Most toxic speeches
Madam Speaker, moving from the sublime to the ridiculous, I do not need to remind the House that the Castro family has murdered thousands of people. They have denied the Cuban people fundamental democratic rights and freedoms. They have persecuted gays and lesbians for their sexual orientation. Therefore, does the Prime Minister seriously believe he should team up with the Castros to negotiate on nuclear weapons with North Korea?
Madam Speaker, my colleague was not talking about the fight against ISIS. He was talking about how this government is treating our serving military members. Its treatment of them is callous. It is turning its back on our veterans and even now threatening to cut the monthly allowance for injured soldiers. The Liberals are proposing a state-funded program for radicalized terrorists, but they are not even providing a similar level of service to law-abiding Canadian citizens.Why should terrorists who fought against our country be entitled to free reintegration services even as the Liberals abandon our own veterans and serving military members?
Madam Speaker, all I hear is blah, blah, blah. Nothing but words. Where is the action? This is deeply troubling.Canadians are not taking this matter lightly. Jean-Pierre Kingsley, the former chief electoral officer, said today, and I quote: This delay in making appointments is exasperating. It shows a lack of democratic conscience on the part of a government that I find unacceptable. Do the Liberals grasp the impact of their broken promise on our democracy?
Madam Speaker, the Liberals claim to be following and watching terrorists. They also claim to support and respect the members of the Canadian Armed Forces, but the Liberals are cutting the pay of our brave soldiers who have served in some of the most dangerous missions in the world while at the same time pandering to Canadian ISIS terrorists by giving them taxpayer-funded reintegration programs.Why are the Liberals choosing Canadian terrorists over the brave women and men who have fought against them?
Madam Speaker, we know that protecting our oceans is absolutely essential. That is why we introduced the oceans protection plan. As part of that oceans protection plan, we also introduced the wrecked, abandoned, or hazardous vessels act. This is a long-term, comprehensive, integrated plan to address the issue, and Canadians deserve no less.
Madam Speaker, yesterday the minister said that the number of ISIS fighters in Canada that he has been citing is essentially accurate. Well, being essentially accurate is not going to keep Canadians safe or bring justice to the victims of these criminals.I will ask the minister once again. How can he claim to be surveilling all ISIS fighters in Canada if he is using two-year-old data, or is he claiming that no new terrorists have entered Canada in the last two years, or is he admitting that there are terrorists that he is no longer watching?
Madam Speaker, officers of Parliament work on behalf of all members of Parliament, not just the government, and certainly not the Prime Minister's Office. However, six months after the Liberals' failed attempt to appoint a Liberal as language commissioner, they are reusing the exact same broken process.The Liberals voted against the NDP proposal to fix this mess and are now sending us letters, with one single name on it, and calling it consultation. That is not consultation; that is a charade.Will the Liberals stop doing this? Will they work with Parliament so we can hire the best watchdogs to work on behalf of all of us and on behalf of all Canadians?
Madam Speaker, here is the fact. It was our Conservative government that passed the laws that will allow these criminals to be punished. It is the $300 million that we directed to counterterrorism that is helping law enforcement officials do their jobs today. By contrast, the Liberal government's response to these terrorists has been to weaken these laws, provide funding for integration support for these criminals, and hide their numbers from Canadians. He is dancing. Why will the minister not tell Canadians how many ISIS fighters have returned to Canada in the last two years, and how many are under 24-hour surveillance?
Madam Speaker, let me get this. When the Liberals say their process is open, they mean closed. When they say it is transparent, they actually mean it is opaque. Just trust us does not cut it when it comes to the Liberals, because when they go it alone, we have noticed things tend to go badly. When they tried to appoint a Liberal partisan as language commissioner, it blew up. Their spectacularly bad and expensive MyDemocracy.ca fiasco and their $5.5 million backyard rink come to mind.The Ethics Commissioner is not only on her third extension under the government, she is also investigating the Prime Minister and the finance minister. I ask the Liberals to stop this mess, to work with all parties to do this right, not the mess they
Madam Speaker, the Minister of National Revenue is shifting the blame onto the Conservatives for the abysmal report card her agency received from the Auditor General.She claims that cuts to the number of agents are to blame. However, after two years, she has done nothing about it. When over half of all calls to the CRA are blocked and 30% of callers are getting the wrong information, it seems clear to me that in-person service needs to be restored in rural areas. When will she face the facts and admit that nothing is more effective than in-person service?
Madam Speaker, it took two years for the finance minister to admit fault for his failure to disclose his directorship in the corporation that owns his French villa, and its value. The Ethics Commissioner has fined him. Yesterday, the Liberals spent the day trying to justify the illegal actions of the finance minister. It is clear that Canadians have lost trust and faith in the finance minister's ability to do his job. Is justifying illegal activity and poor judgment the new standard of the Ottawa Liberals?
Madam Speaker, the Liberals seem confused about how rules work. They seem to penalize those who follow them, and reward those who break them.Recently a constituent lost her landed immigrant card and needed to travel within a few days. She contacted the government for a replacement card, but was told that it would take at least a month to replace it and that there was no way to expedite the process. Meanwhile, those who are illegally crossing the border into Canada are getting expedited work permits.Why are the Liberals punishing those who follow the rules, and rewarding those who do not?
Madam Speaker, flight attendants are worried about the decision to allow small knives on planes. They were clear with the Minister of Transport, expressing that the changes go too far and put flight attendants and the public at risk.Since the ICAO has no requirement for standardizing high-risk items, why is it necessary to allow pocket knives on planes instead of keeping them in the baggage hold?
Madam Speaker, for too long, administrative shortfalls have left shoreline communities struggling unaided to dispose of abandoned vessels. In Beauharnois, many environmental concerns have been expressed about the Kathryn Spirit. We are talking about tens of tonnes of hazardous materials and contaminated water. The Liberals' Bill C-64 fails to properly address the problem of vessels being left to rot for years in shoreline communities.Will the Liberals finally work with these communities and with the NDP by debating Bill C-352 in order to fill the gaps in their own bill?
Madam Speaker, an estimated one in three women will experience some form of sexual violence in her lifetime. Gender-based violence has a devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities. Recent high-profile events continue to shine a light on the immediate need for activism.November 25 will mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, and the first of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.Can the minister inform this House how we can all get involved and show our support?
Madam Speaker, let us compare what the NDP promised and what the Liberals are now delivering.The NDP, in the last election, promised to repair 50,000 units of housing; we are going to do 300,000 units. On providing the operating agreements, the NDP was going to renew 365,000; we are doing 385,000 operating agreements. Let us talk about new housing. The NDP promised 10,000 units over four years; we are doing 100,000 over 10 years. When it comes to new subsidies, zero from the NDP; 300,000 from this party.If the member is going to call something timid, I am going to call something meek. That was meek
Madam Speaker, the Liberals promised an open and transparent process, but we got a closed and opaque one instead.Five of the eight officer of Parliament positions are vacant. These positions are for watchdogs who serve all parliamentarians. We know nothing of the Liberals' plan or about the appointment process. Canadians are being kept in the dark. When we proposed a fair, open, and transparent appointment process, the Liberals voted us down.Why did the Liberals break this promise?
Madam Speaker, the numbers have been published already.Canada works constantly with all of our allies, the Five Eyes, G7, Interpol, and others to know as much as we possibly can about every threat. Our Canadian agencies constantly assess and reassess all the data to be effective and current in keeping Canadians safe and they respond with a full suite of measures, investigations, surveillance, marshalling evidence, lifting passports, no-fly lists, threat reduction initiatives, and criminal proceedings wherever that is possible.
Madam Speaker, the Liberals keep blaming the Ethics Commissioner when they break the rules. They say she is there to safeguard the integrity of the House. However, I think Canadians send MPs here to always stand up for their best interests, trusting we all know how to follow the rules and that we are ethical. Instead, the finance minister designed Bill C-27, which will enrich his billion dollar family business. He is now one of three Liberals, including the Prime Minister, under investigation by the Ethics Commissioner. Do the Liberals actually know the difference between right and wrong?
Madam Speaker, I will tell members who had lost faith in the ability of anyone to do their job. Canadians had lost faith in the ability of the Conservatives to do their job when it came to managing the economy. That is why they voted them out. In fact, they were right, because they mismanaged the economy for 10 years. Our finance minister has managed to create 500,000 jobs in the last two years, most of them full time, and has generated the best growth in the G7, meanwhile reducing inequalities. Those are all the things the Conservatives were never able to achieve.
Madam Speaker, last week, the International Union for Conservation of Nature called Wood Buffalo National Park one of the most threatened world heritage sites in North America. They affirmed what UNESCO has already found. Canada's largest national park is threatened by federal government neglect and resource development.UNESCO gave the government until February 2018 to respond to its report, but with the deadline approaching, Canadians have not heard anything. This is a black eye for Canada on the world stage. What will the government do to save this critically important park?
Madam Speaker, in response to the minister treating Canadians like important customers, the government has failed a hard-working public servant in my riding of YorktonMelville.Last spring, out of the blue, Phoenix cut her pay by $500 a month. What was she told when she called the pay centre helpline: Your call is important to us. If you have received an overpayment, press 1. If you have a concern about your T4, press 2. For all other inquiries, press 3.Can the minister please explain why if we owe you money was not priority number one?
Madam Speaker, first and foremost, all members are expected to be fully transparent. Hiding behind the Ethics Commissioner in hopes of finding a way to play the system is not okay.It took two years, media reports, and a penalty for the finance minister to build an ethical wall that protects him from the prying eyes of 35 million Canadians. The wall protects him and his numbered companies, but it is riddled with conflict of interest holes.Why is the Minister of Finance doing things that undermine Canadians' trust? When will he knock down that wall and be open and transparent about his numbered companies?
Madam Speaker, it has been two years since the minister gutted the First Nations Financial Transparency Act. Now, Harrison Thunderchild has reluctantly taken his leadership in the community to court around their lack of disclosure. He told the National Post, Every level of government has that expectation to be transparent and accountable. First Nations should not be any different...The minister promised a new system two years ago. When is she going to deliver?
Madam Speaker, we have put in place emergency pay services. We are working with every level within all of our departments.Quite frankly, this will be solved for public servants by public servants.
Madam Speaker, in our political system the Minister of Finance is the most important person in cabinet, along with the Prime Minister, naturally. The Minister of Finance must be above all suspicion because he is very important and Canadians want to have faith in him.Unfortunately, the current Minister of Finance is lacking on that account because we know that he is currently under investigation and that he was found guilty and paid a fine. He only takes action when cornered.Will the Minister of Finance finally tell Canadians the truth about his private numbered companies?
Madam Speaker, this sounds like an episode of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.A rich businessman wonders how he can grow his fortune and realizes that requires amending some laws. Since the government does not want to do it, he runs for office and becomes the Liberal finance minister. He introduces Bill C-27, and lo and behold, it works and he rakes in the dough.Except, oops, the minister gets caught by the media, the Ethics Commissioner, and the opposition. He sells his shares, gets the profits, donates them to charity, and will get a generous tax refund.The Minister of Finance has lost the trust of Canadians. When will he come down to earth and come clean on all of his financial affairs?
Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. member opposite for his advocacy on parks and protected areas. We understand the importance of protecting Wood Buffalo National Park and we welcome the review by UNESCO. We are working very hard, including with the indigenous communities within the park, and we will continue to do so.
Madam Speaker, the Liberal Party's chief fundraiser, Stephen Bronfman, denied links to offshore tax havens after 1998. However, documents show that Bronfman family companies were still owed millions from their trust in the Cayman Islands in 2005. The Prime Minister does not seem concerned that his friend has apparently misled him, and he certainly seems blind to the fact that his millionaire Liberal cronies have been cheating Canada. Is the Prime Minister still satisfied with his friend's version of the facts, despite very clear evidence to the contrary?
Madam Speaker, as my colleague knows, I will not comment on individual cases today, tomorrow, next year, or ever. The law prohibits me from doing so. I can assure my colleague that no one is interfering with the CRA's audits, and that will never happen as long as I am the Minister of National Revenue.Let me be clear. No one is above the law, and as minister, I work every day to ensure that the law is enforced.
Mr. Speaker, the media is saying that the Liberal Party's chief bagman is sheltering money in tax havens. The Liberal government continues to add to Canadians' tax burden while its powerful friends get a free ride in those tax havens.In light of these new revelations, is the Prime Minister still happy with his situation? Is he still protecting his billionaire Liberal friend?
Madam Speaker, no veteran should ever be homeless, yet thousands are currently at risk. According to their new national housing strategy, the Liberals do not seem to think this problem deserves to be taken seriously. Their so-called strategy makes only passing reference to homeless veterans. Even worse, affordable housing is postponed until after 2019. How many decades will it take before the government finally acts and addresses the needs of veterans? We are in the midst of a crisis. We need a homeless strategy now.
Madam Speaker, I am interested in the hon. member's views but there are other views. Last night in the media, security expert and former CSIS officer Phil Gersky said this, The previous government had an abysmal record when it came to countering violent extremism and early detection. The Conservative government didn't care. Dr. Lorne Dawson from the University of Waterloo said, The previous Conservative government had little or no interest in following up on this, so Canada is late. They also cut a billion dollars from the security services of Canada.
Mr. Speaker, for years, we watched the Conservatives chip away at the institutions of Parliament, so I am not surprised in the least to hear the opposition member attack a measure that the Ethics Commissioner herself deemed the best possible way to comply with the guidelines. None of us should be surprised.We on this side of the House believe in the institutions of Parliament and the Ethics Commissioner. The Minister of Finance has been working with her from day one, and he will continue to do so.
Madam Speaker, the only assets the finance minister grew were his own, and on a commission, too. Uncovering the assets of the finance minister has been an ethics riddle that we have not been able to figure out, so riddle me this. We're exempt from tax hikes of the everyday sort. You won't find us in a parliamentary disclosure report. What are we? Why, we're the finance minister's private holdings, of course.Will the finance minister help us solve this ethics riddle and tell us what is in those private holdings?
Madam Speaker, I rise on a question of privilege. It relates to the comments made by the MP for SkeenaBulkley Valley today, who reminded this House that the government is about to appoint an official languages commissioner. I would refer you to the point I raised on May 31 in this House, which was talked about again on June 6. I have yet to receive a decision from the Chair on that question of privilege with respect to contempt on the part of the Minister of Canadian Heritage.In those references, we provided prima facie evidence of contempt, where the evidence of Madame Meilleur, who was considered for a time as a person for the official languages post, conflicted directly with the remarks of the Minister of Canadian Heritage in this place on May 31. On June 6, there was additional information for the Speaker to consider. I would also say that there is news from November 17 that suggests that a senior advisor in the minister's office, who had also worked at Queen's Park in the Ontario legislature, with respect to Madame Meilleur and senior PMO officials, directly contradicts what the Minister of Canadian Heritage told this House with respect to the appointment of an official languages commissioner.There is no timeline on when the Speaker needs to respond to a question of privilege or a point of order. However, in light of the fact this was raised in May, and we are likely days away from a new person being named as the official languages commissioner, it is an additional question of privilege for me as a member that my previous question of privilege be addressed before this new person is appointed. The minister's actions with respect to the appointment process, both originally and now, are suspect and in contempt of my privileges as a member. I would like that determination from the original May 31 question of privilege to be addressed before the government proceeds with its next appointment. Therefore, I am asking you for that decision with respect to my May 31 point to be accelerated, so that the matter can be addressed in due course.
Madam Speaker, I want to thank my colleague from MississaugaStreetsville for his advocacy.During the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, we reflect on the causes and costs of gender-based violence. This year's theme, my actions matter, is a call to action to take concrete steps, to recognize, to call out, and to speak up against acts of gender-based violence.We are proud to partner with the CFL to promote anti-violence measures at the 105th Grey Cup right here in Ottawa. I encourage everyone to join them and take a pledge to end gender-based violence.
Madam Speaker, we are certainly following the situation in North Korea and the provocative actions coming out of that region. Let me be clear. The member opposite should know full well by now that our government sees human rights as foundational in all of our international engagements. We will ensure that we continue to espouse human rights in any and all relationships, including rule of law and pacifism around the world. We remain concerned with the situation in North Korea, and certainly our minister is monitoring that closely.
Madam Speaker, the Liberals promised in the last election that if they became the government, the rich would pay more. In fact, a financial report provided by the government for the 2016-17 tax year shows that the wealthiest Canadians paid $1.2 billion less in income tax as a result of the measures the government instituted. In fact, it says that high-income individuals aimed to recognize income in the 2015 tax year, before the new 33% tax rate came into effect. What kind of tax strategies did these wealthy Canadians use to declare that income a year earlier?
Madam Speaker, the foreign affairs minister's August speech outlined Canada's progressive agenda for NAFTA, but now it seems Canada's agenda is leading to deadlock at the negotiation table. Even Ontario's premier is worried about the failure of NAFTA. In response to the deadlock, Canada has quietly begun telling our stakeholders that all the Canadian proposals will be non-binding. Will the minister admit to the House that they have been telling NAFTA stakeholders that Canada's progressive priorities will not be binding on the United States or Mexico?
Madam Speaker, the minister claims the ethics screen and counsel by the Ethics Commissioner prevented him from breaking the rules, but obviously that is not true because the Ethics Commissioner fined the minister for breaking the rules.The screen is supposed to block the minister from meetings or discussions that could be a conflict. Who did the minister pick to administer the screen? His chief of staff, his most senior, closest and political assistant who is hired by the minister, reports to the minister, and can be fired by the minister.Do the Liberals not even see the conflicts within their own conflicts?
Madam Speaker, the tax strategy that we have put forward to reduce inequalities in this country and to make sure that the middle class has more money is to increase taxes on the wealthiest 1% and to lower them for nine million Canadians, a measure the Conservatives voted against. We came forward with the Canada child benefit that is lifting 300,000 kids out of poverty in this country, reducing child poverty by 40%, a measure they voted against. What we have also done is look back at measures they put forward, such as doubling the TFSA limit and income splitting for families, which we know benefited the 5% or 10% of the wealthiest Canadians.
Madam Speaker, we agree with all of the Auditor General's recommendations. The previous Conservative government decided to reduce services to Canadians by cutting funding for call centres. Under former minister Findlay, they reduced the number of agents in call centres, reduced business hours, and reduced service standards. Rather than cutting, we decided to reinvest $50 million for the next four years. I am working to ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency treats Canadians as important clients and not just as taxpayers, as indicated in my mandate letter.
Madam Speaker, 163 workers at the Davie shipyard lost their jobs yesterday because the government is not doing its job. Another 350 positions may be cut next week, one month before Christmas. The government is to blame because it continues to shortchange Quebec when awarding shipbuilding contracts.Will the government finally take action and award Davie a second contract for a supply ship? Time is running out.
Madam Speaker, on the difference between right and wrong, I would ask that question of the 10 years of the Harper Conservatives when they doubled the TFSA limit that benefited the 3% wealthiest; when they scrapped our environmental protection laws in the country; when they disrespected institutions of this Parliament; and when they disrespected the Supreme Court? That is a question Canadians ask every day about the previous Harper Conservatives.On this side, the finance minister, as well as our government, has worked in the best interests of Canadians, reducing taxes for nine million Canadians, reducing inequalities in the country, and we are proud of that record.
Madam Speaker, what Canadians anticipated under the previous Conservative government was sluggish growth. The Conservatives had the worst growth and highest unemployment since World War II.The 1% rate of growth in employment was the slowest job creation growth since World War II.When our government came to office, we instituted policies like investing in infrastructure and supporting business owners to ensure growth for the country and to provide the right conditions for investment, entrepreneurship, and prosperity. That is what we have been doing and what we will continue to do.
Madam Speaker, there is a lot to that question.If the hon. member across the way is talking about a specific case, he knows full well that I cannot comment on individual cases. If he is talking about asylum seekers at the border, we are currently putting on awareness activities in the United States to ensure that people know that Canadian laws must be respected.If the hon. member across the way is talking about a specific case, I would be happy to discuss it with him.
Madam Speaker, as my colleague knows, I will not comment on individual cases today, tomorrow, next week, next year, or ever. The law prohibits me from doing so. I can assure my colleague that no one is interfering with the CRA's cases or audits. As long as I am the Minister of National Revenue, the law will be enforced. Let me be clear. No one is above the law, and as minister, I work every day to enforce the law and to protect the Canadian tax system.
Madam Speaker, our negotiating position is clear, and we will defend and maintain the elements of NAFTA that Canadians know are central to our national interest. We are negotiating in good faith with our partners, but we cannot and will not accept proposals that put Canadian jobs at risk and do harm to our economy.By the way, I would just like to add, in terms of jobs, our government has added half a million jobs in the last two years, and our GDP is the best of all the G7. We will always defend Canadians' national interests and Canadian values.
Madam Speaker, for 105 years CFL athletes have been inspiring our kids to participate in sports. Kids have dreamed of emulating their CFL heroes, from Jackie Parker to Jon Cornish, from Bruce Covernton to Ricky Ray, from Dave Sapunjis to S.J. Green. This is important, because we want kids to live active, healthy lives and to dream big and be proud of who they are.I am proud of our CFL athletes, teams, and organizations but on Sunday, I will be cheering for my hometown Calgary Stampeders. Go Stamps Go.
Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister was very clear that one homeless person was one homeless person too many. We have a strategy, a $40 billion strategy over the next 10 years. It is going to reduce chronic homelessness, episodic homelessness, and the vulnerabilities that people find themselves in across the country.The new Canada housing benefit will address 300,000 people and will prevent people from swelling the ranks of the homeless. We have a strategy, which we doubled in our first year, a $2.2 billion strategy that is being reprofiled in consultation with people with lived experiences, community organizations, municipalities, and provinces and territories. We will attack this issue. If we can do better than half, we will do everything in our power to achieve that.
Madam Speaker, the government is concerned, but it is not doing anything.The EI program is totally disconnected from the needs of seasonal workers. It is so disconnected that when things are going well and the unemployment rate drops, seasonal workers in the regions suffer even more.The Prime Minister got elected on a promise to solve the EI problem. He solved the problem for oil workers in western Canada.When will he keep the promise he made to Quebec's seasonal workers?
Madam Speaker, our government announced a national housing strategy that will be very transformative. By enshrining the right to housing for all Canadians into this strategy, the government is playing a key role in reducing homelessness and poverty.Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development share with this House how seniors like those in my riding of MississaugaLakeshore, who are advocating for more affordable housing, will benefit from this new strategy?
Madam Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. While travelling my riding, constituents have expressed concern about carbon pricing and how it will increase our already high cost of living. The minister is aware that Nunavut is totally reliant on fossil fuels. Despite this, Nunavut's carbon footprint is only one-tenth of one per cent of Canada's carbon footprint. The Government of Canada has committed to designing a solution that accounts for our unique nature when developing carbon pricing exemptions and regulations. My question is, are there specific exemptions and regulations being developed for Nunavut?
Madam Speaker, I should set the record straight for my colleague opposite. It is not true that our soldiers have been subjected to pay cuts or lost income. We recently increased their pay by 6.34% and their allowances by 5.1%. We are giving injured soldiers a six-month grace period to help them get healthy again. We think that six-month grace period goes a long way toward smoothing the transition to normal pay levels.
Madam Speaker, this week the Prime Minister said, one person on the streets in Canada is too many. However, the government has announced it hopes to cut chronic homelessness in Canada by 50% within 10 years. What will the government do about the other 50% of people who will still be homeless in 10 years?Will the government support my motion to create a plan to help all people experiencing homelessness, or are they satisfied leaving half the population out in the cold?
Madam Speaker, if the minister did indeed work closely with the Ethics Commissioner, why was he found guilty and why did he have to pay a fine? Why is he currently under investigation? Why did he decide to sell his shares two years after being appointed Minister of Finance?I ask the member for Louis-Hébert again: when will the Minister of Finance finally tell Canadians the truth and disclose all of his assets? That is what Canadians want to know.
Madam Speaker, as I said many times, every member and every minister is expected to work with the Ethics Commissioner, the institution responsible for ensuring respect for the integrity of this place. The Minister of Finance did that. He said he would go even further and put all his assets in a blind trust and divest himself of his shares in Morneau Shepell, as my opposition colleague mentioned.He continues to work for Canadians, as he has done brilliantly for the past two years, having produced phenomenal economic growth in Canada, reduced inequalities, and introduced the Canada child benefit, which is helping some 20,000 children in my colleague's riding.While they focus on the Minister of Finance, we are focusing on Canadians.
Madam Speaker, of course we are really delighted with this new project.If my colleague had listened to what I have said in the past, this rink will be given to a community in need afterwards. Meanwhile, Canadians will have until February to enjoy the great Winterlude and also this important infrastructure.I hope I will have the chance to go on the ice and enjoy ice-skating with her. This is a great way to celebrate Canada 150.
Madam Speaker, after the Liberals blocked my bill on abandoned vessels, I launched a historic appeal allowing MPs to decide themselves if it should be debated. It should, because it is built on solutions proposed by coastal communities, which will fill gaps in the government's Bill C-64. We have hundreds of signatures in support of my bill and this week the mayor of Ladysmith wrote directly to the Prime Minister urging him to allow debate.Why is the government blocking my legislation? Why is it stifling coastal voices?
Madam Speaker, dozens of other countries have implemented the same measures. Passenger safety is a serious matter for all of us. These measures have been implemented by France, Great Britain, Germany, New Zealand, Italy, Russia, Iceland, Ireland, Spain, Austria, Hungary, Greece, Belgium, and others. We are certain that safety
Madam Speaker, Canada's 105th Grey Cup will be played this weekend here in the national capital region. We will get to see Toronto take on Calgary in a game that will hopefully be as gripping as last year's.Certainly several thousands of young people from across the country will watch it on TV and see some of the best athletes competing.Could the Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities tell us about the inspiration these events provide to young people?
Madam Speaker, the Minister of Finance has always told the Ethics Commissioner the truth. When the minister arrived in Ottawa, the Ethics Commissioner recommended that he put in place a conflict of interest screen, a measure that was good enough for the opposition ministers and the Conservative government ministers, when the Conservatives were in office. The Minister of Finance continues to work with the Ethics Commissioner to ensure compliance with all the rules, something that is expected of all ministers and all parliamentarians.
