SoVote

Context: House Hansard - 293 - Mar/21/24

Mrs. Élisabeth Brière (Sherbrooke, Lib.)

Mar/21/24 2:03:37 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, for more than 50 years, the Quebec Games have given young people from all regions of Quebec the opportunity to compete in a wide range of sports. From hockey to speed skating to cross-country skiing, the 18 sports events at the winter games offer something for everyone. This year was very special for me because the 58th Quebec Winter Games were held in my riding, Sherbrooke. The athletes from the Eastern Townships did our region proud by winning 36 medals. I would like to congratulate them all on their accomplishments and encourage them to persevere and have fun playing their sport. I want to congratulate Jérémy Bouchard, who won four gold medals and one bronze in short-track speed skating, and Alexandra Perreault, who won three silver medals in gymnastics. I would also like to thank the organizing committee and the hundreds of volunteers who made this event possible. Their commitment gave 2,500 young athletes an experience they will never forget.

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The Speaker

Mar/21/24 2:04:35 p.m.
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I want to apologize to the member for Repentigny for skipping her name. The hon. member for Repentigny.

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Ms. Monique Pauzé (Repentigny, BQ)

Mar/21/24 2:04:43 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, World Water Day has been held every March 22 since 1992. Canada's geographical area contains 20% of the world's freshwater reserves, while 2.2 billion people live without clean drinking water. We have a collective responsibility to show solidarity in confronting this reality, but Canada's governance of this life-giving natural resource is questionable for a number of reasons. It is refusing to intervene at Chalk River, where radioactivity poses a risk to the drinking water of millions of people. It has not always provided safe, clean drinking water to all indigenous nations. It approves requests by private industrial interests to limit regulation and consultation. It turns a blind eye when toxic spills from the oil sands enter rivers that play a vital role in the daily lives of many indigenous communities, which are now struggling with incurable forms of cancer. It is high time that Canada woke up.

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Mr. John Brassard (Barrie—Innisfil, CPC)

Mar/21/24 2:05:48 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Helen Horodynsky, who passed away March 13 at the age of 100. Helen was born in the Sumy area of eastern Ukraine. She lived through the Holodomor and the Second World War as forced farm labour in Austria. Helen met her husband, Walter, when they were in the Red Cross DP camps near Salzburg, Austria, and immigrated to Canada in 1949 with Walter and a daughter. She would later have five more children in Canada. Like all Ukrainians, Helen had a strong work ethic that she passed on to her children. She worked well into her nineties on her son Boris's farms in Barrie and Innisfil. In her late eighties, she would weed the onion fields well into the the evening and would only leave after she was told to. Helen came to Canada from Ukraine with nothing but determination and the hope of a better life for her family. She was loyal and proud of her hard-working family, loyal and proud to be Canadian, and loyal and proud of her beloved Ukraine. Canada is a better nation because of Helen's contribution to it and the contributions of all Canadians of Ukrainian descent.

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Ms. Annie Koutrakis (Vimy, Lib.)

Mar/21/24 2:06:54 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, this weekend in Canada, we will be celebrating the anniversary of Greek independence with a very special guest, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. On March 25, 1821, after great struggle and sacrifice on the part of those who fought and died for their freedom, Greece put an end to 400 years of Ottoman occupation. It is time now to also celebrate Greece's recent renaissance after a decade of economic depression compounded by COVID, a period of great sacrifice affecting all 11 million people. However, Greece did not shed blood, lose its democracy or the rule of law. It is still a solid EU member and our valuable NATO ally. Greece has made it back stronger than ever. The economists have rated Greece as number one among developed countries on economic performance for both 2022 and 2023. Long live Canada. Long live Greece. [Member spoke in Greek] [English]

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

Mar/21/24 2:08:05 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, International Transgender Day of Visibility is an annual event occurring on March 31 dedicated to celebrating transgender people and raising awareness of the discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide, as well as celebrating their contributions to society. I want to recognize an incredible local artist and activist from the Kingston area, Hill Werth. Hill Werth's most recent art collection was made into posters in partnership with the Kingston School of Art, the Queen's University faculty of education and Compass Psychotherapy. The posters are proudly and prominently displayed by businesses and organizations on numerous windows and storefronts throughout the city, reminding us that love, acceptance and respect are fundamental to a healthy society. Using the lnstagram handle “slow_and_intentional”, it is evident that Hill is making a slow and intentional impact on the hearts and minds of everyone in our community and beyond. I thank Hill. They are right: “Hate has no home here”.

