SoVote

Ms. Christine Normandin (Saint-Jean, BQ)

Apr/4/22 2:03:08 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, the unspeakable images of bodies of men and women strewn across the streets of Bucha are a stark reminder of the horrors of war. It is an affront to our humanity. The entire world mourns as we see these bodies strewn about, neglected, assaulted, murdered, and thrown onto the street. These are men and women who loved and were loved, lived, conversed and laughed just like we do. These people were brutally and horrifically killed. On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I vehemently condemn the war crimes that have been committed in Bucha and elsewhere in Ukraine. We must do more, we must move faster and we must do better. We have a sacred responsibility to help Ukrainians, even more so now that we know exactly what awaits them if we do nothing.

139 words

Mr. Angelo Iacono (Alfred-Pellan, Lib.)

Apr/4/22 2:04:20 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, Muslims all over the world celebrated the start of the holy month of Ramadan this weekend. Ramadan is a time of spiritual contemplation with an emphasis on devotion, during which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset as a way to get closer to God. To the 20,000 Muslims living in Laval and to all Muslims across Canada and around the world, I wish you a blessed month. May this month of reflection and its lessons of compassion and gratitude permeate through the community and help make us all more open, inclusive and tolerant. I very much look forward to sharing iftars with members of the community in Alfred‑Pellan, whose community spirit, generosity and spirit of sharing enhance our cultural mosaic. Ramadan mubarak.

127 words

Mr. Philip Lawrence (Northumberland—Peterborough South, CPC)

Apr/4/22 2:05:27 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the great work of Habitat for Humanity Northumberland. Back in March, I attended Habitat home dedications in Cobourg and Bewdley to celebrate the wonderful work they are doing in our riding. Habitat for Humanity's mission is to break the cycle of poverty through their innovative home ownership program, which helps individuals and families in financially vulnerable situations build and buy quality houses. However, they do so much more than just build houses. They help build homes for families, which strengthens our community with every family and partnership. A special shout-out goes to Meaghan Macdonald and her team for all the great work they do at Habitat for Humanity Northumberland. I thank Meaghan and I thank Habitat for Humanity.

127 words

Mr. Sukh Dhaliwal (Surrey—Newton, Lib.)

Apr/4/22 2:06:20 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, April is Sikh Heritage Month in Canada, when we celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of Sikh pioneers for their positive impact on our country. This past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the Sikh heritage society of B.C.'s annual opening gala in celebration of these rich historical and cultural contributions. I was inspired by speaking to many young leaders and hearing how proud they are to be Sikh and Canadian. These identities are not separate but rather forever intertwined. For me, this is the essence of why Sikh Heritage Month is so important: celebrating past achievements to chart a similar path forward for the next generation. Sat Sri Akaal. This translates to truth is the timeless one.

122 words

Ms. Valerie Bradford (Kitchener South—Hespeler, Lib.)

Apr/4/22 2:07:47 p.m.
Watch

Mister Speaker, today I would like to recognize Greg White, who is a teacher, coach and leader in the Hespeler community. After 31 years of teaching at Jacob Hespeler Secondary School, Mr. White has retired. He dedicated his personal and professional life to the betterment of the school. For years, he even hosted regular fundraising events alongside his best friend and colleague Mark Hatt in order to raise money for the school. Later, becoming head of the physical education department, he transformed the fitness program and facilities to rival those of universities, let alone other high schools. While known to many as a coach, his influence did not stop on the field, as he pushed students to excel no matter their pursuit. Mr. White touched the lives of thousands in Hespeler, including my son Brad. I ask the House to join me in congratulating him on his retirement and thanking him for working so selflessly to inspire the next generation of leaders.

162 words

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

Apr/4/22 2:08:34 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, April is the Month of the Military Child. It is my honour to pay tribute to the unsung heroes who stand behind our women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces. Military families are often on the move and military children find themselves in unfamiliar territory, leaving friends, activities and schools behind. Their parents are often absent for prolonged periods of time, and countless holidays and birthdays are spent without mom and dad. Having CFB Wainwright in my riding, I am witness to the reality of a life of service for the spouses and children of our women and men in uniform. They say that patience is a virtue, and military children have perfected that quality. They know how to wait. Military kids say more goodbyes in their first few years of life than most folks do in a lifetime. If we know of a military child of a serving member, let us give them a hug and say thanks for sharing their loved one with the rest of Canada and, indeed, the world. God bless them for their service, sacrifice and strength.

185 words

Mr. Taleeb Noormohamed (Vancouver Granville, Lib.)