Madam Speaker, Canada's fundamental science review was delivered to the Liberal government over seven months ago. The Naylor report review outlines 35 recommendations. When asked about these by the science community, the science minister had no clear answer and simply said they are working on it. It has been 229 days now, so just working on it will not cut it.Can the science minister tell Canadians when these recommendations will be implemented?
Madam Speaker, as I have already mentioned, Canadians expect a government to come out with legislation that is comprehensive, long term, integrated, multi-jurisdictional, and negotiated. That is exactly what we are doing. We look forward to the opportunity, the determination of the House next week. Have no doubt, we are serious about making this happen.
Mr. Speaker, as I said, I am not surprised that the Conservatives are questioning the judgment of the Ethics Commissioner, who is doing her work in a non-partisan and independent manner. She recommended that a conflict of interest screen be put in place as she believed that it was the best possible measure of compliance. This measure was good enough for the Conservative ministers at the time and the Ethics Commissioner believed it to be the best measure of compliance.On this side of the House, we work with the Ethics Commissioner, we will always do so, and that is what the Minister of Finance did and will continue to do.
Madam Speaker, well after a decade of neglect, our government is working to restore Canadian science. We started by unmuzzling our scientists, and then made historic investments, including $2 billion in research infrastructure and the largest investment in fundamental science in a decade. Now we are taking action on fundamental science review recommendations and launching the Canada Research Coordinating Committee to improve coordination of the granting councils, and capping the tier 1 renewals for the Canada research chairs to ensure new opportunities for young researchers.
Madam Speaker, we are standing two blocks away from the longest skating rink in the world. Four blocks away at City Hall there is a lovely outdoor facility, however, the government sees nothing wrong with spending $5.6 million for a temporary rink on Parliament Hill. It works out to about 300 taxpayer dollars per spin. Now we hear it is going to be rebuilt in Ottawa. Will the minister at least commit to sending this rink to a community in the north where the season is long and the need is great?
Madam Speaker, this is the number one priority for me. Getting people paid on time and properly is indeed my primary focus.We are taking steps that the previous government simply did not take. It was that irresponsibility that put us in this situation. We are improving our training. We are
Madam Speaker, I can attest to witnessing first-hand the actions of the member from MississaugaLakeshore and his commitment to seniors and seniors housing. I attended a massive town hall with him as part of the consultations that led to the rollout of the national housing strategy. Part of the strategy that spoke most strongly to the issue he has raised around seniors is the new Canada housing benefit. It will allow us to help seniors age in place, target them in particular for support, and make sure that their lives are conducted with dignity. It also builds on the CPP and GIS reforms that we have put in place. Seniors matter, housing matters, and that member's work on this has been absolutely fantastic.
Madam Speaker, as I said, we are working to make sure Canadian businesses have everything they need to succeed. We realize that Canadian business owners are crucial to our economic growth. That is why we announced that we will be cutting the small business tax rate from 10.5% to 9%. That is also why we have worked with the Minister of Finance to make sure our economy grows, which is something the members opposite never managed to do in 10 years. We have the highest growth rate in the G7, and half a million jobs have been created. We are providing an environment that fosters the prosperity of business owners from coast to coast to coast. That is our priority on this side of the House.
Madam Speaker, I rise on the same point of order. I would ask that if you are going to consider any new information with respect to this matter that we be notified as well, and that we be able to respond in this place.
Madam Speaker, I want to add to the member's point. I will certainly be checking the blues. If it is true that there was a question of privilege raised on May 31 that has not been responded to, I would agree completely that we, as a House, need to receive the reply from you prior to the appointment. At this critical point and in these critical weeks, we need to have that reply. I will be checking the blues, and I will reserve the possibility to come back and comment further, either later today or Monday.
Madam Speaker, the member has been in this place much longer than I have. He knows we endeavour to always work with all members of Parliament. That is why any constructive feedback is always welcome. We have introduced an open, transparent, merit-based process. We know that many Canadians have considered applying. However, it will take all members of Parliament wanting these institutions to be successful. Every member of Parliament will need to go above and beyond. All we hear from the opposition is criticism rather than constructive ideas to make the system better.
Madam Speaker, as we committed to Canadians, we have a process that is open, transparent, and merit-based. All available positions are online, and we always encourage Canadians to apply. What is interesting is that we endeavour to always work with all members in this place. We know that Canadians have a place. We know that officers of Parliament are independent. We want to ensure we pick the best people. That is why we consider many different factors. I encourage Canadians to consider applying.
Madam Speaker, we will always endeavour to work in the best interests of all Canadians. That is why this government has taken historic levels of consultations. Every member of Parliament is here to represent the best interests of his or her constituents, and we appreciate hearing the diversity of those voices.When it comes to our appointment process, it is an open, transparent, merit-based appointment process. Available positions are online, and I encourage Canadians to apply.
Madam Speaker, as the member knows, we have institutions in this place that are there to safeguard the integrity of Parliament. We trust the Ethics Commissioner's ability and impartiality to do her job. That is why, when the finance minister arrived in Ottawa, he disclosed his assets to the Ethics Commissioner and worked with her to make sure all rules were followed. She recommended putting in place a conflict of interest screen, which she deemed to be the best measure of compliance possible. That has been in place since the very beginning. The finance minister will continue to work with the Ethics Commissioner.
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his advocacy on behalf of Nunavummiuts. We know that northerners are on the front lines of climate change. I saw this directly when I was in the high Arctic this summer. I heard of Inuit hunters falling through the ice because they can no longer tell the thickness of the ice. Our climate plan understands that we need to be working with northerners, that we need to develop unique situations. We are committed to working with our partners in the north on carbon pricing, and I am happy to say that we are sharing results of a study that we conducted right now
Madam Speaker, our government is always concerned about the impact of job losses on workers and their families.We recognize the excellent work of Davie employees. Over the past few weeks, our government has been in contact with Davie shipyard management, the unions, and the Province of Quebec.The national shipbuilding strategy has set aside $2 billion for small ship construction projects, which the Davie shipyard is eligible to participate in. Our government does not plan to purchase another interim supply ship at the end of the service contract with
Madam Speaker, I hope my colleague has recognized that we are on a journey of reconciliation.Our renewed relationship with indigenous peoples is based on a recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership. It is in that context that we are doing work to establish a new fiscal relationship with indigenous peoples. We are consulting in terms of how we can develop better systems of mutual accountability. I would be happy to hear any recommendations to that end.
Madam Speaker, our two official languages are at the heart of who we are as Canadians. We are committed to finding the best person for the important position of official languages commissioner. Our government promised Canadians a rigorous, open, and transparent merit-based process for public appointments, and we are keeping with that commitment. An announcement will be made in due course.
Madam Speaker, on December 7, 2015, the markets learned that at the end of that year, the rate of taxation on the highest earners would go up to 33%. As a result, many started to sell their shares before the rate went up so that their capital gains would be realized before the change in the tax rate. As a result, in the week following that December 7 announcement, the stock market dropped by 5%. Did the finance minister anticipate this reaction?
Madam Speaker, Canada was present in the fight against Daesh. Working with the Iraqis, and primarily the Kurds, we helped recapture Mosul and restore peace and international stability in this region. We are also maintaining a presence to ensure regional stability through various other actions.
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question.I know that things can be difficult for seasonal workers.Our government is committed to addressing this issue. We are in consultation right now with employers, with workers, with municipalities, and with jurisdictions that have coverage of the issue. We are consulting to make sure that a comprehensive response is possible. Seasonal workers, and those who face difficulties, even as we create 500,000 jobs and face regional challenges, are front of mind of the government, and in particular the minister, who is addressing the issue with his counterparts in the province.
Madam Speaker, the focus of many in the stock market was to sell their shares after the December 7 announcement this minister made in order to realize any capital gains in the 2015 year, before the tax rate went up. As a result, the stock market in Canada dropped 5% subsequent to the minister's announcement on December 7.I ask again, did the finance minister anticipate that the markets would react in this way to his December 7 announcement?
Madam Speaker, my colleague from Louis-Saint-Laurent is an experienced parliamentarian who knows that, in Parliament, we have institutions responsible for maintaining the integrity of Parliament.The expectation is that ministers and all parliamentarians will work with the Ethics Commissioner by disclosing their assets to her so she can provide guidance as to how they can fully comply with the rules that govern us in the House.That is what the Minister of Finance did upon arriving in Ottawa. He has always been and continues to be completely open with the Ethics Commissioner. He has always followed her recommendations and now he is doing even more.
Madam Speaker, I wish to seek consent for the following motion: That this House call upon the government to review its method for determining eligibility for employment insurance benefits in order to better meet the needs of seasonal workers, whose jobs are important for the economy of the various regions of Quebec.
Madam Speaker, moving from the sublime to the ridiculous, I do not need to remind the House that the Castro family has murdered thousands of people. They have denied the Cuban people fundamental democratic rights and freedoms. They have persecuted gays and lesbians for their sexual orientation. Therefore, does the Prime Minister seriously believe he should team up with the Castros to negotiate on nuclear weapons with North Korea?
Madam Speaker, my colleague was not talking about the fight against ISIS. He was talking about how this government is treating our serving military members. Its treatment of them is callous. It is turning its back on our veterans and even now threatening to cut the monthly allowance for injured soldiers. The Liberals are proposing a state-funded program for radicalized terrorists, but they are not even providing a similar level of service to law-abiding Canadian citizens.Why should terrorists who fought against our country be entitled to free reintegration services even as the Liberals abandon our own veterans and serving military members?
Madam Speaker, all I hear is blah, blah, blah. Nothing but words. Where is the action? This is deeply troubling.Canadians are not taking this matter lightly. Jean-Pierre Kingsley, the former chief electoral officer, said today, and I quote: This delay in making appointments is exasperating. It shows a lack of democratic conscience on the part of a government that I find unacceptable. Do the Liberals grasp the impact of their broken promise on our democracy?
Madam Speaker, the Liberals claim to be following and watching terrorists. They also claim to support and respect the members of the Canadian Armed Forces, but the Liberals are cutting the pay of our brave soldiers who have served in some of the most dangerous missions in the world while at the same time pandering to Canadian ISIS terrorists by giving them taxpayer-funded reintegration programs.Why are the Liberals choosing Canadian terrorists over the brave women and men who have fought against them?
Madam Speaker, we know that protecting our oceans is absolutely essential. That is why we introduced the oceans protection plan. As part of that oceans protection plan, we also introduced the wrecked, abandoned, or hazardous vessels act. This is a long-term, comprehensive, integrated plan to address the issue, and Canadians deserve no less.
Madam Speaker, yesterday the minister said that the number of ISIS fighters in Canada that he has been citing is essentially accurate. Well, being essentially accurate is not going to keep Canadians safe or bring justice to the victims of these criminals.I will ask the minister once again. How can he claim to be surveilling all ISIS fighters in Canada if he is using two-year-old data, or is he claiming that no new terrorists have entered Canada in the last two years, or is he admitting that there are terrorists that he is no longer watching?
Madam Speaker, officers of Parliament work on behalf of all members of Parliament, not just the government, and certainly not the Prime Minister's Office. However, six months after the Liberals' failed attempt to appoint a Liberal as language commissioner, they are reusing the exact same broken process.The Liberals voted against the NDP proposal to fix this mess and are now sending us letters, with one single name on it, and calling it consultation. That is not consultation; that is a charade.Will the Liberals stop doing this? Will they work with Parliament so we can hire the best watchdogs to work on behalf of all of us and on behalf of all Canadians?
Madam Speaker, here is the fact. It was our Conservative government that passed the laws that will allow these criminals to be punished. It is the $300 million that we directed to counterterrorism that is helping law enforcement officials do their jobs today. By contrast, the Liberal government's response to these terrorists has been to weaken these laws, provide funding for integration support for these criminals, and hide their numbers from Canadians. He is dancing. Why will the minister not tell Canadians how many ISIS fighters have returned to Canada in the last two years, and how many are under 24-hour surveillance?
Madam Speaker, let me get this. When the Liberals say their process is open, they mean closed. When they say it is transparent, they actually mean it is opaque. Just trust us does not cut it when it comes to the Liberals, because when they go it alone, we have noticed things tend to go badly. When they tried to appoint a Liberal partisan as language commissioner, it blew up. Their spectacularly bad and expensive MyDemocracy.ca fiasco and their $5.5 million backyard rink come to mind.The Ethics Commissioner is not only on her third extension under the government, she is also investigating the Prime Minister and the finance minister. I ask the Liberals to stop this mess, to work with all parties to do this right, not the mess they
Madam Speaker, the Minister of National Revenue is shifting the blame onto the Conservatives for the abysmal report card her agency received from the Auditor General.She claims that cuts to the number of agents are to blame. However, after two years, she has done nothing about it. When over half of all calls to the CRA are blocked and 30% of callers are getting the wrong information, it seems clear to me that in-person service needs to be restored in rural areas. When will she face the facts and admit that nothing is more effective than in-person service?
Madam Speaker, it took two years for the finance minister to admit fault for his failure to disclose his directorship in the corporation that owns his French villa, and its value. The Ethics Commissioner has fined him. Yesterday, the Liberals spent the day trying to justify the illegal actions of the finance minister. It is clear that Canadians have lost trust and faith in the finance minister's ability to do his job. Is justifying illegal activity and poor judgment the new standard of the Ottawa Liberals?
Madam Speaker, the Liberals seem confused about how rules work. They seem to penalize those who follow them, and reward those who break them.Recently a constituent lost her landed immigrant card and needed to travel within a few days. She contacted the government for a replacement card, but was told that it would take at least a month to replace it and that there was no way to expedite the process. Meanwhile, those who are illegally crossing the border into Canada are getting expedited work permits.Why are the Liberals punishing those who follow the rules, and rewarding those who do not?
Madam Speaker, flight attendants are worried about the decision to allow small knives on planes. They were clear with the Minister of Transport, expressing that the changes go too far and put flight attendants and the public at risk.Since the ICAO has no requirement for standardizing high-risk items, why is it necessary to allow pocket knives on planes instead of keeping them in the baggage hold?
Madam Speaker, for too long, administrative shortfalls have left shoreline communities struggling unaided to dispose of abandoned vessels. In Beauharnois, many environmental concerns have been expressed about the Kathryn Spirit. We are talking about tens of tonnes of hazardous materials and contaminated water. The Liberals' Bill C-64 fails to properly address the problem of vessels being left to rot for years in shoreline communities.Will the Liberals finally work with these communities and with the NDP by debating Bill C-352 in order to fill the gaps in their own bill?
Madam Speaker, an estimated one in three women will experience some form of sexual violence in her lifetime. Gender-based violence has a devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities. Recent high-profile events continue to shine a light on the immediate need for activism.November 25 will mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, and the first of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.Can the minister inform this House how we can all get involved and show our support?
Madam Speaker, let us compare what the NDP promised and what the Liberals are now delivering.The NDP, in the last election, promised to repair 50,000 units of housing; we are going to do 300,000 units. On providing the operating agreements, the NDP was going to renew 365,000; we are doing 385,000 operating agreements. Let us talk about new housing. The NDP promised 10,000 units over four years; we are doing 100,000 over 10 years. When it comes to new subsidies, zero from the NDP; 300,000 from this party.If the member is going to call something timid, I am going to call something meek. That was meek
Madam Speaker, the Liberals promised an open and transparent process, but we got a closed and opaque one instead.Five of the eight officer of Parliament positions are vacant. These positions are for watchdogs who serve all parliamentarians. We know nothing of the Liberals' plan or about the appointment process. Canadians are being kept in the dark. When we proposed a fair, open, and transparent appointment process, the Liberals voted us down.Why did the Liberals break this promise?
Madam Speaker, the numbers have been published already.Canada works constantly with all of our allies, the Five Eyes, G7, Interpol, and others to know as much as we possibly can about every threat. Our Canadian agencies constantly assess and reassess all the data to be effective and current in keeping Canadians safe and they respond with a full suite of measures, investigations, surveillance, marshalling evidence, lifting passports, no-fly lists, threat reduction initiatives, and criminal proceedings wherever that is possible.
Madam Speaker, the Liberals keep blaming the Ethics Commissioner when they break the rules. They say she is there to safeguard the integrity of the House. However, I think Canadians send MPs here to always stand up for their best interests, trusting we all know how to follow the rules and that we are ethical. Instead, the finance minister designed Bill C-27, which will enrich his billion dollar family business. He is now one of three Liberals, including the Prime Minister, under investigation by the Ethics Commissioner. Do the Liberals actually know the difference between right and wrong?
Madam Speaker, I will tell members who had lost faith in the ability of anyone to do their job. Canadians had lost faith in the ability of the Conservatives to do their job when it came to managing the economy. That is why they voted them out. In fact, they were right, because they mismanaged the economy for 10 years. Our finance minister has managed to create 500,000 jobs in the last two years, most of them full time, and has generated the best growth in the G7, meanwhile reducing inequalities. Those are all the things the Conservatives were never able to achieve.
Madam Speaker, last week, the International Union for Conservation of Nature called Wood Buffalo National Park one of the most threatened world heritage sites in North America. They affirmed what UNESCO has already found. Canada's largest national park is threatened by federal government neglect and resource development.UNESCO gave the government until February 2018 to respond to its report, but with the deadline approaching, Canadians have not heard anything. This is a black eye for Canada on the world stage. What will the government do to save this critically important park?
Madam Speaker, in response to the minister treating Canadians like important customers, the government has failed a hard-working public servant in my riding of YorktonMelville.Last spring, out of the blue, Phoenix cut her pay by $500 a month. What was she told when she called the pay centre helpline: Your call is important to us. If you have received an overpayment, press 1. If you have a concern about your T4, press 2. For all other inquiries, press 3.Can the minister please explain why if we owe you money was not priority number one?
Madam Speaker, first and foremost, all members are expected to be fully transparent. Hiding behind the Ethics Commissioner in hopes of finding a way to play the system is not okay.It took two years, media reports, and a penalty for the finance minister to build an ethical wall that protects him from the prying eyes of 35 million Canadians. The wall protects him and his numbered companies, but it is riddled with conflict of interest holes.Why is the Minister of Finance doing things that undermine Canadians' trust? When will he knock down that wall and be open and transparent about his numbered companies?
Madam Speaker, it has been two years since the minister gutted the First Nations Financial Transparency Act. Now, Harrison Thunderchild has reluctantly taken his leadership in the community to court around their lack of disclosure. He told the National Post, Every level of government has that expectation to be transparent and accountable. First Nations should not be any different...The minister promised a new system two years ago. When is she going to deliver?
Madam Speaker, we have put in place emergency pay services. We are working with every level within all of our departments.Quite frankly, this will be solved for public servants by public servants.
Madam Speaker, in our political system the Minister of Finance is the most important person in cabinet, along with the Prime Minister, naturally. The Minister of Finance must be above all suspicion because he is very important and Canadians want to have faith in him.Unfortunately, the current Minister of Finance is lacking on that account because we know that he is currently under investigation and that he was found guilty and paid a fine. He only takes action when cornered.Will the Minister of Finance finally tell Canadians the truth about his private numbered companies?
Madam Speaker, this sounds like an episode of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.A rich businessman wonders how he can grow his fortune and realizes that requires amending some laws. Since the government does not want to do it, he runs for office and becomes the Liberal finance minister. He introduces Bill C-27, and lo and behold, it works and he rakes in the dough.Except, oops, the minister gets caught by the media, the Ethics Commissioner, and the opposition. He sells his shares, gets the profits, donates them to charity, and will get a generous tax refund.The Minister of Finance has lost the trust of Canadians. When will he come down to earth and come clean on all of his financial affairs?
Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. member opposite for his advocacy on parks and protected areas. We understand the importance of protecting Wood Buffalo National Park and we welcome the review by UNESCO. We are working very hard, including with the indigenous communities within the park, and we will continue to do so.
Madam Speaker, the Liberal Party's chief fundraiser, Stephen Bronfman, denied links to offshore tax havens after 1998. However, documents show that Bronfman family companies were still owed millions from their trust in the Cayman Islands in 2005. The Prime Minister does not seem concerned that his friend has apparently misled him, and he certainly seems blind to the fact that his millionaire Liberal cronies have been cheating Canada. Is the Prime Minister still satisfied with his friend's version of the facts, despite very clear evidence to the contrary?
Madam Speaker, as my colleague knows, I will not comment on individual cases today, tomorrow, next year, or ever. The law prohibits me from doing so. I can assure my colleague that no one is interfering with the CRA's audits, and that will never happen as long as I am the Minister of National Revenue.Let me be clear. No one is above the law, and as minister, I work every day to ensure that the law is enforced.
Mr. Speaker, the media is saying that the Liberal Party's chief bagman is sheltering money in tax havens. The Liberal government continues to add to Canadians' tax burden while its powerful friends get a free ride in those tax havens.In light of these new revelations, is the Prime Minister still happy with his situation? Is he still protecting his billionaire Liberal friend?
Madam Speaker, no veteran should ever be homeless, yet thousands are currently at risk. According to their new national housing strategy, the Liberals do not seem to think this problem deserves to be taken seriously. Their so-called strategy makes only passing reference to homeless veterans. Even worse, affordable housing is postponed until after 2019. How many decades will it take before the government finally acts and addresses the needs of veterans? We are in the midst of a crisis. We need a homeless strategy now.
Madam Speaker, I am interested in the hon. member's views but there are other views. Last night in the media, security expert and former CSIS officer Phil Gersky said this, The previous government had an abysmal record when it came to countering violent extremism and early detection. The Conservative government didn't care. Dr. Lorne Dawson from the University of Waterloo said, The previous Conservative government had little or no interest in following up on this, so Canada is late. They also cut a billion dollars from the security services of Canada.
Mr. Speaker, for years, we watched the Conservatives chip away at the institutions of Parliament, so I am not surprised in the least to hear the opposition member attack a measure that the Ethics Commissioner herself deemed the best possible way to comply with the guidelines. None of us should be surprised.We on this side of the House believe in the institutions of Parliament and the Ethics Commissioner. The Minister of Finance has been working with her from day one, and he will continue to do so.
Madam Speaker, the only assets the finance minister grew were his own, and on a commission, too. Uncovering the assets of the finance minister has been an ethics riddle that we have not been able to figure out, so riddle me this. We're exempt from tax hikes of the everyday sort. You won't find us in a parliamentary disclosure report. What are we? Why, we're the finance minister's private holdings, of course.Will the finance minister help us solve this ethics riddle and tell us what is in those private holdings?
Madam Speaker, I rise on a question of privilege. It relates to the comments made by the MP for SkeenaBulkley Valley today, who reminded this House that the government is about to appoint an official languages commissioner. I would refer you to the point I raised on May 31 in this House, which was talked about again on June 6. I have yet to receive a decision from the Chair on that question of privilege with respect to contempt on the part of the Minister of Canadian Heritage.In those references, we provided prima facie evidence of contempt, where the evidence of Madame Meilleur, who was considered for a time as a person for the official languages post, conflicted directly with the remarks of the Minister of Canadian Heritage in this place on May 31. On June 6, there was additional information for the Speaker to consider. I would also say that there is news from November 17 that suggests that a senior advisor in the minister's office, who had also worked at Queen's Park in the Ontario legislature, with respect to Madame Meilleur and senior PMO officials, directly contradicts what the Minister of Canadian Heritage told this House with respect to the appointment of an official languages commissioner.There is no timeline on when the Speaker needs to respond to a question of privilege or a point of order. However, in light of the fact this was raised in May, and we are likely days away from a new person being named as the official languages commissioner, it is an additional question of privilege for me as a member that my previous question of privilege be addressed before this new person is appointed. The minister's actions with respect to the appointment process, both originally and now, are suspect and in contempt of my privileges as a member. I would like that determination from the original May 31 question of privilege to be addressed before the government proceeds with its next appointment. Therefore, I am asking you for that decision with respect to my May 31 point to be accelerated, so that the matter can be addressed in due course.
Madam Speaker, I want to thank my colleague from MississaugaStreetsville for his advocacy.During the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, we reflect on the causes and costs of gender-based violence. This year's theme, my actions matter, is a call to action to take concrete steps, to recognize, to call out, and to speak up against acts of gender-based violence.We are proud to partner with the CFL to promote anti-violence measures at the 105th Grey Cup right here in Ottawa. I encourage everyone to join them and take a pledge to end gender-based violence.
Madam Speaker, we are certainly following the situation in North Korea and the provocative actions coming out of that region. Let me be clear. The member opposite should know full well by now that our government sees human rights as foundational in all of our international engagements. We will ensure that we continue to espouse human rights in any and all relationships, including rule of law and pacifism around the world. We remain concerned with the situation in North Korea, and certainly our minister is monitoring that closely.
Madam Speaker, the Liberals promised in the last election that if they became the government, the rich would pay more. In fact, a financial report provided by the government for the 2016-17 tax year shows that the wealthiest Canadians paid $1.2 billion less in income tax as a result of the measures the government instituted. In fact, it says that high-income individuals aimed to recognize income in the 2015 tax year, before the new 33% tax rate came into effect. What kind of tax strategies did these wealthy Canadians use to declare that income a year earlier?
Madam Speaker, the foreign affairs minister's August speech outlined Canada's progressive agenda for NAFTA, but now it seems Canada's agenda is leading to deadlock at the negotiation table. Even Ontario's premier is worried about the failure of NAFTA. In response to the deadlock, Canada has quietly begun telling our stakeholders that all the Canadian proposals will be non-binding. Will the minister admit to the House that they have been telling NAFTA stakeholders that Canada's progressive priorities will not be binding on the United States or Mexico?
Madam Speaker, the minister claims the ethics screen and counsel by the Ethics Commissioner prevented him from breaking the rules, but obviously that is not true because the Ethics Commissioner fined the minister for breaking the rules.The screen is supposed to block the minister from meetings or discussions that could be a conflict. Who did the minister pick to administer the screen? His chief of staff, his most senior, closest and political assistant who is hired by the minister, reports to the minister, and can be fired by the minister.Do the Liberals not even see the conflicts within their own conflicts?
