Most toxic speeches
Mr. Speaker, Nada is a young Yazidi mother from Iraq. When ISIS invaded her community, she was sold as a sex slave. She recently recounted coming face to face with Abu Tawfiq, the man she says sold her and bought her. He was not in jail. He was not in Iraq. He is a free man in London, Ontario.We need to believe victims, and the Liberals let this guy into our country.Will the Prime Minister take responsibility for allowing ISIS terrorists to walk our streets freely and finally send these war criminals to The Hague?
Mr. Speaker, after sitting with a Yazidi woman who survived sexual slavery, one leaves awed by her strength, concerned for her welfare, and left with a deep, white-hot desire to bring her justice. When we wax eloquent about #MeToo, we cannot forget our obligation to bring justice to women who have had their bodies used as tools of war.Why does the feminist Prime Minister continually refuse to commit to refer Canadian ISIS terrorists to the International Criminal Court?
Mr. Speaker, the Iranian regime continues to brutalize its own citizens. Mohammad Salas, a bus driver and member of a religious minority, was arrested. He was then tortured. His phoney confession was then broadcast on state television. It was used as the only evidence in his trial. On Monday, at dawn, he was executed. Then the regime refused to allow his family to even see the body. When will the Liberal government start to support the Iranian people and stop fantasizing about normalizing relations with this vicious, murderous, terrorist regime?
Mr. Speaker, with regard to the India trip, I do not recall Prime Minister Harper bringing along on the trip his own personal chefwhat was that: $17,000and, may I add, a terrorist. Maybe the Prime Minister needs to park the arrogance and swagger for just a split second. We know summer is around the corner. We know what that means. The Prime Minister is going to be taking quite a bit of time off, so perhaps he could at this moment have a bit of humility and tell Canadians he is sorry for abusing their tax dollars and he will not do it again.
Mr. Speaker, as politicians, we engage with a broad range of people, but we have been unequivocal. We deeply oppose Iran's support for terrorist organizations, for its threats toward Israel, its ballistic missile program, and its support for the murderous Assad regime. We will always defend human rights and hold Iran to account for its actions. We continue to maintain sanctions on Iran, which include restrictions on sensitive goods, and a list of individuals and entities subject to asset freezes. We will always remain firm in our defence of human rights and are standing against state sponsors of terrorism around the world.
Mr. Speaker, we deeply oppose Iran's support for terrorist organizations, its threats toward Israel, its ballistic missile program, and its support for the murderous Assad regime. We will always defend human rights and hold Iran to account for its actions.We led a resolution at the United Nations in November, calling on Iran to comply with its international human rights obligations. We will continue to maintain sanctions on Iran, which include restrictions on sensitive goods and a list of individuals and entities subject to asset freezes, with whom all transactions involving property are prohibited.
Mr. Speaker, I will tell members about the Liberal support for agriculture. According to the numbers from the Parliamentary Budget Officer, the Liberals' carbon tax will devastate Canadian agriculture. At $50 a tonne, the Liberal carbon tax will cost a Manitoba pork producer more than $36,000 a year; a rancher in Alberta, $13,000; and a wheat grower in Saskatchewan, $12,000. As for potato farmers in P.E.I, the agriculture minister thinks they should be paying $20,000 a year in carbon tax.Does the Prime Minister agree with these numbers? If not, will he end the cover-up and release the cost of the Liberals' farm-killing carbon tax?
Mr. Speaker, we are proud to have passed our bill to legalize, strictly regulate, and restrict access to marijuana. This measure will keep marijuana out of the hands of children and profits out of the hands of criminals.I just gave the member opposite a very precise answer. I will repeat it to be sure he understands. This legislation will come into force on October 17. We made that decision because three of our largest provinces, including Quebec, asked for a little more time. I know how important it is to do this properly, and that is why we are giving Quebec more time.
Once again, Mr. Speaker, we are confronted with anger from the Prime Minister that we have the audacity to ask questions about his spending habits. In the private sector, they say that the tone is set at the top. The tone of the Liberal government is a culture of spending in excess. That is all this is. Maybe the Prime Minister can tell me why, at his personal retreat at Harrington Lake, he thinks it is okay to spend $10,000 for a new patio, $12,000 for deck and dock upgrades, and $60,000 in total on these upgrades when Canadians are worried about paying for his carbon tax.
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is incapable of managing taxpayers' money responsibly. More than $8 million on a temporary skating rink, $215,000 for an illegal vacation on a private island, at least $1.5 million for a disastrous trip to India, and tens of thousands of dollars on non-essential items to renovate the Prime Minister's cottage in Harrington Lake.Why does the Prime Minister keep spending so recklessly and sending the bill to the next generation?
Mr. Speaker, the government's superclusters program is said to hand over $950 million of Canadian taxpayer money to for-profit companies. Of the many applications received, nine were shortlisted, and then five were selected to receive the funds, shutting out agrifood, oil and gas, infrastructure, mobility systems, and mining applications.How does the Prime Minister justify picking winners and losers, leaving Canadian taxpayers on the hook for his corporate welfare scheme?
Mr. Speaker, does anyone think it is normal for people to get killed for demonstrating?Is it true that people expressing their right to peaceful protest run the risk of being shot at? Though upsetting, that is the opinion of the former Governor of the Bank of Canada, David Dodge.Demonstrations are on the horizon. Thousands of people are furious at the Liberal government's decision on the Kinder Morgan pipeline. They will speak out and they have the right to do so.Can the Prime Minister assure the House that he will not use infiltration and intimidation tactics or excessive force against our fellow citizens?
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has no respect for the provinces. His government introduced a bill to legalize marijuana and is ordering the provinces to administer it. The provinces accepted the challenge and sought to implement a plan for their residents, but the Prime Minister dug in his heels and imposed conditions. During the 2015 federal election campaign, the Liberals promised to work in partnership with the provinces.Here is the perfect opportunity for the Prime Minister to do so. Will he respect the decisions of Quebec and Manitoba to prohibit home cannabis production, yes or no?
Mr. Speaker, the cover-up continues. The United States is not the only one attacking our dairy farmers. The Liberal Party is going to force dairy farmers to pay a carbon tax. For an average dairy farm, the price tag will be $17,000 in Quebec and $28,000 in British Columbia. Unfortunately for dairy farmers in the Maritimes, the Prime Minister did not forget about them. The bill will be $21,000 in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, $18,000 in Prince Edward Island, andI hope everyone is sitting downa whopping $39,000 in Newfoundland and Labrador. Why is the Prime Minister condoning these attacks, which are threatening Canada's family farms?
Mr. Speaker, today is a terrific day for the voters of ChicoutimiLe Fjord. Our new colleague, Richard Martel, is arriving on the Hill today. Unfortunately for Richard, more details emerged today about the Prime Minister's trip to India. This was a trip that sparked a diplomatic crisis after a terrorist got on the guest list. On top of that, the Prime Minister's negotiating skills led to a deal where India gets an investment of $750 million and Canada gets a measly $250 million. We now know that this trip cost at least $1.5 million. Why was this?
Mr. Speaker, so many indigenous people are asking for this day to be a statutory holiday, and the Prime Minister is clearly not listening. The government continues to show that it does not really respect first nations and the U.N. declaration that it adopted. It is not listening to indigenous communities, as illustrated by the botched consultation on pipeline projects.Will it at least support my colleague's bill so that all Canadians can celebrate with indigenous peoples and recognize their rights?
Mr. Speaker, our government is proposing measures that represent a reasonable and common-sense approach to firearm policy to make Canadians less vulnerable to gun violence. First, I want to be clear that this bill would not recreate a federal long-gun registry. As parliamentarians, I strongly believe that we have no greater responsibility than keeping Canadians safe. Can the Prime Minister explain how enhanced background checks makes society, gun owners, and Canadians safer and more secure?
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. In a moment I will be asking for unanimous consent to present a motion.Last night, the Senate passed Bill C-45, important legislation that will positively change 100 years of legal, social, and economic attitudes towards cannabis. It will legalize an activity that the vast majority of Canadians regard as acceptable.That is why, Mr. Speaker, if you seek it, I hope you will find unanimous consent for the following motion: That, in the opinion of the House, given the passage of Bill C-45 and the imminent legalization of cannabis for personal recreational use, and recognizing that many Canadians are facing criminal charges, experiencing criminal sanctions, or bearing criminal records for cannabis offences that are soon to be legal, the government should take all necessary steps to immediately provide pardons for those burdened by criminal records for cannabis offences that will soon be legal.
Mr. Speaker, our government stands strong in the fight against Daesh and will continue to be part of the coalition, as we defend minorities of all types from the murderous terrorist organization of Daesh and the like. We continue to support victims of Daesh from all different cultures and religions. We have looked at resettling numerous minority refugees who are victims of Daesh. We will continue to hold our place in the world in defending victims and minorities against the murderous actions of Daesh.
Mr. Speaker, our security agencies take all potential threats very seriously and use the full tool kit of measures, including surveillance, the no-fly list, revoking passports, and laying criminal charges when sufficient evidence exists. We trust our police forces and intelligence services to do their work and to do it well.I find it troubling that the Conservatives seem to want elected officials to directly intervene with police officers and tell them who should be arrested and when they should be arrested.We will continue to trust those responsible for the safety of Canadians to do their jobs.
Mr. Speaker, the member opposite highlighted that, indeed, summer is around the corner. We will be spending it across the country engaging with Canadians, as will every member of this House. Hopefully, there will be a little time for families for many of us as well, but we know all of us in this House will continue to stay focused on our responsibilities for Canadians.It is interesting that on this last day in the House, when plenty of big things are happening around the world, the Conservatives are making the choice to play petty politics and make personal attacks. There are so many big issues we can and should be talking about. I encourage them
Mr. Speaker, the fact is that over 2,000 migrant children are already in baby jails. The parents do not know where they are or when they will see them again.The head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed parents' worst fears. He expects hundreds of separated children will never see their parents again. They will be lost in the system forever.Does the Prime Minister recognize that as long as Trump is in power, the U.S. will never be a safe country for asylum seekers?
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives are making up numbers to distract us from the fact that they have absolutely no intention of fighting climate change. They cannot tell us what their plan for fighting climate change is, because they have no plan for fighting climate change. All their attacks are designed to keep everyone from realizing that they have no plan and are not even interested in fighting climate change. The Conservatives have not changed a bit since their 10 years of inaction.
Mr. Speaker, we are strengthening Canada's firearm laws in a common-sense, focused, and effective way. We are enhancing background checks, which the committee had further strengthened, so that people with a history of criminality or mental illness associated with violence cannot access firearms. We are formalizing best practices among retailers so that they make sure buyers have a valid licence. We are also investing unprecedented funding of $327 million to tackle gun-related violence and gang activities in Canada.We are prioritizing community safety while respecting responsible firearm ownership.
Mr. Speaker, I would not want to make an error in the House of Commons. I need to point out that the armoured limos only cost $1 million to bring to India. I am sorry; I got the number wrong, previously.We remain focused on investing and growing the economy and supporting Canadians. That is why we lowered taxes on the middle class and raised them on the wealthiest 1%. The Conservatives voted against that. That is why we are delivering a Canada child benefit that delivers more money to nine out of 10 Canadian families and is lifting hundreds of thousands of kids out of poverty. Again, the Conservatives voted
Mr. Speaker, the problem with the Prime Minister's reckless spending is that he is doing it on the taxpayers' dime and with no end in sight. We have just learned how much the Prime Minister is spending on his summer home: $3,000 on sun umbrellasI am not sure where he finds them; $7,500 on a swing set; $12,000 to replace a dock; and $5,000 on a golf cart. Meanwhile, 80% of Canadians and Canadian families are paying more taxes under this government.How can the Prime Minister justify that kind of spending while hard-working Canadians are just trying to make a living
Mr. Speaker, he says he is investing in the middle class. Since when does the Prime Minister's family count as the middle class? Instead of planning for Canada's economy against the external threats that face us, where are his priorities? Where are his investments? Well, there is $8,500 for new boat racks, $13,000 for a new deck with sun umbrellas, and $7,500 for a new play structure. I have bought many swing sets and play structures for my kids. Can the Prime Minister tell me what exactly is part of a $7,500 swing set?
Mr. Speaker, more information about the cost of the Prime Minister's disastrous trip to India is coming to light: $17,000 for one single Canadian chef who prepared one single meal; $60,000 to rent chauffeured vehicles; and hundreds of thousands of dollars to feed and house the 77-member delegation that included 21 MPs, most of whom did not attend any working meetings during the trip. The tab is now at $1.5 million and climbing.How can the Prime Minister justify that kind of spending to Canadians?
Mr. Speaker, it is becoming increasingly clear that the Prime Minister is out of touch with the struggles of everyday Canadians. He is using his job to pay for his celebrity lifestyle. The Prime Minister thinks he is entitled to his entitlements. He spares no expense when he wants to be pampered and showered with luxury. Who would have guessed that he could use $1.5 million for six days to dance around India? It is unbelievable. When will he stop using taxpayer dollars as his own personal bank account? It is not.
Mr. Speaker, in two months the Prime Minister will close the high-performing Vegreville immigration office, killing 288 jobs, dozens more in town, and millions in local revenue. It will not even save tax dollars. It will cost nearly $47 million more for renos and leasing for only 32 extra jobs in Edmonton. The Prime Minister ignores the pleas of workers, the union, the town, and Alberta representatives of all parties at all levels. He is hurting the 74% of women supporting their families and disabled workers with long-term placements in the office.Will the Prime Minister please stop this unfounded, cold-hearted closure?
Mr. Speaker, yesterday the foreign affairs minister finally acknowledged genocide of Yazidis at the hands of Daesh in Syria and Iraq. However, the government has yet to acknowledge genocide against Christian communities in the same areas, Assyrian, Chaldean and other Christians who live in communities alongside Yazidis and have often been treated in exactly the same way. Will the Prime Minister today also acknowledge the Christian victims of this genocide?
Mr. Speaker, we promised to improve our system to better protect our young people and take money and profits out of the hands of organized crime. That is exactly what we did, and we did it in partnership with the provinces. We always work in partnership with the provinces.These measures have been passed in Parliament and we are now preparing to move forward with them, but the province are asking for more time. We listened to them and agreed to their requests. The legalization of marijuana will take effect on October 17, 2018.
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister cannot have his cake and eat it too. A safe third country means that the country with which we signed an agreement is a place where asylum seekers are treated fairly, humanely, and decently.He criticized a situation in the United States where children are being separated from their migrant parents.I will repeat the question. Beyond talking points, if he is prepared to condemn what is happening in the United States, if he is prepared to say that that situation is unacceptable, will he now say that the country that is treating people that way is no longer a safe third country for refugees?
Mr. Speaker, two days after accusing the NDP of playing politics because it condemned the separation of children from their migrant parents at the Mexico-U.S. border, the Prime Minister now recognizes that the situation is unacceptable.Now that he has condemned the situation, can the Prime Minister tell us whether he still believes that the United States is a safe country for asylum seekers?
Mr. Speaker, Canada ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities eight long years ago but to this day we have failed to implement it. That is why Canadians are watching as the minister tables the government's long-awaited accessibility act this afternoon. People living with disabilities need more than a vague promise for a barrier-free Canada.Could the Prime Minister tell us if today's legislation will fulfill Canada's obligations to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities?
Mr. Speaker, we have consistently stood up for Canadian interests and Canadian jobs, and we will continue to. We are standing up strongly against these unfair steel and aluminum tariffs that are challenging for our industry and our workers. I have said to workers directly, right across the country, that we will be there for them.The threat of tariffs that could be imposed on autos would be absolutely unacceptable. We continue to work with the industry in Canada and in the United States to ensure that never happens. We know we need to continue to stand up for Canadians, and we will do just that.
Mr. Speaker, it is extremely important to us that Canadians have freedom of expression and the right to disagree with the government on decisions made in Canada. It is a very important right that we encourage.However, obviously, we all expect these demonstrations, these expressions, to be carried out in accordance with the law and to not endanger others. We live under the rule of law and we expect those laws to be obeyed.
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister says all kinds of nice things and makes all kinds of nice promises, but life is not about what gets said; it is about what gets done.Quebec already has its legislation. It has already said it will not allow cultivation in apartments, condos, or homes.Will the Prime Minister listen to Quebec, or is he gearing up for a court battle with Quebec? Will he listen to Quebec or not?
Mr. Speaker, while Trump closed the doors to those fleeing gang violence and domestic violence, yet many fleeing from Central America cite gang violence as the main reason to seek asylum. Trump's policy is in violation of the UN convention for gender-related persecution. As long as Trump is in power, the U.S. will never be a safe country for asylum seekers. Will the Prime Minister show the moral leadership by suspending the safe third country agreement?
Mr. Speaker, we got elected on a commitment to invest in the middle class and those working hard to join it, and that is exactly what we have done. The first thing we did was lower taxes for the middle class and raise them on the wealthiest 1%, which the Conservatives voted against. Then we delivered on a Canada child benefit, which helps nine out of 10 Canadian families by not sending child benefit cheques to millionaires. It is lifting hundreds of thousands of kids out of poverty across the country, and the Conservatives voted against it. The Conservatives continue to look for boutique tax cuts for the wealthiest Canadians while we are supporting middle-class Canadians right across the country, and we will continue to do just that.
Mr. Speaker, we know that both the Conservatives and the NDP think there is a false choice between either the environment or the economy. Apparently, the CCF does as well. We know that the only way to move forward is to invest in protecting our environment while growing our economy. That is exactly what we are doing with our national framework on fighting climate change. We are proud that we have been transparent about the way we are moving forward on that. We have been clear with Canadians that this is a priority for us. The Conservatives do not even have a plan. The NDP want to present a false choice. We are just glad to see the CCF back in the House.
Mr. Speaker, perhaps the Conservatives have forgotten why Stephen Harper's trip to India was so expensive for taxpayers. It was because he wanted to bring his own limousines with him, at a cost of $1.5 million. That is the Conservative approach to such matters.With respect to Harrington Lake, the National Capital Commission is responsible for ensuring the appropriate and timely maintenance of all official residences. The National Capital Commission is conducting much-needed rehabilitation work at Harrington Lake in order to preserve this federally-designated heritage building.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I asked the Liberals if they would support my private member's bill to make National Indigenous Peoples Day a statutory holiday. Instead of saying whether they would support it, the minister spoke about the government's celebrations taking place. People already know about the celebrations. What they want is for the Liberals to actually recognize the importance of providing people with a time and opportunity to celebrate.Therefore, I am asking again: Will the Liberals support my bill and make National Indigenous Peoples Day a statutory holiday?
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is writing cheques from taxpayers' accounts to his own family to reimburse it for personal costs. It does not end there. He spent $28,000 to groom his cross-country ski trails, $5,000 for a new golf cart, and more than $4,000 to wire up his new sauna, but I have to come back to the swing sets. I have bought several for my family. I am trying to imagine what goes into a $7,500 swing set.Can the Prime Minister tell me, is there a chair lift for the slide, are the seats on the swing ergonomically designed, and will he finally reimburse taxpayers for that expense?
Mr. Speaker, severe weather events are a significant and growing problem across Canada. My province of Manitoba has seen first-hand the devastating effects flooding can have on our communities. These floods have forced residents from homes, businesses to relocate or close, and caused residents to worry annually what the year's flood season may bring.Could the Prime Minister please update the House on the steps that our government is taking to improve the resiliency of Canadian communities, especially those in Manitoba?
Mr. Speaker, in regards to the Yazidis, our government has proven to be a global leader in welcoming refugees and we have more than doubled Canada's refugee numbers. We have provided a new home to more than 1,300 women and their families who endured the brutality of Daesh, 85% of whom are Yazidi.Our government's commitment to supporting vulnerable women and girls is unwavering. We announced $20 million to expand our refugee program, specifically targeting women and girls. We will continue to expedite applications so that their family members who escaped Daesh can join their relatives in Canada.
Mr. Speaker, we promised Canadians that we would invest in the middle class and those working hard to join it.That is exactly what we have done with historic investments in infrastructure and with the Canada child benefit, which is helping nine out of 10 families and will lift 300,000 children out of poverty. We lowered taxes for the middle class and increased them for the well-off. Not only are we investing for the benefit of Canadians, but we also secured the strongest growth in the G7 last year. We are creating the growth that Canadians need.
Mr. Speaker, many Canadians are asking themselves what happened to that shiny, progressive, climate-fighting Prime Minister. He was the guy who once said, No relationship is more important to me...than the [relationship] with Indigenous Peoples,governments grant permits...[but] only communities grant permission, and this classic, We have a chance to build...economies that are clean,...growing,...and forward-looking. Then he bought a $4.5-billion, 65-year-old leaky pipeline.For all those people who thought he was progressive, thought he believed in the new economy, and thought he was going to fight climate change, whatever happened to that guy?
