are people who cannot get a third job because there are not enough hours in the day to do more work. That is a problem most Liberals have never seen. It is time for the government to finally do the right thing and scrap its carbon tax.
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  • Apr/1/22 11:13:11 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, our government has always supported and promoted the important role that our SMEs play in developing our local economies. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the 50th anniversary of a family-owned business located in the heart of Saint-Michel. Founded in 1972, Casavogue specializes in the sale of high-quality Italian furniture. Its 50 years of service have been characterized by the love of high-quality products that has been passed down from father to son. The Territo family is truly passionate about home furnishings and their profession. They are always on the lookout for new products to offer, in unique collections at affordable prices. The furniture's refined design and their outstanding customer service have earned Casavogue the consumer choice award for several years running. The Territo family also believes in doing its part to support social causes, such as foundations that fight cancer. I want to congratulate the Territo family and wish continued success to Casavogue.
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  • Apr/1/22 11:14:23 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I hosted many constituents in my riding at a round table to discuss how we could support Ukrainians seeking safety. I want to thank all those who participated, especially Rob and Stefan from the Comox Valley Stands with Ukraine, Eugene from the Ukrainian Canadian Cultural Society, Dave from the Comox Valley Ukrainian Cultural Society, Susan from Christ the King church, and Thuy and Zeny from the Immigrant Welcome Centre, for coming and sharing all the work that they are currently doing. I am so proud that the people of North Island—Powell River have come together to make a difference. I have been moved by the many fundraising events that we have seen across the region to support Ukraine. In these uncertain times, it is only the strength of our convictions that helps the world become a little safer. I heard very clearly from my constituents that a coordinated approach is needed. Canadians want to be matched with Ukrainians who need help. If it is a room, a home or other resources, Canadians are ready. I encourage the government to take their leadership.
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  • Apr/1/22 11:15:28 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, on April 2, the entire blue planet observes World Autism Awareness Day. These days, we speak more broadly about autism spectrum disorders, or ASDs. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that primarily affects a person's ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is not an illness. It is a condition. This year, the 38th anniversary, the Fédération québécoise de l'autisme is encouraging us to support autism in all its diversity, not just on April 2, but for the entire month of April, to advocate for a world that is increasingly open to people with autism. I would like to acknowledge the parents, families and friends of people with autism, as well as my children, Charlotte and Loïc, sister and brother to my little Ulysse, and my ex-partner Xavier, and to let them know that I understand what they are going through and I appreciate them. Our children shine so brightly because of them and because of this day. They shine not because they are different but because they are unique. They are as unique as the love we have for them is strong. Let us shine together.
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  • Apr/1/22 11:16:36 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, the hypocrisy of the Liberal government knows no boundaries. Liberals have spent the last seven years destroying our natural resources sector, resulting in lost jobs, lost homes, loss of life and broken families. The outcome is a nation torn apart, with Canadians pitted against Canadians. Now, as fuel costs surge and the world cries for energy, the government continues to put its foot on the throats of men and women, men and women who not only have spent years supplying our nation with clean, ethically sourced fuel, but who have also funded billions in programs over the decades in their will to contribute to a country they love so much. Instead, the government will sit on the sidelines as Canada and the world continue to suffer, buying into an ideology that leaves our citizens distraught and discouraged and the world running on empty. There is no just transition.
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  • Apr/1/22 11:17:44 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I am very fortunate to rise in the House often to acknowledge the incredible acts of generosity of individuals and organizations in my constituency of Surrey Centre. Today is no different. Today I would like to acknowledge Paul and Ruby Arora of Gagan Foods for their generous donations to the Surrey Food Bank, shelters and free kitchens. Their donation included four skids to the Lookout Society, four skids to the Muslim Food Bank and three skids to the Surrey Food Bank. It added up to 23 skids delivered to six local food banks and kitchens to support the people of Surrey. In addition, they sent a full truckload of juice and cookies to the Guru Nanak Food Bank in both Abbotsford and Surrey and a full truck to Guru Nanak's Free Kitchen in Vancouver. I thank Paul and Ruby for their generosity and support for these important establishments in Surrey.
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  • Apr/1/22 11:18:42 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, on March 26, I had the pleasure of participating in the official openings of some new businesses in my riding of Orléans. I want to congratulate Louise and André Chouinard, the new owners of a terra20 franchise, which sells sustainable products to promote a healthy lifestyle. Their new store on Tenth Line Road features an exclusive ecobar, where customers can purchase refillable bottles of cleaning and personal care products. This is an environmentally sound and sustainable solution. The Natural Food Pantry also recently opened in Orléans. I want to thank manager Jennie Brousseau for her warm welcome. The opening of that store was also an opportunity to participate in the launch of a new leading-edge green technology called TAGPod, the very first waste-free bulk food dispenser pilot project in the world. The Aggressive Good's TAGPod system, which was designed to reduce single use plastics, will revolutionize grocery shipping and make it more sustainable and easier for customers, while producing zero waste. I congratulate them.
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  • Apr/1/22 11:20:01 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, it may be April Fool's Day, but the tax hikes that went into effect less than 12 hours ago are no joke. This morning, Canadians woke up to higher taxes on everything from gas to groceries to home heating because of the 25% increase in the carbon tax. Everything moved by a truck will go up as producers and wholesales inevitably pass those costs on to the families and seniors who can least afford them. Why is punishing Canadians financially at a time when they can least afford it acceptable to the NDP-Liberal government?