Apr/4/22 2:09:46 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, this week, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi will visit Canada. In honour of his visit, I want to recognize all those individuals across the globe who have had to flee their homes, communities and countries due to political unrest, war, humanitarian crises, natural disasters and instability. Around the world, refugees fleeing Ukraine, Afghanistan, Syria, Myanmar, Yemen, South Sudan and so many other places face uncertainty, despair, hunger and oppression. Canada has a proud tradition of protecting those who are most vulnerable. In these difficult times, it is even more important that we continue to welcome those seeking refuge who wish to build a better life. We know that refugees put down roots in Canada and work hard to make this their home. They embrace Canadian values and they work hard to make our communities better. They come with experience, skills and an incredible resilience. They make Canada better. Their presence is a reminder of why it is so important for us to continue to uphold our shared values of compassion, pluralism, generosity and kindness, because this benefits each and every one of us every day.

190 words

Ms. Melissa Lantsman (Thornhill, CPC)

Apr/4/22 2:10:57 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, last week I joined the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce and some businesses in my riding for a very frank discussion. With Canadian families facing record-high inflation, a skyrocketing cost of living and a growing housing affordability crisis, businesses in my riding are feeling the squeeze, labour shortages and a supply chain mess. The only thing on the rise for them are costs. They want to see real solutions and a meaningful plan from the government to fight the inflationary pressures, to get Canadians back to work, to attract capital, to support innovation and to do something, anything, about the regulatory hurdles that they face. The only consistent thing I hear from businesses at home, from those building the transformers that power our lives to those who build the medical devices that might save them, is this. They all say that it would make more sense to leave. They want to see a plan for growth with targeted investments to boost our productivity and improve our competitiveness in the global marketplace. Thornhill punches way above its weight when it comes to building great companies and I want to keep it that way.

194 words

Mr. Chris Lewis (Essex, CPC)

Apr/4/22 2:12:11 p.m.
Watch
Re: Bill C-224

Mr. Speaker, this morning I had the honour to speak in support of Bill C-224 in the House, a bill that recognizes the importance of bringing awareness to certain types of cancers that firefighters face each and every day. As a former firefighter, I want to thank the brave men and women who protect us all. We appreciate everything that they do to keep our families safe. It is hard for us to say goodbye to friends that we have lost and perhaps even tougher to say goodbye to someone like my friend, Darrell Ellwood, who passed away on Christmas Day 2011 from cancer and was laid to rest on January 14, 2012. Darrell's story is one of far too many, a life taken far too soon. To the International Association of Fire Fighters, I say I will continue to work vigorously in the House to ensure that those who have sacrificed so much, whose spouses and families have lost so much, are not lost in vain.

169 words

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

Apr/4/22 2:13:09 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to mark the 105th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. On April 9, 1917, soldiers from across Canada, including the two Nova Scotian battalions, the Nova Scotia Highlanders and the Nova Scotia Rifles, fought in the first battle of the Great War, in which four Canadian divisions fought side by side and accomplished something other allied forces had failed to do: capture Vimy Ridge. However, this victory came at a very high price with the loss of more than 10,600 Canadians. I was extremely proud to represent Nova Scotians at the 2018 ceremonies in Normandy, where I gave them our flag and placed our wreath. I invite all Canadians to join me in commemorating the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

126 words

Mr. Don Davies (Vancouver Kingsway, NDP)

Apr/4/22 2:14:15 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, April is Oral Health Month and today marks the beginning of National Dental Hygienists Week. This week's theme, “Oral Health for Total Health”, reminds us that taking care of our mouth, teeth and gums is critical to our overall well-being. However, despite clear links between poor oral health and serious medical conditions, over 35% of Canadians have no dental insurance and seven million people avoid the dentist every year because of the cost. After decades of advocacy, New Democrats are proud to have secured an agreement with the government to deliver a national dental care plan, starting with low-income Canadians. Coverage will start for children under 12 this year, expand to those under 18, seniors and persons with disabilities next year and be fully implemented in 2024. This Oral Health Month, let us celebrate and work together to make this long overdue primary health care a reality for all Canadians in our country.

160 words

Mr. Martin Champoux (Drummond, BQ)

Apr/4/22 2:15:19 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, the Oscars gave talented Quebeckers in the film industry their due, and now the Grammys have recognized our music industry stars. Yesterday, Montreal orchestra conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin picked up the Grammy for best orchestral performance for the Philadelphia Orchestra's recording of Florence Price's Symphonies Nos. 1 & 3. This honour reflects well on our institutions, which are able to see their excellence recognized, institutions such as Montreal's Conservatoire de musique et d'art dramatique du Québec, where Yannick Nézet-Séguin studied. Just as important is the culture. This award is the culmination of a respectful, firm approach that inspires the best musicians in the world to give their all with a smile. It is a breath of fresh air in the classical music world. With humility, Mr. Nézet-Séguin reminded us yesterday that much of the credit for this victory goes to the late composer, Florence Price, the first African-American woman to win a Grammy for a classical composition. Mr. Nézet-Séguin produced an outstanding classical work and demonstrated outstanding class. On behalf of all Quebeckers and the Bloc Québécois, congratulations to Yannick Nézet-Séguin.