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister just mentioned holding Iran to account. Last night the MP for Richmond Hill organized an event on the Hill for a regime-friendly Iranian lobbying group. Last week this same group publicly criticized the House of Commons for passing a motion condemning Iran. The Iranian regime is an oppressive abuser of human rights. Does the Prime Minister approve of the actions of the MP for Richmond Hill, organizing parliamentary meetings for a group that supports the Iranian regime?
Mr. Speaker, we are in a tariff conflict with the United States. We are seeing horrific images of children being detained across the United States. We are seeing indigenous peoples in this country challenged, needing better opportunities. We are seeing a broad range of issues that matter on this the last day of the spring sitting of the House of Commons. We are moving forward on the legalization of marijuana, which I know the Conservatives have issues with. However, this is what the Leader of the Opposition chooses to spend his last day in Parliament before the summer
Mr. Speaker, as I said, this situation is unacceptable. We are monitoring the situation in the United States very closely. We will continue to work with the Americans on border protection and the agreements we have with them, while protecting our values and the way we do things in Canada. We will be loud and clear about that. We obviously do not do things the same way.
Mr. Speaker, our government is investing $8 billion in clean technology and renewable energy. That is where we are focused on moving forward. We are also moving forward with the pan-Canadian approach to fight climate change, one that understands that growing the economy and protecting the environment need to go together. Unfortunately, the NDP does not get that and still thinks there is a choice to be made between the environment and the economy. When it comes to indigenous peoples, it only listens to those who agree with it, and have nothing to say about the indigenous communities that support energy projects.
Mr. Speaker, over the past two years, Canadians across the country have been thanking us for reinvesting in immigration services and processing times, after 10 years of Conservatives shutting down, creating backlogs, starving our immigration systems from being able to actually process the backlogs and giving them the resources they needed. We know we need to do better on processing times. We need to invest in our immigration system. That is exactly why we are ensuring we have the capacity in our system to treat the files that Canadians and new Canadians expect us to treat rapidly and efficiently.
Mr. Speaker, Canadians want us to be effective on the world stage.During our trip to India, we announced bilateral investments totalling over $1 billion that will help create 5,800 jobs in Canada. We also announced $11.5 million for the right start initiative to empower the world's poorest women and girls. These commitments will benefit the middle class and those working hard to join it.I would point out that this nine-day trip cost much less than Stephen Harper's six-day trip to India a few years ago.
Mr. Speaker, Canadians across the country are troubled by the images that we have seen. As I said, what is happening is unacceptable. I cannot imagine the pain these families are experiencing.The safe third country agreement has been in place for more than 10 years and we continue to seek ways to modernize it. We are in ongoing talks with the United States. We will continue to closely monitor developments in the United States.
Mr. Speaker, as I have said, what is happening is wrong. None of us can imagine what these families are going through and I know all Canadians have the well-being of children first and foremost in their minds. As I have said numerous times both at home and abroad, I will always stand up for the values that Canadians hold dear. This is something that I will continue to do.
Mr. Speaker, recently a Liberal MP said, The time has come to transition to closed containment salmon aquaculture in British Columbia. I could not agree more. Canada is well-positioned to become a world leader in closed containment, but we need action now. Globally, money is being invested in land-based salmon farming. Florida, for instance, is building a 90,000-tonne facility. It is time for Canada to invest in a safe, sustainable industry that protects wild salmon and employment, develops new technologies, jobs, and export opportunities.Will the Prime Minister commit today to transition these farms to land?
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for her question. This is an issue that affects far too many Canadians. I know that it is very difficult to live with Lyme disease.We realize that a lot of research is needed on this disease. We are committed to working with those suffering from Lyme disease and with researchers to find the best approach to protect all Canadians. This is a very important issue, and I thank the member for raising it in the House of Commons.
Mr. Speaker, I can confirm that we are not considering removing Her Majesty from the oath of citizenship.
Mr. Speaker, troubling reports are surfacing that the Minister of Immigration is planning on removing Her Majesty from the oath of citizenship. Could the Prime Minister confirm if his government is discussing removing Her Majesty from the oath of citizenship?
Mr. Speaker, the Conservative government spent over $1.5 million bringing Stephen Harper's limos from Ottawa to India for his trip because he wanted to travel around in the style to which he was accustomed. That is completely irresponsible. We were proud that our trip to India, which covered nine days and secured one billion dollars' worth of bilateral investment, cost significantly less than his six-day trip.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice dismissed the concerns of Canadian auto workers, saying everything was just fine. It is not fine when TD Bank says 160,000 jobs are at risk. The Minister of Foreign Affairs is unable to provide details on her plan to protect the jobs of workers in the auto industry.I am going to ask again a simple question to the Prime Minister. What is the plan to protect auto manufacturing jobs in Canada?
Mr. Speaker, the federal government has repeatedly stated that provinces will keep their revenues from carbon pricing. However, next year is a renewal of equalization. If carbon revenues are added to the formula, then each province's carbon tax base would count against its equalization entitlement, effectively clawing back the money. Will the government include carbon pricing in equalization and, if so, how will it ensure that provinces actually keep the revenue?
Mr. Speaker, we have all seen the troubling statistics. In 2016, more than one million Canadians had to choose between feeding their family, heating their home, and filling the prescriptions they needed. I have heard similar complaints in my riding of Kitchener-Centre.In budget 2018, we proudly announced the creation of an advisory council on the implementation of national pharmacare. Could the Prime Minister please update the House on the progress that our government has made in this area?
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives spend all of their time trying to twist in the wind because they do not admit that climate change is a problem, do not have a plan to fight climate change, and therefore cannot reveal the details of their plan.We have been transparent in the election campaign and ever since, and in the budget. We have demonstrated that we are moving forward on growing our economy and protecting the environment, at the same time as moving forward on a concrete plan with all provinces to fight climate change. That is what we are doing. The Conservatives cannot say what they are doing because they do not know what they are doing, because they do not have a plan.
Mr. Speaker, I find the indignation with which the Prime Minister emotes very troubling when it comes to his discussing his expenses on the India trip. Primarily the Prime Minister is not above scrutiny when it comes to expenses that he incurs, and in fact, he signs off on these. For the India trip alone, they flew in 5,000 dollars' worth of wine, charged $5,000 on cellphone costs, and $60,000 for personal chauffeurs. Did the Prime Minister sign off on all of these expenses?
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the member for Kitchener Centre for his work on this file and for his excellent French.Canadians can be proud of our publicly funded, universal health care system. However, there is always room for improvement. That is why we created the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare, which will study, evaluate, and recommend pharmacare options. We also announced the names of the accomplished members of the council. We look forward to their report, so that we can give Canadians a better system.
Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to ensuring the full participation of people with disabilities in society, and we have taken steps to do so. We support a variety of programs and services to assist those with disabilities to gain employment, to develop skills, and to gain experience. For 10 long years, the Harper Conservatives promised to deliver legislation for persons with disabilities but did nothing. I am not going to break with parliamentary privilege, but I will confirm that we will be introducing this historic accessibility legislation before the House rises for the summer.
Mr. Speaker, we have tasked the federal science adviser to actually look into the question of aquaculture so we can make evidence-based policy moves going forward.However, I would highlight for my colleague from the NDP that he should have a conversation with his provincial counterparts, if he is not fighting with them as they are with their provincial counterparts in Alberta. They just approved continued tenure for aquaculture farms. That is the decision on the provincial side and we know there are significant concerns that we are moving forward
Mr. Speaker, Canadians across the country are very concerned with the stories and images that we have witnessed. As I have said, what is happening in the United States is wrong. I cannot imagine what these families are going through. As I have said many times, the safe third country agreement is over 10 years old. We will continually look for ways to modernize it and be in conversation with the Americans on this. We will continue as well to closely monitor developments in the United States.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for KildonanSt. Paul for her hard work in her community. Our government knows that climate change is real and that the frequency of severe weather events like flooding is increasing. That is why this week we were proud to announce a federal investment of almost $250 million in the Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin outlet channels. Alongside the province, our investment will allow for the management of the flows of these watersheds and protect the communities of the region for years to come.
Mr. Speaker, we were pleased to secure over $1 billion in two-way investment between India and Canada. We were pleased to secure at least 5,800 new jobs in investment in Canada from that trip. We were pleased to do a lot of good work on that nine-day trip, for less than it cost Stephen Harper and the Conservatives to do a six-day trip just a few years before. We stay focused on the things that matter to Canadians: on growing the economy in ways that are far greater than the Conservatives were able to do for 10 years.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to repeat the announcement that within our supercluster strategy, we are moving forward with the protein supercluster, which benefits prairie communities right across the Prairies. They will definitely benefit from the kinds of investments, the kinds of innovation, and the kinds of leadership that investment in agriculture needs to happen.We are proud to be supporting our farmers and our agrifood businesses. The Conservatives talk a good game, but were never there for them when it came to actually creating growth.
Mr. Speaker, no relationship is more important to us than the relationship with indigenous peoples, and that is why, when we talk about moving forward on issues on this, we need to make sure that it is not folks in Ottawa deciding what is going to happen. It needs to be in consultation and in partnership with indigenous people. That is why we are looking very closely at the calls to action, and looking very closely at relationships with indigenous communities to figure out the best way to move forward on commemorating reconciliation. We look forward to having more to say soon on this issue.
Mr. Speaker, I just want to let the Prime Minister know that, if he will allow me, I will be seeking unanimous consent after question period to table a document entitled Sportspower 8 station swing set. It has a wonderful slide, seesaw, and several swings, and it only costs $198.Will he allow me to table this document after question period?
Mr. Speaker, the National Capital Commission is responsible for ensuring the appropriate and timely maintenance for all official residences, including Stornoway. The NCC is conducting much-needed rehabilitation work at Harrington Lake in order to conserve this federally designated heritage building. The RCMP will also be conducting work to enhance the security features at Harrington Lake. The NCC is working to address these issues in a timely fashion.
Mr. Speaker, the number of victims of Lyme disease doubled in Quebec in 2017, and this number continues to grow every year as a result of climate change.The government created the federal framework on Lyme disease one year ago, but the guidelines are still not being applied. If this disease is not treated, it can cause cardiac and neurological problems. False negatives are quite common.When will victims of Lyme disease have access to better diagnostic testing and treatments for chronic cases in Canada?
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud that every year we come together to acknowledge the fundamental contributions that first nations, Inuit, and Métis people have made to the identity and culture of all Canadians. We are working with indigenous peoples to establish a nation-to-nation relationship between the Inuit and the crown and a government-to-government relationship based on respect, partnership, and recognition of rights. We will continue to work with our partners on shared priorities, including this celebration
Mr. Speaker, I also wish to congratulate Richard Martel on his win in ChicoutimiLe Fjord. I want to thank all the candidates and especially all the voters who participated in the electoral process. It is enormously important for people to get involved, and we are very proud of this. Since today is our last day, I also want to take this opportunity to thank the House of Commons pages who served us so well this year.I want to thank all the pages who have been here working hard for us. I thank them for everything they have done throughout this year. I thank all the staffers for seeing us through to the summer.
Mr. Speaker, this is the last opportunity for the House to adopt Bill C-79 before adjourning for the summer. Discussions have taken place, and if you seek it, you will find, I hope, unanimous consent for the following motion: That notwithstanding any Standing Order or usual practice of the House, Bill C-79, An Act to implement the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership between Canada, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam, be deemed to have been read a second time and referred to a committee of the whole, deemed reported without amendments, deemed concurred in at report stage, and deemed read a third time and passed.
Mr. Speaker, Nada is a young Yazidi mother from Iraq. When ISIS invaded her community, she was sold as a sex slave. She recently recounted coming face to face with Abu Tawfiq, the man she says sold her and bought her. He was not in jail. He was not in Iraq. He is a free man in London, Ontario.We need to believe victims, and the Liberals let this guy into our country.Will the Prime Minister take responsibility for allowing ISIS terrorists to walk our streets freely and finally send these war criminals to The Hague?
Mr. Speaker, after sitting with a Yazidi woman who survived sexual slavery, one leaves awed by her strength, concerned for her welfare, and left with a deep, white-hot desire to bring her justice. When we wax eloquent about #MeToo, we cannot forget our obligation to bring justice to women who have had their bodies used as tools of war.Why does the feminist Prime Minister continually refuse to commit to refer Canadian ISIS terrorists to the International Criminal Court?
Mr. Speaker, the Iranian regime continues to brutalize its own citizens. Mohammad Salas, a bus driver and member of a religious minority, was arrested. He was then tortured. His phoney confession was then broadcast on state television. It was used as the only evidence in his trial. On Monday, at dawn, he was executed. Then the regime refused to allow his family to even see the body. When will the Liberal government start to support the Iranian people and stop fantasizing about normalizing relations with this vicious, murderous, terrorist regime?
Mr. Speaker, with regard to the India trip, I do not recall Prime Minister Harper bringing along on the trip his own personal chefwhat was that: $17,000and, may I add, a terrorist. Maybe the Prime Minister needs to park the arrogance and swagger for just a split second. We know summer is around the corner. We know what that means. The Prime Minister is going to be taking quite a bit of time off, so perhaps he could at this moment have a bit of humility and tell Canadians he is sorry for abusing their tax dollars and he will not do it again.
Mr. Speaker, as politicians, we engage with a broad range of people, but we have been unequivocal. We deeply oppose Iran's support for terrorist organizations, for its threats toward Israel, its ballistic missile program, and its support for the murderous Assad regime. We will always defend human rights and hold Iran to account for its actions. We continue to maintain sanctions on Iran, which include restrictions on sensitive goods, and a list of individuals and entities subject to asset freezes. We will always remain firm in our defence of human rights and are standing against state sponsors of terrorism around the world.
Mr. Speaker, we deeply oppose Iran's support for terrorist organizations, its threats toward Israel, its ballistic missile program, and its support for the murderous Assad regime. We will always defend human rights and hold Iran to account for its actions.We led a resolution at the United Nations in November, calling on Iran to comply with its international human rights obligations. We will continue to maintain sanctions on Iran, which include restrictions on sensitive goods and a list of individuals and entities subject to asset freezes, with whom all transactions involving property are prohibited.
Mr. Speaker, I will tell members about the Liberal support for agriculture. According to the numbers from the Parliamentary Budget Officer, the Liberals' carbon tax will devastate Canadian agriculture. At $50 a tonne, the Liberal carbon tax will cost a Manitoba pork producer more than $36,000 a year; a rancher in Alberta, $13,000; and a wheat grower in Saskatchewan, $12,000. As for potato farmers in P.E.I, the agriculture minister thinks they should be paying $20,000 a year in carbon tax.Does the Prime Minister agree with these numbers? If not, will he end the cover-up and release the cost of the Liberals' farm-killing carbon tax?
Mr. Speaker, we are proud to have passed our bill to legalize, strictly regulate, and restrict access to marijuana. This measure will keep marijuana out of the hands of children and profits out of the hands of criminals.I just gave the member opposite a very precise answer. I will repeat it to be sure he understands. This legislation will come into force on October 17. We made that decision because three of our largest provinces, including Quebec, asked for a little more time. I know how important it is to do this properly, and that is why we are giving Quebec more time.
Once again, Mr. Speaker, we are confronted with anger from the Prime Minister that we have the audacity to ask questions about his spending habits. In the private sector, they say that the tone is set at the top. The tone of the Liberal government is a culture of spending in excess. That is all this is. Maybe the Prime Minister can tell me why, at his personal retreat at Harrington Lake, he thinks it is okay to spend $10,000 for a new patio, $12,000 for deck and dock upgrades, and $60,000 in total on these upgrades when Canadians are worried about paying for his carbon tax.
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is incapable of managing taxpayers' money responsibly. More than $8 million on a temporary skating rink, $215,000 for an illegal vacation on a private island, at least $1.5 million for a disastrous trip to India, and tens of thousands of dollars on non-essential items to renovate the Prime Minister's cottage in Harrington Lake.Why does the Prime Minister keep spending so recklessly and sending the bill to the next generation?
Mr. Speaker, the government's superclusters program is said to hand over $950 million of Canadian taxpayer money to for-profit companies. Of the many applications received, nine were shortlisted, and then five were selected to receive the funds, shutting out agrifood, oil and gas, infrastructure, mobility systems, and mining applications.How does the Prime Minister justify picking winners and losers, leaving Canadian taxpayers on the hook for his corporate welfare scheme?
Mr. Speaker, does anyone think it is normal for people to get killed for demonstrating?Is it true that people expressing their right to peaceful protest run the risk of being shot at? Though upsetting, that is the opinion of the former Governor of the Bank of Canada, David Dodge.Demonstrations are on the horizon. Thousands of people are furious at the Liberal government's decision on the Kinder Morgan pipeline. They will speak out and they have the right to do so.Can the Prime Minister assure the House that he will not use infiltration and intimidation tactics or excessive force against our fellow citizens?
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has no respect for the provinces. His government introduced a bill to legalize marijuana and is ordering the provinces to administer it. The provinces accepted the challenge and sought to implement a plan for their residents, but the Prime Minister dug in his heels and imposed conditions. During the 2015 federal election campaign, the Liberals promised to work in partnership with the provinces.Here is the perfect opportunity for the Prime Minister to do so. Will he respect the decisions of Quebec and Manitoba to prohibit home cannabis production, yes or no?
Mr. Speaker, the cover-up continues. The United States is not the only one attacking our dairy farmers. The Liberal Party is going to force dairy farmers to pay a carbon tax. For an average dairy farm, the price tag will be $17,000 in Quebec and $28,000 in British Columbia. Unfortunately for dairy farmers in the Maritimes, the Prime Minister did not forget about them. The bill will be $21,000 in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, $18,000 in Prince Edward Island, andI hope everyone is sitting downa whopping $39,000 in Newfoundland and Labrador. Why is the Prime Minister condoning these attacks, which are threatening Canada's family farms?
Mr. Speaker, today is a terrific day for the voters of ChicoutimiLe Fjord. Our new colleague, Richard Martel, is arriving on the Hill today. Unfortunately for Richard, more details emerged today about the Prime Minister's trip to India. This was a trip that sparked a diplomatic crisis after a terrorist got on the guest list. On top of that, the Prime Minister's negotiating skills led to a deal where India gets an investment of $750 million and Canada gets a measly $250 million. We now know that this trip cost at least $1.5 million. Why was this?
Mr. Speaker, so many indigenous people are asking for this day to be a statutory holiday, and the Prime Minister is clearly not listening. The government continues to show that it does not really respect first nations and the U.N. declaration that it adopted. It is not listening to indigenous communities, as illustrated by the botched consultation on pipeline projects.Will it at least support my colleague's bill so that all Canadians can celebrate with indigenous peoples and recognize their rights?
Mr. Speaker, our government is proposing measures that represent a reasonable and common-sense approach to firearm policy to make Canadians less vulnerable to gun violence. First, I want to be clear that this bill would not recreate a federal long-gun registry. As parliamentarians, I strongly believe that we have no greater responsibility than keeping Canadians safe. Can the Prime Minister explain how enhanced background checks makes society, gun owners, and Canadians safer and more secure?
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. In a moment I will be asking for unanimous consent to present a motion.Last night, the Senate passed Bill C-45, important legislation that will positively change 100 years of legal, social, and economic attitudes towards cannabis. It will legalize an activity that the vast majority of Canadians regard as acceptable.That is why, Mr. Speaker, if you seek it, I hope you will find unanimous consent for the following motion: That, in the opinion of the House, given the passage of Bill C-45 and the imminent legalization of cannabis for personal recreational use, and recognizing that many Canadians are facing criminal charges, experiencing criminal sanctions, or bearing criminal records for cannabis offences that are soon to be legal, the government should take all necessary steps to immediately provide pardons for those burdened by criminal records for cannabis offences that will soon be legal.
Mr. Speaker, our government stands strong in the fight against Daesh and will continue to be part of the coalition, as we defend minorities of all types from the murderous terrorist organization of Daesh and the like. We continue to support victims of Daesh from all different cultures and religions. We have looked at resettling numerous minority refugees who are victims of Daesh. We will continue to hold our place in the world in defending victims and minorities against the murderous actions of Daesh.
Mr. Speaker, our security agencies take all potential threats very seriously and use the full tool kit of measures, including surveillance, the no-fly list, revoking passports, and laying criminal charges when sufficient evidence exists. We trust our police forces and intelligence services to do their work and to do it well.I find it troubling that the Conservatives seem to want elected officials to directly intervene with police officers and tell them who should be arrested and when they should be arrested.We will continue to trust those responsible for the safety of Canadians to do their jobs.