Madam Speaker, the tax strategy that we have put forward to reduce inequalities in this country and to make sure that the middle class has more money is to increase taxes on the wealthiest 1% and to lower them for nine million Canadians, a measure the Conservatives voted against. We came forward with the Canada child benefit that is lifting 300,000 kids out of poverty in this country, reducing child poverty by 40%, a measure they voted against. What we have also done is look back at measures they put forward, such as doubling the TFSA limit and income splitting for families, which we know benefited the 5% or 10% of the wealthiest Canadians.
Madam Speaker, we agree with all of the Auditor General's recommendations. The previous Conservative government decided to reduce services to Canadians by cutting funding for call centres. Under former minister Findlay, they reduced the number of agents in call centres, reduced business hours, and reduced service standards. Rather than cutting, we decided to reinvest $50 million for the next four years. I am working to ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency treats Canadians as important clients and not just as taxpayers, as indicated in my mandate letter.
Madam Speaker, 163 workers at the Davie shipyard lost their jobs yesterday because the government is not doing its job. Another 350 positions may be cut next week, one month before Christmas. The government is to blame because it continues to shortchange Quebec when awarding shipbuilding contracts.Will the government finally take action and award Davie a second contract for a supply ship? Time is running out.
Madam Speaker, on the difference between right and wrong, I would ask that question of the 10 years of the Harper Conservatives when they doubled the TFSA limit that benefited the 3% wealthiest; when they scrapped our environmental protection laws in the country; when they disrespected institutions of this Parliament; and when they disrespected the Supreme Court? That is a question Canadians ask every day about the previous Harper Conservatives.On this side, the finance minister, as well as our government, has worked in the best interests of Canadians, reducing taxes for nine million Canadians, reducing inequalities in the country, and we are proud of that record.
Madam Speaker, what Canadians anticipated under the previous Conservative government was sluggish growth. The Conservatives had the worst growth and highest unemployment since World War II.The 1% rate of growth in employment was the slowest job creation growth since World War II.When our government came to office, we instituted policies like investing in infrastructure and supporting business owners to ensure growth for the country and to provide the right conditions for investment, entrepreneurship, and prosperity. That is what we have been doing and what we will continue to do.
Madam Speaker, there is a lot to that question.If the hon. member across the way is talking about a specific case, he knows full well that I cannot comment on individual cases. If he is talking about asylum seekers at the border, we are currently putting on awareness activities in the United States to ensure that people know that Canadian laws must be respected.If the hon. member across the way is talking about a specific case, I would be happy to discuss it with him.
Madam Speaker, as my colleague knows, I will not comment on individual cases today, tomorrow, next week, next year, or ever. The law prohibits me from doing so. I can assure my colleague that no one is interfering with the CRA's cases or audits. As long as I am the Minister of National Revenue, the law will be enforced. Let me be clear. No one is above the law, and as minister, I work every day to enforce the law and to protect the Canadian tax system.
Madam Speaker, our negotiating position is clear, and we will defend and maintain the elements of NAFTA that Canadians know are central to our national interest. We are negotiating in good faith with our partners, but we cannot and will not accept proposals that put Canadian jobs at risk and do harm to our economy.By the way, I would just like to add, in terms of jobs, our government has added half a million jobs in the last two years, and our GDP is the best of all the G7. We will always defend Canadians' national interests and Canadian values.
Madam Speaker, for 105 years CFL athletes have been inspiring our kids to participate in sports. Kids have dreamed of emulating their CFL heroes, from Jackie Parker to Jon Cornish, from Bruce Covernton to Ricky Ray, from Dave Sapunjis to S.J. Green. This is important, because we want kids to live active, healthy lives and to dream big and be proud of who they are.I am proud of our CFL athletes, teams, and organizations but on Sunday, I will be cheering for my hometown Calgary Stampeders. Go Stamps Go.
Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister was very clear that one homeless person was one homeless person too many. We have a strategy, a $40 billion strategy over the next 10 years. It is going to reduce chronic homelessness, episodic homelessness, and the vulnerabilities that people find themselves in across the country.The new Canada housing benefit will address 300,000 people and will prevent people from swelling the ranks of the homeless. We have a strategy, which we doubled in our first year, a $2.2 billion strategy that is being reprofiled in consultation with people with lived experiences, community organizations, municipalities, and provinces and territories. We will attack this issue. If we can do better than half, we will do everything in our power to achieve that.
Madam Speaker, the government is concerned, but it is not doing anything.The EI program is totally disconnected from the needs of seasonal workers. It is so disconnected that when things are going well and the unemployment rate drops, seasonal workers in the regions suffer even more.The Prime Minister got elected on a promise to solve the EI problem. He solved the problem for oil workers in western Canada.When will he keep the promise he made to Quebec's seasonal workers?
Madam Speaker, our government announced a national housing strategy that will be very transformative. By enshrining the right to housing for all Canadians into this strategy, the government is playing a key role in reducing homelessness and poverty.Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development share with this House how seniors like those in my riding of MississaugaLakeshore, who are advocating for more affordable housing, will benefit from this new strategy?
Madam Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. While travelling my riding, constituents have expressed concern about carbon pricing and how it will increase our already high cost of living. The minister is aware that Nunavut is totally reliant on fossil fuels. Despite this, Nunavut's carbon footprint is only one-tenth of one per cent of Canada's carbon footprint. The Government of Canada has committed to designing a solution that accounts for our unique nature when developing carbon pricing exemptions and regulations. My question is, are there specific exemptions and regulations being developed for Nunavut?
Madam Speaker, I should set the record straight for my colleague opposite. It is not true that our soldiers have been subjected to pay cuts or lost income. We recently increased their pay by 6.34% and their allowances by 5.1%. We are giving injured soldiers a six-month grace period to help them get healthy again. We think that six-month grace period goes a long way toward smoothing the transition to normal pay levels.
Madam Speaker, this week the Prime Minister said, one person on the streets in Canada is too many. However, the government has announced it hopes to cut chronic homelessness in Canada by 50% within 10 years. What will the government do about the other 50% of people who will still be homeless in 10 years?Will the government support my motion to create a plan to help all people experiencing homelessness, or are they satisfied leaving half the population out in the cold?
Madam Speaker, if the minister did indeed work closely with the Ethics Commissioner, why was he found guilty and why did he have to pay a fine? Why is he currently under investigation? Why did he decide to sell his shares two years after being appointed Minister of Finance?I ask the member for Louis-Hébert again: when will the Minister of Finance finally tell Canadians the truth and disclose all of his assets? That is what Canadians want to know.
Madam Speaker, as I said many times, every member and every minister is expected to work with the Ethics Commissioner, the institution responsible for ensuring respect for the integrity of this place. The Minister of Finance did that. He said he would go even further and put all his assets in a blind trust and divest himself of his shares in Morneau Shepell, as my opposition colleague mentioned.He continues to work for Canadians, as he has done brilliantly for the past two years, having produced phenomenal economic growth in Canada, reduced inequalities, and introduced the Canada child benefit, which is helping some 20,000 children in my colleague's riding.While they focus on the Minister of Finance, we are focusing on Canadians.
Madam Speaker, of course we are really delighted with this new project.If my colleague had listened to what I have said in the past, this rink will be given to a community in need afterwards. Meanwhile, Canadians will have until February to enjoy the great Winterlude and also this important infrastructure.I hope I will have the chance to go on the ice and enjoy ice-skating with her. This is a great way to celebrate Canada 150.
Madam Speaker, after the Liberals blocked my bill on abandoned vessels, I launched a historic appeal allowing MPs to decide themselves if it should be debated. It should, because it is built on solutions proposed by coastal communities, which will fill gaps in the government's Bill C-64. We have hundreds of signatures in support of my bill and this week the mayor of Ladysmith wrote directly to the Prime Minister urging him to allow debate.Why is the government blocking my legislation? Why is it stifling coastal voices?
Madam Speaker, dozens of other countries have implemented the same measures. Passenger safety is a serious matter for all of us. These measures have been implemented by France, Great Britain, Germany, New Zealand, Italy, Russia, Iceland, Ireland, Spain, Austria, Hungary, Greece, Belgium, and others. We are certain that safety
Madam Speaker, Canada's 105th Grey Cup will be played this weekend here in the national capital region. We will get to see Toronto take on Calgary in a game that will hopefully be as gripping as last year's.Certainly several thousands of young people from across the country will watch it on TV and see some of the best athletes competing.Could the Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities tell us about the inspiration these events provide to young people?
Madam Speaker, the Minister of Finance has always told the Ethics Commissioner the truth. When the minister arrived in Ottawa, the Ethics Commissioner recommended that he put in place a conflict of interest screen, a measure that was good enough for the opposition ministers and the Conservative government ministers, when the Conservatives were in office. The Minister of Finance continues to work with the Ethics Commissioner to ensure compliance with all the rules, something that is expected of all ministers and all parliamentarians.
Madam Speaker, Canada's fundamental science review was delivered to the Liberal government over seven months ago. The Naylor report review outlines 35 recommendations. When asked about these by the science community, the science minister had no clear answer and simply said they are working on it. It has been 229 days now, so just working on it will not cut it.Can the science minister tell Canadians when these recommendations will be implemented?
Madam Speaker, as I have already mentioned, Canadians expect a government to come out with legislation that is comprehensive, long term, integrated, multi-jurisdictional, and negotiated. That is exactly what we are doing. We look forward to the opportunity, the determination of the House next week. Have no doubt, we are serious about making this happen.
Mr. Speaker, as I said, I am not surprised that the Conservatives are questioning the judgment of the Ethics Commissioner, who is doing her work in a non-partisan and independent manner. She recommended that a conflict of interest screen be put in place as she believed that it was the best possible measure of compliance. This measure was good enough for the Conservative ministers at the time and the Ethics Commissioner believed it to be the best measure of compliance.On this side of the House, we work with the Ethics Commissioner, we will always do so, and that is what the Minister of Finance did and will continue to do.
Madam Speaker, well after a decade of neglect, our government is working to restore Canadian science. We started by unmuzzling our scientists, and then made historic investments, including $2 billion in research infrastructure and the largest investment in fundamental science in a decade. Now we are taking action on fundamental science review recommendations and launching the Canada Research Coordinating Committee to improve coordination of the granting councils, and capping the tier 1 renewals for the Canada research chairs to ensure new opportunities for young researchers.
Madam Speaker, we are standing two blocks away from the longest skating rink in the world. Four blocks away at City Hall there is a lovely outdoor facility, however, the government sees nothing wrong with spending $5.6 million for a temporary rink on Parliament Hill. It works out to about 300 taxpayer dollars per spin. Now we hear it is going to be rebuilt in Ottawa. Will the minister at least commit to sending this rink to a community in the north where the season is long and the need is great?
Madam Speaker, this is the number one priority for me. Getting people paid on time and properly is indeed my primary focus.We are taking steps that the previous government simply did not take. It was that irresponsibility that put us in this situation. We are improving our training. We are
Madam Speaker, I can attest to witnessing first-hand the actions of the member from MississaugaLakeshore and his commitment to seniors and seniors housing. I attended a massive town hall with him as part of the consultations that led to the rollout of the national housing strategy. Part of the strategy that spoke most strongly to the issue he has raised around seniors is the new Canada housing benefit. It will allow us to help seniors age in place, target them in particular for support, and make sure that their lives are conducted with dignity. It also builds on the CPP and GIS reforms that we have put in place. Seniors matter, housing matters, and that member's work on this has been absolutely fantastic.
Madam Speaker, as I said, we are working to make sure Canadian businesses have everything they need to succeed. We realize that Canadian business owners are crucial to our economic growth. That is why we announced that we will be cutting the small business tax rate from 10.5% to 9%. That is also why we have worked with the Minister of Finance to make sure our economy grows, which is something the members opposite never managed to do in 10 years. We have the highest growth rate in the G7, and half a million jobs have been created. We are providing an environment that fosters the prosperity of business owners from coast to coast to coast. That is our priority on this side of the House.
Madam Speaker, I rise on the same point of order. I would ask that if you are going to consider any new information with respect to this matter that we be notified as well, and that we be able to respond in this place.
Madam Speaker, I want to add to the member's point. I will certainly be checking the blues. If it is true that there was a question of privilege raised on May 31 that has not been responded to, I would agree completely that we, as a House, need to receive the reply from you prior to the appointment. At this critical point and in these critical weeks, we need to have that reply. I will be checking the blues, and I will reserve the possibility to come back and comment further, either later today or Monday.
Madam Speaker, the member has been in this place much longer than I have. He knows we endeavour to always work with all members of Parliament. That is why any constructive feedback is always welcome. We have introduced an open, transparent, merit-based process. We know that many Canadians have considered applying. However, it will take all members of Parliament wanting these institutions to be successful. Every member of Parliament will need to go above and beyond. All we hear from the opposition is criticism rather than constructive ideas to make the system better.
Madam Speaker, as we committed to Canadians, we have a process that is open, transparent, and merit-based. All available positions are online, and we always encourage Canadians to apply. What is interesting is that we endeavour to always work with all members in this place. We know that Canadians have a place. We know that officers of Parliament are independent. We want to ensure we pick the best people. That is why we consider many different factors. I encourage Canadians to consider applying.
Madam Speaker, we will always endeavour to work in the best interests of all Canadians. That is why this government has taken historic levels of consultations. Every member of Parliament is here to represent the best interests of his or her constituents, and we appreciate hearing the diversity of those voices.When it comes to our appointment process, it is an open, transparent, merit-based appointment process. Available positions are online, and I encourage Canadians to apply.
Madam Speaker, as the member knows, we have institutions in this place that are there to safeguard the integrity of Parliament. We trust the Ethics Commissioner's ability and impartiality to do her job. That is why, when the finance minister arrived in Ottawa, he disclosed his assets to the Ethics Commissioner and worked with her to make sure all rules were followed. She recommended putting in place a conflict of interest screen, which she deemed to be the best measure of compliance possible. That has been in place since the very beginning. The finance minister will continue to work with the Ethics Commissioner.
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his advocacy on behalf of Nunavummiuts. We know that northerners are on the front lines of climate change. I saw this directly when I was in the high Arctic this summer. I heard of Inuit hunters falling through the ice because they can no longer tell the thickness of the ice. Our climate plan understands that we need to be working with northerners, that we need to develop unique situations. We are committed to working with our partners in the north on carbon pricing, and I am happy to say that we are sharing results of a study that we conducted right now
Madam Speaker, our government is always concerned about the impact of job losses on workers and their families.We recognize the excellent work of Davie employees. Over the past few weeks, our government has been in contact with Davie shipyard management, the unions, and the Province of Quebec.The national shipbuilding strategy has set aside $2 billion for small ship construction projects, which the Davie shipyard is eligible to participate in. Our government does not plan to purchase another interim supply ship at the end of the service contract with
Madam Speaker, I hope my colleague has recognized that we are on a journey of reconciliation.Our renewed relationship with indigenous peoples is based on a recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership. It is in that context that we are doing work to establish a new fiscal relationship with indigenous peoples. We are consulting in terms of how we can develop better systems of mutual accountability. I would be happy to hear any recommendations to that end.
Madam Speaker, our two official languages are at the heart of who we are as Canadians. We are committed to finding the best person for the important position of official languages commissioner. Our government promised Canadians a rigorous, open, and transparent merit-based process for public appointments, and we are keeping with that commitment. An announcement will be made in due course.
Madam Speaker, on December 7, 2015, the markets learned that at the end of that year, the rate of taxation on the highest earners would go up to 33%. As a result, many started to sell their shares before the rate went up so that their capital gains would be realized before the change in the tax rate. As a result, in the week following that December 7 announcement, the stock market dropped by 5%. Did the finance minister anticipate this reaction?
Madam Speaker, Canada was present in the fight against Daesh. Working with the Iraqis, and primarily the Kurds, we helped recapture Mosul and restore peace and international stability in this region. We are also maintaining a presence to ensure regional stability through various other actions.
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question.I know that things can be difficult for seasonal workers.Our government is committed to addressing this issue. We are in consultation right now with employers, with workers, with municipalities, and with jurisdictions that have coverage of the issue. We are consulting to make sure that a comprehensive response is possible. Seasonal workers, and those who face difficulties, even as we create 500,000 jobs and face regional challenges, are front of mind of the government, and in particular the minister, who is addressing the issue with his counterparts in the province.
Madam Speaker, the focus of many in the stock market was to sell their shares after the December 7 announcement this minister made in order to realize any capital gains in the 2015 year, before the tax rate went up. As a result, the stock market in Canada dropped 5% subsequent to the minister's announcement on December 7.I ask again, did the finance minister anticipate that the markets would react in this way to his December 7 announcement?
Madam Speaker, my colleague from Louis-Saint-Laurent is an experienced parliamentarian who knows that, in Parliament, we have institutions responsible for maintaining the integrity of Parliament.The expectation is that ministers and all parliamentarians will work with the Ethics Commissioner by disclosing their assets to her so she can provide guidance as to how they can fully comply with the rules that govern us in the House.That is what the Minister of Finance did upon arriving in Ottawa. He has always been and continues to be completely open with the Ethics Commissioner. He has always followed her recommendations and now he is doing even more.
Madam Speaker, I wish to seek consent for the following motion: That this House call upon the government to review its method for determining eligibility for employment insurance benefits in order to better meet the needs of seasonal workers, whose jobs are important for the economy of the various regions of Quebec.
Most negative speeches
Madam Speaker, let me get this. When the Liberals say their process is open, they mean closed. When they say it is transparent, they actually mean it is opaque. Just trust us does not cut it when it comes to the Liberals, because when they go it alone, we have noticed things tend to go badly. When they tried to appoint a Liberal partisan as language commissioner, it blew up. Their spectacularly bad and expensive MyDemocracy.ca fiasco and their $5.5 million backyard rink come to mind.The Ethics Commissioner is not only on her third extension under the government, she is also investigating the Prime Minister and the finance minister. I ask the Liberals to stop this mess, to work with all parties to do this right, not the mess they
Madam Speaker, the Liberals seem confused about how rules work. They seem to penalize those who follow them, and reward those who break them.Recently a constituent lost her landed immigrant card and needed to travel within a few days. She contacted the government for a replacement card, but was told that it would take at least a month to replace it and that there was no way to expedite the process. Meanwhile, those who are illegally crossing the border into Canada are getting expedited work permits.Why are the Liberals punishing those who follow the rules, and rewarding those who do not?
Madam Speaker, it took two years for the finance minister to admit fault for his failure to disclose his directorship in the corporation that owns his French villa, and its value. The Ethics Commissioner has fined him. Yesterday, the Liberals spent the day trying to justify the illegal actions of the finance minister. It is clear that Canadians have lost trust and faith in the finance minister's ability to do his job. Is justifying illegal activity and poor judgment the new standard of the Ottawa Liberals?
Madam Speaker, what Canadians anticipated under the previous Conservative government was sluggish growth. The Conservatives had the worst growth and highest unemployment since World War II.The 1% rate of growth in employment was the slowest job creation growth since World War II.When our government came to office, we instituted policies like investing in infrastructure and supporting business owners to ensure growth for the country and to provide the right conditions for investment, entrepreneurship, and prosperity. That is what we have been doing and what we will continue to do.
Madam Speaker, the foreign affairs minister's August speech outlined Canada's progressive agenda for NAFTA, but now it seems Canada's agenda is leading to deadlock at the negotiation table. Even Ontario's premier is worried about the failure of NAFTA. In response to the deadlock, Canada has quietly begun telling our stakeholders that all the Canadian proposals will be non-binding. Will the minister admit to the House that they have been telling NAFTA stakeholders that Canada's progressive priorities will not be binding on the United States or Mexico?
Madam Speaker, we agree with all of the Auditor General's recommendations. The previous Conservative government decided to reduce services to Canadians by cutting funding for call centres. Under former minister Findlay, they reduced the number of agents in call centres, reduced business hours, and reduced service standards. Rather than cutting, we decided to reinvest $50 million for the next four years. I am working to ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency treats Canadians as important clients and not just as taxpayers, as indicated in my mandate letter.
Madam Speaker, I am interested in the hon. member's views but there are other views. Last night in the media, security expert and former CSIS officer Phil Gersky said this, The previous government had an abysmal record when it came to countering violent extremism and early detection. The Conservative government didn't care. Dr. Lorne Dawson from the University of Waterloo said, The previous Conservative government had little or no interest in following up on this, so Canada is late. They also cut a billion dollars from the security services of Canada.
Madam Speaker, moving from the sublime to the ridiculous, I do not need to remind the House that the Castro family has murdered thousands of people. They have denied the Cuban people fundamental democratic rights and freedoms. They have persecuted gays and lesbians for their sexual orientation. Therefore, does the Prime Minister seriously believe he should team up with the Castros to negotiate on nuclear weapons with North Korea?
Madam Speaker, first and foremost, all members are expected to be fully transparent. Hiding behind the Ethics Commissioner in hopes of finding a way to play the system is not okay.It took two years, media reports, and a penalty for the finance minister to build an ethical wall that protects him from the prying eyes of 35 million Canadians. The wall protects him and his numbered companies, but it is riddled with conflict of interest holes.Why is the Minister of Finance doing things that undermine Canadians' trust? When will he knock down that wall and be open and transparent about his numbered companies?
Madam Speaker, as I have already mentioned, Canadians expect a government to come out with legislation that is comprehensive, long term, integrated, multi-jurisdictional, and negotiated. That is exactly what we are doing. We look forward to the opportunity, the determination of the House next week. Have no doubt, we are serious about making this happen.
Madam Speaker, Canada's fundamental science review was delivered to the Liberal government over seven months ago. The Naylor report review outlines 35 recommendations. When asked about these by the science community, the science minister had no clear answer and simply said they are working on it. It has been 229 days now, so just working on it will not cut it.Can the science minister tell Canadians when these recommendations will be implemented?
Madam Speaker, if the minister did indeed work closely with the Ethics Commissioner, why was he found guilty and why did he have to pay a fine? Why is he currently under investigation? Why did he decide to sell his shares two years after being appointed Minister of Finance?I ask the member for Louis-Hébert again: when will the Minister of Finance finally tell Canadians the truth and disclose all of his assets? That is what Canadians want to know.
Madam Speaker, no veteran should ever be homeless, yet thousands are currently at risk. According to their new national housing strategy, the Liberals do not seem to think this problem deserves to be taken seriously. Their so-called strategy makes only passing reference to homeless veterans. Even worse, affordable housing is postponed until after 2019. How many decades will it take before the government finally acts and addresses the needs of veterans? We are in the midst of a crisis. We need a homeless strategy now.
Madam Speaker, flight attendants are worried about the decision to allow small knives on planes. They were clear with the Minister of Transport, expressing that the changes go too far and put flight attendants and the public at risk.Since the ICAO has no requirement for standardizing high-risk items, why is it necessary to allow pocket knives on planes instead of keeping them in the baggage hold?
Madam Speaker, officers of Parliament work on behalf of all members of Parliament, not just the government, and certainly not the Prime Minister's Office. However, six months after the Liberals' failed attempt to appoint a Liberal as language commissioner, they are reusing the exact same broken process.The Liberals voted against the NDP proposal to fix this mess and are now sending us letters, with one single name on it, and calling it consultation. That is not consultation; that is a charade.Will the Liberals stop doing this? Will they work with Parliament so we can hire the best watchdogs to work on behalf of all of us and on behalf of all Canadians?
Madam Speaker, we have put in place emergency pay services. We are working with every level within all of our departments.Quite frankly, this will be solved for public servants by public servants.
Madam Speaker, the government is concerned, but it is not doing anything.The EI program is totally disconnected from the needs of seasonal workers. It is so disconnected that when things are going well and the unemployment rate drops, seasonal workers in the regions suffer even more.The Prime Minister got elected on a promise to solve the EI problem. He solved the problem for oil workers in western Canada.When will he keep the promise he made to Quebec's seasonal workers?
Madam Speaker, as my colleague knows, I will not comment on individual cases today, tomorrow, next week, next year, or ever. The law prohibits me from doing so. I can assure my colleague that no one is interfering with the CRA's cases or audits. As long as I am the Minister of National Revenue, the law will be enforced. Let me be clear. No one is above the law, and as minister, I work every day to enforce the law and to protect the Canadian tax system.
Madam Speaker, as my colleague knows, I will not comment on individual cases today, tomorrow, next year, or ever. The law prohibits me from doing so. I can assure my colleague that no one is interfering with the CRA's audits, and that will never happen as long as I am the Minister of National Revenue.Let me be clear. No one is above the law, and as minister, I work every day to ensure that the law is enforced.
Madam Speaker, all I hear is blah, blah, blah. Nothing but words. Where is the action? This is deeply troubling.Canadians are not taking this matter lightly. Jean-Pierre Kingsley, the former chief electoral officer, said today, and I quote: This delay in making appointments is exasperating. It shows a lack of democratic conscience on the part of a government that I find unacceptable. Do the Liberals grasp the impact of their broken promise on our democracy?
Madam Speaker, this week the Prime Minister said, one person on the streets in Canada is too many. However, the government has announced it hopes to cut chronic homelessness in Canada by 50% within 10 years. What will the government do about the other 50% of people who will still be homeless in 10 years?Will the government support my motion to create a plan to help all people experiencing homelessness, or are they satisfied leaving half the population out in the cold?
Madam Speaker, as I said, we are working to make sure Canadian businesses have everything they need to succeed. We realize that Canadian business owners are crucial to our economic growth. That is why we announced that we will be cutting the small business tax rate from 10.5% to 9%. That is also why we have worked with the Minister of Finance to make sure our economy grows, which is something the members opposite never managed to do in 10 years. We have the highest growth rate in the G7, and half a million jobs have been created. We are providing an environment that fosters the prosperity of business owners from coast to coast to coast. That is our priority on this side of the House.
Madam Speaker, 163 workers at the Davie shipyard lost their jobs yesterday because the government is not doing its job. Another 350 positions may be cut next week, one month before Christmas. The government is to blame because it continues to shortchange Quebec when awarding shipbuilding contracts.Will the government finally take action and award Davie a second contract for a supply ship? Time is running out.
