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The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Carol Hughes)

Jun/17/22 10:46:55 a.m.
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It is not time for the hon. member for New Westminster—Burnaby to answer the question. It is up to the hon. member for Shefford. The hon. member for Shefford.

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Ms. Andréanne Larouche

Jun/17/22 10:47:08 a.m.
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Re: Bill C-11

Madam Speaker, I find that interesting. All parties seem to recognize that there is already a provision in this bill stating that this content will not be regulated. When someone gets to the point where they feel like everyone else is wrong and they are the only one who is right, it may be time for them to do some soul searching. Are they contributing to disinformation? Have they properly done their work as parliamentarians? Have they read the bill? Are they representing all their constituents? Francophone artists would not agree that they have not kept up with the times and have not been able to adapt to the digital age since 1993. That is what I heard said about certain francophones and artists from Quebec. It is shocking that the Conservatives are trying to accuse our artists of not being able to adapt to the digital age. Quite frankly, that is insulting.

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Mr. Peter Julian (New Westminster—Burnaby, NDP)

Jun/17/22 10:48:00 a.m.
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Re: Bill C-11

Madam Speaker, I completely agree with the member for Shefford. The Conservatives have lost it. They spread completely false information. It would seem that they never read the bill. They are making all sorts of accusations. People have to at least try to be realistic when saying things in the House of Commons. Even though we can say anything, the Conservatives should exercise some self-control. I have a simple question to ask the member for Shefford, who gave an excellent speech. It is now estimated that web giants, who have been profiting for years, will contribute $1 billion, which will be invested in Canadian jobs. What impact will this have in Quebec?

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Ms. Andréanne Larouche

Jun/17/22 10:48:57 a.m.
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Re: Bill C-11

Madam Speaker, as a former journalism student and as a lover of arts and culture, I am watching this bill very closely. I hope that the money will highlight some amazing cultural projects from Quebec and help make them successful. I also want to say that we need to allow local media to thrive, as called for by the Voix de l'Est, a newspaper from back home. In my speech I mentioned Marie-Ève Martel's excellent book Extinction de voix, which explains why this bill is so important. This money must be redistributed to help local media and local artists. This money could be reinvested elsewhere. The web giants have done enough copying from our local media. Now it is time for them to give back to the smallest media outlets, in order to ensure that Quebec culture can truly be enjoyed around the world.

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Mr. Peter Julian (New Westminster—Burnaby, NDP)

Jun/17/22 10:49:58 a.m.
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Re: Bill C-11

Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise. I certainly salute the numerous colleagues, such as the member for Shefford and the member for Kingston and the Islands, who have actually addressed the bill. They have obviously read it. This is very important. What is unbelievable to me is the over-the-top, crazed, Republican-style rhetoric that we have heard from the Conservatives over the last few weeks. This is very simple. There were the equivalent of five weeks of hearings, and the vast majority of witnesses who came forward, as members know, were in favour of the bill but wanted improvements. I will be pleased in a moment to talk about how the NDP was successful in improving the bill, playing our role yet again as the effective opposition party and pushing to make sure that bills are better. After the equivalent of five weeks of hearings, for two weeks the Conservatives blocked witnesses, refused to let the amendments that had already been submitted be discussed and debated, and blocked everything. They completely filibustered so that nothing could move forward. We have seen the same sad travesty here in the House. The Conservatives, ever since they basically imploded six months ago, have refused to let anything good go through the House for the benefit of Canadians. It is sad. The Conservative Party used to be a respected opposition party, but what it has done over the last few months undermines that. I will say that there are members of the Conservative caucus whom I have a lot of confidence in, including the member for Perth—Wellington. I wish that his voice was heard more often in the Conservative caucus. That being said, what did the NDP do? The New Democrats brought forward a series of amendments. We wanted to make sure the bill was stronger. That is our role. As the effective opposition in the House of Commons, we tackled it from five standpoints. First, when we looked at Bill C-11, we wanted to make sure that we renew broadcasting in Canada and that online companies actually pay their fair share. We are talking about $1 billion in investments. That means tens of thousands of jobs right across the country. This will mean a significant renaissance of the Canadian creative and cultural industries. There is no doubt. We also wanted to make sure we broke down barriers for marginalized peoples in Canada, so we tabled Bill C-11 and successfully got it through the committee. It is now before the House for consideration at report stage, and hopefully it will get to third reading as well. There are substantial improvements that break down barriers for Black and racialized Canadians in broadcasting, for indigenous peoples, indigenous culture, indigenous voices and indigenous languages, and for people with disabilities. Canadians with disabilities have been excluded from the broadcasting system and from online streaming for far too long. Those are important barriers that the New Democrats broke down, and we are proud of our accomplishments. We want to compliment the members of the heritage committee who voted for those far-reaching amendments. Second, we wanted to renew community broadcasting. The disinformation and Republican-style rhetoric of the Conservative Party, and the hate we have seen with the “freedom convoy” that many Conservative MPs endorsed, are things that really need a renewal at the community level. Hate and disinformation come from the fact that we do not know our neighbours, and the erosion of community media and community voices has unfortunately contributed to the amplification of the hate and disinformation in our country that we are all seeing. The NDP tabled this, and again a majority of members of the heritage committee agreed with the idea that we have to reinforce community voices, community media, community broadcasting and community radio. I would like to thank CACTUS and numerous other community organizations that offered important amendments so that we could improve community broadcasting and know our neighbours better. The best antidote to the hate and disinformation we are seeing from the Republicans in the United States and the far right in Canada is to ensure that we know our neighbours and appreciate them. That was an important second series of amendments we brought forward. Third, we wanted to reinforce freedom of expression. Unanimously, members of the heritage committee agreed, and that means freedom of expression is now paramount in this legislation. Fourth, we wanted to make sure that Canadian jobs and Canadian broadcasting were enhanced. We have $1 billion now, which is substantial. It is a massive increase in the resources available to Canadian cultural industries. We wanted to make sure it assures there are Canadian jobs, so we tabled with success a number of amendments that enhance the Canadian employment and Canadian jobs component. Finally, we wanted to ensure more accountability for the CRTC, and we were successful in that endeavour as well. As a result, what we have is a Bill C-11 that is better and more improved. We are happy that we were able to use our effective opposition voice not to destroy, block or stop any consideration, but to improve this important bill. It is worth mentioning that the vast majority of witnesses who testified before the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage were in favour of this bill. Even the Conservatives have to admit that these witnesses said that the bill must be passed. Dozens and dozens of organizations representing hundreds of thousands of Canadians from across the country told us that this bill should be passed, but that it had to be improved. The NDP proposed amendments to improve accessibility for marginalized people, people with disabilities, indigenous peoples and racialized people in Canada, and these amendments were adopted. These measures will improve the bill overall. We also succeeded in getting the number of local and community programs increased. The fact that the CRTC will now be more accountable to Canadians is another NDP success. Canadian jobs are another very important aspect of the bill. We wanted freedom of expression to come above everything else, and the NDP's amendment in that respect was successful. The reality is that the equivalent of five weeks of meetings were held with regard to the bill before us, during which we heard from dozens and dozens of witnesses. We can say that we met the expectations of these witnesses by ensuring that the bill is better now than it was when the committee got it. Even though I am disappointed with the Conservatives for holding up all the work for weeks, refusing to hear from witnesses and consider amendments, and refusing to do everything necessary to improve the bill, I think that what did come out of the committee study was an improved version of Bill C-11. There is more transparency. All of the work that we have done over the past few weeks has resulted in a better bill. I would like to say one last thing. Bill C‑11 and the fact that we have managed to make more Canadian voices heard are another way to counter disinformation. There is not just disinformation around Bill C‑11. In the United States, Republican disinformation is currently a major issue because it is warping democracy and undermining the very essence of voting. This hate coming out of the United States, this disinformation, must be kept out of Canada as much as possible. We saw the hate expressed by the so-called “freedom convoy”. At that time, we saw that these people wanted to take down our democracy, take down Canada's Parliament. Some of the Conservative members supported that. The way to counter disinformation is to provide more information. That is also one of the objectives of the improved version of Bill C‑11.

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The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Carol Hughes)

Jun/17/22 11:00:05 a.m.
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The hon. member will have five minutes for questions and comments when we return to debate after question period.

