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Context: House Hansard - 119 - Oct/27/22

Hon. Hedy Fry (Vancouver Centre, Lib.)

Oct/27/22 1:59:14 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, today, on the 30th anniversary of the end of the LGBT purge in Canada, we acknowledge the painful impact it has had on the 2SLGBTQI+ movement and its fight for realization of human rights. Since then, Canada has made strong progress on LGBTQ rights, but there are still gaps in access to safe, equitable and inclusive federal workplaces for this group. To mark this day, let us commit to act, formally consult with LGBTQ communities, federal employees, networks and human rights experts and understand the lived experiences and systemic barriers they still face. Let us build strong equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization strategies in the Canadian public service.

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Mrs. Karen Vecchio (Elgin—Middlesex—London, CPC)

Oct/27/22 2:00:11 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, according to the Canadian Cancer Society, the number of new breast cancer cases diagnosed is expected to increase by 40% by 2030. In Canada, 89% of women diagnosed with breast cancer will survive for at least five years after their diagnosis. That is why it is important that we talk about our breasts and talk about early detection. We need to know how to personally detect abnormal growths, when to see a doctor and when to go for a mammogram. Breast cancer does not usually present any signs or symptoms in its early stages. The most reliable way to detect breast cancer early in women is through a mammogram, a low-dose breast X-ray that identifies tissue with cancer. I had mine just three weeks ago. Be sure to talk to a doctor about the risk and to determine if having a mammogram is right the thing to do. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. By raising awareness and funds to support breast cancer research, we stand up for our mothers, sisters, daughters and women from coast to coast in our fight against this terrible disease.

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Mr. Francesco Sorbara (Vaughan—Woodbridge, Lib.)

Oct/27/22 2:01:25 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank a dear friend, His Worship the Hon. Maurizio Bevilacqua, for his 34 years of service to the exceptional citizens of the city of Vaughan. Maurizio's leadership and vision led the way to the transformation of our city, making it the best place to live, work, invest and raise a family. Some of the accomplishments spearheaded by Mayor Bevilacqua include a new hospital, a university, a subway, a 900-acre park and a vibrant downtown core. It has been a pleasure working by his side. I wish mio caro amico the absolute best in the next chapter of his life. To Vaughan's new mayor-elect, Steven Del Duca, congratulations. I look forward to working with him to continue strengthening our residents' quality of life. To all nine re-elected and new members of council, auguri, and to the two councillors who serve the constituents of my riding of Vaughan—Woodbridge, Rosanna DeFrancesca and Adriano Volpentesta, auguri again. They are all stewards of our thriving community.

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Mrs. Caroline Desbiens (Beauport—Côte-de-Beaupré—Île d'Orléans—Charlevoix, BQ)

Oct/27/22 2:02:27 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, weaving, crochet and needlepoint are true art forms. They are precious, unique and rare arts that may have disappeared were it not for the Cercles de Fermières du Québec. In my riding, these arts are thriving thanks to the knowledgeable and passionate women of the Cercle des Fermières de L'Isle‑aux‑Coudres, which is celebrating its 65th anniversary. Founded in 1957, the association is fortunate to still have two of its original members, Fernande Desgagnés and Marie-Ange Harvey. I would just like to take a moment to fondly remember my late grandmother, Mathildée Tremblay, who was also a founding member. My regards to the current president, Ginette Claude, vice-president Gisèle Dufour, and the 64 members who reside on our wee island. Together, our farm women are seeing to it that our precious cultural and artisanal heritage is passed on to the next generation. These women are carrying on a priceless tradition with pride, and they deserve my heartiest congratulations and deepest gratitude as a fellow “Marsouine”. A fair wind to you, Cercle des Fermières de L'Isle‑aux‑Coudres, and to all Quebeckers.

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Mrs. Élisabeth Brière (Sherbrooke, Lib.)