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Mrs. Kelly Block (Carlton Trail—Eagle Creek, CPC)

Mar/21/24 2:09:13 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, 17 months of investigating arrive scam and the Liberals have been forced to face the mess of corruption they have created. First, they said that there was nothing to see here and voted against the Auditor General's investigation. Then they said that it was a one-off and would never happen again. Yesterday revealed that three subcontractors have fraudulently billed 36 government departments $5 million from 2018 to 2022, and this is just the first wave. Without the scrutiny brought on by Conservatives, the Liberals would have happily kept Canadians in the dark. With even more companies being investigated, it is obvious that this is a government-wide issue, and the rot starts at the top. The merry-go-round of incompetent ministers has led to untold millions of stolen taxpayers' dollars. The Prime Minister is not worth the cost or the corruption. It is time for a government that respects Canadians. It is time to call an election.

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Mrs. Marie-France Lalonde (Orléans, Lib.)

Mar/21/24 2:10:18 p.m.
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Re: Bill C-66

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the House that this morning, the Minister of National Defence introduced Bill C-66, the military justice system modernization act. This legislation is designed to implement nine recommendations from Justice Arbour's and Justice Fish's reports. More specifically, it aims to remove the military justice system's jurisdiction over criminal sexual offences committed in Canada. This legislation also proposes to increase the independence of key players in the justice system and create the position of victim's liaison officer in order to better support victims and survivors. This is an important step towards lasting culture change in the Canadian Armed Forces. I hope the House recognizes the importance of this bill so we can pass it as quickly as possible.

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Mr. Greg McLean (Calgary Centre, CPC)

Mar/21/24 2:11:17 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, after eight years of this costly Liberal government, Canadians are suffering. The carbon tax has driven up the cost of everything, forcing millions of people to line up outside food banks. Families have to choose between heating their homes and feeding their families. The Prime Minister's own Parliamentary Budget Officer says the average Alberta family will pay $2,943 in carbon taxes. The rebates only equal $2,302. That means that the Prime Minister's carbon tax scheme costs Alberta families $911 per year. Seven premiers and 70% of Canadians are opposed to the Prime Minister's carbon tax hike on April 1. It is not too late for the Liberal and NDP members in the House to listen to their constituents and join us in telling the Prime Minister that this carbon tax does not work. The common-sense Conservative promise is straightforward: Axe this inflationary carbon tax and bring home lower prices.

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Alberta

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

Mar/21/24 2:12:22 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, after eight years of this NDP-Liberal government, people are suffering from a cost of living crisis and are fearful of the pending carbon tax hike. I recently met with two seniors from my community who told me how difficult it is to buy food, clothing and shelter. They are on the brink of financial disaster. They must eliminate necessities from their diets. They must shop at dollar and second-hand stores. They can no longer afford the luxury of going out for a coffee with a friend. People like them, seniors, are the biggest group facing homelessness because everything has gotten so much more expensive. As a cruel April Fool's Day joke, the NDP-Liberal Prime Minister wants to make things even more expensive by forcing another carbon tax on British Columbians. The NDP Premier of B.C. has no choice but to hike this tax because of the Prime Minister's carbon tax obsession. The Prime Minister callously refuses to listen to reason and spike the hike and axe the tax.

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Mr. Charles Sousa (Mississauga—Lakeshore, Lib.)

Mar/21/24 2:13:29 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the one-year anniversary of Alpha's Discovery Kids's grand opening on Liruma Road. With locations in Mississauga and Oakville, Alpha's Discovery Kids is a staple of early years education in the GTA. With a focus on children's development, they offer a unique curriculum based on four pillars: language and literacy, STEAM, physical activity and nutrition, and mindful awareness. Alpha's Discovery Kids does this while also ensuring affordability for families. That is because they participate in Canada's national child care plan, which lowers overall costs and supports working parents while helping to develop the next generation of community leaders who will build up our economy. I was pleased to join teachers, parents and children to celebrate this milestone. I say congratulations to Alpha's Discovery Kids.

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Mr. Blake Desjarlais (Edmonton Griesbach, NDP)

Mar/21/24 2:14:28 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, today is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, a day marked by the United Nations General Assembly to honour the 69 people killed by apartheid South African police at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws” in 1960. Today the legacy of colonialism, imperialism and systemic racism continues to plague the globe, particularly for those of African descent. From Sudan to Congo to Somalia, millions of Africans are still bearing the consequences. Here in Canada, Black Canadians continue to experience anti-Black racism, hatred and discrimination. A coalition of Black and indigenous federal public service employees have sued this government for rampant systemic racism, pay inequality and mental suffering. On this important day, I urge the government to move beyond lip service and give our Black federal public service employees what they deserve.

