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Oct/3/23 3:03:20 p.m.
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The hon. member for Nepean.

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Nepean

Oct/3/23 3:03:24 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Indo Caribbean World on its 40th anniversary, which published its first edition on September 14, 1983. It has succeeded in its mission to become the voice for an under-represented and largely unrecognized lndo population in the growing Caribbean diaspora in Canada. I would like to recognize the founder and publisher, Harry Ramkhelawan, and editor, Romeo Kaseram, for their excellent work and achievement. Their team informs and educates not only the growing community, but also all of Canada about lndo-Caribbean, Caribbean and our Canadian subcontinental roots. lndo Caribbean World plans to stay committed to its 40 years of history and philosophy in bringing the voices from the margin into the centre, and to continue contributing to building a glorious and free Canada.

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Hon. Mike Lake (Edmonton—Wetaskiwin, CPC)

Oct/3/23 3:04:29 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the invaluable work of the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health, CAMIMH, and to recognize the significance of this week, October 1 to 7, as Mental Illness Awareness Week. For over two decades, CAMIMH has been a steadfast advocate for those living with mental health challenges, working tirelessly to reduce stigma, increase awareness, and advocate for improved and expanded mental health and substance use health services. Its dedication to this critical cause has positively impacted countless lives across Canada. Earlier today on Parliament Hill, CAMIMH was proud to announce the 2023 champions of mental health. I am happy to commend and welcome the seven individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing mental health in Canada. Their relentless efforts create lasting change in their communities and improve the lives of many. Together, we can create a more accessible and inclusive society where mental health is a priority.

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Mr. Peter Fragiskatos (London North Centre, Lib.)

Oct/3/23 3:09:32 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise to honour the life of Seamus Grew, whose life was tragically cut short in July of this year after a long and courageous battle with ALS. Seamus was born in 1944 in Ireland. Although he was certainly proud of his Irish roots, he was a proud Canadian to be sure, and he made a great contribution to this country. It was here where he worked as a public servant for the City of Toronto. It was also here where he was known to Canadians for his first passion, which was music. He was the founder of the Carlton Showband, which entertained particularly the Irish diaspora, and beyond to Canadians across the country. The band won a Juno Award for its efforts. I had the opportunity to know Seamus because he was the father of one of my closest friends, Kevin, so I saw the love he had for his family up close. His wife, Maureen, along with their six kids and 10 grandchildren, can be very proud of the man he was. Canada was better because of Seamus. I thank him very much for who he was. We miss him.

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Mr. Louis Plamondon (Bécancour—Nicolet—Saurel, BQ)

Oct/3/23 3:09:32 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, the Gaspé region lost one of its most stalwart advocates. Former member of Parliament Raynald Blais passed away at the age of 69. Elected three times as the member for Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Raynald Blais represented his region in the House of Commons from 2004 to 2011. I had the honour to work alongside him in the Bloc Québécois. He truly distinguished himself when advocating for eastern Quebec fishers in their dealings with a federal government that was very out of touch with their realities. The Bloc Québécois remembers him as a real boots-on-the-ground kind of guy, a proud regionalist with deep roots in his beloved Gaspé, a man who stood up for his people, whether here in Ottawa or back home as a radio journalist or union leader. He might have left the House in 2011, but he never truly left politics behind. He was still working as a political adviser up until recently. On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I offer my deepest condolences to his loved ones and to the whole region he loved so much.

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Ms. Patricia Lattanzio (Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, Lib.)

Oct/3/23 3:09:54 p.m.
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Congratulations, Mr. Speaker. October is Women's History Month in Canada. It is an opportunity to reflect on and to honour the efforts and dedicated work of countless women in the feminist movement. One such actor is the Montreal Council of Women. I joined them this weekend to celebrate their 130th anniversary. MCW has played a pivotal role, not only in empowering women but in encouraging them to be vectors for change and progress. In fact, three decades after the inception of MCW, we witnessed the resilience, strength and courage brought on by the Famous Five women: Parlby, McKinney, McClung, Murphy and Edwards, who spoke up, argued before the courts and were instrumental in gaining women the right to vote. Let us use Women's History Month to highlight the immeasurable contributions that these women and many others have made in every aspect of our society, and let us push to make sure that every woman receives the opportunities and the rights that she deserves.

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Mr. Clifford Small (Coast of Bays—Central—Notre Dame, CPC)

Oct/3/23 3:10:36 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, on the morning of this past September 12, Dwayne, Leonard, Brian and Tim left Fleur de Lys harbour for a day of cod fishing, like so many others along the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador that day. Little did they know that three of them would not return alive, including Tim, who is still missing. While the sea gives so much to sustain us, words from a song by the band Simani, who often played in Fleur de Lys, sum it up: And the Newfoundland story of loss to the sea,Was told as so often before. I personally knew most of the boys and their families, as did many on the Baie Verte Peninsula, where the hurt from this tragedy will linger for years to come. I give a special thanks to those involved in the search and rescue efforts. I express condolences on behalf of the House of Commons to the families of Leonard Walsh, Brian Walsh and Tim Shea. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, and with Dwayne Barrett, the sole survivor.