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  • Apr/1/22 11:20:33 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, while the opposition has been fixated on April 1, on this side of the House we have been fixated on July 15. Do members know why? That is the date Canadian families will receive their climate action rebate cheques, and they will keep receiving them month after month after month. As we know, eight out of 10 families will benefit. We are fighting climate change and delivering on affordability.
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  • Apr/1/22 11:21:05 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, that is not according to the PBO. A new Ipsos poll confirms how out of touch the NDP-Liberal government is with hard-working Canadians, and they applaud. We have an affordability crisis and, according to Ipsos, Canadians want a budget that addresses the cost-of-living crisis, not a radical, ideologically driven, activist, Leap Manifesto NDP-type budget that punishes families and seniors with higher costs just for eating, driving and heating their homes. There was a time in this country when a Liberal Party led by Jean Chrétien and Paul Martin governed in a fiscally responsible way. What happened to that Liberal Party?
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  • Apr/1/22 11:21:49 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, the saddest April Fool's joke on Canadians today is the inability of the Conservatives to simply pick a lane. On Mondays it is “do more for seniors”. On Tuesdays it is “cut CPP”. On Wednesdays it is “do more for small businesses”. On Thursdays it is “block Bill C-8”. While the Conservatives struggle to pick a lane, we are focused on investing in Canadians and managing the nation's finances responsibly. Some hon. members: Oh, oh! Hon. Randy Boissonnault: It may be before noon, and that is no joke because on the other side, whatever they say now will change in an hour. That is no joke.
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  • Apr/1/22 11:22:21 a.m.
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I am sure the hon. members want to hear the answers so they can pose another question, so I ask members to please hold on to their thoughts. The hon. official opposition House leader.
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  • Apr/1/22 11:22:35 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, no one ever imagined a time when a family or seniors would be punished financially for simply driving their car to earn a living or to visit their grandchildren, yet gas prices are up again today because of the 25% hike in the carbon tax. The Liberals have a choice in the budget next week. They can be fiscally responsible like the Chrétien–Martin Liberals were or they can continue to take their marching orders from their radical NDP partners and be completely out of touch with Canadians, according to Ipsos. What will it be: a Chrétien-Martin Liberal budget or an NDP-Liberal party budget?
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  • Apr/1/22 11:23:15 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, as economists and the Parliamentary Budget Officer will tell us, our price on pollution is progressive and efficient. Eight out of 10 families will receive more than they pay. If the hon. member has forgotten the numbers, let me remind him. This year, a family of four will receive up to $745 in Ontario, $830 in my home province of Manitoba and $1,100 in Saskatchewan and Alberta. We are fighting climate change and delivering on affordability.
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  • Apr/1/22 11:23:52 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, it might be April 1, but the tax increases taking effect today are no joke. This morning, Canadians woke up to higher taxes on their gas, groceries and heating as the result of a 25% increase in the carbon tax. Everything that gets delivered by truck is going to go up. It is inevitable, and the consumers are the ones who will pay. Why does the Liberal-NDP government think it is acceptable to punish Canadians at the worst possible time, when they cannot afford it?
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  • Apr/1/22 11:24:25 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, the saddest April Fool's joke on Canadians today is the Conservatives' inability to pick a lane. On Mondays it is “do more for seniors”. On Tuesdays it is “cut CPP”. On Wednesdays it is “do more for small businesses”. On Thursdays it is “block Bill C-8”. While the Conservatives struggle to pick a lane, we are focused on investing in Canadians and on sound fiscal management. While we are investing in Canadians on this side, they are simply making jokes on that side. Some hon. members: Oh, oh!
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  • Apr/1/22 11:24:52 a.m.
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Once again, I would like to remind members that it is difficult for people at home to hear the answers. I hope members will take note of this; otherwise, I will have to ask the member to repeat the question and someone at the end will not have time to ask theirs. The hon. member for Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup.
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  • Apr/1/22 11:25:13 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, a new Ipsos poll confirms how out of touch the NDP-Liberal government is with the reality of Canadian workers. We are in an affordability crisis. Canadians want a budget that addresses the high cost of living, not an ideological platform with higher taxes on basic necessities like food, transportation and heating. There was a time when Liberals like Jean Charest—oops, I meant to say Jean Chrétien— Some hon. members: Oh, oh! Mr. Bernard Généreux: That is the first time his name has been mentioned in the House, Madam Speaker. I was talking about Jean Chrétien. We have known Liberals like Jean Chrétien and Paul Martin who governed responsibly. What happened to the Liberal Party?
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  • Apr/1/22 11:26:09 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I am very happy to hear the members opposite acknowledge that they have a Liberal in their party's leadership race, and that the Liberals of the good old days focused on affordability, just like we do. We know that the affordability and inflation problems are real. That is why we are working every day to make life more affordable, through improvements to the Canada child benefit, investments for seniors and the national housing strategy, for example. On this side, we are taking action. On that side, it is nothing but nonsense.
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  • Apr/1/22 11:26:43 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, in 2015, the Prime Minister decided not to purchase F‑35s because they did not meet Canada's needs. However, seven years later, he is prepared to spend $19 billion on them, which makes us wonder what has changed since then. The Bloc Québécois demanded a committee study to look at the various models and strategic needs, but that never happened. Today, the F‑35s still have 871 technical problems, seven of them critical. Again, what has changed? Will the government buy F‑35s for the right reasons or to please the United States?
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