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Mr. Tony Van Bynen (Newmarket—Aurora, Lib.)

Jun/17/22 11:00:24 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, over the past year, our community of Newmarket—Aurora has lost two gentlemen whose impact on health care is immeasurable. Art Craig passed on October 17, 2021, and Al Roeder passed on May 29, 2022. Both served our community in leadership positions with what is now the Southlake Regional Health Centre. Each served as president. Al was a consummate professional, a health leader and in many ways a health pioneer. He was also, above all else, a gentleman, loved and respected by family, neighbours and former colleagues. Art was a great supporter of arts and culture who believed in serving the community. He is remembered as a kind soul with a love of family and friends. The respect that he had from those who benefited from his support is exemplified with lifetime memberships in various organizations. Our community, and specifically our hospital and health care, owe much to the leadership and the vision of both of these gentlemen.

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Mr. Chris Lewis (Essex, CPC)

Jun/17/22 11:02:47 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, look no further than to Essex to find people who will rise to the occasion when there is a cry for desperately needed help for the families of Ukraine. We all need a good-news story these days, and wow, do I have a great one. Gary Taveirne and his amazing family were horrified by the horrible images of the illegal war on Ukraine and knew they had to do something, but they have gone above and beyond. They have created the Kyiv Home Project and are building a two-family home in Cottam's Woodridge Estates for Ukrainian families to settle in, as well as supporting these families for three years as they get back on their feet. With the help of BK Cornerstone, the Town of Kingsville, corporate donors, contractors, skilled trades workers and Pastor Kim Gilliland and the congregation of the Cottam United Church, their goal is to provide safe housing and necessities, which will soon become reality for Ukrainian families. I am proud to strongly support this incredible act of compassion. I ask all of my colleagues in the House to join me in thanking the Taveirne family for their generosity and for leaving the world a better place than they found it.

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Mr. Darrell Samson (Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, Lib.)

Jun/17/22 11:03:56 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, Canadian families across the country are stepping up to help Ukrainians come to and stay in Canada. The Parkers, a family from Eastern Passage in my riding of Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, are now hosting their second family from Ukraine. Anastaslia, Oleski and Paulina arrived in Canada two weeks ago. Last Friday, I visited the Parker home to give young Paulina a Canadian flag and a backpack full of goodies. It was heartwarming to see her playing on the trampoline and waving her hand-held Canadian flag. I want to thank the Parkers and all other families across Canada who have shown incredible generosity in opening up their homes and their hearts to the people of Ukraine.

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Mr. Charlie Angus (Timmins—James Bay, NDP)

Jun/17/22 11:04:55 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, food prices are going through the roof and working-class families are finding it harder and harder to make ends meet. We know that Vladimir Putin's illegal war in Ukraine is driving fears of a global food shortage, but those fears are the perfect cover for the giant food conglomerates that are jacking up prices, not because of inflation but to gouge us. Cargill's profits were up 64% in a single year. Loblaws' first-quarter profits are 40% higher than last year. What is the government doing? The Liberals, remember, used taxpayers' money to fix Galen Weston's fridges while Loblaws was scamming us over the price of bread, and the Conservatives? Well, their would-be leader says to invest our savings in crypto-Ponzi schemes to beat inflation. I mean, a financial genius this guy is not. What we are dealing with is not inflation but old-fashioned price gouging and corporate giants ripping off Canada's working class. The New Democrats say that it is time we took on these corporate giants and got this money into the pockets of working-class families.

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Mr. Adam van Koeverden (Milton, Lib.)

Jun/17/22 11:05:58 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, we need to talk about men's health. This is Men's Health Week, and June is Canadian Men's Health Month, but we need to recognize how important it is for men to be aware of their physical and mental health every day of the year. Canadian men die at alarmingly high rates of chronic illnesses in Canada, yet 70% of men's health problems are preventable just by living a healthier life. Healthy eating and daily physical activity play an important role in the health, well-being and quality of life of all Canadians, but physical activity in particular decreases stress and helps prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and many other things we should all work to avoid. The good news for guys is that resources are available, and there is a huge community to support them. MensHealthFoundation.ca is a great place to start if my colleagues are ready to focus on their mental and physical health. In closing, I would like to wish my dad, Joe, and all the other dads out there in Milton and across Canada a very happy Father's Day.

