44th Parl. 1st Sess.
March 28, 2023 10:00AM
- Mar/28/23 11:06:44 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, as always, it is an honour to enter into the important debates taking place in Canada's House of Commons. Before I get into my remarks, I would note that I am splitting my time with my hon. colleague and friend from the riding of Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman.
As we know as members of Parliament, things can change and develop quickly in this job. This has led me to be making a speech from a bit of a unique location. Having seemingly come down with the flu over the weekend, I was delayed in my return to our nation's capital. As a result, I was not able to get on my Sunday afternoon flight, which is my normal commute. Therefore, if you would indulge me, Madam Speaker, I am in a unique location that I would like to highlight.
I am giving my speech from another chamber, actually: the town council chambers of the community of Drumheller. This is the second-largest community in Battle River—Crowfoot in this beautiful area of east central Alberta, and I am proud to represent it. I am on my way to the airport this morning, and I appreciate the community's generosity and the hospitality that the mayor, council and staff have provided so that I could give my speech on an incredibly important subject.
I would note that when people ask me about the riding I represent, I talk about east central Alberta, describe the region I have the honour of representing and affectionately refer to it as “God's country”. When people look at the area I represent, I can often refer them to dinosaurs. About half a million people a year, from across our country and around the world, come to Drumheller to see the dinosaurs. It may be Tyra, the world's largest Tyrannosaurus rex, which is towering over my shoulder just down the street; the Royal Tyrrell Museum; or many of the other tourist attractions that are focused on dinosaurs in the community of Drumheller. It may also be the rich history that exists in this area, from the badlands to things like the hoodoos and the region's mining and agricultural history.
I am certainly proud of the Drumheller Valley and the work that is done to ensure that this is a world-class tourism destination. I am proud to be the representative of this incredible place. It is kind of a neat opportunity to be speaking from the council chambers here today. I again thank Mayor Colberg, the town council and everybody in the community of Drumheller for their hospitality as I speak about this concurrence motion and highlight this incredible community and the hard work they do to make sure this is a great place to live, work, raise a family, and of course, come to visit.
I would note before I get into the substance of my remarks that this community is undergoing a massive infrastructure project that includes significant climate mitigation funding, including from the federal government. I know the federal government—
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- Mar/28/23 11:11:33 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I always find it troubling that, when we speak about the communities we represent, it seems to be offensive to those in the Liberal Party.
When it comes to the issue we are addressing here today, part of the reason I brought up the rich history that exists in the community of Drumheller is because it has a rich Ukrainian diaspora. It is a melting pot, and that speaks to, whether with respect to the mining or agricultural resources we have here, how this region has a very rich history we can all be incredibly proud of. Therefore, as we speak about the 11th report of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration, it is in that context that I bring forward these remarks today.
I heard the parliamentary secretary earlier today dismiss how important this issue is. However, I would remind the House and all Canadians watching that, as we talk about the tragedy of the downing of Ukrainian International Airlines flight PS752 by the IRGC, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, it is a tragedy that has touched so many Canadians. I know that, although this happened a number of years ago, the impacts have reached far and wide, over the breadth of our country, with a number of personal connections made with my constituents. It was astounding to see how the history of the people of Ukraine is so deeply connected with that of our country.
Then of course there was the killing of Mahsa Amini by what is basically the morality police in Iran and the absolute tragedy that represents to the Iranian people, as well as the fact that we have an instance of terrorists more or less operating as a legitimate state arm of the Iranian government.
It is incredibly troubling, as we have seen over the last number of years, since I was elected in 2019, that Parliament has taken—
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- Mar/28/23 11:14:37 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I have no doubt that they are listening intensely to the words I am sharing.
Parliament, in the midst of the minority circumstances we find ourselves in, has spoken quite clearly over the last three Parliaments about how it is important to take a strong and consistent message to demonstrate Canada's commitment to support the Iranian people and ensure against the types of terrorist activities that the IRGC have shown itself to be so willing to employ to further its political agenda. We can see that in the two instances related to this motion here today.
Parliament has made it very clear. I believe there have been a number of votes. It was not until just recently that the Liberals finally started taking some more concrete actions, although it seems to, in what is honestly a confusing word salad, continue to bring sanctions forward to those involved with the IRGC, and those who defend their actions, but it refuses to outright list it as a terrorist entity. Certainly, Parliament has made it very clear, and because we are the supreme legislative authority in this country, I suggest it would behoove the Liberals to listen to the will of Parliament and take strong and firm action to stand up for the people who are suffering from the consequences of the IRGC's terrorist-like actions.
While the government has brought about sanctions, taking some steps in the right direction, it is troubling that it does not seem willing to go quite far enough, especially when it comes to the downing of the Ukrainian airline, where 176 people tragically lost their lives, including 55 Canadians and, I believe, around 30 permanent residents, as well as a number of students and other individuals. They all had their entire lives ahead of them. The families had loved ones ripped from them without justification or cause, as a clear act of terrorism, something that was most definitely an attack on the peace and security of all of those involved.
We talk about the importance of this motion and the need to ensure that we do not allow the victims of these terrible actions to be diminished in the midst of debate and dialogue. This place needs to stand up for what is sound and right in the world so we can continue to call out terrorist actions, such as those of the IRGC, the Iranian armed forces, which is in control, and other Iranian intelligence organizations.
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- Mar/28/23 11:19:06 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I hope the parliamentary secretary is aware that the government controls the legislative agenda. Especially in a minority Parliament, this requires that the government does work, of course, with opposition parties.
The bill that was scheduled for debate today, and will be debated here in a couple of hours, is like much of the legislation the government has attempted to pass and, in a few cases, has been successful with. Especially over the last minority Parliaments there have been some significant challenges, but we have seen a level of mismanagement when it comes to the House's legislative agenda. It is absolutely outstanding and, I would say quite frankly, embarrassing.
When important issues comes up the House needs to address them. To diminish the importance of this issue is incredibly short-sighted and unfortunate. It is something that I would hope would encourage members of the Liberal Party to take pause and consider carefully about how they seem to be willing to put their political interests before that of such important issues, such as that which we have moved concurrence on here today.
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- Mar/28/23 11:21:24 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, like the member from the NDP, so many of us have those connections within our constituencies. Families were devastated by the downing of that flight.
When it comes to the immigration system, super visas and the work that needs to be done, I find that there has to be a concerted effort to bring about reforms to our system so we can have that secure, compassionate and efficient immigration system that all Canadians expect. There is nothing compassionate about having a two million people in a backlog waiting for answers as to whether they can come visit this country, come see loved ones or come here to start a new life. These things have to be addressed.
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- Mar/28/23 11:23:03 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I certainly feel much better than I sound, so I thank the member for the best wishes, and I apologize to the interpreters for a bit of a hoarse voice, as that seems to be the last thing to recover.
The member makes a good point. There are those in countries who become victims as much as, in some cases, the victims of terrorism. There are those who, in some cases, are drafted or pressed into service in armed forces and whatnot, and it is unfortunate when there are instances where those people who, even though they are trying to escape their country for a better life, are falling through the cracks. Absolutely, there has to be a path forward to ensure Canadians are secure, as that has to be maintained, and to ensure those who are victims as well are able to come find refuge in this country.
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