Mr. Speaker, the member opposite highlighted that, indeed, summer is around the corner. We will be spending it across the country engaging with Canadians, as will every member of this House. Hopefully, there will be a little time for families for many of us as well, but we know all of us in this House will continue to stay focused on our responsibilities for Canadians.It is interesting that on this last day in the House, when plenty of big things are happening around the world, the Conservatives are making the choice to play petty politics and make personal attacks. There are so many big issues we can and should be talking about. I encourage them
Mr. Speaker, the fact is that over 2,000 migrant children are already in baby jails. The parents do not know where they are or when they will see them again.The head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed parents' worst fears. He expects hundreds of separated children will never see their parents again. They will be lost in the system forever.Does the Prime Minister recognize that as long as Trump is in power, the U.S. will never be a safe country for asylum seekers?
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives are making up numbers to distract us from the fact that they have absolutely no intention of fighting climate change. They cannot tell us what their plan for fighting climate change is, because they have no plan for fighting climate change. All their attacks are designed to keep everyone from realizing that they have no plan and are not even interested in fighting climate change. The Conservatives have not changed a bit since their 10 years of inaction.
Mr. Speaker, we are strengthening Canada's firearm laws in a common-sense, focused, and effective way. We are enhancing background checks, which the committee had further strengthened, so that people with a history of criminality or mental illness associated with violence cannot access firearms. We are formalizing best practices among retailers so that they make sure buyers have a valid licence. We are also investing unprecedented funding of $327 million to tackle gun-related violence and gang activities in Canada.We are prioritizing community safety while respecting responsible firearm ownership.
Mr. Speaker, I would not want to make an error in the House of Commons. I need to point out that the armoured limos only cost $1 million to bring to India. I am sorry; I got the number wrong, previously.We remain focused on investing and growing the economy and supporting Canadians. That is why we lowered taxes on the middle class and raised them on the wealthiest 1%. The Conservatives voted against that. That is why we are delivering a Canada child benefit that delivers more money to nine out of 10 Canadian families and is lifting hundreds of thousands of kids out of poverty. Again, the Conservatives voted
Mr. Speaker, the problem with the Prime Minister's reckless spending is that he is doing it on the taxpayers' dime and with no end in sight. We have just learned how much the Prime Minister is spending on his summer home: $3,000 on sun umbrellasI am not sure where he finds them; $7,500 on a swing set; $12,000 to replace a dock; and $5,000 on a golf cart. Meanwhile, 80% of Canadians and Canadian families are paying more taxes under this government.How can the Prime Minister justify that kind of spending while hard-working Canadians are just trying to make a living
Mr. Speaker, he says he is investing in the middle class. Since when does the Prime Minister's family count as the middle class? Instead of planning for Canada's economy against the external threats that face us, where are his priorities? Where are his investments? Well, there is $8,500 for new boat racks, $13,000 for a new deck with sun umbrellas, and $7,500 for a new play structure. I have bought many swing sets and play structures for my kids. Can the Prime Minister tell me what exactly is part of a $7,500 swing set?
Mr. Speaker, more information about the cost of the Prime Minister's disastrous trip to India is coming to light: $17,000 for one single Canadian chef who prepared one single meal; $60,000 to rent chauffeured vehicles; and hundreds of thousands of dollars to feed and house the 77-member delegation that included 21 MPs, most of whom did not attend any working meetings during the trip. The tab is now at $1.5 million and climbing.How can the Prime Minister justify that kind of spending to Canadians?
Mr. Speaker, it is becoming increasingly clear that the Prime Minister is out of touch with the struggles of everyday Canadians. He is using his job to pay for his celebrity lifestyle. The Prime Minister thinks he is entitled to his entitlements. He spares no expense when he wants to be pampered and showered with luxury. Who would have guessed that he could use $1.5 million for six days to dance around India? It is unbelievable. When will he stop using taxpayer dollars as his own personal bank account? It is not.
Mr. Speaker, in two months the Prime Minister will close the high-performing Vegreville immigration office, killing 288 jobs, dozens more in town, and millions in local revenue. It will not even save tax dollars. It will cost nearly $47 million more for renos and leasing for only 32 extra jobs in Edmonton. The Prime Minister ignores the pleas of workers, the union, the town, and Alberta representatives of all parties at all levels. He is hurting the 74% of women supporting their families and disabled workers with long-term placements in the office.Will the Prime Minister please stop this unfounded, cold-hearted closure?
Mr. Speaker, yesterday the foreign affairs minister finally acknowledged genocide of Yazidis at the hands of Daesh in Syria and Iraq. However, the government has yet to acknowledge genocide against Christian communities in the same areas, Assyrian, Chaldean and other Christians who live in communities alongside Yazidis and have often been treated in exactly the same way. Will the Prime Minister today also acknowledge the Christian victims of this genocide?
Mr. Speaker, we promised to improve our system to better protect our young people and take money and profits out of the hands of organized crime. That is exactly what we did, and we did it in partnership with the provinces. We always work in partnership with the provinces.These measures have been passed in Parliament and we are now preparing to move forward with them, but the province are asking for more time. We listened to them and agreed to their requests. The legalization of marijuana will take effect on October 17, 2018.
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister cannot have his cake and eat it too. A safe third country means that the country with which we signed an agreement is a place where asylum seekers are treated fairly, humanely, and decently.He criticized a situation in the United States where children are being separated from their migrant parents.I will repeat the question. Beyond talking points, if he is prepared to condemn what is happening in the United States, if he is prepared to say that that situation is unacceptable, will he now say that the country that is treating people that way is no longer a safe third country for refugees?
Mr. Speaker, two days after accusing the NDP of playing politics because it condemned the separation of children from their migrant parents at the Mexico-U.S. border, the Prime Minister now recognizes that the situation is unacceptable.Now that he has condemned the situation, can the Prime Minister tell us whether he still believes that the United States is a safe country for asylum seekers?
Mr. Speaker, Canada ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities eight long years ago but to this day we have failed to implement it. That is why Canadians are watching as the minister tables the government's long-awaited accessibility act this afternoon. People living with disabilities need more than a vague promise for a barrier-free Canada.Could the Prime Minister tell us if today's legislation will fulfill Canada's obligations to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities?
Mr. Speaker, we have consistently stood up for Canadian interests and Canadian jobs, and we will continue to. We are standing up strongly against these unfair steel and aluminum tariffs that are challenging for our industry and our workers. I have said to workers directly, right across the country, that we will be there for them.The threat of tariffs that could be imposed on autos would be absolutely unacceptable. We continue to work with the industry in Canada and in the United States to ensure that never happens. We know we need to continue to stand up for Canadians, and we will do just that.
Mr. Speaker, it is extremely important to us that Canadians have freedom of expression and the right to disagree with the government on decisions made in Canada. It is a very important right that we encourage.However, obviously, we all expect these demonstrations, these expressions, to be carried out in accordance with the law and to not endanger others. We live under the rule of law and we expect those laws to be obeyed.
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister says all kinds of nice things and makes all kinds of nice promises, but life is not about what gets said; it is about what gets done.Quebec already has its legislation. It has already said it will not allow cultivation in apartments, condos, or homes.Will the Prime Minister listen to Quebec, or is he gearing up for a court battle with Quebec? Will he listen to Quebec or not?
Mr. Speaker, while Trump closed the doors to those fleeing gang violence and domestic violence, yet many fleeing from Central America cite gang violence as the main reason to seek asylum. Trump's policy is in violation of the UN convention for gender-related persecution. As long as Trump is in power, the U.S. will never be a safe country for asylum seekers. Will the Prime Minister show the moral leadership by suspending the safe third country agreement?
Mr. Speaker, we got elected on a commitment to invest in the middle class and those working hard to join it, and that is exactly what we have done. The first thing we did was lower taxes for the middle class and raise them on the wealthiest 1%, which the Conservatives voted against. Then we delivered on a Canada child benefit, which helps nine out of 10 Canadian families by not sending child benefit cheques to millionaires. It is lifting hundreds of thousands of kids out of poverty across the country, and the Conservatives voted against it. The Conservatives continue to look for boutique tax cuts for the wealthiest Canadians while we are supporting middle-class Canadians right across the country, and we will continue to do just that.
Mr. Speaker, we know that both the Conservatives and the NDP think there is a false choice between either the environment or the economy. Apparently, the CCF does as well. We know that the only way to move forward is to invest in protecting our environment while growing our economy. That is exactly what we are doing with our national framework on fighting climate change. We are proud that we have been transparent about the way we are moving forward on that. We have been clear with Canadians that this is a priority for us. The Conservatives do not even have a plan. The NDP want to present a false choice. We are just glad to see the CCF back in the House.
Mr. Speaker, perhaps the Conservatives have forgotten why Stephen Harper's trip to India was so expensive for taxpayers. It was because he wanted to bring his own limousines with him, at a cost of $1.5 million. That is the Conservative approach to such matters.With respect to Harrington Lake, the National Capital Commission is responsible for ensuring the appropriate and timely maintenance of all official residences. The National Capital Commission is conducting much-needed rehabilitation work at Harrington Lake in order to preserve this federally-designated heritage building.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I asked the Liberals if they would support my private member's bill to make National Indigenous Peoples Day a statutory holiday. Instead of saying whether they would support it, the minister spoke about the government's celebrations taking place. People already know about the celebrations. What they want is for the Liberals to actually recognize the importance of providing people with a time and opportunity to celebrate.Therefore, I am asking again: Will the Liberals support my bill and make National Indigenous Peoples Day a statutory holiday?
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is writing cheques from taxpayers' accounts to his own family to reimburse it for personal costs. It does not end there. He spent $28,000 to groom his cross-country ski trails, $5,000 for a new golf cart, and more than $4,000 to wire up his new sauna, but I have to come back to the swing sets. I have bought several for my family. I am trying to imagine what goes into a $7,500 swing set.Can the Prime Minister tell me, is there a chair lift for the slide, are the seats on the swing ergonomically designed, and will he finally reimburse taxpayers for that expense?
Mr. Speaker, severe weather events are a significant and growing problem across Canada. My province of Manitoba has seen first-hand the devastating effects flooding can have on our communities. These floods have forced residents from homes, businesses to relocate or close, and caused residents to worry annually what the year's flood season may bring.Could the Prime Minister please update the House on the steps that our government is taking to improve the resiliency of Canadian communities, especially those in Manitoba?
Mr. Speaker, in regards to the Yazidis, our government has proven to be a global leader in welcoming refugees and we have more than doubled Canada's refugee numbers. We have provided a new home to more than 1,300 women and their families who endured the brutality of Daesh, 85% of whom are Yazidi.Our government's commitment to supporting vulnerable women and girls is unwavering. We announced $20 million to expand our refugee program, specifically targeting women and girls. We will continue to expedite applications so that their family members who escaped Daesh can join their relatives in Canada.
Mr. Speaker, we promised Canadians that we would invest in the middle class and those working hard to join it.That is exactly what we have done with historic investments in infrastructure and with the Canada child benefit, which is helping nine out of 10 families and will lift 300,000 children out of poverty. We lowered taxes for the middle class and increased them for the well-off. Not only are we investing for the benefit of Canadians, but we also secured the strongest growth in the G7 last year. We are creating the growth that Canadians need.
Mr. Speaker, many Canadians are asking themselves what happened to that shiny, progressive, climate-fighting Prime Minister. He was the guy who once said, No relationship is more important to me...than the [relationship] with Indigenous Peoples,governments grant permits...[but] only communities grant permission, and this classic, We have a chance to build...economies that are clean,...growing,...and forward-looking. Then he bought a $4.5-billion, 65-year-old leaky pipeline.For all those people who thought he was progressive, thought he believed in the new economy, and thought he was going to fight climate change, whatever happened to that guy?
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister just mentioned holding Iran to account. Last night the MP for Richmond Hill organized an event on the Hill for a regime-friendly Iranian lobbying group. Last week this same group publicly criticized the House of Commons for passing a motion condemning Iran. The Iranian regime is an oppressive abuser of human rights. Does the Prime Minister approve of the actions of the MP for Richmond Hill, organizing parliamentary meetings for a group that supports the Iranian regime?
Mr. Speaker, we are in a tariff conflict with the United States. We are seeing horrific images of children being detained across the United States. We are seeing indigenous peoples in this country challenged, needing better opportunities. We are seeing a broad range of issues that matter on this the last day of the spring sitting of the House of Commons. We are moving forward on the legalization of marijuana, which I know the Conservatives have issues with. However, this is what the Leader of the Opposition chooses to spend his last day in Parliament before the summer
Mr. Speaker, as I said, this situation is unacceptable. We are monitoring the situation in the United States very closely. We will continue to work with the Americans on border protection and the agreements we have with them, while protecting our values and the way we do things in Canada. We will be loud and clear about that. We obviously do not do things the same way.
Mr. Speaker, our government is investing $8 billion in clean technology and renewable energy. That is where we are focused on moving forward. We are also moving forward with the pan-Canadian approach to fight climate change, one that understands that growing the economy and protecting the environment need to go together. Unfortunately, the NDP does not get that and still thinks there is a choice to be made between the environment and the economy. When it comes to indigenous peoples, it only listens to those who agree with it, and have nothing to say about the indigenous communities that support energy projects.
Mr. Speaker, over the past two years, Canadians across the country have been thanking us for reinvesting in immigration services and processing times, after 10 years of Conservatives shutting down, creating backlogs, starving our immigration systems from being able to actually process the backlogs and giving them the resources they needed. We know we need to do better on processing times. We need to invest in our immigration system. That is exactly why we are ensuring we have the capacity in our system to treat the files that Canadians and new Canadians expect us to treat rapidly and efficiently.
Mr. Speaker, Canadians want us to be effective on the world stage.During our trip to India, we announced bilateral investments totalling over $1 billion that will help create 5,800 jobs in Canada. We also announced $11.5 million for the right start initiative to empower the world's poorest women and girls. These commitments will benefit the middle class and those working hard to join it.I would point out that this nine-day trip cost much less than Stephen Harper's six-day trip to India a few years ago.
Mr. Speaker, Canadians across the country are troubled by the images that we have seen. As I said, what is happening is unacceptable. I cannot imagine the pain these families are experiencing.The safe third country agreement has been in place for more than 10 years and we continue to seek ways to modernize it. We are in ongoing talks with the United States. We will continue to closely monitor developments in the United States.
Mr. Speaker, as I have said, what is happening is wrong. None of us can imagine what these families are going through and I know all Canadians have the well-being of children first and foremost in their minds. As I have said numerous times both at home and abroad, I will always stand up for the values that Canadians hold dear. This is something that I will continue to do.
Mr. Speaker, recently a Liberal MP said, The time has come to transition to closed containment salmon aquaculture in British Columbia. I could not agree more. Canada is well-positioned to become a world leader in closed containment, but we need action now. Globally, money is being invested in land-based salmon farming. Florida, for instance, is building a 90,000-tonne facility. It is time for Canada to invest in a safe, sustainable industry that protects wild salmon and employment, develops new technologies, jobs, and export opportunities.Will the Prime Minister commit today to transition these farms to land?
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for her question. This is an issue that affects far too many Canadians. I know that it is very difficult to live with Lyme disease.We realize that a lot of research is needed on this disease. We are committed to working with those suffering from Lyme disease and with researchers to find the best approach to protect all Canadians. This is a very important issue, and I thank the member for raising it in the House of Commons.
Mr. Speaker, I can confirm that we are not considering removing Her Majesty from the oath of citizenship.
Mr. Speaker, troubling reports are surfacing that the Minister of Immigration is planning on removing Her Majesty from the oath of citizenship. Could the Prime Minister confirm if his government is discussing removing Her Majesty from the oath of citizenship?
Mr. Speaker, the Conservative government spent over $1.5 million bringing Stephen Harper's limos from Ottawa to India for his trip because he wanted to travel around in the style to which he was accustomed. That is completely irresponsible. We were proud that our trip to India, which covered nine days and secured one billion dollars' worth of bilateral investment, cost significantly less than his six-day trip.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice dismissed the concerns of Canadian auto workers, saying everything was just fine. It is not fine when TD Bank says 160,000 jobs are at risk. The Minister of Foreign Affairs is unable to provide details on her plan to protect the jobs of workers in the auto industry.I am going to ask again a simple question to the Prime Minister. What is the plan to protect auto manufacturing jobs in Canada?
Mr. Speaker, the federal government has repeatedly stated that provinces will keep their revenues from carbon pricing. However, next year is a renewal of equalization. If carbon revenues are added to the formula, then each province's carbon tax base would count against its equalization entitlement, effectively clawing back the money. Will the government include carbon pricing in equalization and, if so, how will it ensure that provinces actually keep the revenue?
Mr. Speaker, we have all seen the troubling statistics. In 2016, more than one million Canadians had to choose between feeding their family, heating their home, and filling the prescriptions they needed. I have heard similar complaints in my riding of Kitchener-Centre.In budget 2018, we proudly announced the creation of an advisory council on the implementation of national pharmacare. Could the Prime Minister please update the House on the progress that our government has made in this area?
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives spend all of their time trying to twist in the wind because they do not admit that climate change is a problem, do not have a plan to fight climate change, and therefore cannot reveal the details of their plan.We have been transparent in the election campaign and ever since, and in the budget. We have demonstrated that we are moving forward on growing our economy and protecting the environment, at the same time as moving forward on a concrete plan with all provinces to fight climate change. That is what we are doing. The Conservatives cannot say what they are doing because they do not know what they are doing, because they do not have a plan.
Mr. Speaker, I find the indignation with which the Prime Minister emotes very troubling when it comes to his discussing his expenses on the India trip. Primarily the Prime Minister is not above scrutiny when it comes to expenses that he incurs, and in fact, he signs off on these. For the India trip alone, they flew in 5,000 dollars' worth of wine, charged $5,000 on cellphone costs, and $60,000 for personal chauffeurs. Did the Prime Minister sign off on all of these expenses?
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the member for Kitchener Centre for his work on this file and for his excellent French.Canadians can be proud of our publicly funded, universal health care system. However, there is always room for improvement. That is why we created the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare, which will study, evaluate, and recommend pharmacare options. We also announced the names of the accomplished members of the council. We look forward to their report, so that we can give Canadians a better system.
Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to ensuring the full participation of people with disabilities in society, and we have taken steps to do so. We support a variety of programs and services to assist those with disabilities to gain employment, to develop skills, and to gain experience. For 10 long years, the Harper Conservatives promised to deliver legislation for persons with disabilities but did nothing. I am not going to break with parliamentary privilege, but I will confirm that we will be introducing this historic accessibility legislation before the House rises for the summer.
Mr. Speaker, we have tasked the federal science adviser to actually look into the question of aquaculture so we can make evidence-based policy moves going forward.However, I would highlight for my colleague from the NDP that he should have a conversation with his provincial counterparts, if he is not fighting with them as they are with their provincial counterparts in Alberta. They just approved continued tenure for aquaculture farms. That is the decision on the provincial side and we know there are significant concerns that we are moving forward
Mr. Speaker, Canadians across the country are very concerned with the stories and images that we have witnessed. As I have said, what is happening in the United States is wrong. I cannot imagine what these families are going through. As I have said many times, the safe third country agreement is over 10 years old. We will continually look for ways to modernize it and be in conversation with the Americans on this. We will continue as well to closely monitor developments in the United States.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for KildonanSt. Paul for her hard work in her community. Our government knows that climate change is real and that the frequency of severe weather events like flooding is increasing. That is why this week we were proud to announce a federal investment of almost $250 million in the Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin outlet channels. Alongside the province, our investment will allow for the management of the flows of these watersheds and protect the communities of the region for years to come.
Mr. Speaker, we were pleased to secure over $1 billion in two-way investment between India and Canada. We were pleased to secure at least 5,800 new jobs in investment in Canada from that trip. We were pleased to do a lot of good work on that nine-day trip, for less than it cost Stephen Harper and the Conservatives to do a six-day trip just a few years before. We stay focused on the things that matter to Canadians: on growing the economy in ways that are far greater than the Conservatives were able to do for 10 years.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to repeat the announcement that within our supercluster strategy, we are moving forward with the protein supercluster, which benefits prairie communities right across the Prairies. They will definitely benefit from the kinds of investments, the kinds of innovation, and the kinds of leadership that investment in agriculture needs to happen.We are proud to be supporting our farmers and our agrifood businesses. The Conservatives talk a good game, but were never there for them when it came to actually creating growth.
Mr. Speaker, no relationship is more important to us than the relationship with indigenous peoples, and that is why, when we talk about moving forward on issues on this, we need to make sure that it is not folks in Ottawa deciding what is going to happen. It needs to be in consultation and in partnership with indigenous people. That is why we are looking very closely at the calls to action, and looking very closely at relationships with indigenous communities to figure out the best way to move forward on commemorating reconciliation. We look forward to having more to say soon on this issue.
Mr. Speaker, I just want to let the Prime Minister know that, if he will allow me, I will be seeking unanimous consent after question period to table a document entitled Sportspower 8 station swing set. It has a wonderful slide, seesaw, and several swings, and it only costs $198.Will he allow me to table this document after question period?