Oct/27/22 2:03:33 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, this week, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the life and outstanding work of an inspired and inspiring woman from Sherbrooke. Magaly Brodeur was named one of Canada's 100 Black women to watch in 2022 by Canada International Black Women Excellence. That is on top of the many awards she has already won, and it is obvious why that is so. She has bachelor's degrees in economics and business administration, a master's degree in history, and Ph.D.s in public administration, applied human sciences and medicine. Dr. Brodeur's quest for knowledge is fascinating. As a behavioural addictions specialist, she and her team are producing a guide to help Canadian doctors support patients with gambling and money problems. As the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, I thank her for the contribution she has made to medicine to continue to break taboos related to mental health and addictions. The recognition of the achievements of Magaly Brodeur, a woman from my riding who cares a lot about the Université de Sherbrooke, will be a source of inspiration for future generations in Sherbrooke and across the country.

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Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay (South Surrey—White Rock, CPC)

Oct/27/22 2:04:57 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, last weekend I attended a candlelight vigil for Bhupinder Singh Chahal, a well-known, well-liked and celebrated athlete in India and successful realtor in Canada. Bhupinder died by suicide, leaving behind a grieving wife, Ranni, and a grown son, Gary, who are struggling to understand. Gary has started an initiative he terms “it ain't weak to speak”. Suicide is the number two cause of death among men under 40 in Canada, and the number three and four causes among men over the age of 40. Men die by suicide at three times the rate of women, but support exists. HeadsUpGuys has an online self-check to start down a road of reducing risk and living a healthier life. Depression is as real an illness as any other, and delayed treatment makes things worse. There is no higher priority than health. Trust me, Canadian women would rather share tears than be left alone and behind. Heads-up, guys: “It ain't weak to speak”. Stay here with loved ones.

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Ms. Jean Yip (Scarborough—Agincourt, Lib.)

Oct/27/22 2:06:13 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize some heroes in Scarborough—Agincourt who have served our community well during the pandemic and now. I thank Lee Soda of Agincourt Community Services Association for the services given to newcomers, seniors, the homeless and tax clinics and for supporting women entrepreneurs. Alfred Lam, of the Centre for Immigrant & Community Services, has a community garden and greenhouse that is environmentally sustainable, providing healthy produce for the centre's food bank. Farooq Khan, from the North American Muslim Foundation, provides programs for youth and families and has a food program recognizing the surrounding diverse community. Bonnie Wong, of Hong Fook Mental Health Association, provides crucial, culturally specific mental health services to youth and our community. In Scarborough—Agincourt we are so fortunate to have strong leadership and caring organizations. These community members make me especially proud to represent Scarborough—Agincourt.

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Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Winnipeg North, Lib.)

Oct/27/22 2:07:17 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-31 Bill C-30

Mr. Speaker, there are a number of measures the government is taking to deal with issues like inflation, such as Bill C-30, which deals with the doubling of the GST rebate, and Bill C-31, dealing with dental and rental benefits. One of the programs that I am a big advocate of, which we often forget about, came out in budget 2022. It is a new multi-generational home renovation tax credit. This is a fantastic program that enables people to look at the value of adding a secondary unit to their homes. It is a great way to support our seniors and support people with disabilities. We all know that seniors thrive so much more when they are in a family environment, as it encourages families to continue to grow together. To me that is what this program is all about.

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Mr. Luc Berthold (Mégantic—L'Érable, CPC)

Oct/27/22 2:08:15 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, whether in Thetford Mines, Le Granit or L'Érable, the rising cost of living is making life more difficult for everyone. Groceries are expensive, and the lines are getting longer on the day the flyers come out. Things are even harder for some people and certainly more miserable for some workers; for example, employees of the Maxi store in Lac‑Mégantic have been on strike for over three months. All they want is fair treatment from Loblaws relative to other grocery stores across the country. Enough is enough. Loblaws must resolve the dispute as soon as possible, so that people have access to affordable groceries and workers can get paid this winter. We are all concerned. The Liberal Prime Minister said that interest rates would remain low for decades. He has borrowed more than all previous prime ministers combined. Canadians denied the Prime Minister a majority mandate to avoid giving him unlimited access to the Liberal credit card. However, he found an accomplice, someone who is only too happy to add his name to the Liberal credit card, namely the leader of the NDP. This is how Canada ended up with two grasshoppers singing in the sunshine without a care in the world, although winter is just around the corner and the carbon tax is going to eat into the savings of Canadians who want to put food on the table, heat their homes and—

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The Speaker

Oct/27/22 2:09:22 p.m.
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Order. The hon. member for Hochelaga.

