SoVote

Context: House Hansard - 185 - Apr/26/23

Ms. Niki Ashton (Churchill—Keewatinook Aski, NDP)

Apr/26/23 4:35:15 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-13

Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge my colleague's hard work and the historic result we are talking about today. My question is, what is the next step? Today, in its action plan for official languages, the government expressed its intention to grant core funding to francophone organizations and communities. These essential services and organizations, such as the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada, youth programs, newcomer services, support for francophone artists, and French-language legal services, are the backbone of the francophone presence in Canada. We commend this initiative, but how can we guarantee that the funding will find its way to the organizations and communities that need it to enhance French-language proficiency across Canada? Does the hon. member believe that it is essential to provide these communities and organizations with stable core funding?

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Mr. Mario Beaulieu (La Pointe-de-l'Île, BQ)

Apr/26/23 4:33:09 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-13

Mr. Speaker, I have a question for my colleague. The action plan for official languages was announced today. At the beginning of the announcement, it talks about promoting French in Quebec and ensuring its protection. However, there are no measures for Quebec. There are basically only measures to strengthen English in Quebec. We saw that 20% of the new funding will go toward supporting English in Quebec, when it is French that is endangered. Can my colleague explain how this squares with the statement that the government is going to protect French in Quebec?

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Mr. Gord Johns (Courtenay—Alberni, NDP)

Apr/26/23 3:58:45 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I present a petition on behalf of Hornby Islanders and Denman Islanders. They are calling on the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard to ensure that she uses all the restorative aims and tools in the sustainable fisheries framework to ensure that any shellfish aquaculture facilities in Baynes Sound/Lambert Channel are ecosystem-based. The petitioners also want to ensure that all of the applications that are developed with first nations, like a co-management plan for Baynes Sound/Lambert Channel, are area-based and ecosystem-based, respect and recognize the unceded traditional territories of this location's unique area, and consider all other stakeholders.

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Hon. David McGuinty (Ottawa South, Lib.)

Apr/26/23 3:57:22 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36, I rise today to table a petition on behalf of St. Joseph's Parish here in Ottawa. The petition is regarding the overseas practices of Canada-owned extractive industries. It was circulated across Canada by Development and Peace Caritas Canada, an organization that continues with the important mission of promoting social justice. I am honoured to present this petition on behalf of these concerned Canadians. I would like to thank my constituent, Mr. Joe Gunn, for his continued hard work and dedication. I look forward to the government's response.

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Mr. Tom Kmiec (Calgary Shepard, CPC)

Apr/26/23 3:55:55 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, once again, I am presenting a petition on behalf of Canadians of Hazara heritage. This is a minority group originally from Afghanistan. The petitioners are asking the government to recognize the ongoing genocide and persecution of the Hazaras by the Taliban. As well, they are calling upon the Government of Canada to prioritize Hazara refugees as part of the 40,000 Afghans being brought in by the end of this year.

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Mr. Arif Virani (Parkdale—High Park, Lib.)

Apr/26/23 3:59:39 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I have two petitions to present today. The first was initiated by my constituent, Dr. Chris Keefer, and it relates to Canada's nuclear know-how and a particular CANDU technology, what this represents in terms of Canadian expertise and what it represents in terms of getting us off polluting types of energy forms. The petitioners are talking about the fact that CANDU nuclear power was responsible for 90% of the power that helped the province of Ontario get off coal burning in the last 15 years. The petition asks for the Government of Canada to include CANDU nuclear refurbishments and CANDU newbuild projects within the clean technology investment tax credit. This is an important issue, and I thank Dr. Chris Keefer for raising it.

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Mr. Michael Cooper (St. Albert—Edmonton, CPC)

Apr/26/23 3:58:00 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise to present a petition signed by Canadians. Some of Canada's most heinous killers have seen their sentences significantly reduced after the Liberals failed to respond to a Supreme Court of Canada decision that struck down a Harper Conservative law that gave judges the discretion to apply consecutive parole ineligibility periods to mass murderers and to take into account each life lost. The petitioners are calling on the Liberal government to finally stand up for victims, invoke the notwithstanding clause and override the Bissonnette decision.

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Mr. Arif Virani (Parkdale—High Park, Lib.)

Apr/26/23 4:00:26 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the second petition I have the honour of presenting in this House today is by my constituent Leigh Raithby. She draws attention to the plight of tuberculosis, the fact that tuberculosis disproportionately affects indigenous communities in Canada and the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated a TB crisis. In this petition she calls on a national working group to work on a national TB elimination strategy that will help eradicate TB, particularly its disproportionate impacts on indigenous people in this country.