Mr. Speaker, the National Capital Commission is responsible for ensuring the appropriate and timely maintenance for all official residences, including Stornoway. The NCC is conducting much-needed rehabilitation work at Harrington Lake in order to conserve this federally designated heritage building. The RCMP will also be conducting work to enhance the security features at Harrington Lake. The NCC is working to address these issues in a timely fashion.
Mr. Speaker, the number of victims of Lyme disease doubled in Quebec in 2017, and this number continues to grow every year as a result of climate change.The government created the federal framework on Lyme disease one year ago, but the guidelines are still not being applied. If this disease is not treated, it can cause cardiac and neurological problems. False negatives are quite common.When will victims of Lyme disease have access to better diagnostic testing and treatments for chronic cases in Canada?
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud that every year we come together to acknowledge the fundamental contributions that first nations, Inuit, and Métis people have made to the identity and culture of all Canadians. We are working with indigenous peoples to establish a nation-to-nation relationship between the Inuit and the crown and a government-to-government relationship based on respect, partnership, and recognition of rights. We will continue to work with our partners on shared priorities, including this celebration
Mr. Speaker, I also wish to congratulate Richard Martel on his win in ChicoutimiLe Fjord. I want to thank all the candidates and especially all the voters who participated in the electoral process. It is enormously important for people to get involved, and we are very proud of this. Since today is our last day, I also want to take this opportunity to thank the House of Commons pages who served us so well this year.I want to thank all the pages who have been here working hard for us. I thank them for everything they have done throughout this year. I thank all the staffers for seeing us through to the summer.
Mr. Speaker, this is the last opportunity for the House to adopt Bill C-79 before adjourning for the summer. Discussions have taken place, and if you seek it, you will find, I hope, unanimous consent for the following motion: That notwithstanding any Standing Order or usual practice of the House, Bill C-79, An Act to implement the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership between Canada, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam, be deemed to have been read a second time and referred to a committee of the whole, deemed reported without amendments, deemed concurred in at report stage, and deemed read a third time and passed.
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Mr. Speaker, severe weather events are a significant and growing problem across Canada. My province of Manitoba has seen first-hand the devastating effects flooding can have on our communities. These floods have forced residents from homes, businesses to relocate or close, and caused residents to worry annually what the year's flood season may bring.Could the Prime Minister please update the House on the steps that our government is taking to improve the resiliency of Canadian communities, especially those in Manitoba?
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is incapable of managing taxpayers' money responsibly. More than $8 million on a temporary skating rink, $215,000 for an illegal vacation on a private island, at least $1.5 million for a disastrous trip to India, and tens of thousands of dollars on non-essential items to renovate the Prime Minister's cottage in Harrington Lake.Why does the Prime Minister keep spending so recklessly and sending the bill to the next generation?
Mr. Speaker, Canada ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities eight long years ago but to this day we have failed to implement it. That is why Canadians are watching as the minister tables the government's long-awaited accessibility act this afternoon. People living with disabilities need more than a vague promise for a barrier-free Canada.Could the Prime Minister tell us if today's legislation will fulfill Canada's obligations to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities?
Mr. Speaker, the cover-up continues. The United States is not the only one attacking our dairy farmers. The Liberal Party is going to force dairy farmers to pay a carbon tax. For an average dairy farm, the price tag will be $17,000 in Quebec and $28,000 in British Columbia. Unfortunately for dairy farmers in the Maritimes, the Prime Minister did not forget about them. The bill will be $21,000 in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, $18,000 in Prince Edward Island, andI hope everyone is sitting downa whopping $39,000 in Newfoundland and Labrador. Why is the Prime Minister condoning these attacks, which are threatening Canada's family farms?
Mr. Speaker, the Iranian regime continues to brutalize its own citizens. Mohammad Salas, a bus driver and member of a religious minority, was arrested. He was then tortured. His phoney confession was then broadcast on state television. It was used as the only evidence in his trial. On Monday, at dawn, he was executed. Then the regime refused to allow his family to even see the body. When will the Liberal government start to support the Iranian people and stop fantasizing about normalizing relations with this vicious, murderous, terrorist regime?
Mr. Speaker, we are in a tariff conflict with the United States. We are seeing horrific images of children being detained across the United States. We are seeing indigenous peoples in this country challenged, needing better opportunities. We are seeing a broad range of issues that matter on this the last day of the spring sitting of the House of Commons. We are moving forward on the legalization of marijuana, which I know the Conservatives have issues with. However, this is what the Leader of the Opposition chooses to spend his last day in Parliament before the summer
Mr. Speaker, as I have said, what is happening is wrong. None of us can imagine what these families are going through and I know all Canadians have the well-being of children first and foremost in their minds. As I have said numerous times both at home and abroad, I will always stand up for the values that Canadians hold dear. This is something that I will continue to do.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice dismissed the concerns of Canadian auto workers, saying everything was just fine. It is not fine when TD Bank says 160,000 jobs are at risk. The Minister of Foreign Affairs is unable to provide details on her plan to protect the jobs of workers in the auto industry.I am going to ask again a simple question to the Prime Minister. What is the plan to protect auto manufacturing jobs in Canada?
Mr. Speaker, our government is investing $8 billion in clean technology and renewable energy. That is where we are focused on moving forward. We are also moving forward with the pan-Canadian approach to fight climate change, one that understands that growing the economy and protecting the environment need to go together. Unfortunately, the NDP does not get that and still thinks there is a choice to be made between the environment and the economy. When it comes to indigenous peoples, it only listens to those who agree with it, and have nothing to say about the indigenous communities that support energy projects.
Mr. Speaker, I would not want to make an error in the House of Commons. I need to point out that the armoured limos only cost $1 million to bring to India. I am sorry; I got the number wrong, previously.We remain focused on investing and growing the economy and supporting Canadians. That is why we lowered taxes on the middle class and raised them on the wealthiest 1%. The Conservatives voted against that. That is why we are delivering a Canada child benefit that delivers more money to nine out of 10 Canadian families and is lifting hundreds of thousands of kids out of poverty. Again, the Conservatives voted
Mr. Speaker, the federal government has repeatedly stated that provinces will keep their revenues from carbon pricing. However, next year is a renewal of equalization. If carbon revenues are added to the formula, then each province's carbon tax base would count against its equalization entitlement, effectively clawing back the money. Will the government include carbon pricing in equalization and, if so, how will it ensure that provinces actually keep the revenue?
Mr. Speaker, the fact is that over 2,000 migrant children are already in baby jails. The parents do not know where they are or when they will see them again.The head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed parents' worst fears. He expects hundreds of separated children will never see their parents again. They will be lost in the system forever.Does the Prime Minister recognize that as long as Trump is in power, the U.S. will never be a safe country for asylum seekers?
Mr. Speaker, today is a terrific day for the voters of ChicoutimiLe Fjord. Our new colleague, Richard Martel, is arriving on the Hill today. Unfortunately for Richard, more details emerged today about the Prime Minister's trip to India. This was a trip that sparked a diplomatic crisis after a terrorist got on the guest list. On top of that, the Prime Minister's negotiating skills led to a deal where India gets an investment of $750 million and Canada gets a measly $250 million. We now know that this trip cost at least $1.5 million. Why was this?
Mr. Speaker, our security agencies take all potential threats very seriously and use the full tool kit of measures, including surveillance, the no-fly list, revoking passports, and laying criminal charges when sufficient evidence exists. We trust our police forces and intelligence services to do their work and to do it well.I find it troubling that the Conservatives seem to want elected officials to directly intervene with police officers and tell them who should be arrested and when they should be arrested.We will continue to trust those responsible for the safety of Canadians to do their jobs.
Mr. Speaker, as politicians, we engage with a broad range of people, but we have been unequivocal. We deeply oppose Iran's support for terrorist organizations, for its threats toward Israel, its ballistic missile program, and its support for the murderous Assad regime. We will always defend human rights and hold Iran to account for its actions. We continue to maintain sanctions on Iran, which include restrictions on sensitive goods, and a list of individuals and entities subject to asset freezes. We will always remain firm in our defence of human rights and are standing against state sponsors of terrorism around the world.
Mr. Speaker, we deeply oppose Iran's support for terrorist organizations, its threats toward Israel, its ballistic missile program, and its support for the murderous Assad regime. We will always defend human rights and hold Iran to account for its actions.We led a resolution at the United Nations in November, calling on Iran to comply with its international human rights obligations. We will continue to maintain sanctions on Iran, which include restrictions on sensitive goods and a list of individuals and entities subject to asset freezes, with whom all transactions involving property are prohibited.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I asked the Liberals if they would support my private member's bill to make National Indigenous Peoples Day a statutory holiday. Instead of saying whether they would support it, the minister spoke about the government's celebrations taking place. People already know about the celebrations. What they want is for the Liberals to actually recognize the importance of providing people with a time and opportunity to celebrate.Therefore, I am asking again: Will the Liberals support my bill and make National Indigenous Peoples Day a statutory holiday?
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister just mentioned holding Iran to account. Last night the MP for Richmond Hill organized an event on the Hill for a regime-friendly Iranian lobbying group. Last week this same group publicly criticized the House of Commons for passing a motion condemning Iran. The Iranian regime is an oppressive abuser of human rights. Does the Prime Minister approve of the actions of the MP for Richmond Hill, organizing parliamentary meetings for a group that supports the Iranian regime?
Mr. Speaker, troubling reports are surfacing that the Minister of Immigration is planning on removing Her Majesty from the oath of citizenship. Could the Prime Minister confirm if his government is discussing removing Her Majesty from the oath of citizenship?
Mr. Speaker, I can confirm that we are not considering removing Her Majesty from the oath of citizenship.
Mr. Speaker, this is the last opportunity for the House to adopt Bill C-79 before adjourning for the summer. Discussions have taken place, and if you seek it, you will find, I hope, unanimous consent for the following motion: That notwithstanding any Standing Order or usual practice of the House, Bill C-79, An Act to implement the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership between Canada, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam, be deemed to have been read a second time and referred to a committee of the whole, deemed reported without amendments, deemed concurred in at report stage, and deemed read a third time and passed.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday the foreign affairs minister finally acknowledged genocide of Yazidis at the hands of Daesh in Syria and Iraq. However, the government has yet to acknowledge genocide against Christian communities in the same areas, Assyrian, Chaldean and other Christians who live in communities alongside Yazidis and have often been treated in exactly the same way. Will the Prime Minister today also acknowledge the Christian victims of this genocide?
Mr. Speaker, the number of victims of Lyme disease doubled in Quebec in 2017, and this number continues to grow every year as a result of climate change.The government created the federal framework on Lyme disease one year ago, but the guidelines are still not being applied. If this disease is not treated, it can cause cardiac and neurological problems. False negatives are quite common.When will victims of Lyme disease have access to better diagnostic testing and treatments for chronic cases in Canada?
Mr. Speaker, after sitting with a Yazidi woman who survived sexual slavery, one leaves awed by her strength, concerned for her welfare, and left with a deep, white-hot desire to bring her justice. When we wax eloquent about #MeToo, we cannot forget our obligation to bring justice to women who have had their bodies used as tools of war.Why does the feminist Prime Minister continually refuse to commit to refer Canadian ISIS terrorists to the International Criminal Court?
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. In a moment I will be asking for unanimous consent to present a motion.Last night, the Senate passed Bill C-45, important legislation that will positively change 100 years of legal, social, and economic attitudes towards cannabis. It will legalize an activity that the vast majority of Canadians regard as acceptable.That is why, Mr. Speaker, if you seek it, I hope you will find unanimous consent for the following motion: That, in the opinion of the House, given the passage of Bill C-45 and the imminent legalization of cannabis for personal recreational use, and recognizing that many Canadians are facing criminal charges, experiencing criminal sanctions, or bearing criminal records for cannabis offences that are soon to be legal, the government should take all necessary steps to immediately provide pardons for those burdened by criminal records for cannabis offences that will soon be legal.
Mr. Speaker, with regard to the India trip, I do not recall Prime Minister Harper bringing along on the trip his own personal chefwhat was that: $17,000and, may I add, a terrorist. Maybe the Prime Minister needs to park the arrogance and swagger for just a split second. We know summer is around the corner. We know what that means. The Prime Minister is going to be taking quite a bit of time off, so perhaps he could at this moment have a bit of humility and tell Canadians he is sorry for abusing their tax dollars and he will not do it again.
Mr. Speaker, Canadians want us to be effective on the world stage.During our trip to India, we announced bilateral investments totalling over $1 billion that will help create 5,800 jobs in Canada. We also announced $11.5 million for the right start initiative to empower the world's poorest women and girls. These commitments will benefit the middle class and those working hard to join it.I would point out that this nine-day trip cost much less than Stephen Harper's six-day trip to India a few years ago.
Mr. Speaker, we promised Canadians that we would invest in the middle class and those working hard to join it.That is exactly what we have done with historic investments in infrastructure and with the Canada child benefit, which is helping nine out of 10 families and will lift 300,000 children out of poverty. We lowered taxes for the middle class and increased them for the well-off. Not only are we investing for the benefit of Canadians, but we also secured the strongest growth in the G7 last year. We are creating the growth that Canadians need.
Mr. Speaker, so many indigenous people are asking for this day to be a statutory holiday, and the Prime Minister is clearly not listening. The government continues to show that it does not really respect first nations and the U.N. declaration that it adopted. It is not listening to indigenous communities, as illustrated by the botched consultation on pipeline projects.Will it at least support my colleague's bill so that all Canadians can celebrate with indigenous peoples and recognize their rights?
Once again, Mr. Speaker, we are confronted with anger from the Prime Minister that we have the audacity to ask questions about his spending habits. In the private sector, they say that the tone is set at the top. The tone of the Liberal government is a culture of spending in excess. That is all this is. Maybe the Prime Minister can tell me why, at his personal retreat at Harrington Lake, he thinks it is okay to spend $10,000 for a new patio, $12,000 for deck and dock upgrades, and $60,000 in total on these upgrades when Canadians are worried about paying for his carbon tax.
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives spend all of their time trying to twist in the wind because they do not admit that climate change is a problem, do not have a plan to fight climate change, and therefore cannot reveal the details of their plan.We have been transparent in the election campaign and ever since, and in the budget. We have demonstrated that we are moving forward on growing our economy and protecting the environment, at the same time as moving forward on a concrete plan with all provinces to fight climate change. That is what we are doing. The Conservatives cannot say what they are doing because they do not know what they are doing, because they do not have a plan.
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives are making up numbers to distract us from the fact that they have absolutely no intention of fighting climate change. They cannot tell us what their plan for fighting climate change is, because they have no plan for fighting climate change. All their attacks are designed to keep everyone from realizing that they have no plan and are not even interested in fighting climate change. The Conservatives have not changed a bit since their 10 years of inaction.
Mr. Speaker, as I said, this situation is unacceptable. We are monitoring the situation in the United States very closely. We will continue to work with the Americans on border protection and the agreements we have with them, while protecting our values and the way we do things in Canada. We will be loud and clear about that. We obviously do not do things the same way.
Mr. Speaker, we know that both the Conservatives and the NDP think there is a false choice between either the environment or the economy. Apparently, the CCF does as well. We know that the only way to move forward is to invest in protecting our environment while growing our economy. That is exactly what we are doing with our national framework on fighting climate change. We are proud that we have been transparent about the way we are moving forward on that. We have been clear with Canadians that this is a priority for us. The Conservatives do not even have a plan. The NDP want to present a false choice. We are just glad to see the CCF back in the House.
Mr. Speaker, the government's superclusters program is said to hand over $950 million of Canadian taxpayer money to for-profit companies. Of the many applications received, nine were shortlisted, and then five were selected to receive the funds, shutting out agrifood, oil and gas, infrastructure, mobility systems, and mining applications.How does the Prime Minister justify picking winners and losers, leaving Canadian taxpayers on the hook for his corporate welfare scheme?
Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to ensuring the full participation of people with disabilities in society, and we have taken steps to do so. We support a variety of programs and services to assist those with disabilities to gain employment, to develop skills, and to gain experience. For 10 long years, the Harper Conservatives promised to deliver legislation for persons with disabilities but did nothing. I am not going to break with parliamentary privilege, but I will confirm that we will be introducing this historic accessibility legislation before the House rises for the summer.
Mr. Speaker, we got elected on a commitment to invest in the middle class and those working hard to join it, and that is exactly what we have done. The first thing we did was lower taxes for the middle class and raise them on the wealthiest 1%, which the Conservatives voted against. Then we delivered on a Canada child benefit, which helps nine out of 10 Canadian families by not sending child benefit cheques to millionaires. It is lifting hundreds of thousands of kids out of poverty across the country, and the Conservatives voted against it. The Conservatives continue to look for boutique tax cuts for the wealthiest Canadians while we are supporting middle-class Canadians right across the country, and we will continue to do just that.
Mr. Speaker, does anyone think it is normal for people to get killed for demonstrating?Is it true that people expressing their right to peaceful protest run the risk of being shot at? Though upsetting, that is the opinion of the former Governor of the Bank of Canada, David Dodge.Demonstrations are on the horizon. Thousands of people are furious at the Liberal government's decision on the Kinder Morgan pipeline. They will speak out and they have the right to do so.Can the Prime Minister assure the House that he will not use infiltration and intimidation tactics or excessive force against our fellow citizens?
Mr. Speaker, recently a Liberal MP said, The time has come to transition to closed containment salmon aquaculture in British Columbia. I could not agree more. Canada is well-positioned to become a world leader in closed containment, but we need action now. Globally, money is being invested in land-based salmon farming. Florida, for instance, is building a 90,000-tonne facility. It is time for Canada to invest in a safe, sustainable industry that protects wild salmon and employment, develops new technologies, jobs, and export opportunities.Will the Prime Minister commit today to transition these farms to land?
Mr. Speaker, Canadians across the country are troubled by the images that we have seen. As I said, what is happening is unacceptable. I cannot imagine the pain these families are experiencing.The safe third country agreement has been in place for more than 10 years and we continue to seek ways to modernize it. We are in ongoing talks with the United States. We will continue to closely monitor developments in the United States.
Mr. Speaker, it is becoming increasingly clear that the Prime Minister is out of touch with the struggles of everyday Canadians. He is using his job to pay for his celebrity lifestyle. The Prime Minister thinks he is entitled to his entitlements. He spares no expense when he wants to be pampered and showered with luxury. Who would have guessed that he could use $1.5 million for six days to dance around India? It is unbelievable. When will he stop using taxpayer dollars as his own personal bank account? It is not.
Mr. Speaker, Canadians across the country are very concerned with the stories and images that we have witnessed. As I have said, what is happening in the United States is wrong. I cannot imagine what these families are going through. As I have said many times, the safe third country agreement is over 10 years old. We will continually look for ways to modernize it and be in conversation with the Americans on this. We will continue as well to closely monitor developments in the United States.
Mr. Speaker, Nada is a young Yazidi mother from Iraq. When ISIS invaded her community, she was sold as a sex slave. She recently recounted coming face to face with Abu Tawfiq, the man she says sold her and bought her. He was not in jail. He was not in Iraq. He is a free man in London, Ontario.We need to believe victims, and the Liberals let this guy into our country.Will the Prime Minister take responsibility for allowing ISIS terrorists to walk our streets freely and finally send these war criminals to The Hague?
Mr. Speaker, over the past two years, Canadians across the country have been thanking us for reinvesting in immigration services and processing times, after 10 years of Conservatives shutting down, creating backlogs, starving our immigration systems from being able to actually process the backlogs and giving them the resources they needed. We know we need to do better on processing times. We need to invest in our immigration system. That is exactly why we are ensuring we have the capacity in our system to treat the files that Canadians and new Canadians expect us to treat rapidly and efficiently.
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is writing cheques from taxpayers' accounts to his own family to reimburse it for personal costs. It does not end there. He spent $28,000 to groom his cross-country ski trails, $5,000 for a new golf cart, and more than $4,000 to wire up his new sauna, but I have to come back to the swing sets. I have bought several for my family. I am trying to imagine what goes into a $7,500 swing set.Can the Prime Minister tell me, is there a chair lift for the slide, are the seats on the swing ergonomically designed, and will he finally reimburse taxpayers for that expense?
Mr. Speaker, in two months the Prime Minister will close the high-performing Vegreville immigration office, killing 288 jobs, dozens more in town, and millions in local revenue. It will not even save tax dollars. It will cost nearly $47 million more for renos and leasing for only 32 extra jobs in Edmonton. The Prime Minister ignores the pleas of workers, the union, the town, and Alberta representatives of all parties at all levels. He is hurting the 74% of women supporting their families and disabled workers with long-term placements in the office.Will the Prime Minister please stop this unfounded, cold-hearted closure?
Mr. Speaker, our government stands strong in the fight against Daesh and will continue to be part of the coalition, as we defend minorities of all types from the murderous terrorist organization of Daesh and the like. We continue to support victims of Daesh from all different cultures and religions. We have looked at resettling numerous minority refugees who are victims of Daesh. We will continue to hold our place in the world in defending victims and minorities against the murderous actions of Daesh.