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Hochelaga

Ms. Soraya Martinez Ferrada (Hochelaga, Lib.)

Oct/27/22 2:09:25 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, Quebec Waste Reduction Week gives us an opportunity to reflect on our consumer habits and our everyday actions. Reducing, reusing and recycling are part of a responsible economy. Today, I am wearing a dress I purchased at Renaissance, a non-profit organization that has been a leader in Quebec's social economy since 1994. It is concrete proof that we can do things differently. When we donate to Renaissance, we are helping the environment by reducing the millions of pounds of clothing and household items that would otherwise end up in landfills. When we buy from Renaissance, we are not only giving clothing a second life, but also changing the lives of thousands of people. Every year, 100% of the revenue generated is reinvested in a work integration program. Renaissance has 1,130 permanent employees and, in 2022, it has facilitated 520 job placements. We have to rethink our lifestyle choices so as to consume fewer resources and protect our environment.

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Mr. Larry Brock (Brantford—Brant, CPC)

Oct/27/22 2:10:34 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, six years, 10 months and 12 days ago, the Prime Minister received the final report from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The report listed 94 calls to action that have the potential to advance reconciliation, but in almost seven years, no significant positive shifts have happened. Most of the reserves still do not have potable water, indigenous language schools are underfunded and crucial development projects are being delayed. For someone who once said there is no relationship more important to Canada than the one with first nations, Métis and Inuit, this is an abysmal result that will be part of his legacy. He dresses up, apologizes and cajoles, but he fails to deliver on his own priorities. Our indigenous neighbours and friends, including the residents of the Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, deserve better. They do not need a government that speaks in platitudes. They need us to build authentic relationships and work to benefit all of us living in this beautiful country.

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Mr. Jeremy Patzer (Cypress Hills—Grasslands, CPC)

Oct/27/22 2:11:41 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, Canadians cannot afford the cost of living, and this week they have been hit with another devastating interest rate hike. That is the result of a Prime Minister who does not think about monetary policy and has added more to the national debt than all other prime ministers combined. While Canadians make sacrifices, the Liberals are blowing taxpayers' dollars on themselves and their elitist friends. Most recently, we learned about the Prime Minister’s luxurious trip to London. He saw it as an opportunity to spend $400,000, which included a $6,000 hotel suite for one night. It is not surprising. Year after year, the Liberals have not missed a chance to waste Canadians’ money. The WE scandal gave half a billion to a company that lined the pockets of the Prime Minister’s family. It cost $54 million to create the intrusive and glitchy arrive scam app, when it could have been made for $250,000. Former Liberal MP Frank Baylis’s company was part of a $237-million contract for ventilators that were not even used. The Liberals have a record full of wasteful spending. It is unacceptable and it needs to stop.

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Mr. Wayne Long (Saint John—Rothesay, Lib.)

Oct/27/22 2:12:49 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I came to this great place in 2015 laser-focused on one goal: to deliver much-needed strategic federal investment for my beautiful riding of Saint John—Rothesay, investment that was sadly lacking under the previous Conservative government. It was because of that lack of investment that Saint John's waterfront was undeveloped. That is, until now. We have announced $15 million to rebuild the seawall. We have invested millions of dollars in the boardwalk, Fundy Quay and area 506 container village. We also just announced a new outdoor arena for our waterfront and a new digital light display for Jardine's Alley. Our government believes in strategic investments that will turn ridings like mine around. I am proud of what my government has done. I am proud that we have invested in spades in Saint John—Rothesay.