Madam Speaker, in response to the minister treating Canadians like important customers, the government has failed a hard-working public servant in my riding of YorktonMelville.Last spring, out of the blue, Phoenix cut her pay by $500 a month. What was she told when she called the pay centre helpline: Your call is important to us. If you have received an overpayment, press 1. If you have a concern about your T4, press 2. For all other inquiries, press 3.Can the minister please explain why if we owe you money was not priority number one?
Madam Speaker, an estimated one in three women will experience some form of sexual violence in her lifetime. Gender-based violence has a devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities. Recent high-profile events continue to shine a light on the immediate need for activism.November 25 will mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, and the first of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.Can the minister inform this House how we can all get involved and show our support?
Madam Speaker, after the Liberals blocked my bill on abandoned vessels, I launched a historic appeal allowing MPs to decide themselves if it should be debated. It should, because it is built on solutions proposed by coastal communities, which will fill gaps in the government's Bill C-64. We have hundreds of signatures in support of my bill and this week the mayor of Ladysmith wrote directly to the Prime Minister urging him to allow debate.Why is the government blocking my legislation? Why is it stifling coastal voices?
Madam Speaker, Canada was present in the fight against Daesh. Working with the Iraqis, and primarily the Kurds, we helped recapture Mosul and restore peace and international stability in this region. We are also maintaining a presence to ensure regional stability through various other actions.
Madam Speaker, this is the number one priority for me. Getting people paid on time and properly is indeed my primary focus.We are taking steps that the previous government simply did not take. It was that irresponsibility that put us in this situation. We are improving our training. We are
Madam Speaker, I want to add to the member's point. I will certainly be checking the blues. If it is true that there was a question of privilege raised on May 31 that has not been responded to, I would agree completely that we, as a House, need to receive the reply from you prior to the appointment. At this critical point and in these critical weeks, we need to have that reply. I will be checking the blues, and I will reserve the possibility to come back and comment further, either later today or Monday.
Madam Speaker, our government is always concerned about the impact of job losses on workers and their families.We recognize the excellent work of Davie employees. Over the past few weeks, our government has been in contact with Davie shipyard management, the unions, and the Province of Quebec.The national shipbuilding strategy has set aside $2 billion for small ship construction projects, which the Davie shipyard is eligible to participate in. Our government does not plan to purchase another interim supply ship at the end of the service contract with
Madam Speaker, the Liberal Party's chief fundraiser, Stephen Bronfman, denied links to offshore tax havens after 1998. However, documents show that Bronfman family companies were still owed millions from their trust in the Cayman Islands in 2005. The Prime Minister does not seem concerned that his friend has apparently misled him, and he certainly seems blind to the fact that his millionaire Liberal cronies have been cheating Canada. Is the Prime Minister still satisfied with his friend's version of the facts, despite very clear evidence to the contrary?
Madam Speaker, we are certainly following the situation in North Korea and the provocative actions coming out of that region. Let me be clear. The member opposite should know full well by now that our government sees human rights as foundational in all of our international engagements. We will ensure that we continue to espouse human rights in any and all relationships, including rule of law and pacifism around the world. We remain concerned with the situation in North Korea, and certainly our minister is monitoring that closely.
Madam Speaker, well after a decade of neglect, our government is working to restore Canadian science. We started by unmuzzling our scientists, and then made historic investments, including $2 billion in research infrastructure and the largest investment in fundamental science in a decade. Now we are taking action on fundamental science review recommendations and launching the Canada Research Coordinating Committee to improve coordination of the granting councils, and capping the tier 1 renewals for the Canada research chairs to ensure new opportunities for young researchers.
Madam Speaker, the Minister of National Revenue is shifting the blame onto the Conservatives for the abysmal report card her agency received from the Auditor General.She claims that cuts to the number of agents are to blame. However, after two years, she has done nothing about it. When over half of all calls to the CRA are blocked and 30% of callers are getting the wrong information, it seems clear to me that in-person service needs to be restored in rural areas. When will she face the facts and admit that nothing is more effective than in-person service?
Madam Speaker, I should set the record straight for my colleague opposite. It is not true that our soldiers have been subjected to pay cuts or lost income. We recently increased their pay by 6.34% and their allowances by 5.1%. We are giving injured soldiers a six-month grace period to help them get healthy again. We think that six-month grace period goes a long way toward smoothing the transition to normal pay levels.
Madam Speaker, the Liberals promised an open and transparent process, but we got a closed and opaque one instead.Five of the eight officer of Parliament positions are vacant. These positions are for watchdogs who serve all parliamentarians. We know nothing of the Liberals' plan or about the appointment process. Canadians are being kept in the dark. When we proposed a fair, open, and transparent appointment process, the Liberals voted us down.Why did the Liberals break this promise?
Madam Speaker, we are standing two blocks away from the longest skating rink in the world. Four blocks away at City Hall there is a lovely outdoor facility, however, the government sees nothing wrong with spending $5.6 million for a temporary rink on Parliament Hill. It works out to about 300 taxpayer dollars per spin. Now we hear it is going to be rebuilt in Ottawa. Will the minister at least commit to sending this rink to a community in the north where the season is long and the need is great?
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question.I know that things can be difficult for seasonal workers.Our government is committed to addressing this issue. We are in consultation right now with employers, with workers, with municipalities, and with jurisdictions that have coverage of the issue. We are consulting to make sure that a comprehensive response is possible. Seasonal workers, and those who face difficulties, even as we create 500,000 jobs and face regional challenges, are front of mind of the government, and in particular the minister, who is addressing the issue with his counterparts in the province.
Madam Speaker, let us compare what the NDP promised and what the Liberals are now delivering.The NDP, in the last election, promised to repair 50,000 units of housing; we are going to do 300,000 units. On providing the operating agreements, the NDP was going to renew 365,000; we are doing 385,000 operating agreements. Let us talk about new housing. The NDP promised 10,000 units over four years; we are doing 100,000 over 10 years. When it comes to new subsidies, zero from the NDP; 300,000 from this party.If the member is going to call something timid, I am going to call something meek. That was meek
Madam Speaker, in our political system the Minister of Finance is the most important person in cabinet, along with the Prime Minister, naturally. The Minister of Finance must be above all suspicion because he is very important and Canadians want to have faith in him.Unfortunately, the current Minister of Finance is lacking on that account because we know that he is currently under investigation and that he was found guilty and paid a fine. He only takes action when cornered.Will the Minister of Finance finally tell Canadians the truth about his private numbered companies?
Madam Speaker, dozens of other countries have implemented the same measures. Passenger safety is a serious matter for all of us. These measures have been implemented by France, Great Britain, Germany, New Zealand, Italy, Russia, Iceland, Ireland, Spain, Austria, Hungary, Greece, Belgium, and others. We are certain that safety
Madam Speaker, the numbers have been published already.Canada works constantly with all of our allies, the Five Eyes, G7, Interpol, and others to know as much as we possibly can about every threat. Our Canadian agencies constantly assess and reassess all the data to be effective and current in keeping Canadians safe and they respond with a full suite of measures, investigations, surveillance, marshalling evidence, lifting passports, no-fly lists, threat reduction initiatives, and criminal proceedings wherever that is possible.
Madam Speaker, I rise on a question of privilege. It relates to the comments made by the MP for SkeenaBulkley Valley today, who reminded this House that the government is about to appoint an official languages commissioner. I would refer you to the point I raised on May 31 in this House, which was talked about again on June 6. I have yet to receive a decision from the Chair on that question of privilege with respect to contempt on the part of the Minister of Canadian Heritage.In those references, we provided prima facie evidence of contempt, where the evidence of Madame Meilleur, who was considered for a time as a person for the official languages post, conflicted directly with the remarks of the Minister of Canadian Heritage in this place on May 31. On June 6, there was additional information for the Speaker to consider. I would also say that there is news from November 17 that suggests that a senior advisor in the minister's office, who had also worked at Queen's Park in the Ontario legislature, with respect to Madame Meilleur and senior PMO officials, directly contradicts what the Minister of Canadian Heritage told this House with respect to the appointment of an official languages commissioner.There is no timeline on when the Speaker needs to respond to a question of privilege or a point of order. However, in light of the fact this was raised in May, and we are likely days away from a new person being named as the official languages commissioner, it is an additional question of privilege for me as a member that my previous question of privilege be addressed before this new person is appointed. The minister's actions with respect to the appointment process, both originally and now, are suspect and in contempt of my privileges as a member. I would like that determination from the original May 31 question of privilege to be addressed before the government proceeds with its next appointment. Therefore, I am asking you for that decision with respect to my May 31 point to be accelerated, so that the matter can be addressed in due course.
Madam Speaker, last week, the International Union for Conservation of Nature called Wood Buffalo National Park one of the most threatened world heritage sites in North America. They affirmed what UNESCO has already found. Canada's largest national park is threatened by federal government neglect and resource development.UNESCO gave the government until February 2018 to respond to its report, but with the deadline approaching, Canadians have not heard anything. This is a black eye for Canada on the world stage. What will the government do to save this critically important park?
Madam Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. While travelling my riding, constituents have expressed concern about carbon pricing and how it will increase our already high cost of living. The minister is aware that Nunavut is totally reliant on fossil fuels. Despite this, Nunavut's carbon footprint is only one-tenth of one per cent of Canada's carbon footprint. The Government of Canada has committed to designing a solution that accounts for our unique nature when developing carbon pricing exemptions and regulations. My question is, are there specific exemptions and regulations being developed for Nunavut?
Madam Speaker, it has been two years since the minister gutted the First Nations Financial Transparency Act. Now, Harrison Thunderchild has reluctantly taken his leadership in the community to court around their lack of disclosure. He told the National Post, Every level of government has that expectation to be transparent and accountable. First Nations should not be any different...The minister promised a new system two years ago. When is she going to deliver?
Madam Speaker, for too long, administrative shortfalls have left shoreline communities struggling unaided to dispose of abandoned vessels. In Beauharnois, many environmental concerns have been expressed about the Kathryn Spirit. We are talking about tens of tonnes of hazardous materials and contaminated water. The Liberals' Bill C-64 fails to properly address the problem of vessels being left to rot for years in shoreline communities.Will the Liberals finally work with these communities and with the NDP by debating Bill C-352 in order to fill the gaps in their own bill?
Madam Speaker, the Liberals claim to be following and watching terrorists. They also claim to support and respect the members of the Canadian Armed Forces, but the Liberals are cutting the pay of our brave soldiers who have served in some of the most dangerous missions in the world while at the same time pandering to Canadian ISIS terrorists by giving them taxpayer-funded reintegration programs.Why are the Liberals choosing Canadian terrorists over the brave women and men who have fought against them?
Madam Speaker, my colleague was not talking about the fight against ISIS. He was talking about how this government is treating our serving military members. Its treatment of them is callous. It is turning its back on our veterans and even now threatening to cut the monthly allowance for injured soldiers. The Liberals are proposing a state-funded program for radicalized terrorists, but they are not even providing a similar level of service to law-abiding Canadian citizens.Why should terrorists who fought against our country be entitled to free reintegration services even as the Liberals abandon our own veterans and serving military members?
Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. member opposite for his advocacy on parks and protected areas. We understand the importance of protecting Wood Buffalo National Park and we welcome the review by UNESCO. We are working very hard, including with the indigenous communities within the park, and we will continue to do so.
Madam Speaker, the only assets the finance minister grew were his own, and on a commission, too. Uncovering the assets of the finance minister has been an ethics riddle that we have not been able to figure out, so riddle me this. We're exempt from tax hikes of the everyday sort. You won't find us in a parliamentary disclosure report. What are we? Why, we're the finance minister's private holdings, of course.Will the finance minister help us solve this ethics riddle and tell us what is in those private holdings?
Madam Speaker, Canada's 105th Grey Cup will be played this weekend here in the national capital region. We will get to see Toronto take on Calgary in a game that will hopefully be as gripping as last year's.Certainly several thousands of young people from across the country will watch it on TV and see some of the best athletes competing.Could the Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities tell us about the inspiration these events provide to young people?
Madam Speaker, as I said many times, every member and every minister is expected to work with the Ethics Commissioner, the institution responsible for ensuring respect for the integrity of this place. The Minister of Finance did that. He said he would go even further and put all his assets in a blind trust and divest himself of his shares in Morneau Shepell, as my opposition colleague mentioned.He continues to work for Canadians, as he has done brilliantly for the past two years, having produced phenomenal economic growth in Canada, reduced inequalities, and introduced the Canada child benefit, which is helping some 20,000 children in my colleague's riding.While they focus on the Minister of Finance, we are focusing on Canadians.
Mr. Speaker, for years, we watched the Conservatives chip away at the institutions of Parliament, so I am not surprised in the least to hear the opposition member attack a measure that the Ethics Commissioner herself deemed the best possible way to comply with the guidelines. None of us should be surprised.We on this side of the House believe in the institutions of Parliament and the Ethics Commissioner. The Minister of Finance has been working with her from day one, and he will continue to do so.
Madam Speaker, the minister claims the ethics screen and counsel by the Ethics Commissioner prevented him from breaking the rules, but obviously that is not true because the Ethics Commissioner fined the minister for breaking the rules.The screen is supposed to block the minister from meetings or discussions that could be a conflict. Who did the minister pick to administer the screen? His chief of staff, his most senior, closest and political assistant who is hired by the minister, reports to the minister, and can be fired by the minister.Do the Liberals not even see the conflicts within their own conflicts?
Madam Speaker, there is a lot to that question.If the hon. member across the way is talking about a specific case, he knows full well that I cannot comment on individual cases. If he is talking about asylum seekers at the border, we are currently putting on awareness activities in the United States to ensure that people know that Canadian laws must be respected.If the hon. member across the way is talking about a specific case, I would be happy to discuss it with him.
Madam Speaker, this sounds like an episode of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.A rich businessman wonders how he can grow his fortune and realizes that requires amending some laws. Since the government does not want to do it, he runs for office and becomes the Liberal finance minister. He introduces Bill C-27, and lo and behold, it works and he rakes in the dough.Except, oops, the minister gets caught by the media, the Ethics Commissioner, and the opposition. He sells his shares, gets the profits, donates them to charity, and will get a generous tax refund.The Minister of Finance has lost the trust of Canadians. When will he come down to earth and come clean on all of his financial affairs?
Madam Speaker, our government announced a national housing strategy that will be very transformative. By enshrining the right to housing for all Canadians into this strategy, the government is playing a key role in reducing homelessness and poverty.Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development share with this House how seniors like those in my riding of MississaugaLakeshore, who are advocating for more affordable housing, will benefit from this new strategy?
Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister was very clear that one homeless person was one homeless person too many. We have a strategy, a $40 billion strategy over the next 10 years. It is going to reduce chronic homelessness, episodic homelessness, and the vulnerabilities that people find themselves in across the country.The new Canada housing benefit will address 300,000 people and will prevent people from swelling the ranks of the homeless. We have a strategy, which we doubled in our first year, a $2.2 billion strategy that is being reprofiled in consultation with people with lived experiences, community organizations, municipalities, and provinces and territories. We will attack this issue. If we can do better than half, we will do everything in our power to achieve that.
Madam Speaker, the Liberals keep blaming the Ethics Commissioner when they break the rules. They say she is there to safeguard the integrity of the House. However, I think Canadians send MPs here to always stand up for their best interests, trusting we all know how to follow the rules and that we are ethical. Instead, the finance minister designed Bill C-27, which will enrich his billion dollar family business. He is now one of three Liberals, including the Prime Minister, under investigation by the Ethics Commissioner. Do the Liberals actually know the difference between right and wrong?
Madam Speaker, the tax strategy that we have put forward to reduce inequalities in this country and to make sure that the middle class has more money is to increase taxes on the wealthiest 1% and to lower them for nine million Canadians, a measure the Conservatives voted against. We came forward with the Canada child benefit that is lifting 300,000 kids out of poverty in this country, reducing child poverty by 40%, a measure they voted against. What we have also done is look back at measures they put forward, such as doubling the TFSA limit and income splitting for families, which we know benefited the 5% or 10% of the wealthiest Canadians.
Madam Speaker, the Minister of Finance has always told the Ethics Commissioner the truth. When the minister arrived in Ottawa, the Ethics Commissioner recommended that he put in place a conflict of interest screen, a measure that was good enough for the opposition ministers and the Conservative government ministers, when the Conservatives were in office. The Minister of Finance continues to work with the Ethics Commissioner to ensure compliance with all the rules, something that is expected of all ministers and all parliamentarians.
Madam Speaker, I rise on the same point of order. I would ask that if you are going to consider any new information with respect to this matter that we be notified as well, and that we be able to respond in this place.
Madam Speaker, the Liberals promised in the last election that if they became the government, the rich would pay more. In fact, a financial report provided by the government for the 2016-17 tax year shows that the wealthiest Canadians paid $1.2 billion less in income tax as a result of the measures the government instituted. In fact, it says that high-income individuals aimed to recognize income in the 2015 tax year, before the new 33% tax rate came into effect. What kind of tax strategies did these wealthy Canadians use to declare that income a year earlier?
Madam Speaker, I wish to seek consent for the following motion: That this House call upon the government to review its method for determining eligibility for employment insurance benefits in order to better meet the needs of seasonal workers, whose jobs are important for the economy of the various regions of Quebec.
Madam Speaker, we know that protecting our oceans is absolutely essential. That is why we introduced the oceans protection plan. As part of that oceans protection plan, we also introduced the wrecked, abandoned, or hazardous vessels act. This is a long-term, comprehensive, integrated plan to address the issue, and Canadians deserve no less.
Madam Speaker, yesterday the minister said that the number of ISIS fighters in Canada that he has been citing is essentially accurate. Well, being essentially accurate is not going to keep Canadians safe or bring justice to the victims of these criminals.I will ask the minister once again. How can he claim to be surveilling all ISIS fighters in Canada if he is using two-year-old data, or is he claiming that no new terrorists have entered Canada in the last two years, or is he admitting that there are terrorists that he is no longer watching?
Madam Speaker, on December 7, 2015, the markets learned that at the end of that year, the rate of taxation on the highest earners would go up to 33%. As a result, many started to sell their shares before the rate went up so that their capital gains would be realized before the change in the tax rate. As a result, in the week following that December 7 announcement, the stock market dropped by 5%. Did the finance minister anticipate this reaction?
Madam Speaker, the focus of many in the stock market was to sell their shares after the December 7 announcement this minister made in order to realize any capital gains in the 2015 year, before the tax rate went up. As a result, the stock market in Canada dropped 5% subsequent to the minister's announcement on December 7.I ask again, did the finance minister anticipate that the markets would react in this way to his December 7 announcement?
Madam Speaker, our two official languages are at the heart of who we are as Canadians. We are committed to finding the best person for the important position of official languages commissioner. Our government promised Canadians a rigorous, open, and transparent merit-based process for public appointments, and we are keeping with that commitment. An announcement will be made in due course.
Madam Speaker, I want to thank my colleague from MississaugaStreetsville for his advocacy.During the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, we reflect on the causes and costs of gender-based violence. This year's theme, my actions matter, is a call to action to take concrete steps, to recognize, to call out, and to speak up against acts of gender-based violence.We are proud to partner with the CFL to promote anti-violence measures at the 105th Grey Cup right here in Ottawa. I encourage everyone to join them and take a pledge to end gender-based violence.
Madam Speaker, our negotiating position is clear, and we will defend and maintain the elements of NAFTA that Canadians know are central to our national interest. We are negotiating in good faith with our partners, but we cannot and will not accept proposals that put Canadian jobs at risk and do harm to our economy.By the way, I would just like to add, in terms of jobs, our government has added half a million jobs in the last two years, and our GDP is the best of all the G7. We will always defend Canadians' national interests and Canadian values.
Madam Speaker, on the difference between right and wrong, I would ask that question of the 10 years of the Harper Conservatives when they doubled the TFSA limit that benefited the 3% wealthiest; when they scrapped our environmental protection laws in the country; when they disrespected institutions of this Parliament; and when they disrespected the Supreme Court? That is a question Canadians ask every day about the previous Harper Conservatives.On this side, the finance minister, as well as our government, has worked in the best interests of Canadians, reducing taxes for nine million Canadians, reducing inequalities in the country, and we are proud of that record.
Madam Speaker, I can attest to witnessing first-hand the actions of the member from MississaugaLakeshore and his commitment to seniors and seniors housing. I attended a massive town hall with him as part of the consultations that led to the rollout of the national housing strategy. Part of the strategy that spoke most strongly to the issue he has raised around seniors is the new Canada housing benefit. It will allow us to help seniors age in place, target them in particular for support, and make sure that their lives are conducted with dignity. It also builds on the CPP and GIS reforms that we have put in place. Seniors matter, housing matters, and that member's work on this has been absolutely fantastic.
Madam Speaker, for 105 years CFL athletes have been inspiring our kids to participate in sports. Kids have dreamed of emulating their CFL heroes, from Jackie Parker to Jon Cornish, from Bruce Covernton to Ricky Ray, from Dave Sapunjis to S.J. Green. This is important, because we want kids to live active, healthy lives and to dream big and be proud of who they are.I am proud of our CFL athletes, teams, and organizations but on Sunday, I will be cheering for my hometown Calgary Stampeders. Go Stamps Go.
Madam Speaker, I will tell members who had lost faith in the ability of anyone to do their job. Canadians had lost faith in the ability of the Conservatives to do their job when it came to managing the economy. That is why they voted them out. In fact, they were right, because they mismanaged the economy for 10 years. Our finance minister has managed to create 500,000 jobs in the last two years, most of them full time, and has generated the best growth in the G7, meanwhile reducing inequalities. Those are all the things the Conservatives were never able to achieve.
Madam Speaker, here is the fact. It was our Conservative government that passed the laws that will allow these criminals to be punished. It is the $300 million that we directed to counterterrorism that is helping law enforcement officials do their jobs today. By contrast, the Liberal government's response to these terrorists has been to weaken these laws, provide funding for integration support for these criminals, and hide their numbers from Canadians. He is dancing. Why will the minister not tell Canadians how many ISIS fighters have returned to Canada in the last two years, and how many are under 24-hour surveillance?
Madam Speaker, as we committed to Canadians, we have a process that is open, transparent, and merit-based. All available positions are online, and we always encourage Canadians to apply. What is interesting is that we endeavour to always work with all members in this place. We know that Canadians have a place. We know that officers of Parliament are independent. We want to ensure we pick the best people. That is why we consider many different factors. I encourage Canadians to consider applying.
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his advocacy on behalf of Nunavummiuts. We know that northerners are on the front lines of climate change. I saw this directly when I was in the high Arctic this summer. I heard of Inuit hunters falling through the ice because they can no longer tell the thickness of the ice. Our climate plan understands that we need to be working with northerners, that we need to develop unique situations. We are committed to working with our partners in the north on carbon pricing, and I am happy to say that we are sharing results of a study that we conducted right now
Madam Speaker, my colleague from Louis-Saint-Laurent is an experienced parliamentarian who knows that, in Parliament, we have institutions responsible for maintaining the integrity of Parliament.The expectation is that ministers and all parliamentarians will work with the Ethics Commissioner by disclosing their assets to her so she can provide guidance as to how they can fully comply with the rules that govern us in the House.That is what the Minister of Finance did upon arriving in Ottawa. He has always been and continues to be completely open with the Ethics Commissioner. He has always followed her recommendations and now he is doing even more.
Mr. Speaker, as I said, I am not surprised that the Conservatives are questioning the judgment of the Ethics Commissioner, who is doing her work in a non-partisan and independent manner. She recommended that a conflict of interest screen be put in place as she believed that it was the best possible measure of compliance. This measure was good enough for the Conservative ministers at the time and the Ethics Commissioner believed it to be the best measure of compliance.On this side of the House, we work with the Ethics Commissioner, we will always do so, and that is what the Minister of Finance did and will continue to do.
Madam Speaker, the member has been in this place much longer than I have. He knows we endeavour to always work with all members of Parliament. That is why any constructive feedback is always welcome. We have introduced an open, transparent, merit-based process. We know that many Canadians have considered applying. However, it will take all members of Parliament wanting these institutions to be successful. Every member of Parliament will need to go above and beyond. All we hear from the opposition is criticism rather than constructive ideas to make the system better.
Mr. Speaker, the media is saying that the Liberal Party's chief bagman is sheltering money in tax havens. The Liberal government continues to add to Canadians' tax burden while its powerful friends get a free ride in those tax havens.In light of these new revelations, is the Prime Minister still happy with his situation? Is he still protecting his billionaire Liberal friend?
Madam Speaker, of course we are really delighted with this new project.If my colleague had listened to what I have said in the past, this rink will be given to a community in need afterwards. Meanwhile, Canadians will have until February to enjoy the great Winterlude and also this important infrastructure.I hope I will have the chance to go on the ice and enjoy ice-skating with her. This is a great way to celebrate Canada 150.
Madam Speaker, as the member knows, we have institutions in this place that are there to safeguard the integrity of Parliament. We trust the Ethics Commissioner's ability and impartiality to do her job. That is why, when the finance minister arrived in Ottawa, he disclosed his assets to the Ethics Commissioner and worked with her to make sure all rules were followed. She recommended putting in place a conflict of interest screen, which she deemed to be the best measure of compliance possible. That has been in place since the very beginning. The finance minister will continue to work with the Ethics Commissioner.
Madam Speaker, I hope my colleague has recognized that we are on a journey of reconciliation.Our renewed relationship with indigenous peoples is based on a recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership. It is in that context that we are doing work to establish a new fiscal relationship with indigenous peoples. We are consulting in terms of how we can develop better systems of mutual accountability. I would be happy to hear any recommendations to that end.
Madam Speaker, we will always endeavour to work in the best interests of all Canadians. That is why this government has taken historic levels of consultations. Every member of Parliament is here to represent the best interests of his or her constituents, and we appreciate hearing the diversity of those voices.When it comes to our appointment process, it is an open, transparent, merit-based appointment process. Available positions are online, and I encourage Canadians to apply.