Mr. Speaker, he says he is investing in the middle class. Since when does the Prime Minister's family count as the middle class? Instead of planning for Canada's economy against the external threats that face us, where are his priorities? Where are his investments? Well, there is $8,500 for new boat racks, $13,000 for a new deck with sun umbrellas, and $7,500 for a new play structure. I have bought many swing sets and play structures for my kids. Can the Prime Minister tell me what exactly is part of a $7,500 swing set?
Mr. Speaker, our government is proposing measures that represent a reasonable and common-sense approach to firearm policy to make Canadians less vulnerable to gun violence. First, I want to be clear that this bill would not recreate a federal long-gun registry. As parliamentarians, I strongly believe that we have no greater responsibility than keeping Canadians safe. Can the Prime Minister explain how enhanced background checks makes society, gun owners, and Canadians safer and more secure?
Mr. Speaker, in regards to the Yazidis, our government has proven to be a global leader in welcoming refugees and we have more than doubled Canada's refugee numbers. We have provided a new home to more than 1,300 women and their families who endured the brutality of Daesh, 85% of whom are Yazidi.Our government's commitment to supporting vulnerable women and girls is unwavering. We announced $20 million to expand our refugee program, specifically targeting women and girls. We will continue to expedite applications so that their family members who escaped Daesh can join their relatives in Canada.
Mr. Speaker, while Trump closed the doors to those fleeing gang violence and domestic violence, yet many fleeing from Central America cite gang violence as the main reason to seek asylum. Trump's policy is in violation of the UN convention for gender-related persecution. As long as Trump is in power, the U.S. will never be a safe country for asylum seekers. Will the Prime Minister show the moral leadership by suspending the safe third country agreement?
Mr. Speaker, perhaps the Conservatives have forgotten why Stephen Harper's trip to India was so expensive for taxpayers. It was because he wanted to bring his own limousines with him, at a cost of $1.5 million. That is the Conservative approach to such matters.With respect to Harrington Lake, the National Capital Commission is responsible for ensuring the appropriate and timely maintenance of all official residences. The National Capital Commission is conducting much-needed rehabilitation work at Harrington Lake in order to preserve this federally-designated heritage building.
Mr. Speaker, more information about the cost of the Prime Minister's disastrous trip to India is coming to light: $17,000 for one single Canadian chef who prepared one single meal; $60,000 to rent chauffeured vehicles; and hundreds of thousands of dollars to feed and house the 77-member delegation that included 21 MPs, most of whom did not attend any working meetings during the trip. The tab is now at $1.5 million and climbing.How can the Prime Minister justify that kind of spending to Canadians?
Mr. Speaker, the member opposite highlighted that, indeed, summer is around the corner. We will be spending it across the country engaging with Canadians, as will every member of this House. Hopefully, there will be a little time for families for many of us as well, but we know all of us in this House will continue to stay focused on our responsibilities for Canadians.It is interesting that on this last day in the House, when plenty of big things are happening around the world, the Conservatives are making the choice to play petty politics and make personal attacks. There are so many big issues we can and should be talking about. I encourage them
Mr. Speaker, I find the indignation with which the Prime Minister emotes very troubling when it comes to his discussing his expenses on the India trip. Primarily the Prime Minister is not above scrutiny when it comes to expenses that he incurs, and in fact, he signs off on these. For the India trip alone, they flew in 5,000 dollars' worth of wine, charged $5,000 on cellphone costs, and $60,000 for personal chauffeurs. Did the Prime Minister sign off on all of these expenses?
Mr. Speaker, the Conservative government spent over $1.5 million bringing Stephen Harper's limos from Ottawa to India for his trip because he wanted to travel around in the style to which he was accustomed. That is completely irresponsible. We were proud that our trip to India, which covered nine days and secured one billion dollars' worth of bilateral investment, cost significantly less than his six-day trip.
Mr. Speaker, we have tasked the federal science adviser to actually look into the question of aquaculture so we can make evidence-based policy moves going forward.However, I would highlight for my colleague from the NDP that he should have a conversation with his provincial counterparts, if he is not fighting with them as they are with their provincial counterparts in Alberta. They just approved continued tenure for aquaculture farms. That is the decision on the provincial side and we know there are significant concerns that we are moving forward
Mr. Speaker, we have consistently stood up for Canadian interests and Canadian jobs, and we will continue to. We are standing up strongly against these unfair steel and aluminum tariffs that are challenging for our industry and our workers. I have said to workers directly, right across the country, that we will be there for them.The threat of tariffs that could be imposed on autos would be absolutely unacceptable. We continue to work with the industry in Canada and in the United States to ensure that never happens. We know we need to continue to stand up for Canadians, and we will do just that.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for KildonanSt. Paul for her hard work in her community. Our government knows that climate change is real and that the frequency of severe weather events like flooding is increasing. That is why this week we were proud to announce a federal investment of almost $250 million in the Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin outlet channels. Alongside the province, our investment will allow for the management of the flows of these watersheds and protect the communities of the region for years to come.
Mr. Speaker, the problem with the Prime Minister's reckless spending is that he is doing it on the taxpayers' dime and with no end in sight. We have just learned how much the Prime Minister is spending on his summer home: $3,000 on sun umbrellasI am not sure where he finds them; $7,500 on a swing set; $12,000 to replace a dock; and $5,000 on a golf cart. Meanwhile, 80% of Canadians and Canadian families are paying more taxes under this government.How can the Prime Minister justify that kind of spending while hard-working Canadians are just trying to make a living
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for her question. This is an issue that affects far too many Canadians. I know that it is very difficult to live with Lyme disease.We realize that a lot of research is needed on this disease. We are committed to working with those suffering from Lyme disease and with researchers to find the best approach to protect all Canadians. This is a very important issue, and I thank the member for raising it in the House of Commons.
Mr. Speaker, it is extremely important to us that Canadians have freedom of expression and the right to disagree with the government on decisions made in Canada. It is a very important right that we encourage.However, obviously, we all expect these demonstrations, these expressions, to be carried out in accordance with the law and to not endanger others. We live under the rule of law and we expect those laws to be obeyed.
Mr. Speaker, we were pleased to secure over $1 billion in two-way investment between India and Canada. We were pleased to secure at least 5,800 new jobs in investment in Canada from that trip. We were pleased to do a lot of good work on that nine-day trip, for less than it cost Stephen Harper and the Conservatives to do a six-day trip just a few years before. We stay focused on the things that matter to Canadians: on growing the economy in ways that are far greater than the Conservatives were able to do for 10 years.
Mr. Speaker, many Canadians are asking themselves what happened to that shiny, progressive, climate-fighting Prime Minister. He was the guy who once said, No relationship is more important to me...than the [relationship] with Indigenous Peoples,governments grant permits...[but] only communities grant permission, and this classic, We have a chance to build...economies that are clean,...growing,...and forward-looking. Then he bought a $4.5-billion, 65-year-old leaky pipeline.For all those people who thought he was progressive, thought he believed in the new economy, and thought he was going to fight climate change, whatever happened to that guy?
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to repeat the announcement that within our supercluster strategy, we are moving forward with the protein supercluster, which benefits prairie communities right across the Prairies. They will definitely benefit from the kinds of investments, the kinds of innovation, and the kinds of leadership that investment in agriculture needs to happen.We are proud to be supporting our farmers and our agrifood businesses. The Conservatives talk a good game, but were never there for them when it came to actually creating growth.
Mr. Speaker, I also wish to congratulate Richard Martel on his win in ChicoutimiLe Fjord. I want to thank all the candidates and especially all the voters who participated in the electoral process. It is enormously important for people to get involved, and we are very proud of this. Since today is our last day, I also want to take this opportunity to thank the House of Commons pages who served us so well this year.I want to thank all the pages who have been here working hard for us. I thank them for everything they have done throughout this year. I thank all the staffers for seeing us through to the summer.
Mr. Speaker, I just want to let the Prime Minister know that, if he will allow me, I will be seeking unanimous consent after question period to table a document entitled Sportspower 8 station swing set. It has a wonderful slide, seesaw, and several swings, and it only costs $198.Will he allow me to table this document after question period?
Mr. Speaker, we are proud to have passed our bill to legalize, strictly regulate, and restrict access to marijuana. This measure will keep marijuana out of the hands of children and profits out of the hands of criminals.I just gave the member opposite a very precise answer. I will repeat it to be sure he understands. This legislation will come into force on October 17. We made that decision because three of our largest provinces, including Quebec, asked for a little more time. I know how important it is to do this properly, and that is why we are giving Quebec more time.
Mr. Speaker, we promised to improve our system to better protect our young people and take money and profits out of the hands of organized crime. That is exactly what we did, and we did it in partnership with the provinces. We always work in partnership with the provinces.These measures have been passed in Parliament and we are now preparing to move forward with them, but the province are asking for more time. We listened to them and agreed to their requests. The legalization of marijuana will take effect on October 17, 2018.
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister cannot have his cake and eat it too. A safe third country means that the country with which we signed an agreement is a place where asylum seekers are treated fairly, humanely, and decently.He criticized a situation in the United States where children are being separated from their migrant parents.I will repeat the question. Beyond talking points, if he is prepared to condemn what is happening in the United States, if he is prepared to say that that situation is unacceptable, will he now say that the country that is treating people that way is no longer a safe third country for refugees?
Mr. Speaker, the National Capital Commission is responsible for ensuring the appropriate and timely maintenance for all official residences, including Stornoway. The NCC is conducting much-needed rehabilitation work at Harrington Lake in order to conserve this federally designated heritage building. The RCMP will also be conducting work to enhance the security features at Harrington Lake. The NCC is working to address these issues in a timely fashion.
Mr. Speaker, we are strengthening Canada's firearm laws in a common-sense, focused, and effective way. We are enhancing background checks, which the committee had further strengthened, so that people with a history of criminality or mental illness associated with violence cannot access firearms. We are formalizing best practices among retailers so that they make sure buyers have a valid licence. We are also investing unprecedented funding of $327 million to tackle gun-related violence and gang activities in Canada.We are prioritizing community safety while respecting responsible firearm ownership.
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the member for Kitchener Centre for his work on this file and for his excellent French.Canadians can be proud of our publicly funded, universal health care system. However, there is always room for improvement. That is why we created the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare, which will study, evaluate, and recommend pharmacare options. We also announced the names of the accomplished members of the council. We look forward to their report, so that we can give Canadians a better system.
Mr. Speaker, no relationship is more important to us than the relationship with indigenous peoples, and that is why, when we talk about moving forward on issues on this, we need to make sure that it is not folks in Ottawa deciding what is going to happen. It needs to be in consultation and in partnership with indigenous people. That is why we are looking very closely at the calls to action, and looking very closely at relationships with indigenous communities to figure out the best way to move forward on commemorating reconciliation. We look forward to having more to say soon on this issue.
Mr. Speaker, we have all seen the troubling statistics. In 2016, more than one million Canadians had to choose between feeding their family, heating their home, and filling the prescriptions they needed. I have heard similar complaints in my riding of Kitchener-Centre.In budget 2018, we proudly announced the creation of an advisory council on the implementation of national pharmacare. Could the Prime Minister please update the House on the progress that our government has made in this area?
Mr. Speaker, two days after accusing the NDP of playing politics because it condemned the separation of children from their migrant parents at the Mexico-U.S. border, the Prime Minister now recognizes that the situation is unacceptable.Now that he has condemned the situation, can the Prime Minister tell us whether he still believes that the United States is a safe country for asylum seekers?
Mr. Speaker, I will tell members about the Liberal support for agriculture. According to the numbers from the Parliamentary Budget Officer, the Liberals' carbon tax will devastate Canadian agriculture. At $50 a tonne, the Liberal carbon tax will cost a Manitoba pork producer more than $36,000 a year; a rancher in Alberta, $13,000; and a wheat grower in Saskatchewan, $12,000. As for potato farmers in P.E.I, the agriculture minister thinks they should be paying $20,000 a year in carbon tax.Does the Prime Minister agree with these numbers? If not, will he end the cover-up and release the cost of the Liberals' farm-killing carbon tax?
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister says all kinds of nice things and makes all kinds of nice promises, but life is not about what gets said; it is about what gets done.Quebec already has its legislation. It has already said it will not allow cultivation in apartments, condos, or homes.Will the Prime Minister listen to Quebec, or is he gearing up for a court battle with Quebec? Will he listen to Quebec or not?
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud that every year we come together to acknowledge the fundamental contributions that first nations, Inuit, and Métis people have made to the identity and culture of all Canadians. We are working with indigenous peoples to establish a nation-to-nation relationship between the Inuit and the crown and a government-to-government relationship based on respect, partnership, and recognition of rights. We will continue to work with our partners on shared priorities, including this celebration
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has no respect for the provinces. His government introduced a bill to legalize marijuana and is ordering the provinces to administer it. The provinces accepted the challenge and sought to implement a plan for their residents, but the Prime Minister dug in his heels and imposed conditions. During the 2015 federal election campaign, the Liberals promised to work in partnership with the provinces.Here is the perfect opportunity for the Prime Minister to do so. Will he respect the decisions of Quebec and Manitoba to prohibit home cannabis production, yes or no?
Mr. Speaker, severe weather events are a significant and growing problem across Canada. My province of Manitoba has seen first-hand the devastating effects flooding can have on our communities. These floods have forced residents from homes, businesses to relocate or close, and caused residents to worry annually what the year's flood season may bring.Could the Prime Minister please update the House on the steps that our government is taking to improve the resiliency of Canadian communities, especially those in Manitoba?
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is incapable of managing taxpayers' money responsibly. More than $8 million on a temporary skating rink, $215,000 for an illegal vacation on a private island, at least $1.5 million for a disastrous trip to India, and tens of thousands of dollars on non-essential items to renovate the Prime Minister's cottage in Harrington Lake.Why does the Prime Minister keep spending so recklessly and sending the bill to the next generation?
Mr. Speaker, Canada ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities eight long years ago but to this day we have failed to implement it. That is why Canadians are watching as the minister tables the government's long-awaited accessibility act this afternoon. People living with disabilities need more than a vague promise for a barrier-free Canada.Could the Prime Minister tell us if today's legislation will fulfill Canada's obligations to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities?
Mr. Speaker, the cover-up continues. The United States is not the only one attacking our dairy farmers. The Liberal Party is going to force dairy farmers to pay a carbon tax. For an average dairy farm, the price tag will be $17,000 in Quebec and $28,000 in British Columbia. Unfortunately for dairy farmers in the Maritimes, the Prime Minister did not forget about them. The bill will be $21,000 in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, $18,000 in Prince Edward Island, andI hope everyone is sitting downa whopping $39,000 in Newfoundland and Labrador. Why is the Prime Minister condoning these attacks, which are threatening Canada's family farms?
Mr. Speaker, the Iranian regime continues to brutalize its own citizens. Mohammad Salas, a bus driver and member of a religious minority, was arrested. He was then tortured. His phoney confession was then broadcast on state television. It was used as the only evidence in his trial. On Monday, at dawn, he was executed. Then the regime refused to allow his family to even see the body. When will the Liberal government start to support the Iranian people and stop fantasizing about normalizing relations with this vicious, murderous, terrorist regime?
Mr. Speaker, we are in a tariff conflict with the United States. We are seeing horrific images of children being detained across the United States. We are seeing indigenous peoples in this country challenged, needing better opportunities. We are seeing a broad range of issues that matter on this the last day of the spring sitting of the House of Commons. We are moving forward on the legalization of marijuana, which I know the Conservatives have issues with. However, this is what the Leader of the Opposition chooses to spend his last day in Parliament before the summer
Mr. Speaker, as I have said, what is happening is wrong. None of us can imagine what these families are going through and I know all Canadians have the well-being of children first and foremost in their minds. As I have said numerous times both at home and abroad, I will always stand up for the values that Canadians hold dear. This is something that I will continue to do.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice dismissed the concerns of Canadian auto workers, saying everything was just fine. It is not fine when TD Bank says 160,000 jobs are at risk. The Minister of Foreign Affairs is unable to provide details on her plan to protect the jobs of workers in the auto industry.I am going to ask again a simple question to the Prime Minister. What is the plan to protect auto manufacturing jobs in Canada?
Mr. Speaker, our government is investing $8 billion in clean technology and renewable energy. That is where we are focused on moving forward. We are also moving forward with the pan-Canadian approach to fight climate change, one that understands that growing the economy and protecting the environment need to go together. Unfortunately, the NDP does not get that and still thinks there is a choice to be made between the environment and the economy. When it comes to indigenous peoples, it only listens to those who agree with it, and have nothing to say about the indigenous communities that support energy projects.
Mr. Speaker, I would not want to make an error in the House of Commons. I need to point out that the armoured limos only cost $1 million to bring to India. I am sorry; I got the number wrong, previously.We remain focused on investing and growing the economy and supporting Canadians. That is why we lowered taxes on the middle class and raised them on the wealthiest 1%. The Conservatives voted against that. That is why we are delivering a Canada child benefit that delivers more money to nine out of 10 Canadian families and is lifting hundreds of thousands of kids out of poverty. Again, the Conservatives voted
Mr. Speaker, the federal government has repeatedly stated that provinces will keep their revenues from carbon pricing. However, next year is a renewal of equalization. If carbon revenues are added to the formula, then each province's carbon tax base would count against its equalization entitlement, effectively clawing back the money. Will the government include carbon pricing in equalization and, if so, how will it ensure that provinces actually keep the revenue?
Mr. Speaker, the fact is that over 2,000 migrant children are already in baby jails. The parents do not know where they are or when they will see them again.The head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed parents' worst fears. He expects hundreds of separated children will never see their parents again. They will be lost in the system forever.Does the Prime Minister recognize that as long as Trump is in power, the U.S. will never be a safe country for asylum seekers?
Mr. Speaker, today is a terrific day for the voters of ChicoutimiLe Fjord. Our new colleague, Richard Martel, is arriving on the Hill today. Unfortunately for Richard, more details emerged today about the Prime Minister's trip to India. This was a trip that sparked a diplomatic crisis after a terrorist got on the guest list. On top of that, the Prime Minister's negotiating skills led to a deal where India gets an investment of $750 million and Canada gets a measly $250 million. We now know that this trip cost at least $1.5 million. Why was this?
Mr. Speaker, our security agencies take all potential threats very seriously and use the full tool kit of measures, including surveillance, the no-fly list, revoking passports, and laying criminal charges when sufficient evidence exists. We trust our police forces and intelligence services to do their work and to do it well.I find it troubling that the Conservatives seem to want elected officials to directly intervene with police officers and tell them who should be arrested and when they should be arrested.We will continue to trust those responsible for the safety of Canadians to do their jobs.
Mr. Speaker, as politicians, we engage with a broad range of people, but we have been unequivocal. We deeply oppose Iran's support for terrorist organizations, for its threats toward Israel, its ballistic missile program, and its support for the murderous Assad regime. We will always defend human rights and hold Iran to account for its actions. We continue to maintain sanctions on Iran, which include restrictions on sensitive goods, and a list of individuals and entities subject to asset freezes. We will always remain firm in our defence of human rights and are standing against state sponsors of terrorism around the world.
Mr. Speaker, we deeply oppose Iran's support for terrorist organizations, its threats toward Israel, its ballistic missile program, and its support for the murderous Assad regime. We will always defend human rights and hold Iran to account for its actions.We led a resolution at the United Nations in November, calling on Iran to comply with its international human rights obligations. We will continue to maintain sanctions on Iran, which include restrictions on sensitive goods and a list of individuals and entities subject to asset freezes, with whom all transactions involving property are prohibited.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I asked the Liberals if they would support my private member's bill to make National Indigenous Peoples Day a statutory holiday. Instead of saying whether they would support it, the minister spoke about the government's celebrations taking place. People already know about the celebrations. What they want is for the Liberals to actually recognize the importance of providing people with a time and opportunity to celebrate.Therefore, I am asking again: Will the Liberals support my bill and make National Indigenous Peoples Day a statutory holiday?
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister just mentioned holding Iran to account. Last night the MP for Richmond Hill organized an event on the Hill for a regime-friendly Iranian lobbying group. Last week this same group publicly criticized the House of Commons for passing a motion condemning Iran. The Iranian regime is an oppressive abuser of human rights. Does the Prime Minister approve of the actions of the MP for Richmond Hill, organizing parliamentary meetings for a group that supports the Iranian regime?
Mr. Speaker, troubling reports are surfacing that the Minister of Immigration is planning on removing Her Majesty from the oath of citizenship. Could the Prime Minister confirm if his government is discussing removing Her Majesty from the oath of citizenship?
Mr. Speaker, I can confirm that we are not considering removing Her Majesty from the oath of citizenship.