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The Speaker

Oct/27/22 2:13:47 p.m.
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One moment please. Before we go to the member for Winnipeg Centre, I just want to remind hon. members that statements are being said, and shouting at each other when someone is talking is not polite or parliamentary. The hon. member for Winnipeg Centre.

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Ms. Leah Gazan (Winnipeg Centre, NDP)

Oct/27/22 2:14:06 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, in the last session I put forward a unanimous consent motion recognizing that what happened in residential schools was an act of genocide. I was shocked when members of the House chose not to support my motion, confirming that residential school denial is still a reality. We need to do better. We need to find a way forward that honours the truth about what happened in this country, especially in light of Pope Francis's acknowledgement that what took place in residential schools was in fact genocide. I will rise again today to seek unanimous consent for the following motion: That in the opinion of the House, this government must recognize what happened in Canada's Indian residential schools as genocide, as acknowledged by Pope Francis and in accordance with article II of the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. This time, I hope members of this House will not cut me off as a way to hide the truth, and will instead stop residential school denialism so that the experience of survivors is finally honoured. Only then will we achieve justice and demonstrate that we are truly committed to reconciliation.

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Mr. Mario Simard (Jonquière, BQ)

Oct/27/22 2:15:28 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, today my riding is celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Association forestière du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean. Founded in 1942, the association devotes its day-to-day activities to informing and educating the region's citizens about the importance of our forests, our natural wealth. The association is more than just an educational organization; it also champions the idea of cultivating an appreciation of forests, which was presented for the first time to the Coulombe Commission on the management of Quebec's public forests in 2004. That was a big win for the association, and this notion of appreciation is now included in the preamble to the Quebec law on sustainable forestry management. Bravo. Today, it is an organization rooted in the community and led by the tireless biologist Diane Bouchard, who offers educational activities to a wide variety of learners, from preschoolers right up to university students. I offer my sincere thanks to the association for its dedication to our forests and wish it a happy 80th anniversary.

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Mr. Pat Kelly (Calgary Rocky Ridge, CPC)

Oct/27/22 2:16:34 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the ArriveCAN app caused chaos from the moment it was launched. It did nothing to improve efficiency at the border or to protect Canadians from COVID. Over 10,000 healthy vaccinated Canadians were arbitrarily ordered to quarantine and subjected to threatening emails, phone calls and home visits, all because the government clung to this useless piece of technology it knew was prone to failure. The government spent $54 million to create it, but IT experts have proven that a garage band hacker could build it over a weekend for under a million dollars, and now Canadians know there were false invoices and millions of dollars missing. From WE Charity to SNC-Lavalin to the sponsorship scandal, waste and corruption are built in to the Liberal Party's very DNA. Canadians need to know two things: who got rich and where the money actually went.

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Mrs. Salma Zahid (Scarborough Centre, Lib.)

Oct/27/22 2:17:36 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, October is Women’s History Month, and I would like to recognize an amazing woman, Indrani Nagenthiram, who is making a difference in the lives of seniors in my riding of Scarborough Centre. A strong and dedicated woman of Sri Lankan roots, Indrani pioneered the creation in Toronto of a culturally appropriate assisted living environment for Tamil seniors. For 20 years, the Villa Karuna Home for Seniors has provided comfortable and healthy care for many seniors in the Greater Toronto Area. Villa Karuna also provides employment and job training opportunities for personal support workers. Through the worst of the COVID pandemic, often alone, Indrani worked tirelessly to ensure that the seniors under her care were looked after. Even in her 70s, she has not slowed down. Her kindness and hard work are an inspiration. I thank Indrani for her service.

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Hon. Pierre Poilievre (Leader of the Opposition, CPC)

Oct/27/22 2:18:50 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, this country has a $500-billion inflationary deficit and farmers are being forced to pay higher taxes, so the price of food has gone up faster than it ever has in the past 40 years. We recently learned that Canadians visited food banks 1.5 million times in a single month. When will the government acknowledge that Canadians can no longer afford it? When will it reverse its inflationary policies?

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