Madam Speaker, let me get this. When the Liberals say their process is open, they mean closed. When they say it is transparent, they actually mean it is opaque. Just trust us does not cut it when it comes to the Liberals, because when they go it alone, we have noticed things tend to go badly. When they tried to appoint a Liberal partisan as language commissioner, it blew up. Their spectacularly bad and expensive MyDemocracy.ca fiasco and their $5.5 million backyard rink come to mind.The Ethics Commissioner is not only on her third extension under the government, she is also investigating the Prime Minister and the finance minister. I ask the Liberals to stop this mess, to work with all parties to do this right, not the mess they
Madam Speaker, the Liberals seem confused about how rules work. They seem to penalize those who follow them, and reward those who break them.Recently a constituent lost her landed immigrant card and needed to travel within a few days. She contacted the government for a replacement card, but was told that it would take at least a month to replace it and that there was no way to expedite the process. Meanwhile, those who are illegally crossing the border into Canada are getting expedited work permits.Why are the Liberals punishing those who follow the rules, and rewarding those who do not?
Madam Speaker, it took two years for the finance minister to admit fault for his failure to disclose his directorship in the corporation that owns his French villa, and its value. The Ethics Commissioner has fined him. Yesterday, the Liberals spent the day trying to justify the illegal actions of the finance minister. It is clear that Canadians have lost trust and faith in the finance minister's ability to do his job. Is justifying illegal activity and poor judgment the new standard of the Ottawa Liberals?
Madam Speaker, what Canadians anticipated under the previous Conservative government was sluggish growth. The Conservatives had the worst growth and highest unemployment since World War II.The 1% rate of growth in employment was the slowest job creation growth since World War II.When our government came to office, we instituted policies like investing in infrastructure and supporting business owners to ensure growth for the country and to provide the right conditions for investment, entrepreneurship, and prosperity. That is what we have been doing and what we will continue to do.
Madam Speaker, the foreign affairs minister's August speech outlined Canada's progressive agenda for NAFTA, but now it seems Canada's agenda is leading to deadlock at the negotiation table. Even Ontario's premier is worried about the failure of NAFTA. In response to the deadlock, Canada has quietly begun telling our stakeholders that all the Canadian proposals will be non-binding. Will the minister admit to the House that they have been telling NAFTA stakeholders that Canada's progressive priorities will not be binding on the United States or Mexico?
Madam Speaker, we agree with all of the Auditor General's recommendations. The previous Conservative government decided to reduce services to Canadians by cutting funding for call centres. Under former minister Findlay, they reduced the number of agents in call centres, reduced business hours, and reduced service standards. Rather than cutting, we decided to reinvest $50 million for the next four years. I am working to ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency treats Canadians as important clients and not just as taxpayers, as indicated in my mandate letter.
Madam Speaker, I am interested in the hon. member's views but there are other views. Last night in the media, security expert and former CSIS officer Phil Gersky said this, The previous government had an abysmal record when it came to countering violent extremism and early detection. The Conservative government didn't care. Dr. Lorne Dawson from the University of Waterloo said, The previous Conservative government had little or no interest in following up on this, so Canada is late. They also cut a billion dollars from the security services of Canada.
Madam Speaker, moving from the sublime to the ridiculous, I do not need to remind the House that the Castro family has murdered thousands of people. They have denied the Cuban people fundamental democratic rights and freedoms. They have persecuted gays and lesbians for their sexual orientation. Therefore, does the Prime Minister seriously believe he should team up with the Castros to negotiate on nuclear weapons with North Korea?
Madam Speaker, first and foremost, all members are expected to be fully transparent. Hiding behind the Ethics Commissioner in hopes of finding a way to play the system is not okay.It took two years, media reports, and a penalty for the finance minister to build an ethical wall that protects him from the prying eyes of 35 million Canadians. The wall protects him and his numbered companies, but it is riddled with conflict of interest holes.Why is the Minister of Finance doing things that undermine Canadians' trust? When will he knock down that wall and be open and transparent about his numbered companies?
Madam Speaker, as I have already mentioned, Canadians expect a government to come out with legislation that is comprehensive, long term, integrated, multi-jurisdictional, and negotiated. That is exactly what we are doing. We look forward to the opportunity, the determination of the House next week. Have no doubt, we are serious about making this happen.
Madam Speaker, Canada's fundamental science review was delivered to the Liberal government over seven months ago. The Naylor report review outlines 35 recommendations. When asked about these by the science community, the science minister had no clear answer and simply said they are working on it. It has been 229 days now, so just working on it will not cut it.Can the science minister tell Canadians when these recommendations will be implemented?
Madam Speaker, if the minister did indeed work closely with the Ethics Commissioner, why was he found guilty and why did he have to pay a fine? Why is he currently under investigation? Why did he decide to sell his shares two years after being appointed Minister of Finance?I ask the member for Louis-Hébert again: when will the Minister of Finance finally tell Canadians the truth and disclose all of his assets? That is what Canadians want to know.
Madam Speaker, no veteran should ever be homeless, yet thousands are currently at risk. According to their new national housing strategy, the Liberals do not seem to think this problem deserves to be taken seriously. Their so-called strategy makes only passing reference to homeless veterans. Even worse, affordable housing is postponed until after 2019. How many decades will it take before the government finally acts and addresses the needs of veterans? We are in the midst of a crisis. We need a homeless strategy now.
Madam Speaker, flight attendants are worried about the decision to allow small knives on planes. They were clear with the Minister of Transport, expressing that the changes go too far and put flight attendants and the public at risk.Since the ICAO has no requirement for standardizing high-risk items, why is it necessary to allow pocket knives on planes instead of keeping them in the baggage hold?
Madam Speaker, officers of Parliament work on behalf of all members of Parliament, not just the government, and certainly not the Prime Minister's Office. However, six months after the Liberals' failed attempt to appoint a Liberal as language commissioner, they are reusing the exact same broken process.The Liberals voted against the NDP proposal to fix this mess and are now sending us letters, with one single name on it, and calling it consultation. That is not consultation; that is a charade.Will the Liberals stop doing this? Will they work with Parliament so we can hire the best watchdogs to work on behalf of all of us and on behalf of all Canadians?
Madam Speaker, we have put in place emergency pay services. We are working with every level within all of our departments.Quite frankly, this will be solved for public servants by public servants.
Madam Speaker, the government is concerned, but it is not doing anything.The EI program is totally disconnected from the needs of seasonal workers. It is so disconnected that when things are going well and the unemployment rate drops, seasonal workers in the regions suffer even more.The Prime Minister got elected on a promise to solve the EI problem. He solved the problem for oil workers in western Canada.When will he keep the promise he made to Quebec's seasonal workers?
Madam Speaker, as my colleague knows, I will not comment on individual cases today, tomorrow, next week, next year, or ever. The law prohibits me from doing so. I can assure my colleague that no one is interfering with the CRA's cases or audits. As long as I am the Minister of National Revenue, the law will be enforced. Let me be clear. No one is above the law, and as minister, I work every day to enforce the law and to protect the Canadian tax system.
Madam Speaker, as my colleague knows, I will not comment on individual cases today, tomorrow, next year, or ever. The law prohibits me from doing so. I can assure my colleague that no one is interfering with the CRA's audits, and that will never happen as long as I am the Minister of National Revenue.Let me be clear. No one is above the law, and as minister, I work every day to ensure that the law is enforced.
Madam Speaker, all I hear is blah, blah, blah. Nothing but words. Where is the action? This is deeply troubling.Canadians are not taking this matter lightly. Jean-Pierre Kingsley, the former chief electoral officer, said today, and I quote: This delay in making appointments is exasperating. It shows a lack of democratic conscience on the part of a government that I find unacceptable. Do the Liberals grasp the impact of their broken promise on our democracy?
Madam Speaker, this week the Prime Minister said, one person on the streets in Canada is too many. However, the government has announced it hopes to cut chronic homelessness in Canada by 50% within 10 years. What will the government do about the other 50% of people who will still be homeless in 10 years?Will the government support my motion to create a plan to help all people experiencing homelessness, or are they satisfied leaving half the population out in the cold?
Madam Speaker, as I said, we are working to make sure Canadian businesses have everything they need to succeed. We realize that Canadian business owners are crucial to our economic growth. That is why we announced that we will be cutting the small business tax rate from 10.5% to 9%. That is also why we have worked with the Minister of Finance to make sure our economy grows, which is something the members opposite never managed to do in 10 years. We have the highest growth rate in the G7, and half a million jobs have been created. We are providing an environment that fosters the prosperity of business owners from coast to coast to coast. That is our priority on this side of the House.
Madam Speaker, 163 workers at the Davie shipyard lost their jobs yesterday because the government is not doing its job. Another 350 positions may be cut next week, one month before Christmas. The government is to blame because it continues to shortchange Quebec when awarding shipbuilding contracts.Will the government finally take action and award Davie a second contract for a supply ship? Time is running out.
Madam Speaker, in response to the minister treating Canadians like important customers, the government has failed a hard-working public servant in my riding of YorktonMelville.Last spring, out of the blue, Phoenix cut her pay by $500 a month. What was she told when she called the pay centre helpline: Your call is important to us. If you have received an overpayment, press 1. If you have a concern about your T4, press 2. For all other inquiries, press 3.Can the minister please explain why if we owe you money was not priority number one?
Madam Speaker, an estimated one in three women will experience some form of sexual violence in her lifetime. Gender-based violence has a devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities. Recent high-profile events continue to shine a light on the immediate need for activism.November 25 will mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, and the first of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.Can the minister inform this House how we can all get involved and show our support?
Madam Speaker, after the Liberals blocked my bill on abandoned vessels, I launched a historic appeal allowing MPs to decide themselves if it should be debated. It should, because it is built on solutions proposed by coastal communities, which will fill gaps in the government's Bill C-64. We have hundreds of signatures in support of my bill and this week the mayor of Ladysmith wrote directly to the Prime Minister urging him to allow debate.Why is the government blocking my legislation? Why is it stifling coastal voices?
Madam Speaker, Canada was present in the fight against Daesh. Working with the Iraqis, and primarily the Kurds, we helped recapture Mosul and restore peace and international stability in this region. We are also maintaining a presence to ensure regional stability through various other actions.
Madam Speaker, this is the number one priority for me. Getting people paid on time and properly is indeed my primary focus.We are taking steps that the previous government simply did not take. It was that irresponsibility that put us in this situation. We are improving our training. We are
Madam Speaker, I want to add to the member's point. I will certainly be checking the blues. If it is true that there was a question of privilege raised on May 31 that has not been responded to, I would agree completely that we, as a House, need to receive the reply from you prior to the appointment. At this critical point and in these critical weeks, we need to have that reply. I will be checking the blues, and I will reserve the possibility to come back and comment further, either later today or Monday.
Madam Speaker, our government is always concerned about the impact of job losses on workers and their families.We recognize the excellent work of Davie employees. Over the past few weeks, our government has been in contact with Davie shipyard management, the unions, and the Province of Quebec.The national shipbuilding strategy has set aside $2 billion for small ship construction projects, which the Davie shipyard is eligible to participate in. Our government does not plan to purchase another interim supply ship at the end of the service contract with
Madam Speaker, the Liberal Party's chief fundraiser, Stephen Bronfman, denied links to offshore tax havens after 1998. However, documents show that Bronfman family companies were still owed millions from their trust in the Cayman Islands in 2005. The Prime Minister does not seem concerned that his friend has apparently misled him, and he certainly seems blind to the fact that his millionaire Liberal cronies have been cheating Canada. Is the Prime Minister still satisfied with his friend's version of the facts, despite very clear evidence to the contrary?
Madam Speaker, we are certainly following the situation in North Korea and the provocative actions coming out of that region. Let me be clear. The member opposite should know full well by now that our government sees human rights as foundational in all of our international engagements. We will ensure that we continue to espouse human rights in any and all relationships, including rule of law and pacifism around the world. We remain concerned with the situation in North Korea, and certainly our minister is monitoring that closely.
Madam Speaker, well after a decade of neglect, our government is working to restore Canadian science. We started by unmuzzling our scientists, and then made historic investments, including $2 billion in research infrastructure and the largest investment in fundamental science in a decade. Now we are taking action on fundamental science review recommendations and launching the Canada Research Coordinating Committee to improve coordination of the granting councils, and capping the tier 1 renewals for the Canada research chairs to ensure new opportunities for young researchers.
Madam Speaker, the Minister of National Revenue is shifting the blame onto the Conservatives for the abysmal report card her agency received from the Auditor General.She claims that cuts to the number of agents are to blame. However, after two years, she has done nothing about it. When over half of all calls to the CRA are blocked and 30% of callers are getting the wrong information, it seems clear to me that in-person service needs to be restored in rural areas. When will she face the facts and admit that nothing is more effective than in-person service?
Madam Speaker, I should set the record straight for my colleague opposite. It is not true that our soldiers have been subjected to pay cuts or lost income. We recently increased their pay by 6.34% and their allowances by 5.1%. We are giving injured soldiers a six-month grace period to help them get healthy again. We think that six-month grace period goes a long way toward smoothing the transition to normal pay levels.
Madam Speaker, the Liberals promised an open and transparent process, but we got a closed and opaque one instead.Five of the eight officer of Parliament positions are vacant. These positions are for watchdogs who serve all parliamentarians. We know nothing of the Liberals' plan or about the appointment process. Canadians are being kept in the dark. When we proposed a fair, open, and transparent appointment process, the Liberals voted us down.Why did the Liberals break this promise?
Madam Speaker, we are standing two blocks away from the longest skating rink in the world. Four blocks away at City Hall there is a lovely outdoor facility, however, the government sees nothing wrong with spending $5.6 million for a temporary rink on Parliament Hill. It works out to about 300 taxpayer dollars per spin. Now we hear it is going to be rebuilt in Ottawa. Will the minister at least commit to sending this rink to a community in the north where the season is long and the need is great?
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question.I know that things can be difficult for seasonal workers.Our government is committed to addressing this issue. We are in consultation right now with employers, with workers, with municipalities, and with jurisdictions that have coverage of the issue. We are consulting to make sure that a comprehensive response is possible. Seasonal workers, and those who face difficulties, even as we create 500,000 jobs and face regional challenges, are front of mind of the government, and in particular the minister, who is addressing the issue with his counterparts in the province.
Madam Speaker, let us compare what the NDP promised and what the Liberals are now delivering.The NDP, in the last election, promised to repair 50,000 units of housing; we are going to do 300,000 units. On providing the operating agreements, the NDP was going to renew 365,000; we are doing 385,000 operating agreements. Let us talk about new housing. The NDP promised 10,000 units over four years; we are doing 100,000 over 10 years. When it comes to new subsidies, zero from the NDP; 300,000 from this party.If the member is going to call something timid, I am going to call something meek. That was meek
Madam Speaker, in our political system the Minister of Finance is the most important person in cabinet, along with the Prime Minister, naturally. The Minister of Finance must be above all suspicion because he is very important and Canadians want to have faith in him.Unfortunately, the current Minister of Finance is lacking on that account because we know that he is currently under investigation and that he was found guilty and paid a fine. He only takes action when cornered.Will the Minister of Finance finally tell Canadians the truth about his private numbered companies?
Madam Speaker, dozens of other countries have implemented the same measures. Passenger safety is a serious matter for all of us. These measures have been implemented by France, Great Britain, Germany, New Zealand, Italy, Russia, Iceland, Ireland, Spain, Austria, Hungary, Greece, Belgium, and others. We are certain that safety
Madam Speaker, the numbers have been published already.Canada works constantly with all of our allies, the Five Eyes, G7, Interpol, and others to know as much as we possibly can about every threat. Our Canadian agencies constantly assess and reassess all the data to be effective and current in keeping Canadians safe and they respond with a full suite of measures, investigations, surveillance, marshalling evidence, lifting passports, no-fly lists, threat reduction initiatives, and criminal proceedings wherever that is possible.
Madam Speaker, I rise on a question of privilege. It relates to the comments made by the MP for SkeenaBulkley Valley today, who reminded this House that the government is about to appoint an official languages commissioner. I would refer you to the point I raised on May 31 in this House, which was talked about again on June 6. I have yet to receive a decision from the Chair on that question of privilege with respect to contempt on the part of the Minister of Canadian Heritage.In those references, we provided prima facie evidence of contempt, where the evidence of Madame Meilleur, who was considered for a time as a person for the official languages post, conflicted directly with the remarks of the Minister of Canadian Heritage in this place on May 31. On June 6, there was additional information for the Speaker to consider. I would also say that there is news from November 17 that suggests that a senior advisor in the minister's office, who had also worked at Queen's Park in the Ontario legislature, with respect to Madame Meilleur and senior PMO officials, directly contradicts what the Minister of Canadian Heritage told this House with respect to the appointment of an official languages commissioner.There is no timeline on when the Speaker needs to respond to a question of privilege or a point of order. However, in light of the fact this was raised in May, and we are likely days away from a new person being named as the official languages commissioner, it is an additional question of privilege for me as a member that my previous question of privilege be addressed before this new person is appointed. The minister's actions with respect to the appointment process, both originally and now, are suspect and in contempt of my privileges as a member. I would like that determination from the original May 31 question of privilege to be addressed before the government proceeds with its next appointment. Therefore, I am asking you for that decision with respect to my May 31 point to be accelerated, so that the matter can be addressed in due course.
Madam Speaker, last week, the International Union for Conservation of Nature called Wood Buffalo National Park one of the most threatened world heritage sites in North America. They affirmed what UNESCO has already found. Canada's largest national park is threatened by federal government neglect and resource development.UNESCO gave the government until February 2018 to respond to its report, but with the deadline approaching, Canadians have not heard anything. This is a black eye for Canada on the world stage. What will the government do to save this critically important park?
Madam Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. While travelling my riding, constituents have expressed concern about carbon pricing and how it will increase our already high cost of living. The minister is aware that Nunavut is totally reliant on fossil fuels. Despite this, Nunavut's carbon footprint is only one-tenth of one per cent of Canada's carbon footprint. The Government of Canada has committed to designing a solution that accounts for our unique nature when developing carbon pricing exemptions and regulations. My question is, are there specific exemptions and regulations being developed for Nunavut?
Madam Speaker, it has been two years since the minister gutted the First Nations Financial Transparency Act. Now, Harrison Thunderchild has reluctantly taken his leadership in the community to court around their lack of disclosure. He told the National Post, Every level of government has that expectation to be transparent and accountable. First Nations should not be any different...The minister promised a new system two years ago. When is she going to deliver?
Madam Speaker, for too long, administrative shortfalls have left shoreline communities struggling unaided to dispose of abandoned vessels. In Beauharnois, many environmental concerns have been expressed about the Kathryn Spirit. We are talking about tens of tonnes of hazardous materials and contaminated water. The Liberals' Bill C-64 fails to properly address the problem of vessels being left to rot for years in shoreline communities.Will the Liberals finally work with these communities and with the NDP by debating Bill C-352 in order to fill the gaps in their own bill?
Madam Speaker, the Liberals claim to be following and watching terrorists. They also claim to support and respect the members of the Canadian Armed Forces, but the Liberals are cutting the pay of our brave soldiers who have served in some of the most dangerous missions in the world while at the same time pandering to Canadian ISIS terrorists by giving them taxpayer-funded reintegration programs.Why are the Liberals choosing Canadian terrorists over the brave women and men who have fought against them?
Madam Speaker, my colleague was not talking about the fight against ISIS. He was talking about how this government is treating our serving military members. Its treatment of them is callous. It is turning its back on our veterans and even now threatening to cut the monthly allowance for injured soldiers. The Liberals are proposing a state-funded program for radicalized terrorists, but they are not even providing a similar level of service to law-abiding Canadian citizens.Why should terrorists who fought against our country be entitled to free reintegration services even as the Liberals abandon our own veterans and serving military members?
Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. member opposite for his advocacy on parks and protected areas. We understand the importance of protecting Wood Buffalo National Park and we welcome the review by UNESCO. We are working very hard, including with the indigenous communities within the park, and we will continue to do so.
Madam Speaker, the only assets the finance minister grew were his own, and on a commission, too. Uncovering the assets of the finance minister has been an ethics riddle that we have not been able to figure out, so riddle me this. We're exempt from tax hikes of the everyday sort. You won't find us in a parliamentary disclosure report. What are we? Why, we're the finance minister's private holdings, of course.Will the finance minister help us solve this ethics riddle and tell us what is in those private holdings?
Madam Speaker, Canada's 105th Grey Cup will be played this weekend here in the national capital region. We will get to see Toronto take on Calgary in a game that will hopefully be as gripping as last year's.Certainly several thousands of young people from across the country will watch it on TV and see some of the best athletes competing.Could the Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities tell us about the inspiration these events provide to young people?
Madam Speaker, as I said many times, every member and every minister is expected to work with the Ethics Commissioner, the institution responsible for ensuring respect for the integrity of this place. The Minister of Finance did that. He said he would go even further and put all his assets in a blind trust and divest himself of his shares in Morneau Shepell, as my opposition colleague mentioned.He continues to work for Canadians, as he has done brilliantly for the past two years, having produced phenomenal economic growth in Canada, reduced inequalities, and introduced the Canada child benefit, which is helping some 20,000 children in my colleague's riding.While they focus on the Minister of Finance, we are focusing on Canadians.
Mr. Speaker, for years, we watched the Conservatives chip away at the institutions of Parliament, so I am not surprised in the least to hear the opposition member attack a measure that the Ethics Commissioner herself deemed the best possible way to comply with the guidelines. None of us should be surprised.We on this side of the House believe in the institutions of Parliament and the Ethics Commissioner. The Minister of Finance has been working with her from day one, and he will continue to do so.
Madam Speaker, the minister claims the ethics screen and counsel by the Ethics Commissioner prevented him from breaking the rules, but obviously that is not true because the Ethics Commissioner fined the minister for breaking the rules.The screen is supposed to block the minister from meetings or discussions that could be a conflict. Who did the minister pick to administer the screen? His chief of staff, his most senior, closest and political assistant who is hired by the minister, reports to the minister, and can be fired by the minister.Do the Liberals not even see the conflicts within their own conflicts?
Madam Speaker, there is a lot to that question.If the hon. member across the way is talking about a specific case, he knows full well that I cannot comment on individual cases. If he is talking about asylum seekers at the border, we are currently putting on awareness activities in the United States to ensure that people know that Canadian laws must be respected.If the hon. member across the way is talking about a specific case, I would be happy to discuss it with him.
Madam Speaker, this sounds like an episode of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.A rich businessman wonders how he can grow his fortune and realizes that requires amending some laws. Since the government does not want to do it, he runs for office and becomes the Liberal finance minister. He introduces Bill C-27, and lo and behold, it works and he rakes in the dough.Except, oops, the minister gets caught by the media, the Ethics Commissioner, and the opposition. He sells his shares, gets the profits, donates them to charity, and will get a generous tax refund.The Minister of Finance has lost the trust of Canadians. When will he come down to earth and come clean on all of his financial affairs?
Madam Speaker, our government announced a national housing strategy that will be very transformative. By enshrining the right to housing for all Canadians into this strategy, the government is playing a key role in reducing homelessness and poverty.Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development share with this House how seniors like those in my riding of MississaugaLakeshore, who are advocating for more affordable housing, will benefit from this new strategy?
Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister was very clear that one homeless person was one homeless person too many. We have a strategy, a $40 billion strategy over the next 10 years. It is going to reduce chronic homelessness, episodic homelessness, and the vulnerabilities that people find themselves in across the country.The new Canada housing benefit will address 300,000 people and will prevent people from swelling the ranks of the homeless. We have a strategy, which we doubled in our first year, a $2.2 billion strategy that is being reprofiled in consultation with people with lived experiences, community organizations, municipalities, and provinces and territories. We will attack this issue. If we can do better than half, we will do everything in our power to achieve that.
Madam Speaker, the Liberals keep blaming the Ethics Commissioner when they break the rules. They say she is there to safeguard the integrity of the House. However, I think Canadians send MPs here to always stand up for their best interests, trusting we all know how to follow the rules and that we are ethical. Instead, the finance minister designed Bill C-27, which will enrich his billion dollar family business. He is now one of three Liberals, including the Prime Minister, under investigation by the Ethics Commissioner. Do the Liberals actually know the difference between right and wrong?
Madam Speaker, the tax strategy that we have put forward to reduce inequalities in this country and to make sure that the middle class has more money is to increase taxes on the wealthiest 1% and to lower them for nine million Canadians, a measure the Conservatives voted against. We came forward with the Canada child benefit that is lifting 300,000 kids out of poverty in this country, reducing child poverty by 40%, a measure they voted against. What we have also done is look back at measures they put forward, such as doubling the TFSA limit and income splitting for families, which we know benefited the 5% or 10% of the wealthiest Canadians.
Madam Speaker, the Minister of Finance has always told the Ethics Commissioner the truth. When the minister arrived in Ottawa, the Ethics Commissioner recommended that he put in place a conflict of interest screen, a measure that was good enough for the opposition ministers and the Conservative government ministers, when the Conservatives were in office. The Minister of Finance continues to work with the Ethics Commissioner to ensure compliance with all the rules, something that is expected of all ministers and all parliamentarians.
Madam Speaker, I rise on the same point of order. I would ask that if you are going to consider any new information with respect to this matter that we be notified as well, and that we be able to respond in this place.
Madam Speaker, the Liberals promised in the last election that if they became the government, the rich would pay more. In fact, a financial report provided by the government for the 2016-17 tax year shows that the wealthiest Canadians paid $1.2 billion less in income tax as a result of the measures the government instituted. In fact, it says that high-income individuals aimed to recognize income in the 2015 tax year, before the new 33% tax rate came into effect. What kind of tax strategies did these wealthy Canadians use to declare that income a year earlier?
Madam Speaker, I wish to seek consent for the following motion: That this House call upon the government to review its method for determining eligibility for employment insurance benefits in order to better meet the needs of seasonal workers, whose jobs are important for the economy of the various regions of Quebec.