Mr. Speaker, this is the last opportunity for the House to adopt Bill C-79 before adjourning for the summer. Discussions have taken place, and if you seek it, you will find, I hope, unanimous consent for the following motion: That notwithstanding any Standing Order or usual practice of the House, Bill C-79, An Act to implement the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership between Canada, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam, be deemed to have been read a second time and referred to a committee of the whole, deemed reported without amendments, deemed concurred in at report stage, and deemed read a third time and passed.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday the foreign affairs minister finally acknowledged genocide of Yazidis at the hands of Daesh in Syria and Iraq. However, the government has yet to acknowledge genocide against Christian communities in the same areas, Assyrian, Chaldean and other Christians who live in communities alongside Yazidis and have often been treated in exactly the same way. Will the Prime Minister today also acknowledge the Christian victims of this genocide?
Mr. Speaker, the number of victims of Lyme disease doubled in Quebec in 2017, and this number continues to grow every year as a result of climate change.The government created the federal framework on Lyme disease one year ago, but the guidelines are still not being applied. If this disease is not treated, it can cause cardiac and neurological problems. False negatives are quite common.When will victims of Lyme disease have access to better diagnostic testing and treatments for chronic cases in Canada?
Mr. Speaker, after sitting with a Yazidi woman who survived sexual slavery, one leaves awed by her strength, concerned for her welfare, and left with a deep, white-hot desire to bring her justice. When we wax eloquent about #MeToo, we cannot forget our obligation to bring justice to women who have had their bodies used as tools of war.Why does the feminist Prime Minister continually refuse to commit to refer Canadian ISIS terrorists to the International Criminal Court?
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. In a moment I will be asking for unanimous consent to present a motion.Last night, the Senate passed Bill C-45, important legislation that will positively change 100 years of legal, social, and economic attitudes towards cannabis. It will legalize an activity that the vast majority of Canadians regard as acceptable.That is why, Mr. Speaker, if you seek it, I hope you will find unanimous consent for the following motion: That, in the opinion of the House, given the passage of Bill C-45 and the imminent legalization of cannabis for personal recreational use, and recognizing that many Canadians are facing criminal charges, experiencing criminal sanctions, or bearing criminal records for cannabis offences that are soon to be legal, the government should take all necessary steps to immediately provide pardons for those burdened by criminal records for cannabis offences that will soon be legal.
Mr. Speaker, with regard to the India trip, I do not recall Prime Minister Harper bringing along on the trip his own personal chefwhat was that: $17,000and, may I add, a terrorist. Maybe the Prime Minister needs to park the arrogance and swagger for just a split second. We know summer is around the corner. We know what that means. The Prime Minister is going to be taking quite a bit of time off, so perhaps he could at this moment have a bit of humility and tell Canadians he is sorry for abusing their tax dollars and he will not do it again.
Mr. Speaker, Canadians want us to be effective on the world stage.During our trip to India, we announced bilateral investments totalling over $1 billion that will help create 5,800 jobs in Canada. We also announced $11.5 million for the right start initiative to empower the world's poorest women and girls. These commitments will benefit the middle class and those working hard to join it.I would point out that this nine-day trip cost much less than Stephen Harper's six-day trip to India a few years ago.
Mr. Speaker, we promised Canadians that we would invest in the middle class and those working hard to join it.That is exactly what we have done with historic investments in infrastructure and with the Canada child benefit, which is helping nine out of 10 families and will lift 300,000 children out of poverty. We lowered taxes for the middle class and increased them for the well-off. Not only are we investing for the benefit of Canadians, but we also secured the strongest growth in the G7 last year. We are creating the growth that Canadians need.
Mr. Speaker, so many indigenous people are asking for this day to be a statutory holiday, and the Prime Minister is clearly not listening. The government continues to show that it does not really respect first nations and the U.N. declaration that it adopted. It is not listening to indigenous communities, as illustrated by the botched consultation on pipeline projects.Will it at least support my colleague's bill so that all Canadians can celebrate with indigenous peoples and recognize their rights?
Once again, Mr. Speaker, we are confronted with anger from the Prime Minister that we have the audacity to ask questions about his spending habits. In the private sector, they say that the tone is set at the top. The tone of the Liberal government is a culture of spending in excess. That is all this is. Maybe the Prime Minister can tell me why, at his personal retreat at Harrington Lake, he thinks it is okay to spend $10,000 for a new patio, $12,000 for deck and dock upgrades, and $60,000 in total on these upgrades when Canadians are worried about paying for his carbon tax.
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives spend all of their time trying to twist in the wind because they do not admit that climate change is a problem, do not have a plan to fight climate change, and therefore cannot reveal the details of their plan.We have been transparent in the election campaign and ever since, and in the budget. We have demonstrated that we are moving forward on growing our economy and protecting the environment, at the same time as moving forward on a concrete plan with all provinces to fight climate change. That is what we are doing. The Conservatives cannot say what they are doing because they do not know what they are doing, because they do not have a plan.
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives are making up numbers to distract us from the fact that they have absolutely no intention of fighting climate change. They cannot tell us what their plan for fighting climate change is, because they have no plan for fighting climate change. All their attacks are designed to keep everyone from realizing that they have no plan and are not even interested in fighting climate change. The Conservatives have not changed a bit since their 10 years of inaction.
Mr. Speaker, as I said, this situation is unacceptable. We are monitoring the situation in the United States very closely. We will continue to work with the Americans on border protection and the agreements we have with them, while protecting our values and the way we do things in Canada. We will be loud and clear about that. We obviously do not do things the same way.
Mr. Speaker, we know that both the Conservatives and the NDP think there is a false choice between either the environment or the economy. Apparently, the CCF does as well. We know that the only way to move forward is to invest in protecting our environment while growing our economy. That is exactly what we are doing with our national framework on fighting climate change. We are proud that we have been transparent about the way we are moving forward on that. We have been clear with Canadians that this is a priority for us. The Conservatives do not even have a plan. The NDP want to present a false choice. We are just glad to see the CCF back in the House.
Mr. Speaker, the government's superclusters program is said to hand over $950 million of Canadian taxpayer money to for-profit companies. Of the many applications received, nine were shortlisted, and then five were selected to receive the funds, shutting out agrifood, oil and gas, infrastructure, mobility systems, and mining applications.How does the Prime Minister justify picking winners and losers, leaving Canadian taxpayers on the hook for his corporate welfare scheme?
Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to ensuring the full participation of people with disabilities in society, and we have taken steps to do so. We support a variety of programs and services to assist those with disabilities to gain employment, to develop skills, and to gain experience. For 10 long years, the Harper Conservatives promised to deliver legislation for persons with disabilities but did nothing. I am not going to break with parliamentary privilege, but I will confirm that we will be introducing this historic accessibility legislation before the House rises for the summer.
Mr. Speaker, we got elected on a commitment to invest in the middle class and those working hard to join it, and that is exactly what we have done. The first thing we did was lower taxes for the middle class and raise them on the wealthiest 1%, which the Conservatives voted against. Then we delivered on a Canada child benefit, which helps nine out of 10 Canadian families by not sending child benefit cheques to millionaires. It is lifting hundreds of thousands of kids out of poverty across the country, and the Conservatives voted against it. The Conservatives continue to look for boutique tax cuts for the wealthiest Canadians while we are supporting middle-class Canadians right across the country, and we will continue to do just that.
Mr. Speaker, does anyone think it is normal for people to get killed for demonstrating?Is it true that people expressing their right to peaceful protest run the risk of being shot at? Though upsetting, that is the opinion of the former Governor of the Bank of Canada, David Dodge.Demonstrations are on the horizon. Thousands of people are furious at the Liberal government's decision on the Kinder Morgan pipeline. They will speak out and they have the right to do so.Can the Prime Minister assure the House that he will not use infiltration and intimidation tactics or excessive force against our fellow citizens?
Mr. Speaker, recently a Liberal MP said, The time has come to transition to closed containment salmon aquaculture in British Columbia. I could not agree more. Canada is well-positioned to become a world leader in closed containment, but we need action now. Globally, money is being invested in land-based salmon farming. Florida, for instance, is building a 90,000-tonne facility. It is time for Canada to invest in a safe, sustainable industry that protects wild salmon and employment, develops new technologies, jobs, and export opportunities.Will the Prime Minister commit today to transition these farms to land?
Mr. Speaker, Canadians across the country are troubled by the images that we have seen. As I said, what is happening is unacceptable. I cannot imagine the pain these families are experiencing.The safe third country agreement has been in place for more than 10 years and we continue to seek ways to modernize it. We are in ongoing talks with the United States. We will continue to closely monitor developments in the United States.
Mr. Speaker, it is becoming increasingly clear that the Prime Minister is out of touch with the struggles of everyday Canadians. He is using his job to pay for his celebrity lifestyle. The Prime Minister thinks he is entitled to his entitlements. He spares no expense when he wants to be pampered and showered with luxury. Who would have guessed that he could use $1.5 million for six days to dance around India? It is unbelievable. When will he stop using taxpayer dollars as his own personal bank account? It is not.
Mr. Speaker, Canadians across the country are very concerned with the stories and images that we have witnessed. As I have said, what is happening in the United States is wrong. I cannot imagine what these families are going through. As I have said many times, the safe third country agreement is over 10 years old. We will continually look for ways to modernize it and be in conversation with the Americans on this. We will continue as well to closely monitor developments in the United States.
Mr. Speaker, Nada is a young Yazidi mother from Iraq. When ISIS invaded her community, she was sold as a sex slave. She recently recounted coming face to face with Abu Tawfiq, the man she says sold her and bought her. He was not in jail. He was not in Iraq. He is a free man in London, Ontario.We need to believe victims, and the Liberals let this guy into our country.Will the Prime Minister take responsibility for allowing ISIS terrorists to walk our streets freely and finally send these war criminals to The Hague?
Mr. Speaker, over the past two years, Canadians across the country have been thanking us for reinvesting in immigration services and processing times, after 10 years of Conservatives shutting down, creating backlogs, starving our immigration systems from being able to actually process the backlogs and giving them the resources they needed. We know we need to do better on processing times. We need to invest in our immigration system. That is exactly why we are ensuring we have the capacity in our system to treat the files that Canadians and new Canadians expect us to treat rapidly and efficiently.
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is writing cheques from taxpayers' accounts to his own family to reimburse it for personal costs. It does not end there. He spent $28,000 to groom his cross-country ski trails, $5,000 for a new golf cart, and more than $4,000 to wire up his new sauna, but I have to come back to the swing sets. I have bought several for my family. I am trying to imagine what goes into a $7,500 swing set.Can the Prime Minister tell me, is there a chair lift for the slide, are the seats on the swing ergonomically designed, and will he finally reimburse taxpayers for that expense?
Mr. Speaker, in two months the Prime Minister will close the high-performing Vegreville immigration office, killing 288 jobs, dozens more in town, and millions in local revenue. It will not even save tax dollars. It will cost nearly $47 million more for renos and leasing for only 32 extra jobs in Edmonton. The Prime Minister ignores the pleas of workers, the union, the town, and Alberta representatives of all parties at all levels. He is hurting the 74% of women supporting their families and disabled workers with long-term placements in the office.Will the Prime Minister please stop this unfounded, cold-hearted closure?
Mr. Speaker, our government stands strong in the fight against Daesh and will continue to be part of the coalition, as we defend minorities of all types from the murderous terrorist organization of Daesh and the like. We continue to support victims of Daesh from all different cultures and religions. We have looked at resettling numerous minority refugees who are victims of Daesh. We will continue to hold our place in the world in defending victims and minorities against the murderous actions of Daesh.
Mr. Speaker, he says he is investing in the middle class. Since when does the Prime Minister's family count as the middle class? Instead of planning for Canada's economy against the external threats that face us, where are his priorities? Where are his investments? Well, there is $8,500 for new boat racks, $13,000 for a new deck with sun umbrellas, and $7,500 for a new play structure. I have bought many swing sets and play structures for my kids. Can the Prime Minister tell me what exactly is part of a $7,500 swing set?
Mr. Speaker, our government is proposing measures that represent a reasonable and common-sense approach to firearm policy to make Canadians less vulnerable to gun violence. First, I want to be clear that this bill would not recreate a federal long-gun registry. As parliamentarians, I strongly believe that we have no greater responsibility than keeping Canadians safe. Can the Prime Minister explain how enhanced background checks makes society, gun owners, and Canadians safer and more secure?
Mr. Speaker, in regards to the Yazidis, our government has proven to be a global leader in welcoming refugees and we have more than doubled Canada's refugee numbers. We have provided a new home to more than 1,300 women and their families who endured the brutality of Daesh, 85% of whom are Yazidi.Our government's commitment to supporting vulnerable women and girls is unwavering. We announced $20 million to expand our refugee program, specifically targeting women and girls. We will continue to expedite applications so that their family members who escaped Daesh can join their relatives in Canada.
Mr. Speaker, while Trump closed the doors to those fleeing gang violence and domestic violence, yet many fleeing from Central America cite gang violence as the main reason to seek asylum. Trump's policy is in violation of the UN convention for gender-related persecution. As long as Trump is in power, the U.S. will never be a safe country for asylum seekers. Will the Prime Minister show the moral leadership by suspending the safe third country agreement?
Mr. Speaker, perhaps the Conservatives have forgotten why Stephen Harper's trip to India was so expensive for taxpayers. It was because he wanted to bring his own limousines with him, at a cost of $1.5 million. That is the Conservative approach to such matters.With respect to Harrington Lake, the National Capital Commission is responsible for ensuring the appropriate and timely maintenance of all official residences. The National Capital Commission is conducting much-needed rehabilitation work at Harrington Lake in order to preserve this federally-designated heritage building.
Mr. Speaker, more information about the cost of the Prime Minister's disastrous trip to India is coming to light: $17,000 for one single Canadian chef who prepared one single meal; $60,000 to rent chauffeured vehicles; and hundreds of thousands of dollars to feed and house the 77-member delegation that included 21 MPs, most of whom did not attend any working meetings during the trip. The tab is now at $1.5 million and climbing.How can the Prime Minister justify that kind of spending to Canadians?
Mr. Speaker, the member opposite highlighted that, indeed, summer is around the corner. We will be spending it across the country engaging with Canadians, as will every member of this House. Hopefully, there will be a little time for families for many of us as well, but we know all of us in this House will continue to stay focused on our responsibilities for Canadians.It is interesting that on this last day in the House, when plenty of big things are happening around the world, the Conservatives are making the choice to play petty politics and make personal attacks. There are so many big issues we can and should be talking about. I encourage them
Mr. Speaker, I find the indignation with which the Prime Minister emotes very troubling when it comes to his discussing his expenses on the India trip. Primarily the Prime Minister is not above scrutiny when it comes to expenses that he incurs, and in fact, he signs off on these. For the India trip alone, they flew in 5,000 dollars' worth of wine, charged $5,000 on cellphone costs, and $60,000 for personal chauffeurs. Did the Prime Minister sign off on all of these expenses?
Mr. Speaker, the Conservative government spent over $1.5 million bringing Stephen Harper's limos from Ottawa to India for his trip because he wanted to travel around in the style to which he was accustomed. That is completely irresponsible. We were proud that our trip to India, which covered nine days and secured one billion dollars' worth of bilateral investment, cost significantly less than his six-day trip.
Mr. Speaker, we have tasked the federal science adviser to actually look into the question of aquaculture so we can make evidence-based policy moves going forward.However, I would highlight for my colleague from the NDP that he should have a conversation with his provincial counterparts, if he is not fighting with them as they are with their provincial counterparts in Alberta. They just approved continued tenure for aquaculture farms. That is the decision on the provincial side and we know there are significant concerns that we are moving forward
Mr. Speaker, we have consistently stood up for Canadian interests and Canadian jobs, and we will continue to. We are standing up strongly against these unfair steel and aluminum tariffs that are challenging for our industry and our workers. I have said to workers directly, right across the country, that we will be there for them.The threat of tariffs that could be imposed on autos would be absolutely unacceptable. We continue to work with the industry in Canada and in the United States to ensure that never happens. We know we need to continue to stand up for Canadians, and we will do just that.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for KildonanSt. Paul for her hard work in her community. Our government knows that climate change is real and that the frequency of severe weather events like flooding is increasing. That is why this week we were proud to announce a federal investment of almost $250 million in the Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin outlet channels. Alongside the province, our investment will allow for the management of the flows of these watersheds and protect the communities of the region for years to come.
Mr. Speaker, the problem with the Prime Minister's reckless spending is that he is doing it on the taxpayers' dime and with no end in sight. We have just learned how much the Prime Minister is spending on his summer home: $3,000 on sun umbrellasI am not sure where he finds them; $7,500 on a swing set; $12,000 to replace a dock; and $5,000 on a golf cart. Meanwhile, 80% of Canadians and Canadian families are paying more taxes under this government.How can the Prime Minister justify that kind of spending while hard-working Canadians are just trying to make a living
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for her question. This is an issue that affects far too many Canadians. I know that it is very difficult to live with Lyme disease.We realize that a lot of research is needed on this disease. We are committed to working with those suffering from Lyme disease and with researchers to find the best approach to protect all Canadians. This is a very important issue, and I thank the member for raising it in the House of Commons.
Mr. Speaker, it is extremely important to us that Canadians have freedom of expression and the right to disagree with the government on decisions made in Canada. It is a very important right that we encourage.However, obviously, we all expect these demonstrations, these expressions, to be carried out in accordance with the law and to not endanger others. We live under the rule of law and we expect those laws to be obeyed.
Mr. Speaker, we were pleased to secure over $1 billion in two-way investment between India and Canada. We were pleased to secure at least 5,800 new jobs in investment in Canada from that trip. We were pleased to do a lot of good work on that nine-day trip, for less than it cost Stephen Harper and the Conservatives to do a six-day trip just a few years before. We stay focused on the things that matter to Canadians: on growing the economy in ways that are far greater than the Conservatives were able to do for 10 years.
Mr. Speaker, many Canadians are asking themselves what happened to that shiny, progressive, climate-fighting Prime Minister. He was the guy who once said, No relationship is more important to me...than the [relationship] with Indigenous Peoples,governments grant permits...[but] only communities grant permission, and this classic, We have a chance to build...economies that are clean,...growing,...and forward-looking. Then he bought a $4.5-billion, 65-year-old leaky pipeline.For all those people who thought he was progressive, thought he believed in the new economy, and thought he was going to fight climate change, whatever happened to that guy?
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to repeat the announcement that within our supercluster strategy, we are moving forward with the protein supercluster, which benefits prairie communities right across the Prairies. They will definitely benefit from the kinds of investments, the kinds of innovation, and the kinds of leadership that investment in agriculture needs to happen.We are proud to be supporting our farmers and our agrifood businesses. The Conservatives talk a good game, but were never there for them when it came to actually creating growth.
Mr. Speaker, I also wish to congratulate Richard Martel on his win in ChicoutimiLe Fjord. I want to thank all the candidates and especially all the voters who participated in the electoral process. It is enormously important for people to get involved, and we are very proud of this. Since today is our last day, I also want to take this opportunity to thank the House of Commons pages who served us so well this year.I want to thank all the pages who have been here working hard for us. I thank them for everything they have done throughout this year. I thank all the staffers for seeing us through to the summer.
Mr. Speaker, I just want to let the Prime Minister know that, if he will allow me, I will be seeking unanimous consent after question period to table a document entitled Sportspower 8 station swing set. It has a wonderful slide, seesaw, and several swings, and it only costs $198.Will he allow me to table this document after question period?
Mr. Speaker, we are proud to have passed our bill to legalize, strictly regulate, and restrict access to marijuana. This measure will keep marijuana out of the hands of children and profits out of the hands of criminals.I just gave the member opposite a very precise answer. I will repeat it to be sure he understands. This legislation will come into force on October 17. We made that decision because three of our largest provinces, including Quebec, asked for a little more time. I know how important it is to do this properly, and that is why we are giving Quebec more time.
Mr. Speaker, we promised to improve our system to better protect our young people and take money and profits out of the hands of organized crime. That is exactly what we did, and we did it in partnership with the provinces. We always work in partnership with the provinces.These measures have been passed in Parliament and we are now preparing to move forward with them, but the province are asking for more time. We listened to them and agreed to their requests. The legalization of marijuana will take effect on October 17, 2018.
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister cannot have his cake and eat it too. A safe third country means that the country with which we signed an agreement is a place where asylum seekers are treated fairly, humanely, and decently.He criticized a situation in the United States where children are being separated from their migrant parents.I will repeat the question. Beyond talking points, if he is prepared to condemn what is happening in the United States, if he is prepared to say that that situation is unacceptable, will he now say that the country that is treating people that way is no longer a safe third country for refugees?
Mr. Speaker, the National Capital Commission is responsible for ensuring the appropriate and timely maintenance for all official residences, including Stornoway. The NCC is conducting much-needed rehabilitation work at Harrington Lake in order to conserve this federally designated heritage building. The RCMP will also be conducting work to enhance the security features at Harrington Lake. The NCC is working to address these issues in a timely fashion.