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Mr. Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay (Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot, BQ)

Mar/21/24 2:15:35 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, Quebec has lost one of its greats and I have lost a friend. Born in Saint‑Hyacinthe in 1930, Yves Michaud has taken his last breath. Whether as a journalist and editorial writer, activist, MNA, diplomat, CEO of the Palais des congrès de Montréal, or “Robin Hood of the banks”, Yves Michaud was a man of unshakable convictions who lived his life free and proud. He was a larger-than-life figure, a generous man whom everybody liked. He was an impressive scholar who could recite the classics by heart. The French language was his home and Quebec his country. Whenever I was in Paris, a city he adored, I always used to phone him as I was crossing his beloved Place du Québec, the square named for the nation to which he was so devoted. I have lasting memories of the hospitality offered by this bon vivant and notable wine connoisseur. On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I offer my condolences to his family, to his loved ones and to all separatists. Quebec will remember. Thank you for everything, Mr. Michaud.

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Ms. Leslyn Lewis (Haldimand—Norfolk, CPC)

Mar/21/24 2:16:43 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, our country is at a crossroads. On April 1, the Liberal government will raise the carbon tax by 23%. This tax increase is opposed by 70% of Canadians and 70% of Canada's premiers. Canadians are struggling to make ends meet. People are choosing between heating their homes and putting gas in their cars. Millions of Canadians are relying on food banks. People are going through garbage dumpsters in search of food. Mothers are diluting their babies' milk to stretch the formula. Canadians need a government that understands the struggles of daily living and commits to making life more affordable. Today, Conservatives are calling for a carbon tax election. It is time that the House joins Conservatives, puts the people first, votes no confidence and brings home an election.

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Ms. Emmanuella Lambropoulos (Saint-Laurent, Lib.)

Mar/21/24 2:17:50 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, on March 25, Greeks around the world will celebrate Greek Independence Day to honour the women and men who fought with courage, pride and determination for the freedom of their people, for future generations of Greeks and for a liberated Greece. On March 25, 1821, the Greek War of Independence began with an insurrection led by such revolutionaries as the heroic Theodoros Kolokotronis, Laskarina Bouboulina, and Rigas Feraios, who said, “It's finer to live one hour as a free man than 40 years as a slave and prisoner”. It is thanks to their victory in 1821 that Greeks around the world, including Greeks who make up our strong Greek Canadian community, are able to thrive and contribute so much to the countries in which they live. This year's celebrations will be special because Greeks in Toronto and Montreal will be celebrating the Greek national day alongside two prime ministers: our very own Prime Minister and the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis. [Member spoke in Greek]

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Hon. Andrew Scheer (Regina—Qu'Appelle, CPC)

Mar/21/24 2:19:09 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, after eight years, it is clear that the NDP-Liberal Prime Minister is not worth the cost. It is not just grocery prices that have skyrocketed in the last year; it is Jamaican vacations too. The tab for the Prime Minister's trip this year came in at over $230,000, an increase of 42%. Of course while Canadians have to pay higher prices themselves, he gets to pass his bill on to taxpayers, so now they have to pay the bill for his high-carbon hypocrisy and the 23% carbon tax hike that is coming. An hon. member Oh, oh! Hon. Andrew Scheer: He has refused to cancel the hike. Will he at least let Canadians decide for themselves and call a carbon tax election?

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Cost

The Speaker

Mar/21/24 2:19:47 p.m.
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Before we continue question period, I am going to ask the member for Timmins—James Bay to please keep his comments to himself until the moment that he has the floor. The hon. Minister of Innovation.

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Hon. François-Philippe Champagne (Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, Lib.)

Mar/21/24 2:20:04 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the leader of the Conservative Party has become the CEO of Canada, the chief electoral officer. What he is advocating on that side of the House is inaction on climate change. It is inaction on clean growth. It is inaction on green jobs. On this side of the House, along with millions of Canadians, we believe in action: action against climate change, action to build the economy of tomorrow and action to build the jobs of tomorrow. We are going to fight climate change and make sure that we put more money into the pockets of Canadians. That is our plan.

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Climate

The Speaker

Mar/21/24 2:20:37 p.m.
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Again, I am going to ask members to be very careful about ascribing acronyms or titles to other hon. members. The hon. member from Regina—Qu'Appelle.

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Hon. Andrew Scheer (Regina—Qu'Appelle, CPC)

Mar/21/24 2:20:50 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the action they have taken is forcing Canadians to food banks for the first time in their lives. It is forcing Canadians to turn down thermostats and put food back on the shelf because they cannot afford it. Meanwhile, their environment plan has been revealed to be just a tax plan, because they have fallen four spots in the climate change ranking after raising the carbon tax. Their own environment commissioner has said they have stacked failure on top of failure, but they have succeeded in driving up prices. Will the Liberals do the right thing and let Canadians decide for themselves, and call a carbon tax election?

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