Madam Speaker, we know that protecting our oceans is absolutely essential. That is why we introduced the oceans protection plan. As part of that oceans protection plan, we also introduced the wrecked, abandoned, or hazardous vessels act. This is a long-term, comprehensive, integrated plan to address the issue, and Canadians deserve no less.
Madam Speaker, yesterday the minister said that the number of ISIS fighters in Canada that he has been citing is essentially accurate. Well, being essentially accurate is not going to keep Canadians safe or bring justice to the victims of these criminals.I will ask the minister once again. How can he claim to be surveilling all ISIS fighters in Canada if he is using two-year-old data, or is he claiming that no new terrorists have entered Canada in the last two years, or is he admitting that there are terrorists that he is no longer watching?
Madam Speaker, on December 7, 2015, the markets learned that at the end of that year, the rate of taxation on the highest earners would go up to 33%. As a result, many started to sell their shares before the rate went up so that their capital gains would be realized before the change in the tax rate. As a result, in the week following that December 7 announcement, the stock market dropped by 5%. Did the finance minister anticipate this reaction?
Madam Speaker, the focus of many in the stock market was to sell their shares after the December 7 announcement this minister made in order to realize any capital gains in the 2015 year, before the tax rate went up. As a result, the stock market in Canada dropped 5% subsequent to the minister's announcement on December 7.I ask again, did the finance minister anticipate that the markets would react in this way to his December 7 announcement?
Madam Speaker, our two official languages are at the heart of who we are as Canadians. We are committed to finding the best person for the important position of official languages commissioner. Our government promised Canadians a rigorous, open, and transparent merit-based process for public appointments, and we are keeping with that commitment. An announcement will be made in due course.
Madam Speaker, I want to thank my colleague from MississaugaStreetsville for his advocacy.During the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, we reflect on the causes and costs of gender-based violence. This year's theme, my actions matter, is a call to action to take concrete steps, to recognize, to call out, and to speak up against acts of gender-based violence.We are proud to partner with the CFL to promote anti-violence measures at the 105th Grey Cup right here in Ottawa. I encourage everyone to join them and take a pledge to end gender-based violence.
Madam Speaker, our negotiating position is clear, and we will defend and maintain the elements of NAFTA that Canadians know are central to our national interest. We are negotiating in good faith with our partners, but we cannot and will not accept proposals that put Canadian jobs at risk and do harm to our economy.By the way, I would just like to add, in terms of jobs, our government has added half a million jobs in the last two years, and our GDP is the best of all the G7. We will always defend Canadians' national interests and Canadian values.
Madam Speaker, on the difference between right and wrong, I would ask that question of the 10 years of the Harper Conservatives when they doubled the TFSA limit that benefited the 3% wealthiest; when they scrapped our environmental protection laws in the country; when they disrespected institutions of this Parliament; and when they disrespected the Supreme Court? That is a question Canadians ask every day about the previous Harper Conservatives.On this side, the finance minister, as well as our government, has worked in the best interests of Canadians, reducing taxes for nine million Canadians, reducing inequalities in the country, and we are proud of that record.
Madam Speaker, I can attest to witnessing first-hand the actions of the member from MississaugaLakeshore and his commitment to seniors and seniors housing. I attended a massive town hall with him as part of the consultations that led to the rollout of the national housing strategy. Part of the strategy that spoke most strongly to the issue he has raised around seniors is the new Canada housing benefit. It will allow us to help seniors age in place, target them in particular for support, and make sure that their lives are conducted with dignity. It also builds on the CPP and GIS reforms that we have put in place. Seniors matter, housing matters, and that member's work on this has been absolutely fantastic.
Madam Speaker, for 105 years CFL athletes have been inspiring our kids to participate in sports. Kids have dreamed of emulating their CFL heroes, from Jackie Parker to Jon Cornish, from Bruce Covernton to Ricky Ray, from Dave Sapunjis to S.J. Green. This is important, because we want kids to live active, healthy lives and to dream big and be proud of who they are.I am proud of our CFL athletes, teams, and organizations but on Sunday, I will be cheering for my hometown Calgary Stampeders. Go Stamps Go.
Madam Speaker, I will tell members who had lost faith in the ability of anyone to do their job. Canadians had lost faith in the ability of the Conservatives to do their job when it came to managing the economy. That is why they voted them out. In fact, they were right, because they mismanaged the economy for 10 years. Our finance minister has managed to create 500,000 jobs in the last two years, most of them full time, and has generated the best growth in the G7, meanwhile reducing inequalities. Those are all the things the Conservatives were never able to achieve.
Madam Speaker, here is the fact. It was our Conservative government that passed the laws that will allow these criminals to be punished. It is the $300 million that we directed to counterterrorism that is helping law enforcement officials do their jobs today. By contrast, the Liberal government's response to these terrorists has been to weaken these laws, provide funding for integration support for these criminals, and hide their numbers from Canadians. He is dancing. Why will the minister not tell Canadians how many ISIS fighters have returned to Canada in the last two years, and how many are under 24-hour surveillance?
Madam Speaker, as we committed to Canadians, we have a process that is open, transparent, and merit-based. All available positions are online, and we always encourage Canadians to apply. What is interesting is that we endeavour to always work with all members in this place. We know that Canadians have a place. We know that officers of Parliament are independent. We want to ensure we pick the best people. That is why we consider many different factors. I encourage Canadians to consider applying.
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his advocacy on behalf of Nunavummiuts. We know that northerners are on the front lines of climate change. I saw this directly when I was in the high Arctic this summer. I heard of Inuit hunters falling through the ice because they can no longer tell the thickness of the ice. Our climate plan understands that we need to be working with northerners, that we need to develop unique situations. We are committed to working with our partners in the north on carbon pricing, and I am happy to say that we are sharing results of a study that we conducted right now
Madam Speaker, my colleague from Louis-Saint-Laurent is an experienced parliamentarian who knows that, in Parliament, we have institutions responsible for maintaining the integrity of Parliament.The expectation is that ministers and all parliamentarians will work with the Ethics Commissioner by disclosing their assets to her so she can provide guidance as to how they can fully comply with the rules that govern us in the House.That is what the Minister of Finance did upon arriving in Ottawa. He has always been and continues to be completely open with the Ethics Commissioner. He has always followed her recommendations and now he is doing even more.
Mr. Speaker, as I said, I am not surprised that the Conservatives are questioning the judgment of the Ethics Commissioner, who is doing her work in a non-partisan and independent manner. She recommended that a conflict of interest screen be put in place as she believed that it was the best possible measure of compliance. This measure was good enough for the Conservative ministers at the time and the Ethics Commissioner believed it to be the best measure of compliance.On this side of the House, we work with the Ethics Commissioner, we will always do so, and that is what the Minister of Finance did and will continue to do.
Madam Speaker, the member has been in this place much longer than I have. He knows we endeavour to always work with all members of Parliament. That is why any constructive feedback is always welcome. We have introduced an open, transparent, merit-based process. We know that many Canadians have considered applying. However, it will take all members of Parliament wanting these institutions to be successful. Every member of Parliament will need to go above and beyond. All we hear from the opposition is criticism rather than constructive ideas to make the system better.
Mr. Speaker, the media is saying that the Liberal Party's chief bagman is sheltering money in tax havens. The Liberal government continues to add to Canadians' tax burden while its powerful friends get a free ride in those tax havens.In light of these new revelations, is the Prime Minister still happy with his situation? Is he still protecting his billionaire Liberal friend?
Madam Speaker, of course we are really delighted with this new project.If my colleague had listened to what I have said in the past, this rink will be given to a community in need afterwards. Meanwhile, Canadians will have until February to enjoy the great Winterlude and also this important infrastructure.I hope I will have the chance to go on the ice and enjoy ice-skating with her. This is a great way to celebrate Canada 150.
Madam Speaker, as the member knows, we have institutions in this place that are there to safeguard the integrity of Parliament. We trust the Ethics Commissioner's ability and impartiality to do her job. That is why, when the finance minister arrived in Ottawa, he disclosed his assets to the Ethics Commissioner and worked with her to make sure all rules were followed. She recommended putting in place a conflict of interest screen, which she deemed to be the best measure of compliance possible. That has been in place since the very beginning. The finance minister will continue to work with the Ethics Commissioner.
Madam Speaker, I hope my colleague has recognized that we are on a journey of reconciliation.Our renewed relationship with indigenous peoples is based on a recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership. It is in that context that we are doing work to establish a new fiscal relationship with indigenous peoples. We are consulting in terms of how we can develop better systems of mutual accountability. I would be happy to hear any recommendations to that end.
Madam Speaker, we will always endeavour to work in the best interests of all Canadians. That is why this government has taken historic levels of consultations. Every member of Parliament is here to represent the best interests of his or her constituents, and we appreciate hearing the diversity of those voices.When it comes to our appointment process, it is an open, transparent, merit-based appointment process. Available positions are online, and I encourage Canadians to apply.
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Madam Speaker, we will always endeavour to work in the best interests of all Canadians. That is why this government has taken historic levels of consultations. Every member of Parliament is here to represent the best interests of his or her constituents, and we appreciate hearing the diversity of those voices.When it comes to our appointment process, it is an open, transparent, merit-based appointment process. Available positions are online, and I encourage Canadians to apply.
Madam Speaker, I hope my colleague has recognized that we are on a journey of reconciliation.Our renewed relationship with indigenous peoples is based on a recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership. It is in that context that we are doing work to establish a new fiscal relationship with indigenous peoples. We are consulting in terms of how we can develop better systems of mutual accountability. I would be happy to hear any recommendations to that end.
Madam Speaker, as the member knows, we have institutions in this place that are there to safeguard the integrity of Parliament. We trust the Ethics Commissioner's ability and impartiality to do her job. That is why, when the finance minister arrived in Ottawa, he disclosed his assets to the Ethics Commissioner and worked with her to make sure all rules were followed. She recommended putting in place a conflict of interest screen, which she deemed to be the best measure of compliance possible. That has been in place since the very beginning. The finance minister will continue to work with the Ethics Commissioner.
Madam Speaker, of course we are really delighted with this new project.If my colleague had listened to what I have said in the past, this rink will be given to a community in need afterwards. Meanwhile, Canadians will have until February to enjoy the great Winterlude and also this important infrastructure.I hope I will have the chance to go on the ice and enjoy ice-skating with her. This is a great way to celebrate Canada 150.
Mr. Speaker, the media is saying that the Liberal Party's chief bagman is sheltering money in tax havens. The Liberal government continues to add to Canadians' tax burden while its powerful friends get a free ride in those tax havens.In light of these new revelations, is the Prime Minister still happy with his situation? Is he still protecting his billionaire Liberal friend?
Madam Speaker, the member has been in this place much longer than I have. He knows we endeavour to always work with all members of Parliament. That is why any constructive feedback is always welcome. We have introduced an open, transparent, merit-based process. We know that many Canadians have considered applying. However, it will take all members of Parliament wanting these institutions to be successful. Every member of Parliament will need to go above and beyond. All we hear from the opposition is criticism rather than constructive ideas to make the system better.
Mr. Speaker, as I said, I am not surprised that the Conservatives are questioning the judgment of the Ethics Commissioner, who is doing her work in a non-partisan and independent manner. She recommended that a conflict of interest screen be put in place as she believed that it was the best possible measure of compliance. This measure was good enough for the Conservative ministers at the time and the Ethics Commissioner believed it to be the best measure of compliance.On this side of the House, we work with the Ethics Commissioner, we will always do so, and that is what the Minister of Finance did and will continue to do.
Madam Speaker, my colleague from Louis-Saint-Laurent is an experienced parliamentarian who knows that, in Parliament, we have institutions responsible for maintaining the integrity of Parliament.The expectation is that ministers and all parliamentarians will work with the Ethics Commissioner by disclosing their assets to her so she can provide guidance as to how they can fully comply with the rules that govern us in the House.That is what the Minister of Finance did upon arriving in Ottawa. He has always been and continues to be completely open with the Ethics Commissioner. He has always followed her recommendations and now he is doing even more.
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his advocacy on behalf of Nunavummiuts. We know that northerners are on the front lines of climate change. I saw this directly when I was in the high Arctic this summer. I heard of Inuit hunters falling through the ice because they can no longer tell the thickness of the ice. Our climate plan understands that we need to be working with northerners, that we need to develop unique situations. We are committed to working with our partners in the north on carbon pricing, and I am happy to say that we are sharing results of a study that we conducted right now
Madam Speaker, as we committed to Canadians, we have a process that is open, transparent, and merit-based. All available positions are online, and we always encourage Canadians to apply. What is interesting is that we endeavour to always work with all members in this place. We know that Canadians have a place. We know that officers of Parliament are independent. We want to ensure we pick the best people. That is why we consider many different factors. I encourage Canadians to consider applying.
Madam Speaker, here is the fact. It was our Conservative government that passed the laws that will allow these criminals to be punished. It is the $300 million that we directed to counterterrorism that is helping law enforcement officials do their jobs today. By contrast, the Liberal government's response to these terrorists has been to weaken these laws, provide funding for integration support for these criminals, and hide their numbers from Canadians. He is dancing. Why will the minister not tell Canadians how many ISIS fighters have returned to Canada in the last two years, and how many are under 24-hour surveillance?
Madam Speaker, I will tell members who had lost faith in the ability of anyone to do their job. Canadians had lost faith in the ability of the Conservatives to do their job when it came to managing the economy. That is why they voted them out. In fact, they were right, because they mismanaged the economy for 10 years. Our finance minister has managed to create 500,000 jobs in the last two years, most of them full time, and has generated the best growth in the G7, meanwhile reducing inequalities. Those are all the things the Conservatives were never able to achieve.
Madam Speaker, for 105 years CFL athletes have been inspiring our kids to participate in sports. Kids have dreamed of emulating their CFL heroes, from Jackie Parker to Jon Cornish, from Bruce Covernton to Ricky Ray, from Dave Sapunjis to S.J. Green. This is important, because we want kids to live active, healthy lives and to dream big and be proud of who they are.I am proud of our CFL athletes, teams, and organizations but on Sunday, I will be cheering for my hometown Calgary Stampeders. Go Stamps Go.
Madam Speaker, I can attest to witnessing first-hand the actions of the member from MississaugaLakeshore and his commitment to seniors and seniors housing. I attended a massive town hall with him as part of the consultations that led to the rollout of the national housing strategy. Part of the strategy that spoke most strongly to the issue he has raised around seniors is the new Canada housing benefit. It will allow us to help seniors age in place, target them in particular for support, and make sure that their lives are conducted with dignity. It also builds on the CPP and GIS reforms that we have put in place. Seniors matter, housing matters, and that member's work on this has been absolutely fantastic.
Madam Speaker, on the difference between right and wrong, I would ask that question of the 10 years of the Harper Conservatives when they doubled the TFSA limit that benefited the 3% wealthiest; when they scrapped our environmental protection laws in the country; when they disrespected institutions of this Parliament; and when they disrespected the Supreme Court? That is a question Canadians ask every day about the previous Harper Conservatives.On this side, the finance minister, as well as our government, has worked in the best interests of Canadians, reducing taxes for nine million Canadians, reducing inequalities in the country, and we are proud of that record.
Madam Speaker, our negotiating position is clear, and we will defend and maintain the elements of NAFTA that Canadians know are central to our national interest. We are negotiating in good faith with our partners, but we cannot and will not accept proposals that put Canadian jobs at risk and do harm to our economy.By the way, I would just like to add, in terms of jobs, our government has added half a million jobs in the last two years, and our GDP is the best of all the G7. We will always defend Canadians' national interests and Canadian values.
Madam Speaker, I want to thank my colleague from MississaugaStreetsville for his advocacy.During the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, we reflect on the causes and costs of gender-based violence. This year's theme, my actions matter, is a call to action to take concrete steps, to recognize, to call out, and to speak up against acts of gender-based violence.We are proud to partner with the CFL to promote anti-violence measures at the 105th Grey Cup right here in Ottawa. I encourage everyone to join them and take a pledge to end gender-based violence.
Madam Speaker, our two official languages are at the heart of who we are as Canadians. We are committed to finding the best person for the important position of official languages commissioner. Our government promised Canadians a rigorous, open, and transparent merit-based process for public appointments, and we are keeping with that commitment. An announcement will be made in due course.
Madam Speaker, on December 7, 2015, the markets learned that at the end of that year, the rate of taxation on the highest earners would go up to 33%. As a result, many started to sell their shares before the rate went up so that their capital gains would be realized before the change in the tax rate. As a result, in the week following that December 7 announcement, the stock market dropped by 5%. Did the finance minister anticipate this reaction?
Madam Speaker, the focus of many in the stock market was to sell their shares after the December 7 announcement this minister made in order to realize any capital gains in the 2015 year, before the tax rate went up. As a result, the stock market in Canada dropped 5% subsequent to the minister's announcement on December 7.I ask again, did the finance minister anticipate that the markets would react in this way to his December 7 announcement?
Madam Speaker, yesterday the minister said that the number of ISIS fighters in Canada that he has been citing is essentially accurate. Well, being essentially accurate is not going to keep Canadians safe or bring justice to the victims of these criminals.I will ask the minister once again. How can he claim to be surveilling all ISIS fighters in Canada if he is using two-year-old data, or is he claiming that no new terrorists have entered Canada in the last two years, or is he admitting that there are terrorists that he is no longer watching?
Madam Speaker, we know that protecting our oceans is absolutely essential. That is why we introduced the oceans protection plan. As part of that oceans protection plan, we also introduced the wrecked, abandoned, or hazardous vessels act. This is a long-term, comprehensive, integrated plan to address the issue, and Canadians deserve no less.
Madam Speaker, I wish to seek consent for the following motion: That this House call upon the government to review its method for determining eligibility for employment insurance benefits in order to better meet the needs of seasonal workers, whose jobs are important for the economy of the various regions of Quebec.
Madam Speaker, the Liberals promised in the last election that if they became the government, the rich would pay more. In fact, a financial report provided by the government for the 2016-17 tax year shows that the wealthiest Canadians paid $1.2 billion less in income tax as a result of the measures the government instituted. In fact, it says that high-income individuals aimed to recognize income in the 2015 tax year, before the new 33% tax rate came into effect. What kind of tax strategies did these wealthy Canadians use to declare that income a year earlier?
Madam Speaker, I rise on the same point of order. I would ask that if you are going to consider any new information with respect to this matter that we be notified as well, and that we be able to respond in this place.
Madam Speaker, the tax strategy that we have put forward to reduce inequalities in this country and to make sure that the middle class has more money is to increase taxes on the wealthiest 1% and to lower them for nine million Canadians, a measure the Conservatives voted against. We came forward with the Canada child benefit that is lifting 300,000 kids out of poverty in this country, reducing child poverty by 40%, a measure they voted against. What we have also done is look back at measures they put forward, such as doubling the TFSA limit and income splitting for families, which we know benefited the 5% or 10% of the wealthiest Canadians.
Madam Speaker, the Minister of Finance has always told the Ethics Commissioner the truth. When the minister arrived in Ottawa, the Ethics Commissioner recommended that he put in place a conflict of interest screen, a measure that was good enough for the opposition ministers and the Conservative government ministers, when the Conservatives were in office. The Minister of Finance continues to work with the Ethics Commissioner to ensure compliance with all the rules, something that is expected of all ministers and all parliamentarians.
Madam Speaker, the Liberals keep blaming the Ethics Commissioner when they break the rules. They say she is there to safeguard the integrity of the House. However, I think Canadians send MPs here to always stand up for their best interests, trusting we all know how to follow the rules and that we are ethical. Instead, the finance minister designed Bill C-27, which will enrich his billion dollar family business. He is now one of three Liberals, including the Prime Minister, under investigation by the Ethics Commissioner. Do the Liberals actually know the difference between right and wrong?
Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister was very clear that one homeless person was one homeless person too many. We have a strategy, a $40 billion strategy over the next 10 years. It is going to reduce chronic homelessness, episodic homelessness, and the vulnerabilities that people find themselves in across the country.The new Canada housing benefit will address 300,000 people and will prevent people from swelling the ranks of the homeless. We have a strategy, which we doubled in our first year, a $2.2 billion strategy that is being reprofiled in consultation with people with lived experiences, community organizations, municipalities, and provinces and territories. We will attack this issue. If we can do better than half, we will do everything in our power to achieve that.
Madam Speaker, our government announced a national housing strategy that will be very transformative. By enshrining the right to housing for all Canadians into this strategy, the government is playing a key role in reducing homelessness and poverty.Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development share with this House how seniors like those in my riding of MississaugaLakeshore, who are advocating for more affordable housing, will benefit from this new strategy?
Madam Speaker, this sounds like an episode of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.A rich businessman wonders how he can grow his fortune and realizes that requires amending some laws. Since the government does not want to do it, he runs for office and becomes the Liberal finance minister. He introduces Bill C-27, and lo and behold, it works and he rakes in the dough.Except, oops, the minister gets caught by the media, the Ethics Commissioner, and the opposition. He sells his shares, gets the profits, donates them to charity, and will get a generous tax refund.The Minister of Finance has lost the trust of Canadians. When will he come down to earth and come clean on all of his financial affairs?
Madam Speaker, there is a lot to that question.If the hon. member across the way is talking about a specific case, he knows full well that I cannot comment on individual cases. If he is talking about asylum seekers at the border, we are currently putting on awareness activities in the United States to ensure that people know that Canadian laws must be respected.If the hon. member across the way is talking about a specific case, I would be happy to discuss it with him.
Madam Speaker, the minister claims the ethics screen and counsel by the Ethics Commissioner prevented him from breaking the rules, but obviously that is not true because the Ethics Commissioner fined the minister for breaking the rules.The screen is supposed to block the minister from meetings or discussions that could be a conflict. Who did the minister pick to administer the screen? His chief of staff, his most senior, closest and political assistant who is hired by the minister, reports to the minister, and can be fired by the minister.Do the Liberals not even see the conflicts within their own conflicts?
Mr. Speaker, for years, we watched the Conservatives chip away at the institutions of Parliament, so I am not surprised in the least to hear the opposition member attack a measure that the Ethics Commissioner herself deemed the best possible way to comply with the guidelines. None of us should be surprised.We on this side of the House believe in the institutions of Parliament and the Ethics Commissioner. The Minister of Finance has been working with her from day one, and he will continue to do so.
Madam Speaker, as I said many times, every member and every minister is expected to work with the Ethics Commissioner, the institution responsible for ensuring respect for the integrity of this place. The Minister of Finance did that. He said he would go even further and put all his assets in a blind trust and divest himself of his shares in Morneau Shepell, as my opposition colleague mentioned.He continues to work for Canadians, as he has done brilliantly for the past two years, having produced phenomenal economic growth in Canada, reduced inequalities, and introduced the Canada child benefit, which is helping some 20,000 children in my colleague's riding.While they focus on the Minister of Finance, we are focusing on Canadians.
Madam Speaker, Canada's 105th Grey Cup will be played this weekend here in the national capital region. We will get to see Toronto take on Calgary in a game that will hopefully be as gripping as last year's.Certainly several thousands of young people from across the country will watch it on TV and see some of the best athletes competing.Could the Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities tell us about the inspiration these events provide to young people?
Madam Speaker, the only assets the finance minister grew were his own, and on a commission, too. Uncovering the assets of the finance minister has been an ethics riddle that we have not been able to figure out, so riddle me this. We're exempt from tax hikes of the everyday sort. You won't find us in a parliamentary disclosure report. What are we? Why, we're the finance minister's private holdings, of course.Will the finance minister help us solve this ethics riddle and tell us what is in those private holdings?
Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. member opposite for his advocacy on parks and protected areas. We understand the importance of protecting Wood Buffalo National Park and we welcome the review by UNESCO. We are working very hard, including with the indigenous communities within the park, and we will continue to do so.
Madam Speaker, my colleague was not talking about the fight against ISIS. He was talking about how this government is treating our serving military members. Its treatment of them is callous. It is turning its back on our veterans and even now threatening to cut the monthly allowance for injured soldiers. The Liberals are proposing a state-funded program for radicalized terrorists, but they are not even providing a similar level of service to law-abiding Canadian citizens.Why should terrorists who fought against our country be entitled to free reintegration services even as the Liberals abandon our own veterans and serving military members?
Madam Speaker, the Liberals claim to be following and watching terrorists. They also claim to support and respect the members of the Canadian Armed Forces, but the Liberals are cutting the pay of our brave soldiers who have served in some of the most dangerous missions in the world while at the same time pandering to Canadian ISIS terrorists by giving them taxpayer-funded reintegration programs.Why are the Liberals choosing Canadian terrorists over the brave women and men who have fought against them?
Madam Speaker, for too long, administrative shortfalls have left shoreline communities struggling unaided to dispose of abandoned vessels. In Beauharnois, many environmental concerns have been expressed about the Kathryn Spirit. We are talking about tens of tonnes of hazardous materials and contaminated water. The Liberals' Bill C-64 fails to properly address the problem of vessels being left to rot for years in shoreline communities.Will the Liberals finally work with these communities and with the NDP by debating Bill C-352 in order to fill the gaps in their own bill?
Madam Speaker, it has been two years since the minister gutted the First Nations Financial Transparency Act. Now, Harrison Thunderchild has reluctantly taken his leadership in the community to court around their lack of disclosure. He told the National Post, Every level of government has that expectation to be transparent and accountable. First Nations should not be any different...The minister promised a new system two years ago. When is she going to deliver?
Madam Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. While travelling my riding, constituents have expressed concern about carbon pricing and how it will increase our already high cost of living. The minister is aware that Nunavut is totally reliant on fossil fuels. Despite this, Nunavut's carbon footprint is only one-tenth of one per cent of Canada's carbon footprint. The Government of Canada has committed to designing a solution that accounts for our unique nature when developing carbon pricing exemptions and regulations. My question is, are there specific exemptions and regulations being developed for Nunavut?
Madam Speaker, last week, the International Union for Conservation of Nature called Wood Buffalo National Park one of the most threatened world heritage sites in North America. They affirmed what UNESCO has already found. Canada's largest national park is threatened by federal government neglect and resource development.UNESCO gave the government until February 2018 to respond to its report, but with the deadline approaching, Canadians have not heard anything. This is a black eye for Canada on the world stage. What will the government do to save this critically important park?