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Mr. Brad Vis (Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon, CPC)

Apr/26/23 3:56:26 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition on behalf of the Seabird Island First Nation. On June 23, 2022, Bill C-28 received royal assent. It allowed for extreme intoxication to be used as a defence for violent crimes, such as sexual assault, where a “reasonable person” would not have foreseen the risk of a violent loss of control. Residents are concerned about the impacts this will have on first nations communities like theirs, which are often in rural areas that are underserved by law enforcement. The petitioners are calling on the Government of Canada to repeal the amendments made to the Criminal Code in Bill C-28. They call on it to uphold its commitment to protect the safety of first nations and a right-to-justice system that honours victims by holding offenders responsible for violent crimes.

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The Speaker

Apr/26/23 2:01:00 p.m.
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It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem, led by the hon. member for Sarnia—Lambton. [Members sang the national anthem]

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Mr. Alain Rayes (Richmond—Arthabaska, Ind.)

Apr/26/23 2:02:21 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, on Monday, I had the privilege and the honour of having a front-row seat when Marguerite Bourgeois, founder of L'Envol, a centre for children with developmental disorders in Victoriaville, received the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec's medal for exceptional merit from Michel Doyon. This prestigious honour recognizes the commitment, determination and selflessness of Quebeckers whose positive influence is making a tangible difference in their communities. Ms. Bourgeois is a very special person in my region. She has always worked to make our community more inclusive, more open and better. Her hard work, determination, perseverance, generosity, leadership and involvement in our community set an example for everyone. Her love for others and commitment to them is truly remarkable and deserves recognition. I would like to close by telling the House what the Lieutenant Governor himself said to her. He told Ms. Bourgeois that she deserves this honour, because she is a model of commitment and has helped sow the seeds of happiness. Congratulations, Marguerite, and most of all, thank you for being the outstanding and inspiring person you are.

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Mr. Michael Coteau (Don Valley East, Lib.)

Apr/26/23 2:03:40 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, today I am honoured to speak about the importance of the Ontario Science Centre, a beacon of knowledge and innovation in my community. Established in 1969, the centre not only has fostered a love for science, but it has inspired generations of young people and young minds in the pursuit of careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We are so proud in Don Valley East to have this positive institution impact many people in our community. We have been grateful to the science centre for providing employment opportunities to local residents, for its partnership with local schools, for hosting a science-themed high school and for programs designed for newcomers, youth and the community at large. Despite the love we have locally for this important space, the provincial government has decided to move the centre to downtown Toronto. Residents in Don Valley East have been loud and clear that they are against moving the science centre, especially with no public consultation. The Ontario Science Centre is part of our community, and moving it will create an irreplaceable void in our neighbourhood.

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Mrs. Cheryl Gallant (Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, CPC)

Apr/26/23 2:04:49 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, last month, Ottawa Valley's Tom “Big Red” Stephenson passed away at the age of 86 with his family at his side. Tom was a real-life trailblazer. He was a professor at Algonquin College and instrumental in creating an outdoor component to the forestry program. The ideal location was at Achray Station on Grand Lake in Algonquin Park. Students would spend a week at a time learning forestry in the forest. Tom knew that High Falls was a remarkable feature of Algonquin Park, but it was remote. Together with his family, and with the permission of park officials, Tom cleared a trail over five kilometres long through thick bush. Over time, the popularity of the trail grew. Park officials began to maintain it and it began to be known as “Cheater's Trail”. It is our hope that Algonquin Park will recognize Tom Stephenson's contribution and officially name the trail in his honour.

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Mr. Vance Badawey (Niagara Centre, Lib.)

Apr/26/23 2:05:49 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, Niagara is on the cusp of an accomplishment. With vision that builds on our strengths, determination and partnerships, our vision can be realized. I am pleased to say that, today, it is becoming a reality. With the water of the Welland Canal carrying goods from lake to lake as its lifeblood, and with our strategic location, the Niagara ports trade corridor is becoming the catalyst for prosperity that we envisioned. New industry and businesses are locating along the banks of the Welland Canal, prompting others to recognize what is possible in moving goods from and into Canada through Niagara, strengthening our collective, binational and international trade performance. The Welland Canal, short and mainline rail, air and a highway network through the heart of Niagara, which is a catalyst, have all combined to position Niagara as one of the most internationally recognized trade corridors in the country, providing the bedrock of Niagara's future economy and Canada's internationally integrated supply chains.

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Ms. Christine Normandin (Saint-Jean, BQ)

Apr/26/23 2:07:00 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to a man who is bigger than life, Mr. Alain Gingras. Alain has been involved with the cadet corps since 1990 and distinguished himself as a volunteer during the 1998 ice storm. In 2009, he joined Council 3206 of the Knights of Columbus, which would elect him Grand Knight in 2013. His work since then has been nothing short of extraordinary. He works hundreds of hours, from February to December each year, giving of his time and his money to prepare Christmas baskets. Fully 217 baskets were delivered this year, compared to 25 baskets in 2015. Alain has also worked hard raising funds to provide winter clothing for children. He organizes many fundraising brunches to support various organizations. He has just relaunched efforts to organize a children’s Christmas party for 250 children. As if that were not enough, he recently joined the board of directors of Mouvement SEM to raise awareness about a better childhood. For all these reasons, Alain was invited last evening to sign the City of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu's “livre d'or”. We are incredibly lucky to have Alain, and I thank him for everything.