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Mr. Richard Lehoux (Beauce, CPC)

Jun/17/22 11:07:00 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, summer is just days away. In my riding, patio umbrellas are starting to go up in backyards and the smell of barbecue is in the air. I would like to wish all the people of Beauce a fantastic summer holiday. The past two years have been tough, but the summer promises to be more or less normal. We have to keep supporting our local grocery store, coffee shop or corner store this summer because the neighbour, friend or family member who runs it needs us now more than ever. Let us not forget that we cannot spell “Beauce” without “beau”, which means beautiful. I know that I am a bit biased, but our scenery, our hospitality and our sweet treats are a cut above the rest. I invite all my colleagues to come to Beauce this summer to enjoy our Beauce Route and learn all about our local legends along the way. Those who find it hard to leave are welcome to stay at my place. I wish everyone a great summer. In Beauce, they will feel at home.

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Mr. Shafqat Ali (Brampton Centre, Lib.)

Jun/17/22 11:08:03 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, on behalf of the residents Brampton Centre, I rise today to recognize Tahir Khan, Shafiq Ahmad, Aqeel Akram, Raja Ashfaq, Farooq Ahmad, and Zia Inam for their selfless service to the community as the founding members of the Funeral Aid Society of Peel. The society is a not-for-profit organization, and its more than 1,100 members self-insure against funeral and burial expenses. When a loved one passes away, the funeral and burial expenses can add to the stress of bereavement. Upon the demise of one of its members, the Funeral Aid Society steps in to pay all funeral and burial expenses. It then distributes that cost pro-rated among its members. I have much appreciation for the Funeral Aid Society of Peel, as well as its founders, volunteers and members, for helping community members during one of the most difficult times of life.

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Ms. Leah Taylor Roy (Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill, Lib.)

Jun/17/22 11:09:03 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill is situated on the traditional territory of the Wyandot, Haudenosaunee and Anishinabe peoples. It is covered by Treaty 13 and the Williams Treaties. We are privileged and grateful to share this part of Turtle Island. The actions of many, including our government, have been revealed under the bright light of truth. We cannot deny the residential school graves or that the number of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls has become an epidemic. It should enrage us all that more than 63% of indigenous women have experienced physical or sexual violence. We cannot remain complacent. That is why national action plans have been put into place and why a special interlocutor on residential schools has been appointed. Change finds its roots in many places. High school students in York Region, where my riding is located, will be studying indigenous literature. In 2021, Richmond Hill closed its facilities for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and Aurora held a gathering, led by Jared Big Canoe of Georgina Island, to mourn and affirm that every child matters. June is National Indigenous History Month, and June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, but these are just dates, unless we all commit ourselves to ensuring that the future is different than the past and choosing to change. I am committed, and I believe change is possible. Together we must all walk the path of reconciliation.

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Mr. Gary Vidal (Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River, CPC)

Jun/17/22 11:10:36 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, this week, the residents of Stanley Mission returned home after the whole community was evacuated due to a forest fire. In this overwhelming situation, there are many people deserving of our thanks and recognition. These include the fire crews of Stanley Mission and surrounding communities, who were on the frontlines; the La Ronge Regional Fire Department for providing equipment and personnel; the council of Stanley Mission, the PAGC and the SPSA for their organization and assistance in managing both the fire and the evacuation; the Red Cross, which went above and beyond in the preparation for and implementation of the evacuations of the cities of Prince Albert, Saskatoon and Regina; and finally, EMO coordinator Maurice Ratt and Chief Tammy Cook-Searson of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band for their steadfast leadership and hard work in guiding their communities through a very difficult and stressful emergency. To all of those I mentioned, and to the many volunteers who played a role in keeping the community and the people of Stanley Mission safe, I say, “Thank you.”