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Hon. Judy A. Sgro (Humber River—Black Creek, Lib.)

Oct/3/23 3:10:47 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, this past Sunday, on October 1, Ukraine celebrated the Day of Defenders of Ukraine, a day that honours the bravery, sacrifice and resilience of the men and women who are defending their homeland against Russia's aggression. Defenders of Ukraine have faced numerous challenges and threats, yet they have remained steadfast in their commitment to safeguarding their nation's sovereignty, freedom and democracy. As we remember and honour the Day of Defenders of Ukraine, let us also reaffirm our support for a peaceful and prosperous Ukraine. Let us stand together in solidarity, working toward a future of victory and justice, where the principles of democracy and human rights are upheld. To this end, I would like to invite fellow MPs to join me tonight to celebrate the Day of Defenders of Ukraine at 6:30 p.m. in the Valour Building. May we say thanks to all those in the front lines of Ukraine and those helping them to persevere.

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Ms. Annie Koutrakis (Vimy, Lib.)

Oct/3/23 3:11:55 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, congratulations on your new position. On October 1, Cyprus celebrated the 63rd anniversary of its independence. It was indeed an occasion worth celebrating, because despite all the tragedies and all the challenges that Cyprus has faced, it has transformed into a model democracy with a high standard of living. Cyprus gained independence in 1960 after a lengthy battle. Only 14 years later, it was invaded by Turkey, which still occupies one-third of the country. Cyprus is a member of the European Union, the Commonwealth and la Francophonie, and it maintains excellent relations with Canada and all of our allies. We should also remember and celebrate Canada's contribution and the 25,000 Canadians who served as peacekeepers in Cyprus, with some continuing to serve to this day. Close ties and alliances are critically important for all countries. We see what is happening in Ukraine and to the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh, and we should work with all our allies, friends and the United Nations to make sure this type of aggression stops.

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

Oct/3/23 3:13:17 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, everything in Canada feels broken. Canadians do not feel safe in their communities and life is now unaffordable for many. On my recent travels in northern Saskatchewan, I was reminded of this again when I found a $17 jug of milk, a $41 bag of flour and a $4 can of mushroom soup. Everything on every shelf everywhere has a huge freight cost. What will these basic necessities cost if the NDP-Liberal government gets to its 61¢-a-litre tax on fuel? I will tell members. The lives of people in northern Saskatchewan and of all Canadians will not be better off. However, there is hope on the horizon. Under the direction of the Conservative leader, we can put the pieces back together. He will lead a government that lives within its means, leaves more in one's pockets, protects its citizens and lets us feel safe again in the Canada we know and love. For all Canadians, let us bring it home.

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

Oct/3/23 3:14:29 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, each year, as the leaves change colour and the air turns crisp, Vaughan residents, friends and neighbours gather to celebrate Thanksgiving and the harvest season at the Woodbridge fall fair. This year the fair is celebrating its 176th anniversary. It is older than Canada itself. Just as every year since the start in 1847, the fair embodies the essence of Thanksgiving. It offers something for everyone. That is why it attracts over 10,000 visitors every year. As people stroll through the fairgrounds, they witness the hard work and dedication of local farmers, vendors and volunteers. This Thanksgiving I would like to invite everyone to create a new family tradition and visit the Woodbridge fall fair at the beautiful Woodbridge fairgrounds. The annual event serves as a reminder to reflect on the many blessings we have received with gratitude, to appreciate the abundance of the land and to acknowledge the efforts of those who work tirelessly to provide for our communities. From my family to everyone's, happy Thanksgiving. We look forward to seeing them at the Woodbridge fall fair.

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Mr. Matt Jeneroux (Edmonton Riverbend, CPC)

Oct/3/23 3:15:35 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I am not sure if members know this, but monthly mortgage payments on a typical family home are now a crushing $3,500 per month. When the leader of the official opposition was the housing minister, homes were attainable and affordable. Now it takes 25 years to save up for a down payment in a city like Toronto. Some families have even had to stretch the terms of their mortgages to a shocking 90 years. Some just cannot make their payments anymore. Let us take Cora Cook, a Barrie, Ontario, woman, who bought a home in January 2022 and was forced to sell when her monthly mortgage payments jumped from $2,800 a year to just over $6,000 a year. After selling belongings and holding garage sales, Cora and her husband could not hang on anymore and were forced to sell. For those clinging on to their homes, time is running out. Our common-sense plan will cut the waste and cap spending so Canadians can once again keep their homes.

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

Oct/3/23 3:16:46 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-11

Mr. Speaker, the day the online streaming censorship act was introduced, I was free to produce a livestream video on Facebook warning Canadians about this threat to freedom of speech. The Internet gave each citizen the freedom, power and will to become a newscaster, podcaster or independent digital creator. For nearly a century, the government and a few powerful media companies controlled the flow of information and money in Canada. A free and open Internet represented a threat to the rich and powerful, so on their behalf the Liberals took action to crack down on the free and open Internet. The online streaming censorship act will force podcasters the Prime Minister does not agree with out of Canada. This urge to censor is rooted in a malignant narcissism that views any opposition as intolerable and deplorable. Only Conservatives will bring home a free and open Internet.