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Ms. Pam Damoff (Oakville North—Burlington, Lib.)

Apr/26/23 2:08:08 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, like many of my colleagues, this week I met with representatives from Heart and Stroke Foundation. They are passionately reminding us to keep the health of children at the heart of our work. Dr. Sonia Anand was one of those here in Ottawa, a brilliant and kind cardiologist, professor and researcher from McMaster in Hamilton. Every five minutes in Canada someone dies from heart condition, stroke or vascular cognitive impairment. While some risk factors are genetic, 80% of premature heart disease and stroke can be prevented through lifestyle choices like being active, healthy eating and being smoke-free. Healthy habits begin at an early age, which is why Heart and Stroke is asking for continued support when it comes to making healthier food choices for kids and taking additional steps to prevent youth from vaping. Heart and Stroke has been fighting heart disease and stroke for over 70 years, and I thank it for its efforts.

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Ms. Michelle Ferreri (Peterborough—Kawartha, CPC)

Apr/26/23 2:09:10 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, nothing brings together a community more than a winning team, and the Peterborough Petes are winning. They are heading to the OHL eastern conference finals. After sweeping the Sudbury Wolves in the first round and a decisive 4-2 series victory against the Ottawa 67's on Monday night before a sold-out Memorial Centre crowd of almost 4,000 people, the Peterborough Petes are heading to the eastern finals against the North Bay Battalion. I would love to give a special shout-out to centre Connor Lockhart, who closed out Monday's game with a hat trick to secure the Petes' bid to the conference finals. What is so great about this is that he says his motivation was in memory of his grandmother, Janette Lockhart, who passed away Sunday night. Everyone will no doubt hear the cheers from Peterborough when the boys in maroon and white take on your riding, Mr. Speaker, the North Bay Battalion this Friday in North Bay. Go, Petes, go.

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Ms. Soraya Martinez Ferrada (Hochelaga, Lib.)

Apr/26/23 2:10:18 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, Ruelle d’Hochelaga is a social pediatric centre that is well-rooted in my riding. At the centre, a children’s rights committee was created by young people who want to get involved and carry out social action projects. Today in Ottawa, I am welcoming 9 young people between the ages of 10 and 16 who are members of that committee. They travelled to meet with their elected officials to present their project and their thoughts on an issue that, unfortunately, affects many countries: child soldiers. At this time, there are still over 250,000 children in armed groups around the world. I had the opportunity to meet with these young people a year ago. I was impressed by their commitment to the cause of children’s rights, their intelligence and their thirst to learn. I would like to thank them for their visit. I especially want to congratulate them on speaking loud and clear about children’s rights. These are issues that go beyond their local community in Hochelaga but that speak to the harsh reality of children around the world. They can be proud of their work.

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Mr. Michael McLeod (Northwest Territories, Lib.)

Apr/26/23 2:11:30 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, it is World Immunization Week, and I want to discuss tuberculosis. While there is currently a vaccine against TB, it is over 100 years old and it is of limited efficiency. TB is an airborne bacterial infectious disease. It is strongly associated with social determinants of health, such as poverty, poor living conditions like overcrowded housing, and malnutrition. It disproportionately affects indigenous and newcomer populations. In 2018, our Liberal government committed to eliminating TB across Inuit Nunangat by 2030, but we need a more national effort as unfortunately, because of COVID, there have been disruptions to programming and care for TB, and after meeting with Stop TB Canada, I understand that we are seeing an increase in TB for the first time since 2005. I encourage Canada to build on its commitment to eliminate TB in Inuit and on-reserve areas by developing and implementing a truly national TB elimination strategy with provinces, territories and indigenous partners to make meaningful progress toward the elimination of tuberculosis.

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Mr. Frank Caputo (Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, CPC)

Apr/26/23 2:12:51 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute my grandmother, who passed away one week ago at 99 years old. Rosaria Caputo was born in 1923 and came to Canada with her two sons, including my father, in 1961. She was a wife, a mother and a sister. She also took on the role of zia and nonna to anybody who knew her. My memories include eating gnocchi at her house well into her 80s and 90s; her pushing me out of the way in her 70s, so she could show me how to use a lawnmower; and her 60th anniversary, when she danced with joy with my grandfather. She lived through communism, and being the child of immigrants, it is with profound joy and pride that I stand here in the House of Commons carrying on the legacy that she, as a brave immigrant to Canada, allowed me to continue. Ciao, nonna, until we meet again.

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