Mr. Speaker, we are strengthening Canada's firearm laws in a common-sense, focused, and effective way. We are enhancing background checks, which the committee had further strengthened, so that people with a history of criminality or mental illness associated with violence cannot access firearms. We are formalizing best practices among retailers so that they make sure buyers have a valid licence. We are also investing unprecedented funding of $327 million to tackle gun-related violence and gang activities in Canada.We are prioritizing community safety while respecting responsible firearm ownership.
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the member for Kitchener Centre for his work on this file and for his excellent French.Canadians can be proud of our publicly funded, universal health care system. However, there is always room for improvement. That is why we created the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare, which will study, evaluate, and recommend pharmacare options. We also announced the names of the accomplished members of the council. We look forward to their report, so that we can give Canadians a better system.
Mr. Speaker, no relationship is more important to us than the relationship with indigenous peoples, and that is why, when we talk about moving forward on issues on this, we need to make sure that it is not folks in Ottawa deciding what is going to happen. It needs to be in consultation and in partnership with indigenous people. That is why we are looking very closely at the calls to action, and looking very closely at relationships with indigenous communities to figure out the best way to move forward on commemorating reconciliation. We look forward to having more to say soon on this issue.
Mr. Speaker, we have all seen the troubling statistics. In 2016, more than one million Canadians had to choose between feeding their family, heating their home, and filling the prescriptions they needed. I have heard similar complaints in my riding of Kitchener-Centre.In budget 2018, we proudly announced the creation of an advisory council on the implementation of national pharmacare. Could the Prime Minister please update the House on the progress that our government has made in this area?
Mr. Speaker, two days after accusing the NDP of playing politics because it condemned the separation of children from their migrant parents at the Mexico-U.S. border, the Prime Minister now recognizes that the situation is unacceptable.Now that he has condemned the situation, can the Prime Minister tell us whether he still believes that the United States is a safe country for asylum seekers?
Mr. Speaker, I will tell members about the Liberal support for agriculture. According to the numbers from the Parliamentary Budget Officer, the Liberals' carbon tax will devastate Canadian agriculture. At $50 a tonne, the Liberal carbon tax will cost a Manitoba pork producer more than $36,000 a year; a rancher in Alberta, $13,000; and a wheat grower in Saskatchewan, $12,000. As for potato farmers in P.E.I, the agriculture minister thinks they should be paying $20,000 a year in carbon tax.Does the Prime Minister agree with these numbers? If not, will he end the cover-up and release the cost of the Liberals' farm-killing carbon tax?
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister says all kinds of nice things and makes all kinds of nice promises, but life is not about what gets said; it is about what gets done.Quebec already has its legislation. It has already said it will not allow cultivation in apartments, condos, or homes.Will the Prime Minister listen to Quebec, or is he gearing up for a court battle with Quebec? Will he listen to Quebec or not?
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud that every year we come together to acknowledge the fundamental contributions that first nations, Inuit, and Métis people have made to the identity and culture of all Canadians. We are working with indigenous peoples to establish a nation-to-nation relationship between the Inuit and the crown and a government-to-government relationship based on respect, partnership, and recognition of rights. We will continue to work with our partners on shared priorities, including this celebration
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has no respect for the provinces. His government introduced a bill to legalize marijuana and is ordering the provinces to administer it. The provinces accepted the challenge and sought to implement a plan for their residents, but the Prime Minister dug in his heels and imposed conditions. During the 2015 federal election campaign, the Liberals promised to work in partnership with the provinces.Here is the perfect opportunity for the Prime Minister to do so. Will he respect the decisions of Quebec and Manitoba to prohibit home cannabis production, yes or no?
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Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has no respect for the provinces. His government introduced a bill to legalize marijuana and is ordering the provinces to administer it. The provinces accepted the challenge and sought to implement a plan for their residents, but the Prime Minister dug in his heels and imposed conditions. During the 2015 federal election campaign, the Liberals promised to work in partnership with the provinces.Here is the perfect opportunity for the Prime Minister to do so. Will he respect the decisions of Quebec and Manitoba to prohibit home cannabis production, yes or no?
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud that every year we come together to acknowledge the fundamental contributions that first nations, Inuit, and Métis people have made to the identity and culture of all Canadians. We are working with indigenous peoples to establish a nation-to-nation relationship between the Inuit and the crown and a government-to-government relationship based on respect, partnership, and recognition of rights. We will continue to work with our partners on shared priorities, including this celebration
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister says all kinds of nice things and makes all kinds of nice promises, but life is not about what gets said; it is about what gets done.Quebec already has its legislation. It has already said it will not allow cultivation in apartments, condos, or homes.Will the Prime Minister listen to Quebec, or is he gearing up for a court battle with Quebec? Will he listen to Quebec or not?
Mr. Speaker, two days after accusing the NDP of playing politics because it condemned the separation of children from their migrant parents at the Mexico-U.S. border, the Prime Minister now recognizes that the situation is unacceptable.Now that he has condemned the situation, can the Prime Minister tell us whether he still believes that the United States is a safe country for asylum seekers?
Mr. Speaker, I will tell members about the Liberal support for agriculture. According to the numbers from the Parliamentary Budget Officer, the Liberals' carbon tax will devastate Canadian agriculture. At $50 a tonne, the Liberal carbon tax will cost a Manitoba pork producer more than $36,000 a year; a rancher in Alberta, $13,000; and a wheat grower in Saskatchewan, $12,000. As for potato farmers in P.E.I, the agriculture minister thinks they should be paying $20,000 a year in carbon tax.Does the Prime Minister agree with these numbers? If not, will he end the cover-up and release the cost of the Liberals' farm-killing carbon tax?
Mr. Speaker, we have all seen the troubling statistics. In 2016, more than one million Canadians had to choose between feeding their family, heating their home, and filling the prescriptions they needed. I have heard similar complaints in my riding of Kitchener-Centre.In budget 2018, we proudly announced the creation of an advisory council on the implementation of national pharmacare. Could the Prime Minister please update the House on the progress that our government has made in this area?
Mr. Speaker, no relationship is more important to us than the relationship with indigenous peoples, and that is why, when we talk about moving forward on issues on this, we need to make sure that it is not folks in Ottawa deciding what is going to happen. It needs to be in consultation and in partnership with indigenous people. That is why we are looking very closely at the calls to action, and looking very closely at relationships with indigenous communities to figure out the best way to move forward on commemorating reconciliation. We look forward to having more to say soon on this issue.
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the member for Kitchener Centre for his work on this file and for his excellent French.Canadians can be proud of our publicly funded, universal health care system. However, there is always room for improvement. That is why we created the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare, which will study, evaluate, and recommend pharmacare options. We also announced the names of the accomplished members of the council. We look forward to their report, so that we can give Canadians a better system.
Mr. Speaker, we are strengthening Canada's firearm laws in a common-sense, focused, and effective way. We are enhancing background checks, which the committee had further strengthened, so that people with a history of criminality or mental illness associated with violence cannot access firearms. We are formalizing best practices among retailers so that they make sure buyers have a valid licence. We are also investing unprecedented funding of $327 million to tackle gun-related violence and gang activities in Canada.We are prioritizing community safety while respecting responsible firearm ownership.
Mr. Speaker, the National Capital Commission is responsible for ensuring the appropriate and timely maintenance for all official residences, including Stornoway. The NCC is conducting much-needed rehabilitation work at Harrington Lake in order to conserve this federally designated heritage building. The RCMP will also be conducting work to enhance the security features at Harrington Lake. The NCC is working to address these issues in a timely fashion.
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister cannot have his cake and eat it too. A safe third country means that the country with which we signed an agreement is a place where asylum seekers are treated fairly, humanely, and decently.He criticized a situation in the United States where children are being separated from their migrant parents.I will repeat the question. Beyond talking points, if he is prepared to condemn what is happening in the United States, if he is prepared to say that that situation is unacceptable, will he now say that the country that is treating people that way is no longer a safe third country for refugees?
Mr. Speaker, we promised to improve our system to better protect our young people and take money and profits out of the hands of organized crime. That is exactly what we did, and we did it in partnership with the provinces. We always work in partnership with the provinces.These measures have been passed in Parliament and we are now preparing to move forward with them, but the province are asking for more time. We listened to them and agreed to their requests. The legalization of marijuana will take effect on October 17, 2018.
Mr. Speaker, we are proud to have passed our bill to legalize, strictly regulate, and restrict access to marijuana. This measure will keep marijuana out of the hands of children and profits out of the hands of criminals.I just gave the member opposite a very precise answer. I will repeat it to be sure he understands. This legislation will come into force on October 17. We made that decision because three of our largest provinces, including Quebec, asked for a little more time. I know how important it is to do this properly, and that is why we are giving Quebec more time.
Mr. Speaker, I just want to let the Prime Minister know that, if he will allow me, I will be seeking unanimous consent after question period to table a document entitled Sportspower 8 station swing set. It has a wonderful slide, seesaw, and several swings, and it only costs $198.Will he allow me to table this document after question period?
Mr. Speaker, I also wish to congratulate Richard Martel on his win in ChicoutimiLe Fjord. I want to thank all the candidates and especially all the voters who participated in the electoral process. It is enormously important for people to get involved, and we are very proud of this. Since today is our last day, I also want to take this opportunity to thank the House of Commons pages who served us so well this year.I want to thank all the pages who have been here working hard for us. I thank them for everything they have done throughout this year. I thank all the staffers for seeing us through to the summer.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to repeat the announcement that within our supercluster strategy, we are moving forward with the protein supercluster, which benefits prairie communities right across the Prairies. They will definitely benefit from the kinds of investments, the kinds of innovation, and the kinds of leadership that investment in agriculture needs to happen.We are proud to be supporting our farmers and our agrifood businesses. The Conservatives talk a good game, but were never there for them when it came to actually creating growth.
Mr. Speaker, many Canadians are asking themselves what happened to that shiny, progressive, climate-fighting Prime Minister. He was the guy who once said, No relationship is more important to me...than the [relationship] with Indigenous Peoples,governments grant permits...[but] only communities grant permission, and this classic, We have a chance to build...economies that are clean,...growing,...and forward-looking. Then he bought a $4.5-billion, 65-year-old leaky pipeline.For all those people who thought he was progressive, thought he believed in the new economy, and thought he was going to fight climate change, whatever happened to that guy?
Mr. Speaker, we were pleased to secure over $1 billion in two-way investment between India and Canada. We were pleased to secure at least 5,800 new jobs in investment in Canada from that trip. We were pleased to do a lot of good work on that nine-day trip, for less than it cost Stephen Harper and the Conservatives to do a six-day trip just a few years before. We stay focused on the things that matter to Canadians: on growing the economy in ways that are far greater than the Conservatives were able to do for 10 years.
Mr. Speaker, it is extremely important to us that Canadians have freedom of expression and the right to disagree with the government on decisions made in Canada. It is a very important right that we encourage.However, obviously, we all expect these demonstrations, these expressions, to be carried out in accordance with the law and to not endanger others. We live under the rule of law and we expect those laws to be obeyed.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for her question. This is an issue that affects far too many Canadians. I know that it is very difficult to live with Lyme disease.We realize that a lot of research is needed on this disease. We are committed to working with those suffering from Lyme disease and with researchers to find the best approach to protect all Canadians. This is a very important issue, and I thank the member for raising it in the House of Commons.
Mr. Speaker, the problem with the Prime Minister's reckless spending is that he is doing it on the taxpayers' dime and with no end in sight. We have just learned how much the Prime Minister is spending on his summer home: $3,000 on sun umbrellasI am not sure where he finds them; $7,500 on a swing set; $12,000 to replace a dock; and $5,000 on a golf cart. Meanwhile, 80% of Canadians and Canadian families are paying more taxes under this government.How can the Prime Minister justify that kind of spending while hard-working Canadians are just trying to make a living
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for KildonanSt. Paul for her hard work in her community. Our government knows that climate change is real and that the frequency of severe weather events like flooding is increasing. That is why this week we were proud to announce a federal investment of almost $250 million in the Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin outlet channels. Alongside the province, our investment will allow for the management of the flows of these watersheds and protect the communities of the region for years to come.
Mr. Speaker, we have consistently stood up for Canadian interests and Canadian jobs, and we will continue to. We are standing up strongly against these unfair steel and aluminum tariffs that are challenging for our industry and our workers. I have said to workers directly, right across the country, that we will be there for them.The threat of tariffs that could be imposed on autos would be absolutely unacceptable. We continue to work with the industry in Canada and in the United States to ensure that never happens. We know we need to continue to stand up for Canadians, and we will do just that.
Mr. Speaker, we have tasked the federal science adviser to actually look into the question of aquaculture so we can make evidence-based policy moves going forward.However, I would highlight for my colleague from the NDP that he should have a conversation with his provincial counterparts, if he is not fighting with them as they are with their provincial counterparts in Alberta. They just approved continued tenure for aquaculture farms. That is the decision on the provincial side and we know there are significant concerns that we are moving forward
Mr. Speaker, the Conservative government spent over $1.5 million bringing Stephen Harper's limos from Ottawa to India for his trip because he wanted to travel around in the style to which he was accustomed. That is completely irresponsible. We were proud that our trip to India, which covered nine days and secured one billion dollars' worth of bilateral investment, cost significantly less than his six-day trip.
Mr. Speaker, I find the indignation with which the Prime Minister emotes very troubling when it comes to his discussing his expenses on the India trip. Primarily the Prime Minister is not above scrutiny when it comes to expenses that he incurs, and in fact, he signs off on these. For the India trip alone, they flew in 5,000 dollars' worth of wine, charged $5,000 on cellphone costs, and $60,000 for personal chauffeurs. Did the Prime Minister sign off on all of these expenses?
Mr. Speaker, the member opposite highlighted that, indeed, summer is around the corner. We will be spending it across the country engaging with Canadians, as will every member of this House. Hopefully, there will be a little time for families for many of us as well, but we know all of us in this House will continue to stay focused on our responsibilities for Canadians.It is interesting that on this last day in the House, when plenty of big things are happening around the world, the Conservatives are making the choice to play petty politics and make personal attacks. There are so many big issues we can and should be talking about. I encourage them
Mr. Speaker, more information about the cost of the Prime Minister's disastrous trip to India is coming to light: $17,000 for one single Canadian chef who prepared one single meal; $60,000 to rent chauffeured vehicles; and hundreds of thousands of dollars to feed and house the 77-member delegation that included 21 MPs, most of whom did not attend any working meetings during the trip. The tab is now at $1.5 million and climbing.How can the Prime Minister justify that kind of spending to Canadians?
Mr. Speaker, perhaps the Conservatives have forgotten why Stephen Harper's trip to India was so expensive for taxpayers. It was because he wanted to bring his own limousines with him, at a cost of $1.5 million. That is the Conservative approach to such matters.With respect to Harrington Lake, the National Capital Commission is responsible for ensuring the appropriate and timely maintenance of all official residences. The National Capital Commission is conducting much-needed rehabilitation work at Harrington Lake in order to preserve this federally-designated heritage building.
Mr. Speaker, while Trump closed the doors to those fleeing gang violence and domestic violence, yet many fleeing from Central America cite gang violence as the main reason to seek asylum. Trump's policy is in violation of the UN convention for gender-related persecution. As long as Trump is in power, the U.S. will never be a safe country for asylum seekers. Will the Prime Minister show the moral leadership by suspending the safe third country agreement?
Mr. Speaker, in regards to the Yazidis, our government has proven to be a global leader in welcoming refugees and we have more than doubled Canada's refugee numbers. We have provided a new home to more than 1,300 women and their families who endured the brutality of Daesh, 85% of whom are Yazidi.Our government's commitment to supporting vulnerable women and girls is unwavering. We announced $20 million to expand our refugee program, specifically targeting women and girls. We will continue to expedite applications so that their family members who escaped Daesh can join their relatives in Canada.
Mr. Speaker, our government is proposing measures that represent a reasonable and common-sense approach to firearm policy to make Canadians less vulnerable to gun violence. First, I want to be clear that this bill would not recreate a federal long-gun registry. As parliamentarians, I strongly believe that we have no greater responsibility than keeping Canadians safe. Can the Prime Minister explain how enhanced background checks makes society, gun owners, and Canadians safer and more secure?
Mr. Speaker, he says he is investing in the middle class. Since when does the Prime Minister's family count as the middle class? Instead of planning for Canada's economy against the external threats that face us, where are his priorities? Where are his investments? Well, there is $8,500 for new boat racks, $13,000 for a new deck with sun umbrellas, and $7,500 for a new play structure. I have bought many swing sets and play structures for my kids. Can the Prime Minister tell me what exactly is part of a $7,500 swing set?
Mr. Speaker, our government stands strong in the fight against Daesh and will continue to be part of the coalition, as we defend minorities of all types from the murderous terrorist organization of Daesh and the like. We continue to support victims of Daesh from all different cultures and religions. We have looked at resettling numerous minority refugees who are victims of Daesh. We will continue to hold our place in the world in defending victims and minorities against the murderous actions of Daesh.
Mr. Speaker, in two months the Prime Minister will close the high-performing Vegreville immigration office, killing 288 jobs, dozens more in town, and millions in local revenue. It will not even save tax dollars. It will cost nearly $47 million more for renos and leasing for only 32 extra jobs in Edmonton. The Prime Minister ignores the pleas of workers, the union, the town, and Alberta representatives of all parties at all levels. He is hurting the 74% of women supporting their families and disabled workers with long-term placements in the office.Will the Prime Minister please stop this unfounded, cold-hearted closure?
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is writing cheques from taxpayers' accounts to his own family to reimburse it for personal costs. It does not end there. He spent $28,000 to groom his cross-country ski trails, $5,000 for a new golf cart, and more than $4,000 to wire up his new sauna, but I have to come back to the swing sets. I have bought several for my family. I am trying to imagine what goes into a $7,500 swing set.Can the Prime Minister tell me, is there a chair lift for the slide, are the seats on the swing ergonomically designed, and will he finally reimburse taxpayers for that expense?
Mr. Speaker, over the past two years, Canadians across the country have been thanking us for reinvesting in immigration services and processing times, after 10 years of Conservatives shutting down, creating backlogs, starving our immigration systems from being able to actually process the backlogs and giving them the resources they needed. We know we need to do better on processing times. We need to invest in our immigration system. That is exactly why we are ensuring we have the capacity in our system to treat the files that Canadians and new Canadians expect us to treat rapidly and efficiently.
Mr. Speaker, Canadians across the country are very concerned with the stories and images that we have witnessed. As I have said, what is happening in the United States is wrong. I cannot imagine what these families are going through. As I have said many times, the safe third country agreement is over 10 years old. We will continually look for ways to modernize it and be in conversation with the Americans on this. We will continue as well to closely monitor developments in the United States.
Mr. Speaker, Nada is a young Yazidi mother from Iraq. When ISIS invaded her community, she was sold as a sex slave. She recently recounted coming face to face with Abu Tawfiq, the man she says sold her and bought her. He was not in jail. He was not in Iraq. He is a free man in London, Ontario.We need to believe victims, and the Liberals let this guy into our country.Will the Prime Minister take responsibility for allowing ISIS terrorists to walk our streets freely and finally send these war criminals to The Hague?
Mr. Speaker, it is becoming increasingly clear that the Prime Minister is out of touch with the struggles of everyday Canadians. He is using his job to pay for his celebrity lifestyle. The Prime Minister thinks he is entitled to his entitlements. He spares no expense when he wants to be pampered and showered with luxury. Who would have guessed that he could use $1.5 million for six days to dance around India? It is unbelievable. When will he stop using taxpayer dollars as his own personal bank account? It is not.
Mr. Speaker, Canadians across the country are troubled by the images that we have seen. As I said, what is happening is unacceptable. I cannot imagine the pain these families are experiencing.The safe third country agreement has been in place for more than 10 years and we continue to seek ways to modernize it. We are in ongoing talks with the United States. We will continue to closely monitor developments in the United States.
Mr. Speaker, recently a Liberal MP said, The time has come to transition to closed containment salmon aquaculture in British Columbia. I could not agree more. Canada is well-positioned to become a world leader in closed containment, but we need action now. Globally, money is being invested in land-based salmon farming. Florida, for instance, is building a 90,000-tonne facility. It is time for Canada to invest in a safe, sustainable industry that protects wild salmon and employment, develops new technologies, jobs, and export opportunities.Will the Prime Minister commit today to transition these farms to land?
Mr. Speaker, does anyone think it is normal for people to get killed for demonstrating?Is it true that people expressing their right to peaceful protest run the risk of being shot at? Though upsetting, that is the opinion of the former Governor of the Bank of Canada, David Dodge.Demonstrations are on the horizon. Thousands of people are furious at the Liberal government's decision on the Kinder Morgan pipeline. They will speak out and they have the right to do so.Can the Prime Minister assure the House that he will not use infiltration and intimidation tactics or excessive force against our fellow citizens?