218 words

Mr. Larry Brock (Brantford—Brant, CPC)

Apr/4/22 2:16:33 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Ukrainian army liberated the Kyiv region from Russians, yet nobody celebrated, as the world was shocked by the atrocities and crimes against humanity by these modern-day fascists in Europe. Ukrainian armed forces, joined by journalists, recorded hundreds of civilians murdered right on the streets of Bucha. Many had their hands bound and were shot in the back of the head. Women were raped in front of their kids and the streets were mined. The bodies of tortured, burnt and murdered children, men and women who refused to obey were found in mass graves, sewage systems and ditches. The world has not even seen the whole tragedy that is going on in Mariupol and other cities that are still under Russian occupation. This is genocide. This is the massacre of free people in the 21st century. Nobody can say now that it is Putin’s war and that he is the only one responsible. The horror in Bucha is the real face of Russia. Let us not forget the people of Ukraine who did not surrender and died for their freedom. Vichnaya pamyat.

188 words

Mr. Gary Anandasangaree (Scarborough—Rouge Park, Lib.)

Apr/4/22 2:17:53 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, Sri Lanka is facing the most serious financial crisis in its history. The corrupt regime led by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa is in the final days of governing the failed state. The entire cabinet of ministers has resigned, save and except for Mahinda Rajapaksa. This is the beginning of the end of the Rajapaksa family. The brothers stand accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. As the state seeks a bailout from the International Monetary Fund, it is essential that funds given are not used to support the oversized military with a history of rights violations. If Sri Lanka is to move forward, it must severely curtail its military spending, return lands to Tamils, repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act and release all those being held under the act, ensure accountability for international crimes, account for the disappeared and ensure that there is a just political solution that recognizes the inherent right of Tamils to self-determination. Anything short would lead to ongoing instability and chaos on the island.

177 words

Hon. Candice Bergen (Leader of the Opposition, CPC)

Apr/4/22 2:19:09 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, as prices soar, government debt climbs and Canadians suffer through the worst inflation in 30 years, many observers are saying the Liberals have lost their way. Instead of presenting a responsible budget on Thursday, these NDP-Liberals are going to be spending outrageous amounts of money on big permanent programs, and that means more debt and more taxes. Is there anyone left on the Liberal side who would like to see a responsible budget, or have they all turned into closet NDPers on that side of the House?

90 words

Hon. Randy Boissonnault (Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, Lib.)

Apr/4/22 2:19:53 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives continue to ignore the facts. Our GDP grew for the eighth consecutive month. We have recovered 112% of the jobs lost to the pandemic. In 2021, we saw Canada's largest annual trade surplus, at $6.6 billion. Households, on average, have more savings than debt, and S&P and Moody's have reaffirmed our AAA credit rating. Those are the facts.

67 words

Hon. Candice Bergen (Leader of the Opposition, CPC)

Apr/4/22 2:20:16 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, under previous Liberals like Jean Chrétien and Paul Martin, there was a sense of fiscal responsibility among their ranks. My, how the current Liberals have changed. Even former finance minister John Manley said, “Tax and spend is not a growth agenda.” We agree with him. Canadians want a responsible budget that will deliver tax relief, not cost Canadians more. Will the Prime Minister listen to some reasonable people in his party, abandon his NDP ways and present a responsible budget?

86 words

Hon. Randy Boissonnault (Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, Lib.)

Apr/4/22 2:20:54 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, after campaigning on a deficit of $168 billion, the Conservative opposition continues to flip-flop. On Mondays it wants do more for seniors. On Tuesdays it wants to cut the CPP. On Wednesdays it wants to do more for small business. On Thursdays it wants to block Bill C-8. If the Conservatives want to help small business, farmers, teachers and Canadians, they can do the right thing and support Bill C-8.

75 words

Hon. Candice Bergen (Leader of the Opposition, CPC)

Apr/4/22 2:21:21 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, he sounds like the NDP to me. Canadians deserve a break. They need a break. Conservatives have been asking for a solution to give them that break, like a GST holiday on fuel or an end to the ineffective and expensive carbon tax. We have been asking for practical things to help Canadians, but the NDP-Liberals keep saying no. Are there any Liberal MPs on that side who believe that Canadians deserve a break, or have they all turned into NDPers who believe the left-wing dogma that if it moves or breathes, it must be taxed?

100 words

Hon. Randy Boissonnault (Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, Lib.)

Apr/4/22 2:22:02 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, our record is clear when it comes to supporting the most vulnerable Canadians with the cost of living. Today we announced the implementation of a program that will provide high-speed Internet at $20 a month for low-income seniors and families. We introduced the Canada child benefit, which is indexed to inflation and lifted almost 300,000 children out of poverty. Our increases to the GIS have helped over 900,000 seniors. From 2015, when we formed government, to 2019, we raised 1.38 million Canadians out of poverty. That is real progress for the most vulnerable.

100 words

SoVote

House Hansard - 52