Madam Speaker, I rise on a question of privilege. It relates to the comments made by the MP for SkeenaBulkley Valley today, who reminded this House that the government is about to appoint an official languages commissioner. I would refer you to the point I raised on May 31 in this House, which was talked about again on June 6. I have yet to receive a decision from the Chair on that question of privilege with respect to contempt on the part of the Minister of Canadian Heritage.In those references, we provided prima facie evidence of contempt, where the evidence of Madame Meilleur, who was considered for a time as a person for the official languages post, conflicted directly with the remarks of the Minister of Canadian Heritage in this place on May 31. On June 6, there was additional information for the Speaker to consider. I would also say that there is news from November 17 that suggests that a senior advisor in the minister's office, who had also worked at Queen's Park in the Ontario legislature, with respect to Madame Meilleur and senior PMO officials, directly contradicts what the Minister of Canadian Heritage told this House with respect to the appointment of an official languages commissioner.There is no timeline on when the Speaker needs to respond to a question of privilege or a point of order. However, in light of the fact this was raised in May, and we are likely days away from a new person being named as the official languages commissioner, it is an additional question of privilege for me as a member that my previous question of privilege be addressed before this new person is appointed. The minister's actions with respect to the appointment process, both originally and now, are suspect and in contempt of my privileges as a member. I would like that determination from the original May 31 question of privilege to be addressed before the government proceeds with its next appointment. Therefore, I am asking you for that decision with respect to my May 31 point to be accelerated, so that the matter can be addressed in due course.
Madam Speaker, the numbers have been published already.Canada works constantly with all of our allies, the Five Eyes, G7, Interpol, and others to know as much as we possibly can about every threat. Our Canadian agencies constantly assess and reassess all the data to be effective and current in keeping Canadians safe and they respond with a full suite of measures, investigations, surveillance, marshalling evidence, lifting passports, no-fly lists, threat reduction initiatives, and criminal proceedings wherever that is possible.
Madam Speaker, dozens of other countries have implemented the same measures. Passenger safety is a serious matter for all of us. These measures have been implemented by France, Great Britain, Germany, New Zealand, Italy, Russia, Iceland, Ireland, Spain, Austria, Hungary, Greece, Belgium, and others. We are certain that safety
Madam Speaker, in our political system the Minister of Finance is the most important person in cabinet, along with the Prime Minister, naturally. The Minister of Finance must be above all suspicion because he is very important and Canadians want to have faith in him.Unfortunately, the current Minister of Finance is lacking on that account because we know that he is currently under investigation and that he was found guilty and paid a fine. He only takes action when cornered.Will the Minister of Finance finally tell Canadians the truth about his private numbered companies?
Madam Speaker, let us compare what the NDP promised and what the Liberals are now delivering.The NDP, in the last election, promised to repair 50,000 units of housing; we are going to do 300,000 units. On providing the operating agreements, the NDP was going to renew 365,000; we are doing 385,000 operating agreements. Let us talk about new housing. The NDP promised 10,000 units over four years; we are doing 100,000 over 10 years. When it comes to new subsidies, zero from the NDP; 300,000 from this party.If the member is going to call something timid, I am going to call something meek. That was meek
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question.I know that things can be difficult for seasonal workers.Our government is committed to addressing this issue. We are in consultation right now with employers, with workers, with municipalities, and with jurisdictions that have coverage of the issue. We are consulting to make sure that a comprehensive response is possible. Seasonal workers, and those who face difficulties, even as we create 500,000 jobs and face regional challenges, are front of mind of the government, and in particular the minister, who is addressing the issue with his counterparts in the province.
Madam Speaker, the Liberals promised an open and transparent process, but we got a closed and opaque one instead.Five of the eight officer of Parliament positions are vacant. These positions are for watchdogs who serve all parliamentarians. We know nothing of the Liberals' plan or about the appointment process. Canadians are being kept in the dark. When we proposed a fair, open, and transparent appointment process, the Liberals voted us down.Why did the Liberals break this promise?
Madam Speaker, we are standing two blocks away from the longest skating rink in the world. Four blocks away at City Hall there is a lovely outdoor facility, however, the government sees nothing wrong with spending $5.6 million for a temporary rink on Parliament Hill. It works out to about 300 taxpayer dollars per spin. Now we hear it is going to be rebuilt in Ottawa. Will the minister at least commit to sending this rink to a community in the north where the season is long and the need is great?
Madam Speaker, I should set the record straight for my colleague opposite. It is not true that our soldiers have been subjected to pay cuts or lost income. We recently increased their pay by 6.34% and their allowances by 5.1%. We are giving injured soldiers a six-month grace period to help them get healthy again. We think that six-month grace period goes a long way toward smoothing the transition to normal pay levels.
Madam Speaker, the Minister of National Revenue is shifting the blame onto the Conservatives for the abysmal report card her agency received from the Auditor General.She claims that cuts to the number of agents are to blame. However, after two years, she has done nothing about it. When over half of all calls to the CRA are blocked and 30% of callers are getting the wrong information, it seems clear to me that in-person service needs to be restored in rural areas. When will she face the facts and admit that nothing is more effective than in-person service?
Madam Speaker, well after a decade of neglect, our government is working to restore Canadian science. We started by unmuzzling our scientists, and then made historic investments, including $2 billion in research infrastructure and the largest investment in fundamental science in a decade. Now we are taking action on fundamental science review recommendations and launching the Canada Research Coordinating Committee to improve coordination of the granting councils, and capping the tier 1 renewals for the Canada research chairs to ensure new opportunities for young researchers.
Madam Speaker, we are certainly following the situation in North Korea and the provocative actions coming out of that region. Let me be clear. The member opposite should know full well by now that our government sees human rights as foundational in all of our international engagements. We will ensure that we continue to espouse human rights in any and all relationships, including rule of law and pacifism around the world. We remain concerned with the situation in North Korea, and certainly our minister is monitoring that closely.
Madam Speaker, the Liberal Party's chief fundraiser, Stephen Bronfman, denied links to offshore tax havens after 1998. However, documents show that Bronfman family companies were still owed millions from their trust in the Cayman Islands in 2005. The Prime Minister does not seem concerned that his friend has apparently misled him, and he certainly seems blind to the fact that his millionaire Liberal cronies have been cheating Canada. Is the Prime Minister still satisfied with his friend's version of the facts, despite very clear evidence to the contrary?
Madam Speaker, our government is always concerned about the impact of job losses on workers and their families.We recognize the excellent work of Davie employees. Over the past few weeks, our government has been in contact with Davie shipyard management, the unions, and the Province of Quebec.The national shipbuilding strategy has set aside $2 billion for small ship construction projects, which the Davie shipyard is eligible to participate in. Our government does not plan to purchase another interim supply ship at the end of the service contract with
Madam Speaker, I want to add to the member's point. I will certainly be checking the blues. If it is true that there was a question of privilege raised on May 31 that has not been responded to, I would agree completely that we, as a House, need to receive the reply from you prior to the appointment. At this critical point and in these critical weeks, we need to have that reply. I will be checking the blues, and I will reserve the possibility to come back and comment further, either later today or Monday.
Madam Speaker, this is the number one priority for me. Getting people paid on time and properly is indeed my primary focus.We are taking steps that the previous government simply did not take. It was that irresponsibility that put us in this situation. We are improving our training. We are
Madam Speaker, Canada was present in the fight against Daesh. Working with the Iraqis, and primarily the Kurds, we helped recapture Mosul and restore peace and international stability in this region. We are also maintaining a presence to ensure regional stability through various other actions.
Madam Speaker, after the Liberals blocked my bill on abandoned vessels, I launched a historic appeal allowing MPs to decide themselves if it should be debated. It should, because it is built on solutions proposed by coastal communities, which will fill gaps in the government's Bill C-64. We have hundreds of signatures in support of my bill and this week the mayor of Ladysmith wrote directly to the Prime Minister urging him to allow debate.Why is the government blocking my legislation? Why is it stifling coastal voices?
Madam Speaker, an estimated one in three women will experience some form of sexual violence in her lifetime. Gender-based violence has a devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities. Recent high-profile events continue to shine a light on the immediate need for activism.November 25 will mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, and the first of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.Can the minister inform this House how we can all get involved and show our support?
Madam Speaker, in response to the minister treating Canadians like important customers, the government has failed a hard-working public servant in my riding of YorktonMelville.Last spring, out of the blue, Phoenix cut her pay by $500 a month. What was she told when she called the pay centre helpline: Your call is important to us. If you have received an overpayment, press 1. If you have a concern about your T4, press 2. For all other inquiries, press 3.Can the minister please explain why if we owe you money was not priority number one?
Madam Speaker, 163 workers at the Davie shipyard lost their jobs yesterday because the government is not doing its job. Another 350 positions may be cut next week, one month before Christmas. The government is to blame because it continues to shortchange Quebec when awarding shipbuilding contracts.Will the government finally take action and award Davie a second contract for a supply ship? Time is running out.
Madam Speaker, as I said, we are working to make sure Canadian businesses have everything they need to succeed. We realize that Canadian business owners are crucial to our economic growth. That is why we announced that we will be cutting the small business tax rate from 10.5% to 9%. That is also why we have worked with the Minister of Finance to make sure our economy grows, which is something the members opposite never managed to do in 10 years. We have the highest growth rate in the G7, and half a million jobs have been created. We are providing an environment that fosters the prosperity of business owners from coast to coast to coast. That is our priority on this side of the House.
Madam Speaker, this week the Prime Minister said, one person on the streets in Canada is too many. However, the government has announced it hopes to cut chronic homelessness in Canada by 50% within 10 years. What will the government do about the other 50% of people who will still be homeless in 10 years?Will the government support my motion to create a plan to help all people experiencing homelessness, or are they satisfied leaving half the population out in the cold?
Madam Speaker, all I hear is blah, blah, blah. Nothing but words. Where is the action? This is deeply troubling.Canadians are not taking this matter lightly. Jean-Pierre Kingsley, the former chief electoral officer, said today, and I quote: This delay in making appointments is exasperating. It shows a lack of democratic conscience on the part of a government that I find unacceptable. Do the Liberals grasp the impact of their broken promise on our democracy?
Madam Speaker, as my colleague knows, I will not comment on individual cases today, tomorrow, next year, or ever. The law prohibits me from doing so. I can assure my colleague that no one is interfering with the CRA's audits, and that will never happen as long as I am the Minister of National Revenue.Let me be clear. No one is above the law, and as minister, I work every day to ensure that the law is enforced.
Madam Speaker, as my colleague knows, I will not comment on individual cases today, tomorrow, next week, next year, or ever. The law prohibits me from doing so. I can assure my colleague that no one is interfering with the CRA's cases or audits. As long as I am the Minister of National Revenue, the law will be enforced. Let me be clear. No one is above the law, and as minister, I work every day to enforce the law and to protect the Canadian tax system.
Madam Speaker, we have put in place emergency pay services. We are working with every level within all of our departments.Quite frankly, this will be solved for public servants by public servants.
Madam Speaker, the government is concerned, but it is not doing anything.The EI program is totally disconnected from the needs of seasonal workers. It is so disconnected that when things are going well and the unemployment rate drops, seasonal workers in the regions suffer even more.The Prime Minister got elected on a promise to solve the EI problem. He solved the problem for oil workers in western Canada.When will he keep the promise he made to Quebec's seasonal workers?
Madam Speaker, officers of Parliament work on behalf of all members of Parliament, not just the government, and certainly not the Prime Minister's Office. However, six months after the Liberals' failed attempt to appoint a Liberal as language commissioner, they are reusing the exact same broken process.The Liberals voted against the NDP proposal to fix this mess and are now sending us letters, with one single name on it, and calling it consultation. That is not consultation; that is a charade.Will the Liberals stop doing this? Will they work with Parliament so we can hire the best watchdogs to work on behalf of all of us and on behalf of all Canadians?
Madam Speaker, flight attendants are worried about the decision to allow small knives on planes. They were clear with the Minister of Transport, expressing that the changes go too far and put flight attendants and the public at risk.Since the ICAO has no requirement for standardizing high-risk items, why is it necessary to allow pocket knives on planes instead of keeping them in the baggage hold?
Madam Speaker, no veteran should ever be homeless, yet thousands are currently at risk. According to their new national housing strategy, the Liberals do not seem to think this problem deserves to be taken seriously. Their so-called strategy makes only passing reference to homeless veterans. Even worse, affordable housing is postponed until after 2019. How many decades will it take before the government finally acts and addresses the needs of veterans? We are in the midst of a crisis. We need a homeless strategy now.
Madam Speaker, if the minister did indeed work closely with the Ethics Commissioner, why was he found guilty and why did he have to pay a fine? Why is he currently under investigation? Why did he decide to sell his shares two years after being appointed Minister of Finance?I ask the member for Louis-Hébert again: when will the Minister of Finance finally tell Canadians the truth and disclose all of his assets? That is what Canadians want to know.
Madam Speaker, Canada's fundamental science review was delivered to the Liberal government over seven months ago. The Naylor report review outlines 35 recommendations. When asked about these by the science community, the science minister had no clear answer and simply said they are working on it. It has been 229 days now, so just working on it will not cut it.Can the science minister tell Canadians when these recommendations will be implemented?
Madam Speaker, as I have already mentioned, Canadians expect a government to come out with legislation that is comprehensive, long term, integrated, multi-jurisdictional, and negotiated. That is exactly what we are doing. We look forward to the opportunity, the determination of the House next week. Have no doubt, we are serious about making this happen.
Madam Speaker, first and foremost, all members are expected to be fully transparent. Hiding behind the Ethics Commissioner in hopes of finding a way to play the system is not okay.It took two years, media reports, and a penalty for the finance minister to build an ethical wall that protects him from the prying eyes of 35 million Canadians. The wall protects him and his numbered companies, but it is riddled with conflict of interest holes.Why is the Minister of Finance doing things that undermine Canadians' trust? When will he knock down that wall and be open and transparent about his numbered companies?
Madam Speaker, moving from the sublime to the ridiculous, I do not need to remind the House that the Castro family has murdered thousands of people. They have denied the Cuban people fundamental democratic rights and freedoms. They have persecuted gays and lesbians for their sexual orientation. Therefore, does the Prime Minister seriously believe he should team up with the Castros to negotiate on nuclear weapons with North Korea?
Madam Speaker, I am interested in the hon. member's views but there are other views. Last night in the media, security expert and former CSIS officer Phil Gersky said this, The previous government had an abysmal record when it came to countering violent extremism and early detection. The Conservative government didn't care. Dr. Lorne Dawson from the University of Waterloo said, The previous Conservative government had little or no interest in following up on this, so Canada is late. They also cut a billion dollars from the security services of Canada.
Madam Speaker, we agree with all of the Auditor General's recommendations. The previous Conservative government decided to reduce services to Canadians by cutting funding for call centres. Under former minister Findlay, they reduced the number of agents in call centres, reduced business hours, and reduced service standards. Rather than cutting, we decided to reinvest $50 million for the next four years. I am working to ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency treats Canadians as important clients and not just as taxpayers, as indicated in my mandate letter.
Madam Speaker, the foreign affairs minister's August speech outlined Canada's progressive agenda for NAFTA, but now it seems Canada's agenda is leading to deadlock at the negotiation table. Even Ontario's premier is worried about the failure of NAFTA. In response to the deadlock, Canada has quietly begun telling our stakeholders that all the Canadian proposals will be non-binding. Will the minister admit to the House that they have been telling NAFTA stakeholders that Canada's progressive priorities will not be binding on the United States or Mexico?
Madam Speaker, what Canadians anticipated under the previous Conservative government was sluggish growth. The Conservatives had the worst growth and highest unemployment since World War II.The 1% rate of growth in employment was the slowest job creation growth since World War II.When our government came to office, we instituted policies like investing in infrastructure and supporting business owners to ensure growth for the country and to provide the right conditions for investment, entrepreneurship, and prosperity. That is what we have been doing and what we will continue to do.
Madam Speaker, it took two years for the finance minister to admit fault for his failure to disclose his directorship in the corporation that owns his French villa, and its value. The Ethics Commissioner has fined him. Yesterday, the Liberals spent the day trying to justify the illegal actions of the finance minister. It is clear that Canadians have lost trust and faith in the finance minister's ability to do his job. Is justifying illegal activity and poor judgment the new standard of the Ottawa Liberals?
Madam Speaker, the Liberals seem confused about how rules work. They seem to penalize those who follow them, and reward those who break them.Recently a constituent lost her landed immigrant card and needed to travel within a few days. She contacted the government for a replacement card, but was told that it would take at least a month to replace it and that there was no way to expedite the process. Meanwhile, those who are illegally crossing the border into Canada are getting expedited work permits.Why are the Liberals punishing those who follow the rules, and rewarding those who do not?
Madam Speaker, let me get this. When the Liberals say their process is open, they mean closed. When they say it is transparent, they actually mean it is opaque. Just trust us does not cut it when it comes to the Liberals, because when they go it alone, we have noticed things tend to go badly. When they tried to appoint a Liberal partisan as language commissioner, it blew up. Their spectacularly bad and expensive MyDemocracy.ca fiasco and their $5.5 million backyard rink come to mind.The Ethics Commissioner is not only on her third extension under the government, she is also investigating the Prime Minister and the finance minister. I ask the Liberals to stop this mess, to work with all parties to do this right, not the mess they
Madam Speaker, we will always endeavour to work in the best interests of all Canadians. That is why this government has taken historic levels of consultations. Every member of Parliament is here to represent the best interests of his or her constituents, and we appreciate hearing the diversity of those voices.When it comes to our appointment process, it is an open, transparent, merit-based appointment process. Available positions are online, and I encourage Canadians to apply.
Madam Speaker, I hope my colleague has recognized that we are on a journey of reconciliation.Our renewed relationship with indigenous peoples is based on a recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership. It is in that context that we are doing work to establish a new fiscal relationship with indigenous peoples. We are consulting in terms of how we can develop better systems of mutual accountability. I would be happy to hear any recommendations to that end.
Madam Speaker, as the member knows, we have institutions in this place that are there to safeguard the integrity of Parliament. We trust the Ethics Commissioner's ability and impartiality to do her job. That is why, when the finance minister arrived in Ottawa, he disclosed his assets to the Ethics Commissioner and worked with her to make sure all rules were followed. She recommended putting in place a conflict of interest screen, which she deemed to be the best measure of compliance possible. That has been in place since the very beginning. The finance minister will continue to work with the Ethics Commissioner.
Madam Speaker, of course we are really delighted with this new project.If my colleague had listened to what I have said in the past, this rink will be given to a community in need afterwards. Meanwhile, Canadians will have until February to enjoy the great Winterlude and also this important infrastructure.I hope I will have the chance to go on the ice and enjoy ice-skating with her. This is a great way to celebrate Canada 150.
Mr. Speaker, the media is saying that the Liberal Party's chief bagman is sheltering money in tax havens. The Liberal government continues to add to Canadians' tax burden while its powerful friends get a free ride in those tax havens.In light of these new revelations, is the Prime Minister still happy with his situation? Is he still protecting his billionaire Liberal friend?
Madam Speaker, the member has been in this place much longer than I have. He knows we endeavour to always work with all members of Parliament. That is why any constructive feedback is always welcome. We have introduced an open, transparent, merit-based process. We know that many Canadians have considered applying. However, it will take all members of Parliament wanting these institutions to be successful. Every member of Parliament will need to go above and beyond. All we hear from the opposition is criticism rather than constructive ideas to make the system better.
Mr. Speaker, as I said, I am not surprised that the Conservatives are questioning the judgment of the Ethics Commissioner, who is doing her work in a non-partisan and independent manner. She recommended that a conflict of interest screen be put in place as she believed that it was the best possible measure of compliance. This measure was good enough for the Conservative ministers at the time and the Ethics Commissioner believed it to be the best measure of compliance.On this side of the House, we work with the Ethics Commissioner, we will always do so, and that is what the Minister of Finance did and will continue to do.
Madam Speaker, my colleague from Louis-Saint-Laurent is an experienced parliamentarian who knows that, in Parliament, we have institutions responsible for maintaining the integrity of Parliament.The expectation is that ministers and all parliamentarians will work with the Ethics Commissioner by disclosing their assets to her so she can provide guidance as to how they can fully comply with the rules that govern us in the House.That is what the Minister of Finance did upon arriving in Ottawa. He has always been and continues to be completely open with the Ethics Commissioner. He has always followed her recommendations and now he is doing even more.
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his advocacy on behalf of Nunavummiuts. We know that northerners are on the front lines of climate change. I saw this directly when I was in the high Arctic this summer. I heard of Inuit hunters falling through the ice because they can no longer tell the thickness of the ice. Our climate plan understands that we need to be working with northerners, that we need to develop unique situations. We are committed to working with our partners in the north on carbon pricing, and I am happy to say that we are sharing results of a study that we conducted right now
Madam Speaker, as we committed to Canadians, we have a process that is open, transparent, and merit-based. All available positions are online, and we always encourage Canadians to apply. What is interesting is that we endeavour to always work with all members in this place. We know that Canadians have a place. We know that officers of Parliament are independent. We want to ensure we pick the best people. That is why we consider many different factors. I encourage Canadians to consider applying.
Madam Speaker, here is the fact. It was our Conservative government that passed the laws that will allow these criminals to be punished. It is the $300 million that we directed to counterterrorism that is helping law enforcement officials do their jobs today. By contrast, the Liberal government's response to these terrorists has been to weaken these laws, provide funding for integration support for these criminals, and hide their numbers from Canadians. He is dancing. Why will the minister not tell Canadians how many ISIS fighters have returned to Canada in the last two years, and how many are under 24-hour surveillance?
Madam Speaker, I will tell members who had lost faith in the ability of anyone to do their job. Canadians had lost faith in the ability of the Conservatives to do their job when it came to managing the economy. That is why they voted them out. In fact, they were right, because they mismanaged the economy for 10 years. Our finance minister has managed to create 500,000 jobs in the last two years, most of them full time, and has generated the best growth in the G7, meanwhile reducing inequalities. Those are all the things the Conservatives were never able to achieve.
Madam Speaker, for 105 years CFL athletes have been inspiring our kids to participate in sports. Kids have dreamed of emulating their CFL heroes, from Jackie Parker to Jon Cornish, from Bruce Covernton to Ricky Ray, from Dave Sapunjis to S.J. Green. This is important, because we want kids to live active, healthy lives and to dream big and be proud of who they are.I am proud of our CFL athletes, teams, and organizations but on Sunday, I will be cheering for my hometown Calgary Stampeders. Go Stamps Go.
Madam Speaker, I can attest to witnessing first-hand the actions of the member from MississaugaLakeshore and his commitment to seniors and seniors housing. I attended a massive town hall with him as part of the consultations that led to the rollout of the national housing strategy. Part of the strategy that spoke most strongly to the issue he has raised around seniors is the new Canada housing benefit. It will allow us to help seniors age in place, target them in particular for support, and make sure that their lives are conducted with dignity. It also builds on the CPP and GIS reforms that we have put in place. Seniors matter, housing matters, and that member's work on this has been absolutely fantastic.
Madam Speaker, on the difference between right and wrong, I would ask that question of the 10 years of the Harper Conservatives when they doubled the TFSA limit that benefited the 3% wealthiest; when they scrapped our environmental protection laws in the country; when they disrespected institutions of this Parliament; and when they disrespected the Supreme Court? That is a question Canadians ask every day about the previous Harper Conservatives.On this side, the finance minister, as well as our government, has worked in the best interests of Canadians, reducing taxes for nine million Canadians, reducing inequalities in the country, and we are proud of that record.
Madam Speaker, our negotiating position is clear, and we will defend and maintain the elements of NAFTA that Canadians know are central to our national interest. We are negotiating in good faith with our partners, but we cannot and will not accept proposals that put Canadian jobs at risk and do harm to our economy.By the way, I would just like to add, in terms of jobs, our government has added half a million jobs in the last two years, and our GDP is the best of all the G7. We will always defend Canadians' national interests and Canadian values.
Madam Speaker, I want to thank my colleague from MississaugaStreetsville for his advocacy.During the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, we reflect on the causes and costs of gender-based violence. This year's theme, my actions matter, is a call to action to take concrete steps, to recognize, to call out, and to speak up against acts of gender-based violence.We are proud to partner with the CFL to promote anti-violence measures at the 105th Grey Cup right here in Ottawa. I encourage everyone to join them and take a pledge to end gender-based violence.
Madam Speaker, our two official languages are at the heart of who we are as Canadians. We are committed to finding the best person for the important position of official languages commissioner. Our government promised Canadians a rigorous, open, and transparent merit-based process for public appointments, and we are keeping with that commitment. An announcement will be made in due course.
Madam Speaker, on December 7, 2015, the markets learned that at the end of that year, the rate of taxation on the highest earners would go up to 33%. As a result, many started to sell their shares before the rate went up so that their capital gains would be realized before the change in the tax rate. As a result, in the week following that December 7 announcement, the stock market dropped by 5%. Did the finance minister anticipate this reaction?
Madam Speaker, the focus of many in the stock market was to sell their shares after the December 7 announcement this minister made in order to realize any capital gains in the 2015 year, before the tax rate went up. As a result, the stock market in Canada dropped 5% subsequent to the minister's announcement on December 7.I ask again, did the finance minister anticipate that the markets would react in this way to his December 7 announcement?
Madam Speaker, yesterday the minister said that the number of ISIS fighters in Canada that he has been citing is essentially accurate. Well, being essentially accurate is not going to keep Canadians safe or bring justice to the victims of these criminals.I will ask the minister once again. How can he claim to be surveilling all ISIS fighters in Canada if he is using two-year-old data, or is he claiming that no new terrorists have entered Canada in the last two years, or is he admitting that there are terrorists that he is no longer watching?
Madam Speaker, we know that protecting our oceans is absolutely essential. That is why we introduced the oceans protection plan. As part of that oceans protection plan, we also introduced the wrecked, abandoned, or hazardous vessels act. This is a long-term, comprehensive, integrated plan to address the issue, and Canadians deserve no less.