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Mrs. Brenda Shanahan (Châteauguay—Lacolle, Lib.)

Oct/3/23 3:16:46 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the 350th anniversary of Châteauguay, which has grown from the seigneury offered to Charles Le Moyne into the city we know today. Our entire shared history is what we are celebrating on this important anniversary. We are celebrating 350 years of courage, solidarity and living in harmony. This important anniversary represents our many stories and shared history. Many thanks to all those who have contributed to building this magnificent and prosperous community. Châteauguay has a rich past, a present it can be proud of, and a future it can look forward to with confidence.

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Mr. Don Davies (Vancouver Kingsway, NDP)

Oct/3/23 3:16:46 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Despite recent progress, breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian women. Last year alone, some 29,000 Canadians were diagnosed with breast cancer and almost 6,000 died from the disease. We must act now to improve prevention, early detection, treatment and support for patients and their families. The New Democrats recently pushed the government to launch an expedited review of Canada's breast screening guidelines. Experts have called the current approach outdated and dangerous, and it must change. I am pleased to inform the House that the health committee has unanimously adopted my motion to study women's health for the first time in decades. This will include a specific focus on breast screening and cancers. Working together we can reduce the number of people diagnosed, decrease mortality and improve the quality of life for all Canadians affected by breast cancer.

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Mr. Martin Champoux (Drummond, BQ)

Oct/3/23 3:16:46 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, congratulations on your election. Fanfreluche is a centenarian. On Sunday, actor Kim Yaroshevskaya, known to my generation as the unforgettable Franfreluche and to the Passe-Partout generation as the beloved Grand-mère, celebrated her 100th birthday. Fanfreluche's magical stories, read in her lively, animated voice, captivated and fascinated us while nurturing our love of reading. Kim Yaroshevskaya had the rare ability to awaken the imagination. To this day, I still get a fright when I think back to the episode “La petite hutte sur pattes de poule,” which I am sure the older among us will remember. In celebrating this venerable birthday with her, we get to appreciate the long road she has travelled as an immigrant who made her way to the forefront of our culture, setting the standard in theatre and on television. Kim Yaroshevskaya's entire life tells a beautiful story of its own. To the delight of her loved ones and all of Quebec, the best part is that her life story is still a work in progress. To Kim Yaroshevskaya, a thousand thank yous, and happy birthday a hundred times over.

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Mr. Richard Bragdon (Tobique—Mactaquac, CPC)

Oct/3/23 3:22:12 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, throughout Atlantic Canada, people are hurting. The soaring cost of living and the never-ending carbon tax increases are eating away at their pocketbooks and their morale. I see it on the furrowed brow of the farmer who has seen input costs go through the roof. I see it on the face of the single mom who is trying to put food on her table and get her kids to school and practice. I see it in the eyes of the young couples who have seen their dream of home ownership slip further and further away. I also see it in our seniors, whose incomes are fixed and who are staring down another long, cold winter wondering whether they will have enough to buy food or even keep the heat on. I see it in all Canadians. They are tired and burdened. That is what happens when the government taxes the farmer who grows the food, then taxes the trucker who ships the food: We end up taxing every Canadian who buys the food. However, I have hope, and help is on the way. When Canadians elect common-sense Conservatives, we will axe the tax, make life more affordable and bring hope for all Canadians. Let us bring it home.

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Hon. Bardish Chagger (Waterloo, Lib.)

Oct/3/23 3:22:12 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, “I Want You to Know” is a photo essay co-produced by Dense Breasts Canada from Waterloo photographer Hilary Gauld and Waterloo-based breast cancer survivor Ellyn Winters-Robinson. It brings together the images and voices of 31 Canadians affected by breast cancer to drive awareness and action and to send a powerful message to all Canadians that we each must take responsibility for our breast health and be prepared to advocate for ourselves. We believe this photo essay is one of the most inclusive campaigns of its kind. It features individuals from across the country, aged 26 to 73, at all stages of the disease and from all genders, ethnicities and lived experiences. The photo essay can be viewed in its entirety on the Dense Breasts Canada website, and a portrait will be released on its social media each day of October in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Every Canadian I know has personally or through a loved one experienced this horrible disease. Together, we can do something about it. Please check out the “I Want You to Know” photo essay campaign.

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The Speaker

Oct/3/23 3:23:23 p.m.
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Before we begin my first question period, I ask my colleagues to please treat me like a new car and not give it a dent on the first day.

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

Oct/3/23 3:23:39 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, we will keep the car on the right side of the road. After eight years of this Prime Minister, prices are increasing to the point where it is just not worth the cost. The National Payroll Institute reports that 63% of Canadians spend their entire paycheque and 30% spend more than their paycheque each month. The institute is calling this a perfect storm and a national emergency. Will the Prime Minister finally reverse his taxes and his inflationary deficits so that Canadians can eat and keep a roof over their heads?

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