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

Jun/17/22 11:11:44 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, after 46 years of being the voice of sports in Kingston, local legend Doug Jeffries is hanging up his microphone. A native of nearby Gananoque, Doug's career started in 1976 when, shortly after graduating from Loyalist College in Belleville, he was hired by local radio station CKLC to cover the sailing events that were being held in Kingston as part of the 1976 Montreal Olympics. For the next 25 years, Doug was a staple on CKLC and its sister station Fly FM, hosting both morning shows and sportscasts, as well as being the voice of the Queen's Golden Gaels football and OHL's Kingston Canadians. Doug then moved on to TV, working for CKWS, initially as a news anchor before returning to sports in 2002 as the station's sports anchor. Doug also cares deeply for local sports in Kingston, showcasing, in particular, the skills and highlights of local high school athletes on the evening news. This past Wednesday, June 15, was Doug's final broadcast, and it has been declared Doug Jeffries Day in Kingston. I would like to thank Doug for sharing his talent and his voice with us over the last 46 years. I wish him a happy retirement.

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Mr. Robert Kitchen (Souris—Moose Mountain, CPC)

Jun/17/22 11:12:54 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, last week marked the start of the 2022 CFL season, and football fans across the country are excited and ready to cheer on their team. As a die-hard CFL fan, I am always happy to get a chance to highlight this great Canadian sport, which I believe is the best version of the game of football. With wide open play, exciting offence and energetic defence, one needs to stay to the very end to see who wins. The CFL has nine teams split between the east and west divisions, and hopefully there will be a team in the Maritimes soon. The season will culminate in the Grey Cup championship game happening on November 20 in Regina. This will be the 109th Grey Cup game, and after two years of the pandemic, the province of Saskatchewan and the city of Regina are excited to welcome tourists back with open arms. This is a great opportunity to take in some world-class football played by outstanding athletes. I encourage everyone to attend a game and to watch the games on TV. While I know which team I will be cheering for, but I wish all players, coaches and staff a successful season. Go, Riders, go.

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Ms. Michelle Ferreri (Peterborough—Kawartha, CPC)

Jun/17/22 11:14:10 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, Lee-Anne Quinn has received the Order of Military Merit award, the highest order a member of the military can receive. She is the honorary lieutenant colonel to the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment. She is an all-star athlete. She is a Guinness World Records holder. She is an RN. She is a nurse practitioner who volunteers her time at Camp Maple Leaf. She received the Florence Nightingale Medal in 2007 as Canada's top nurse. She has served and practised medicine around the world in war-torn countries. She is also a survivor of PTSD. Lee-Anne is passionate about mental health solutions and service. She retired this past Tuesday so she can devote all her time to the Brock Clinic, which she worked tirelessly to make happen. The clinic offers free care for the homeless. Lee-Anne has done so much for this community. I promise, as I said I would, that I will continue my work at the federal level to work across all party lines to ensure that mental health care becomes a priority from coast to coast to coast in this country. I am so honoured to know Lee-Anne.

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Ms. Anita Vandenbeld (Ottawa West—Nepean, Lib.)

Jun/17/22 11:15:18 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I want to draw the attention of the House to the dire situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. We are seeing renewed violence on the part of M23 fighters and other terrorist militias, which has resulted in egregious human rights abuses. Tens of thousands of people have been driven from their homes. UN peacekeepers have been targeted, and there have been allegations of cross-border rocket fire. The head of MONUSCO stated, and I quote: “We reaffirm our strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the DRC and strongly condemn the use of proxies.” I urge the Government of Rwanda to work with the DRC to de-escalate the situation and reach an immediate ceasefire for all armed groups.

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Ms. Leah Gazan (Winnipeg Centre, NDP)

Jun/17/22 11:17:30 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, today I am honoured to acknowledge a special anniversary of an extraordinary organization in Winnipeg Centre. The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba, known as IRCOM, is celebrating 30 years this month. This organization uses a one-of-a-kind model that provides safe, affordable transitional housing, along with wraparound supports, to 111 newcomer families in Winnipeg Centre. I want to acknowledge the leadership of the refugee communities and advocates for building IRCOM Ellen 30 years ago and for opening IRCOM Isabel in 2016. I thank them for creating these spaces for the community to thrive. IRCOM introduces its values like this: “At IRCOM, we love...our community. We are full of hope and optimism.” I am proud to share this with the House and to celebrate this with every member of the IRCOM community, including families, staff and volunteers, and with a special tribute to IRCOM’s youth.

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