Madam Speaker, I wish to seek consent for the following motion: That this House call upon the government to review its method for determining eligibility for employment insurance benefits in order to better meet the needs of seasonal workers, whose jobs are important for the economy of the various regions of Quebec.
Madam Speaker, the Liberals promised in the last election that if they became the government, the rich would pay more. In fact, a financial report provided by the government for the 2016-17 tax year shows that the wealthiest Canadians paid $1.2 billion less in income tax as a result of the measures the government instituted. In fact, it says that high-income individuals aimed to recognize income in the 2015 tax year, before the new 33% tax rate came into effect. What kind of tax strategies did these wealthy Canadians use to declare that income a year earlier?
Madam Speaker, I rise on the same point of order. I would ask that if you are going to consider any new information with respect to this matter that we be notified as well, and that we be able to respond in this place.
Madam Speaker, the tax strategy that we have put forward to reduce inequalities in this country and to make sure that the middle class has more money is to increase taxes on the wealthiest 1% and to lower them for nine million Canadians, a measure the Conservatives voted against. We came forward with the Canada child benefit that is lifting 300,000 kids out of poverty in this country, reducing child poverty by 40%, a measure they voted against. What we have also done is look back at measures they put forward, such as doubling the TFSA limit and income splitting for families, which we know benefited the 5% or 10% of the wealthiest Canadians.
Madam Speaker, the Minister of Finance has always told the Ethics Commissioner the truth. When the minister arrived in Ottawa, the Ethics Commissioner recommended that he put in place a conflict of interest screen, a measure that was good enough for the opposition ministers and the Conservative government ministers, when the Conservatives were in office. The Minister of Finance continues to work with the Ethics Commissioner to ensure compliance with all the rules, something that is expected of all ministers and all parliamentarians.
Madam Speaker, the Liberals keep blaming the Ethics Commissioner when they break the rules. They say she is there to safeguard the integrity of the House. However, I think Canadians send MPs here to always stand up for their best interests, trusting we all know how to follow the rules and that we are ethical. Instead, the finance minister designed Bill C-27, which will enrich his billion dollar family business. He is now one of three Liberals, including the Prime Minister, under investigation by the Ethics Commissioner. Do the Liberals actually know the difference between right and wrong?
Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister was very clear that one homeless person was one homeless person too many. We have a strategy, a $40 billion strategy over the next 10 years. It is going to reduce chronic homelessness, episodic homelessness, and the vulnerabilities that people find themselves in across the country.The new Canada housing benefit will address 300,000 people and will prevent people from swelling the ranks of the homeless. We have a strategy, which we doubled in our first year, a $2.2 billion strategy that is being reprofiled in consultation with people with lived experiences, community organizations, municipalities, and provinces and territories. We will attack this issue. If we can do better than half, we will do everything in our power to achieve that.
Madam Speaker, our government announced a national housing strategy that will be very transformative. By enshrining the right to housing for all Canadians into this strategy, the government is playing a key role in reducing homelessness and poverty.Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development share with this House how seniors like those in my riding of MississaugaLakeshore, who are advocating for more affordable housing, will benefit from this new strategy?
Madam Speaker, this sounds like an episode of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.A rich businessman wonders how he can grow his fortune and realizes that requires amending some laws. Since the government does not want to do it, he runs for office and becomes the Liberal finance minister. He introduces Bill C-27, and lo and behold, it works and he rakes in the dough.Except, oops, the minister gets caught by the media, the Ethics Commissioner, and the opposition. He sells his shares, gets the profits, donates them to charity, and will get a generous tax refund.The Minister of Finance has lost the trust of Canadians. When will he come down to earth and come clean on all of his financial affairs?
Madam Speaker, there is a lot to that question.If the hon. member across the way is talking about a specific case, he knows full well that I cannot comment on individual cases. If he is talking about asylum seekers at the border, we are currently putting on awareness activities in the United States to ensure that people know that Canadian laws must be respected.If the hon. member across the way is talking about a specific case, I would be happy to discuss it with him.
Madam Speaker, the minister claims the ethics screen and counsel by the Ethics Commissioner prevented him from breaking the rules, but obviously that is not true because the Ethics Commissioner fined the minister for breaking the rules.The screen is supposed to block the minister from meetings or discussions that could be a conflict. Who did the minister pick to administer the screen? His chief of staff, his most senior, closest and political assistant who is hired by the minister, reports to the minister, and can be fired by the minister.Do the Liberals not even see the conflicts within their own conflicts?
Mr. Speaker, for years, we watched the Conservatives chip away at the institutions of Parliament, so I am not surprised in the least to hear the opposition member attack a measure that the Ethics Commissioner herself deemed the best possible way to comply with the guidelines. None of us should be surprised.We on this side of the House believe in the institutions of Parliament and the Ethics Commissioner. The Minister of Finance has been working with her from day one, and he will continue to do so.
Madam Speaker, as I said many times, every member and every minister is expected to work with the Ethics Commissioner, the institution responsible for ensuring respect for the integrity of this place. The Minister of Finance did that. He said he would go even further and put all his assets in a blind trust and divest himself of his shares in Morneau Shepell, as my opposition colleague mentioned.He continues to work for Canadians, as he has done brilliantly for the past two years, having produced phenomenal economic growth in Canada, reduced inequalities, and introduced the Canada child benefit, which is helping some 20,000 children in my colleague's riding.While they focus on the Minister of Finance, we are focusing on Canadians.
Madam Speaker, Canada's 105th Grey Cup will be played this weekend here in the national capital region. We will get to see Toronto take on Calgary in a game that will hopefully be as gripping as last year's.Certainly several thousands of young people from across the country will watch it on TV and see some of the best athletes competing.Could the Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities tell us about the inspiration these events provide to young people?
Madam Speaker, the only assets the finance minister grew were his own, and on a commission, too. Uncovering the assets of the finance minister has been an ethics riddle that we have not been able to figure out, so riddle me this. We're exempt from tax hikes of the everyday sort. You won't find us in a parliamentary disclosure report. What are we? Why, we're the finance minister's private holdings, of course.Will the finance minister help us solve this ethics riddle and tell us what is in those private holdings?
Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. member opposite for his advocacy on parks and protected areas. We understand the importance of protecting Wood Buffalo National Park and we welcome the review by UNESCO. We are working very hard, including with the indigenous communities within the park, and we will continue to do so.
Madam Speaker, my colleague was not talking about the fight against ISIS. He was talking about how this government is treating our serving military members. Its treatment of them is callous. It is turning its back on our veterans and even now threatening to cut the monthly allowance for injured soldiers. The Liberals are proposing a state-funded program for radicalized terrorists, but they are not even providing a similar level of service to law-abiding Canadian citizens.Why should terrorists who fought against our country be entitled to free reintegration services even as the Liberals abandon our own veterans and serving military members?
Madam Speaker, the Liberals claim to be following and watching terrorists. They also claim to support and respect the members of the Canadian Armed Forces, but the Liberals are cutting the pay of our brave soldiers who have served in some of the most dangerous missions in the world while at the same time pandering to Canadian ISIS terrorists by giving them taxpayer-funded reintegration programs.Why are the Liberals choosing Canadian terrorists over the brave women and men who have fought against them?
Madam Speaker, for too long, administrative shortfalls have left shoreline communities struggling unaided to dispose of abandoned vessels. In Beauharnois, many environmental concerns have been expressed about the Kathryn Spirit. We are talking about tens of tonnes of hazardous materials and contaminated water. The Liberals' Bill C-64 fails to properly address the problem of vessels being left to rot for years in shoreline communities.Will the Liberals finally work with these communities and with the NDP by debating Bill C-352 in order to fill the gaps in their own bill?
Madam Speaker, it has been two years since the minister gutted the First Nations Financial Transparency Act. Now, Harrison Thunderchild has reluctantly taken his leadership in the community to court around their lack of disclosure. He told the National Post, Every level of government has that expectation to be transparent and accountable. First Nations should not be any different...The minister promised a new system two years ago. When is she going to deliver?
Madam Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. While travelling my riding, constituents have expressed concern about carbon pricing and how it will increase our already high cost of living. The minister is aware that Nunavut is totally reliant on fossil fuels. Despite this, Nunavut's carbon footprint is only one-tenth of one per cent of Canada's carbon footprint. The Government of Canada has committed to designing a solution that accounts for our unique nature when developing carbon pricing exemptions and regulations. My question is, are there specific exemptions and regulations being developed for Nunavut?
Madam Speaker, last week, the International Union for Conservation of Nature called Wood Buffalo National Park one of the most threatened world heritage sites in North America. They affirmed what UNESCO has already found. Canada's largest national park is threatened by federal government neglect and resource development.UNESCO gave the government until February 2018 to respond to its report, but with the deadline approaching, Canadians have not heard anything. This is a black eye for Canada on the world stage. What will the government do to save this critically important park?
Madam Speaker, I rise on a question of privilege. It relates to the comments made by the MP for SkeenaBulkley Valley today, who reminded this House that the government is about to appoint an official languages commissioner. I would refer you to the point I raised on May 31 in this House, which was talked about again on June 6. I have yet to receive a decision from the Chair on that question of privilege with respect to contempt on the part of the Minister of Canadian Heritage.In those references, we provided prima facie evidence of contempt, where the evidence of Madame Meilleur, who was considered for a time as a person for the official languages post, conflicted directly with the remarks of the Minister of Canadian Heritage in this place on May 31. On June 6, there was additional information for the Speaker to consider. I would also say that there is news from November 17 that suggests that a senior advisor in the minister's office, who had also worked at Queen's Park in the Ontario legislature, with respect to Madame Meilleur and senior PMO officials, directly contradicts what the Minister of Canadian Heritage told this House with respect to the appointment of an official languages commissioner.There is no timeline on when the Speaker needs to respond to a question of privilege or a point of order. However, in light of the fact this was raised in May, and we are likely days away from a new person being named as the official languages commissioner, it is an additional question of privilege for me as a member that my previous question of privilege be addressed before this new person is appointed. The minister's actions with respect to the appointment process, both originally and now, are suspect and in contempt of my privileges as a member. I would like that determination from the original May 31 question of privilege to be addressed before the government proceeds with its next appointment. Therefore, I am asking you for that decision with respect to my May 31 point to be accelerated, so that the matter can be addressed in due course.
Madam Speaker, the numbers have been published already.Canada works constantly with all of our allies, the Five Eyes, G7, Interpol, and others to know as much as we possibly can about every threat. Our Canadian agencies constantly assess and reassess all the data to be effective and current in keeping Canadians safe and they respond with a full suite of measures, investigations, surveillance, marshalling evidence, lifting passports, no-fly lists, threat reduction initiatives, and criminal proceedings wherever that is possible.
Madam Speaker, dozens of other countries have implemented the same measures. Passenger safety is a serious matter for all of us. These measures have been implemented by France, Great Britain, Germany, New Zealand, Italy, Russia, Iceland, Ireland, Spain, Austria, Hungary, Greece, Belgium, and others. We are certain that safety
Madam Speaker, in our political system the Minister of Finance is the most important person in cabinet, along with the Prime Minister, naturally. The Minister of Finance must be above all suspicion because he is very important and Canadians want to have faith in him.Unfortunately, the current Minister of Finance is lacking on that account because we know that he is currently under investigation and that he was found guilty and paid a fine. He only takes action when cornered.Will the Minister of Finance finally tell Canadians the truth about his private numbered companies?
Madam Speaker, let us compare what the NDP promised and what the Liberals are now delivering.The NDP, in the last election, promised to repair 50,000 units of housing; we are going to do 300,000 units. On providing the operating agreements, the NDP was going to renew 365,000; we are doing 385,000 operating agreements. Let us talk about new housing. The NDP promised 10,000 units over four years; we are doing 100,000 over 10 years. When it comes to new subsidies, zero from the NDP; 300,000 from this party.If the member is going to call something timid, I am going to call something meek. That was meek
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question.I know that things can be difficult for seasonal workers.Our government is committed to addressing this issue. We are in consultation right now with employers, with workers, with municipalities, and with jurisdictions that have coverage of the issue. We are consulting to make sure that a comprehensive response is possible. Seasonal workers, and those who face difficulties, even as we create 500,000 jobs and face regional challenges, are front of mind of the government, and in particular the minister, who is addressing the issue with his counterparts in the province.
Madam Speaker, the Liberals promised an open and transparent process, but we got a closed and opaque one instead.Five of the eight officer of Parliament positions are vacant. These positions are for watchdogs who serve all parliamentarians. We know nothing of the Liberals' plan or about the appointment process. Canadians are being kept in the dark. When we proposed a fair, open, and transparent appointment process, the Liberals voted us down.Why did the Liberals break this promise?
Madam Speaker, we are standing two blocks away from the longest skating rink in the world. Four blocks away at City Hall there is a lovely outdoor facility, however, the government sees nothing wrong with spending $5.6 million for a temporary rink on Parliament Hill. It works out to about 300 taxpayer dollars per spin. Now we hear it is going to be rebuilt in Ottawa. Will the minister at least commit to sending this rink to a community in the north where the season is long and the need is great?
Madam Speaker, I should set the record straight for my colleague opposite. It is not true that our soldiers have been subjected to pay cuts or lost income. We recently increased their pay by 6.34% and their allowances by 5.1%. We are giving injured soldiers a six-month grace period to help them get healthy again. We think that six-month grace period goes a long way toward smoothing the transition to normal pay levels.
Madam Speaker, the Minister of National Revenue is shifting the blame onto the Conservatives for the abysmal report card her agency received from the Auditor General.She claims that cuts to the number of agents are to blame. However, after two years, she has done nothing about it. When over half of all calls to the CRA are blocked and 30% of callers are getting the wrong information, it seems clear to me that in-person service needs to be restored in rural areas. When will she face the facts and admit that nothing is more effective than in-person service?
Madam Speaker, well after a decade of neglect, our government is working to restore Canadian science. We started by unmuzzling our scientists, and then made historic investments, including $2 billion in research infrastructure and the largest investment in fundamental science in a decade. Now we are taking action on fundamental science review recommendations and launching the Canada Research Coordinating Committee to improve coordination of the granting councils, and capping the tier 1 renewals for the Canada research chairs to ensure new opportunities for young researchers.
Madam Speaker, we are certainly following the situation in North Korea and the provocative actions coming out of that region. Let me be clear. The member opposite should know full well by now that our government sees human rights as foundational in all of our international engagements. We will ensure that we continue to espouse human rights in any and all relationships, including rule of law and pacifism around the world. We remain concerned with the situation in North Korea, and certainly our minister is monitoring that closely.
Madam Speaker, the Liberal Party's chief fundraiser, Stephen Bronfman, denied links to offshore tax havens after 1998. However, documents show that Bronfman family companies were still owed millions from their trust in the Cayman Islands in 2005. The Prime Minister does not seem concerned that his friend has apparently misled him, and he certainly seems blind to the fact that his millionaire Liberal cronies have been cheating Canada. Is the Prime Minister still satisfied with his friend's version of the facts, despite very clear evidence to the contrary?
Madam Speaker, our government is always concerned about the impact of job losses on workers and their families.We recognize the excellent work of Davie employees. Over the past few weeks, our government has been in contact with Davie shipyard management, the unions, and the Province of Quebec.The national shipbuilding strategy has set aside $2 billion for small ship construction projects, which the Davie shipyard is eligible to participate in. Our government does not plan to purchase another interim supply ship at the end of the service contract with
Madam Speaker, I want to add to the member's point. I will certainly be checking the blues. If it is true that there was a question of privilege raised on May 31 that has not been responded to, I would agree completely that we, as a House, need to receive the reply from you prior to the appointment. At this critical point and in these critical weeks, we need to have that reply. I will be checking the blues, and I will reserve the possibility to come back and comment further, either later today or Monday.
Madam Speaker, this is the number one priority for me. Getting people paid on time and properly is indeed my primary focus.We are taking steps that the previous government simply did not take. It was that irresponsibility that put us in this situation. We are improving our training. We are
Madam Speaker, Canada was present in the fight against Daesh. Working with the Iraqis, and primarily the Kurds, we helped recapture Mosul and restore peace and international stability in this region. We are also maintaining a presence to ensure regional stability through various other actions.
Madam Speaker, after the Liberals blocked my bill on abandoned vessels, I launched a historic appeal allowing MPs to decide themselves if it should be debated. It should, because it is built on solutions proposed by coastal communities, which will fill gaps in the government's Bill C-64. We have hundreds of signatures in support of my bill and this week the mayor of Ladysmith wrote directly to the Prime Minister urging him to allow debate.Why is the government blocking my legislation? Why is it stifling coastal voices?
Madam Speaker, an estimated one in three women will experience some form of sexual violence in her lifetime. Gender-based violence has a devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities. Recent high-profile events continue to shine a light on the immediate need for activism.November 25 will mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, and the first of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.Can the minister inform this House how we can all get involved and show our support?
Madam Speaker, in response to the minister treating Canadians like important customers, the government has failed a hard-working public servant in my riding of YorktonMelville.Last spring, out of the blue, Phoenix cut her pay by $500 a month. What was she told when she called the pay centre helpline: Your call is important to us. If you have received an overpayment, press 1. If you have a concern about your T4, press 2. For all other inquiries, press 3.Can the minister please explain why if we owe you money was not priority number one?
Madam Speaker, 163 workers at the Davie shipyard lost their jobs yesterday because the government is not doing its job. Another 350 positions may be cut next week, one month before Christmas. The government is to blame because it continues to shortchange Quebec when awarding shipbuilding contracts.Will the government finally take action and award Davie a second contract for a supply ship? Time is running out.
Madam Speaker, as I said, we are working to make sure Canadian businesses have everything they need to succeed. We realize that Canadian business owners are crucial to our economic growth. That is why we announced that we will be cutting the small business tax rate from 10.5% to 9%. That is also why we have worked with the Minister of Finance to make sure our economy grows, which is something the members opposite never managed to do in 10 years. We have the highest growth rate in the G7, and half a million jobs have been created. We are providing an environment that fosters the prosperity of business owners from coast to coast to coast. That is our priority on this side of the House.
Madam Speaker, this week the Prime Minister said, one person on the streets in Canada is too many. However, the government has announced it hopes to cut chronic homelessness in Canada by 50% within 10 years. What will the government do about the other 50% of people who will still be homeless in 10 years?Will the government support my motion to create a plan to help all people experiencing homelessness, or are they satisfied leaving half the population out in the cold?
Madam Speaker, all I hear is blah, blah, blah. Nothing but words. Where is the action? This is deeply troubling.Canadians are not taking this matter lightly. Jean-Pierre Kingsley, the former chief electoral officer, said today, and I quote: This delay in making appointments is exasperating. It shows a lack of democratic conscience on the part of a government that I find unacceptable. Do the Liberals grasp the impact of their broken promise on our democracy?
Madam Speaker, as my colleague knows, I will not comment on individual cases today, tomorrow, next year, or ever. The law prohibits me from doing so. I can assure my colleague that no one is interfering with the CRA's audits, and that will never happen as long as I am the Minister of National Revenue.Let me be clear. No one is above the law, and as minister, I work every day to ensure that the law is enforced.
Madam Speaker, as my colleague knows, I will not comment on individual cases today, tomorrow, next week, next year, or ever. The law prohibits me from doing so. I can assure my colleague that no one is interfering with the CRA's cases or audits. As long as I am the Minister of National Revenue, the law will be enforced. Let me be clear. No one is above the law, and as minister, I work every day to enforce the law and to protect the Canadian tax system.
Madam Speaker, we have put in place emergency pay services. We are working with every level within all of our departments.Quite frankly, this will be solved for public servants by public servants.
Madam Speaker, the government is concerned, but it is not doing anything.The EI program is totally disconnected from the needs of seasonal workers. It is so disconnected that when things are going well and the unemployment rate drops, seasonal workers in the regions suffer even more.The Prime Minister got elected on a promise to solve the EI problem. He solved the problem for oil workers in western Canada.When will he keep the promise he made to Quebec's seasonal workers?
Madam Speaker, officers of Parliament work on behalf of all members of Parliament, not just the government, and certainly not the Prime Minister's Office. However, six months after the Liberals' failed attempt to appoint a Liberal as language commissioner, they are reusing the exact same broken process.The Liberals voted against the NDP proposal to fix this mess and are now sending us letters, with one single name on it, and calling it consultation. That is not consultation; that is a charade.Will the Liberals stop doing this? Will they work with Parliament so we can hire the best watchdogs to work on behalf of all of us and on behalf of all Canadians?
Madam Speaker, flight attendants are worried about the decision to allow small knives on planes. They were clear with the Minister of Transport, expressing that the changes go too far and put flight attendants and the public at risk.Since the ICAO has no requirement for standardizing high-risk items, why is it necessary to allow pocket knives on planes instead of keeping them in the baggage hold?
Madam Speaker, no veteran should ever be homeless, yet thousands are currently at risk. According to their new national housing strategy, the Liberals do not seem to think this problem deserves to be taken seriously. Their so-called strategy makes only passing reference to homeless veterans. Even worse, affordable housing is postponed until after 2019. How many decades will it take before the government finally acts and addresses the needs of veterans? We are in the midst of a crisis. We need a homeless strategy now.
Madam Speaker, if the minister did indeed work closely with the Ethics Commissioner, why was he found guilty and why did he have to pay a fine? Why is he currently under investigation? Why did he decide to sell his shares two years after being appointed Minister of Finance?I ask the member for Louis-Hébert again: when will the Minister of Finance finally tell Canadians the truth and disclose all of his assets? That is what Canadians want to know.
Madam Speaker, Canada's fundamental science review was delivered to the Liberal government over seven months ago. The Naylor report review outlines 35 recommendations. When asked about these by the science community, the science minister had no clear answer and simply said they are working on it. It has been 229 days now, so just working on it will not cut it.Can the science minister tell Canadians when these recommendations will be implemented?
Madam Speaker, as I have already mentioned, Canadians expect a government to come out with legislation that is comprehensive, long term, integrated, multi-jurisdictional, and negotiated. That is exactly what we are doing. We look forward to the opportunity, the determination of the House next week. Have no doubt, we are serious about making this happen.
Madam Speaker, first and foremost, all members are expected to be fully transparent. Hiding behind the Ethics Commissioner in hopes of finding a way to play the system is not okay.It took two years, media reports, and a penalty for the finance minister to build an ethical wall that protects him from the prying eyes of 35 million Canadians. The wall protects him and his numbered companies, but it is riddled with conflict of interest holes.Why is the Minister of Finance doing things that undermine Canadians' trust? When will he knock down that wall and be open and transparent about his numbered companies?
Madam Speaker, moving from the sublime to the ridiculous, I do not need to remind the House that the Castro family has murdered thousands of people. They have denied the Cuban people fundamental democratic rights and freedoms. They have persecuted gays and lesbians for their sexual orientation. Therefore, does the Prime Minister seriously believe he should team up with the Castros to negotiate on nuclear weapons with North Korea?
Madam Speaker, I am interested in the hon. member's views but there are other views. Last night in the media, security expert and former CSIS officer Phil Gersky said this, The previous government had an abysmal record when it came to countering violent extremism and early detection. The Conservative government didn't care. Dr. Lorne Dawson from the University of Waterloo said, The previous Conservative government had little or no interest in following up on this, so Canada is late. They also cut a billion dollars from the security services of Canada.
Madam Speaker, we agree with all of the Auditor General's recommendations. The previous Conservative government decided to reduce services to Canadians by cutting funding for call centres. Under former minister Findlay, they reduced the number of agents in call centres, reduced business hours, and reduced service standards. Rather than cutting, we decided to reinvest $50 million for the next four years. I am working to ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency treats Canadians as important clients and not just as taxpayers, as indicated in my mandate letter.
Madam Speaker, the foreign affairs minister's August speech outlined Canada's progressive agenda for NAFTA, but now it seems Canada's agenda is leading to deadlock at the negotiation table. Even Ontario's premier is worried about the failure of NAFTA. In response to the deadlock, Canada has quietly begun telling our stakeholders that all the Canadian proposals will be non-binding. Will the minister admit to the House that they have been telling NAFTA stakeholders that Canada's progressive priorities will not be binding on the United States or Mexico?
Madam Speaker, what Canadians anticipated under the previous Conservative government was sluggish growth. The Conservatives had the worst growth and highest unemployment since World War II.The 1% rate of growth in employment was the slowest job creation growth since World War II.When our government came to office, we instituted policies like investing in infrastructure and supporting business owners to ensure growth for the country and to provide the right conditions for investment, entrepreneurship, and prosperity. That is what we have been doing and what we will continue to do.
Madam Speaker, it took two years for the finance minister to admit fault for his failure to disclose his directorship in the corporation that owns his French villa, and its value. The Ethics Commissioner has fined him. Yesterday, the Liberals spent the day trying to justify the illegal actions of the finance minister. It is clear that Canadians have lost trust and faith in the finance minister's ability to do his job. Is justifying illegal activity and poor judgment the new standard of the Ottawa Liberals?
Madam Speaker, the Liberals seem confused about how rules work. They seem to penalize those who follow them, and reward those who break them.Recently a constituent lost her landed immigrant card and needed to travel within a few days. She contacted the government for a replacement card, but was told that it would take at least a month to replace it and that there was no way to expedite the process. Meanwhile, those who are illegally crossing the border into Canada are getting expedited work permits.Why are the Liberals punishing those who follow the rules, and rewarding those who do not?
Madam Speaker, let me get this. When the Liberals say their process is open, they mean closed. When they say it is transparent, they actually mean it is opaque. Just trust us does not cut it when it comes to the Liberals, because when they go it alone, we have noticed things tend to go badly. When they tried to appoint a Liberal partisan as language commissioner, it blew up. Their spectacularly bad and expensive MyDemocracy.ca fiasco and their $5.5 million backyard rink come to mind.The Ethics Commissioner is not only on her third extension under the government, she is also investigating the Prime Minister and the finance minister. I ask the Liberals to stop this mess, to work with all parties to do this right, not the mess they