Mr. Speaker, we got elected on a commitment to invest in the middle class and those working hard to join it, and that is exactly what we have done. The first thing we did was lower taxes for the middle class and raise them on the wealthiest 1%, which the Conservatives voted against. Then we delivered on a Canada child benefit, which helps nine out of 10 Canadian families by not sending child benefit cheques to millionaires. It is lifting hundreds of thousands of kids out of poverty across the country, and the Conservatives voted against it. The Conservatives continue to look for boutique tax cuts for the wealthiest Canadians while we are supporting middle-class Canadians right across the country, and we will continue to do just that.
Mr. Speaker, the government's superclusters program is said to hand over $950 million of Canadian taxpayer money to for-profit companies. Of the many applications received, nine were shortlisted, and then five were selected to receive the funds, shutting out agrifood, oil and gas, infrastructure, mobility systems, and mining applications.How does the Prime Minister justify picking winners and losers, leaving Canadian taxpayers on the hook for his corporate welfare scheme?
Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to ensuring the full participation of people with disabilities in society, and we have taken steps to do so. We support a variety of programs and services to assist those with disabilities to gain employment, to develop skills, and to gain experience. For 10 long years, the Harper Conservatives promised to deliver legislation for persons with disabilities but did nothing. I am not going to break with parliamentary privilege, but I will confirm that we will be introducing this historic accessibility legislation before the House rises for the summer.
Mr. Speaker, we know that both the Conservatives and the NDP think there is a false choice between either the environment or the economy. Apparently, the CCF does as well. We know that the only way to move forward is to invest in protecting our environment while growing our economy. That is exactly what we are doing with our national framework on fighting climate change. We are proud that we have been transparent about the way we are moving forward on that. We have been clear with Canadians that this is a priority for us. The Conservatives do not even have a plan. The NDP want to present a false choice. We are just glad to see the CCF back in the House.
Mr. Speaker, as I said, this situation is unacceptable. We are monitoring the situation in the United States very closely. We will continue to work with the Americans on border protection and the agreements we have with them, while protecting our values and the way we do things in Canada. We will be loud and clear about that. We obviously do not do things the same way.
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives spend all of their time trying to twist in the wind because they do not admit that climate change is a problem, do not have a plan to fight climate change, and therefore cannot reveal the details of their plan.We have been transparent in the election campaign and ever since, and in the budget. We have demonstrated that we are moving forward on growing our economy and protecting the environment, at the same time as moving forward on a concrete plan with all provinces to fight climate change. That is what we are doing. The Conservatives cannot say what they are doing because they do not know what they are doing, because they do not have a plan.
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives are making up numbers to distract us from the fact that they have absolutely no intention of fighting climate change. They cannot tell us what their plan for fighting climate change is, because they have no plan for fighting climate change. All their attacks are designed to keep everyone from realizing that they have no plan and are not even interested in fighting climate change. The Conservatives have not changed a bit since their 10 years of inaction.
Once again, Mr. Speaker, we are confronted with anger from the Prime Minister that we have the audacity to ask questions about his spending habits. In the private sector, they say that the tone is set at the top. The tone of the Liberal government is a culture of spending in excess. That is all this is. Maybe the Prime Minister can tell me why, at his personal retreat at Harrington Lake, he thinks it is okay to spend $10,000 for a new patio, $12,000 for deck and dock upgrades, and $60,000 in total on these upgrades when Canadians are worried about paying for his carbon tax.
Mr. Speaker, so many indigenous people are asking for this day to be a statutory holiday, and the Prime Minister is clearly not listening. The government continues to show that it does not really respect first nations and the U.N. declaration that it adopted. It is not listening to indigenous communities, as illustrated by the botched consultation on pipeline projects.Will it at least support my colleague's bill so that all Canadians can celebrate with indigenous peoples and recognize their rights?
Mr. Speaker, we promised Canadians that we would invest in the middle class and those working hard to join it.That is exactly what we have done with historic investments in infrastructure and with the Canada child benefit, which is helping nine out of 10 families and will lift 300,000 children out of poverty. We lowered taxes for the middle class and increased them for the well-off. Not only are we investing for the benefit of Canadians, but we also secured the strongest growth in the G7 last year. We are creating the growth that Canadians need.
Mr. Speaker, Canadians want us to be effective on the world stage.During our trip to India, we announced bilateral investments totalling over $1 billion that will help create 5,800 jobs in Canada. We also announced $11.5 million for the right start initiative to empower the world's poorest women and girls. These commitments will benefit the middle class and those working hard to join it.I would point out that this nine-day trip cost much less than Stephen Harper's six-day trip to India a few years ago.
Mr. Speaker, with regard to the India trip, I do not recall Prime Minister Harper bringing along on the trip his own personal chefwhat was that: $17,000and, may I add, a terrorist. Maybe the Prime Minister needs to park the arrogance and swagger for just a split second. We know summer is around the corner. We know what that means. The Prime Minister is going to be taking quite a bit of time off, so perhaps he could at this moment have a bit of humility and tell Canadians he is sorry for abusing their tax dollars and he will not do it again.
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. In a moment I will be asking for unanimous consent to present a motion.Last night, the Senate passed Bill C-45, important legislation that will positively change 100 years of legal, social, and economic attitudes towards cannabis. It will legalize an activity that the vast majority of Canadians regard as acceptable.That is why, Mr. Speaker, if you seek it, I hope you will find unanimous consent for the following motion: That, in the opinion of the House, given the passage of Bill C-45 and the imminent legalization of cannabis for personal recreational use, and recognizing that many Canadians are facing criminal charges, experiencing criminal sanctions, or bearing criminal records for cannabis offences that are soon to be legal, the government should take all necessary steps to immediately provide pardons for those burdened by criminal records for cannabis offences that will soon be legal.
Mr. Speaker, after sitting with a Yazidi woman who survived sexual slavery, one leaves awed by her strength, concerned for her welfare, and left with a deep, white-hot desire to bring her justice. When we wax eloquent about #MeToo, we cannot forget our obligation to bring justice to women who have had their bodies used as tools of war.Why does the feminist Prime Minister continually refuse to commit to refer Canadian ISIS terrorists to the International Criminal Court?
Mr. Speaker, the number of victims of Lyme disease doubled in Quebec in 2017, and this number continues to grow every year as a result of climate change.The government created the federal framework on Lyme disease one year ago, but the guidelines are still not being applied. If this disease is not treated, it can cause cardiac and neurological problems. False negatives are quite common.When will victims of Lyme disease have access to better diagnostic testing and treatments for chronic cases in Canada?
Mr. Speaker, yesterday the foreign affairs minister finally acknowledged genocide of Yazidis at the hands of Daesh in Syria and Iraq. However, the government has yet to acknowledge genocide against Christian communities in the same areas, Assyrian, Chaldean and other Christians who live in communities alongside Yazidis and have often been treated in exactly the same way. Will the Prime Minister today also acknowledge the Christian victims of this genocide?
Mr. Speaker, this is the last opportunity for the House to adopt Bill C-79 before adjourning for the summer. Discussions have taken place, and if you seek it, you will find, I hope, unanimous consent for the following motion: That notwithstanding any Standing Order or usual practice of the House, Bill C-79, An Act to implement the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership between Canada, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam, be deemed to have been read a second time and referred to a committee of the whole, deemed reported without amendments, deemed concurred in at report stage, and deemed read a third time and passed.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I asked the Liberals if they would support my private member's bill to make National Indigenous Peoples Day a statutory holiday. Instead of saying whether they would support it, the minister spoke about the government's celebrations taking place. People already know about the celebrations. What they want is for the Liberals to actually recognize the importance of providing people with a time and opportunity to celebrate.Therefore, I am asking again: Will the Liberals support my bill and make National Indigenous Peoples Day a statutory holiday?
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister just mentioned holding Iran to account. Last night the MP for Richmond Hill organized an event on the Hill for a regime-friendly Iranian lobbying group. Last week this same group publicly criticized the House of Commons for passing a motion condemning Iran. The Iranian regime is an oppressive abuser of human rights. Does the Prime Minister approve of the actions of the MP for Richmond Hill, organizing parliamentary meetings for a group that supports the Iranian regime?
Mr. Speaker, troubling reports are surfacing that the Minister of Immigration is planning on removing Her Majesty from the oath of citizenship. Could the Prime Minister confirm if his government is discussing removing Her Majesty from the oath of citizenship?
Mr. Speaker, I can confirm that we are not considering removing Her Majesty from the oath of citizenship.
Mr. Speaker, we deeply oppose Iran's support for terrorist organizations, its threats toward Israel, its ballistic missile program, and its support for the murderous Assad regime. We will always defend human rights and hold Iran to account for its actions.We led a resolution at the United Nations in November, calling on Iran to comply with its international human rights obligations. We will continue to maintain sanctions on Iran, which include restrictions on sensitive goods and a list of individuals and entities subject to asset freezes, with whom all transactions involving property are prohibited.
Mr. Speaker, as politicians, we engage with a broad range of people, but we have been unequivocal. We deeply oppose Iran's support for terrorist organizations, for its threats toward Israel, its ballistic missile program, and its support for the murderous Assad regime. We will always defend human rights and hold Iran to account for its actions. We continue to maintain sanctions on Iran, which include restrictions on sensitive goods, and a list of individuals and entities subject to asset freezes. We will always remain firm in our defence of human rights and are standing against state sponsors of terrorism around the world.
Mr. Speaker, our security agencies take all potential threats very seriously and use the full tool kit of measures, including surveillance, the no-fly list, revoking passports, and laying criminal charges when sufficient evidence exists. We trust our police forces and intelligence services to do their work and to do it well.I find it troubling that the Conservatives seem to want elected officials to directly intervene with police officers and tell them who should be arrested and when they should be arrested.We will continue to trust those responsible for the safety of Canadians to do their jobs.
Mr. Speaker, today is a terrific day for the voters of ChicoutimiLe Fjord. Our new colleague, Richard Martel, is arriving on the Hill today. Unfortunately for Richard, more details emerged today about the Prime Minister's trip to India. This was a trip that sparked a diplomatic crisis after a terrorist got on the guest list. On top of that, the Prime Minister's negotiating skills led to a deal where India gets an investment of $750 million and Canada gets a measly $250 million. We now know that this trip cost at least $1.5 million. Why was this?
Mr. Speaker, the fact is that over 2,000 migrant children are already in baby jails. The parents do not know where they are or when they will see them again.The head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed parents' worst fears. He expects hundreds of separated children will never see their parents again. They will be lost in the system forever.Does the Prime Minister recognize that as long as Trump is in power, the U.S. will never be a safe country for asylum seekers?
Mr. Speaker, the federal government has repeatedly stated that provinces will keep their revenues from carbon pricing. However, next year is a renewal of equalization. If carbon revenues are added to the formula, then each province's carbon tax base would count against its equalization entitlement, effectively clawing back the money. Will the government include carbon pricing in equalization and, if so, how will it ensure that provinces actually keep the revenue?
Mr. Speaker, I would not want to make an error in the House of Commons. I need to point out that the armoured limos only cost $1 million to bring to India. I am sorry; I got the number wrong, previously.We remain focused on investing and growing the economy and supporting Canadians. That is why we lowered taxes on the middle class and raised them on the wealthiest 1%. The Conservatives voted against that. That is why we are delivering a Canada child benefit that delivers more money to nine out of 10 Canadian families and is lifting hundreds of thousands of kids out of poverty. Again, the Conservatives voted
Mr. Speaker, our government is investing $8 billion in clean technology and renewable energy. That is where we are focused on moving forward. We are also moving forward with the pan-Canadian approach to fight climate change, one that understands that growing the economy and protecting the environment need to go together. Unfortunately, the NDP does not get that and still thinks there is a choice to be made between the environment and the economy. When it comes to indigenous peoples, it only listens to those who agree with it, and have nothing to say about the indigenous communities that support energy projects.
Mr. Speaker, as I have said, what is happening is wrong. None of us can imagine what these families are going through and I know all Canadians have the well-being of children first and foremost in their minds. As I have said numerous times both at home and abroad, I will always stand up for the values that Canadians hold dear. This is something that I will continue to do.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice dismissed the concerns of Canadian auto workers, saying everything was just fine. It is not fine when TD Bank says 160,000 jobs are at risk. The Minister of Foreign Affairs is unable to provide details on her plan to protect the jobs of workers in the auto industry.I am going to ask again a simple question to the Prime Minister. What is the plan to protect auto manufacturing jobs in Canada?
Mr. Speaker, we are in a tariff conflict with the United States. We are seeing horrific images of children being detained across the United States. We are seeing indigenous peoples in this country challenged, needing better opportunities. We are seeing a broad range of issues that matter on this the last day of the spring sitting of the House of Commons. We are moving forward on the legalization of marijuana, which I know the Conservatives have issues with. However, this is what the Leader of the Opposition chooses to spend his last day in Parliament before the summer
Mr. Speaker, the Iranian regime continues to brutalize its own citizens. Mohammad Salas, a bus driver and member of a religious minority, was arrested. He was then tortured. His phoney confession was then broadcast on state television. It was used as the only evidence in his trial. On Monday, at dawn, he was executed. Then the regime refused to allow his family to even see the body. When will the Liberal government start to support the Iranian people and stop fantasizing about normalizing relations with this vicious, murderous, terrorist regime?
Mr. Speaker, the cover-up continues. The United States is not the only one attacking our dairy farmers. The Liberal Party is going to force dairy farmers to pay a carbon tax. For an average dairy farm, the price tag will be $17,000 in Quebec and $28,000 in British Columbia. Unfortunately for dairy farmers in the Maritimes, the Prime Minister did not forget about them. The bill will be $21,000 in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, $18,000 in Prince Edward Island, andI hope everyone is sitting downa whopping $39,000 in Newfoundland and Labrador. Why is the Prime Minister condoning these attacks, which are threatening Canada's family farms?
Mr. Speaker, Canada ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities eight long years ago but to this day we have failed to implement it. That is why Canadians are watching as the minister tables the government's long-awaited accessibility act this afternoon. People living with disabilities need more than a vague promise for a barrier-free Canada.Could the Prime Minister tell us if today's legislation will fulfill Canada's obligations to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities?
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is incapable of managing taxpayers' money responsibly. More than $8 million on a temporary skating rink, $215,000 for an illegal vacation on a private island, at least $1.5 million for a disastrous trip to India, and tens of thousands of dollars on non-essential items to renovate the Prime Minister's cottage in Harrington Lake.Why does the Prime Minister keep spending so recklessly and sending the bill to the next generation?
Mr. Speaker, severe weather events are a significant and growing problem across Canada. My province of Manitoba has seen first-hand the devastating effects flooding can have on our communities. These floods have forced residents from homes, businesses to relocate or close, and caused residents to worry annually what the year's flood season may bring.Could the Prime Minister please update the House on the steps that our government is taking to improve the resiliency of Canadian communities, especially those in Manitoba?
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has no respect for the provinces. His government introduced a bill to legalize marijuana and is ordering the provinces to administer it. The provinces accepted the challenge and sought to implement a plan for their residents, but the Prime Minister dug in his heels and imposed conditions. During the 2015 federal election campaign, the Liberals promised to work in partnership with the provinces.Here is the perfect opportunity for the Prime Minister to do so. Will he respect the decisions of Quebec and Manitoba to prohibit home cannabis production, yes or no?
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud that every year we come together to acknowledge the fundamental contributions that first nations, Inuit, and Métis people have made to the identity and culture of all Canadians. We are working with indigenous peoples to establish a nation-to-nation relationship between the Inuit and the crown and a government-to-government relationship based on respect, partnership, and recognition of rights. We will continue to work with our partners on shared priorities, including this celebration
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister says all kinds of nice things and makes all kinds of nice promises, but life is not about what gets said; it is about what gets done.Quebec already has its legislation. It has already said it will not allow cultivation in apartments, condos, or homes.Will the Prime Minister listen to Quebec, or is he gearing up for a court battle with Quebec? Will he listen to Quebec or not?
Mr. Speaker, two days after accusing the NDP of playing politics because it condemned the separation of children from their migrant parents at the Mexico-U.S. border, the Prime Minister now recognizes that the situation is unacceptable.Now that he has condemned the situation, can the Prime Minister tell us whether he still believes that the United States is a safe country for asylum seekers?
Mr. Speaker, I will tell members about the Liberal support for agriculture. According to the numbers from the Parliamentary Budget Officer, the Liberals' carbon tax will devastate Canadian agriculture. At $50 a tonne, the Liberal carbon tax will cost a Manitoba pork producer more than $36,000 a year; a rancher in Alberta, $13,000; and a wheat grower in Saskatchewan, $12,000. As for potato farmers in P.E.I, the agriculture minister thinks they should be paying $20,000 a year in carbon tax.Does the Prime Minister agree with these numbers? If not, will he end the cover-up and release the cost of the Liberals' farm-killing carbon tax?
Mr. Speaker, we have all seen the troubling statistics. In 2016, more than one million Canadians had to choose between feeding their family, heating their home, and filling the prescriptions they needed. I have heard similar complaints in my riding of Kitchener-Centre.In budget 2018, we proudly announced the creation of an advisory council on the implementation of national pharmacare. Could the Prime Minister please update the House on the progress that our government has made in this area?
Mr. Speaker, no relationship is more important to us than the relationship with indigenous peoples, and that is why, when we talk about moving forward on issues on this, we need to make sure that it is not folks in Ottawa deciding what is going to happen. It needs to be in consultation and in partnership with indigenous people. That is why we are looking very closely at the calls to action, and looking very closely at relationships with indigenous communities to figure out the best way to move forward on commemorating reconciliation. We look forward to having more to say soon on this issue.
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the member for Kitchener Centre for his work on this file and for his excellent French.Canadians can be proud of our publicly funded, universal health care system. However, there is always room for improvement. That is why we created the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare, which will study, evaluate, and recommend pharmacare options. We also announced the names of the accomplished members of the council. We look forward to their report, so that we can give Canadians a better system.
Mr. Speaker, we are strengthening Canada's firearm laws in a common-sense, focused, and effective way. We are enhancing background checks, which the committee had further strengthened, so that people with a history of criminality or mental illness associated with violence cannot access firearms. We are formalizing best practices among retailers so that they make sure buyers have a valid licence. We are also investing unprecedented funding of $327 million to tackle gun-related violence and gang activities in Canada.We are prioritizing community safety while respecting responsible firearm ownership.
Mr. Speaker, the National Capital Commission is responsible for ensuring the appropriate and timely maintenance for all official residences, including Stornoway. The NCC is conducting much-needed rehabilitation work at Harrington Lake in order to conserve this federally designated heritage building. The RCMP will also be conducting work to enhance the security features at Harrington Lake. The NCC is working to address these issues in a timely fashion.
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister cannot have his cake and eat it too. A safe third country means that the country with which we signed an agreement is a place where asylum seekers are treated fairly, humanely, and decently.He criticized a situation in the United States where children are being separated from their migrant parents.I will repeat the question. Beyond talking points, if he is prepared to condemn what is happening in the United States, if he is prepared to say that that situation is unacceptable, will he now say that the country that is treating people that way is no longer a safe third country for refugees?
Mr. Speaker, we promised to improve our system to better protect our young people and take money and profits out of the hands of organized crime. That is exactly what we did, and we did it in partnership with the provinces. We always work in partnership with the provinces.These measures have been passed in Parliament and we are now preparing to move forward with them, but the province are asking for more time. We listened to them and agreed to their requests. The legalization of marijuana will take effect on October 17, 2018.
Mr. Speaker, we are proud to have passed our bill to legalize, strictly regulate, and restrict access to marijuana. This measure will keep marijuana out of the hands of children and profits out of the hands of criminals.I just gave the member opposite a very precise answer. I will repeat it to be sure he understands. This legislation will come into force on October 17. We made that decision because three of our largest provinces, including Quebec, asked for a little more time. I know how important it is to do this properly, and that is why we are giving Quebec more time.
Mr. Speaker, I just want to let the Prime Minister know that, if he will allow me, I will be seeking unanimous consent after question period to table a document entitled Sportspower 8 station swing set. It has a wonderful slide, seesaw, and several swings, and it only costs $198.Will he allow me to table this document after question period?
Mr. Speaker, I also wish to congratulate Richard Martel on his win in ChicoutimiLe Fjord. I want to thank all the candidates and especially all the voters who participated in the electoral process. It is enormously important for people to get involved, and we are very proud of this. Since today is our last day, I also want to take this opportunity to thank the House of Commons pages who served us so well this year.I want to thank all the pages who have been here working hard for us. I thank them for everything they have done throughout this year. I thank all the staffers for seeing us through to the summer.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to repeat the announcement that within our supercluster strategy, we are moving forward with the protein supercluster, which benefits prairie communities right across the Prairies. They will definitely benefit from the kinds of investments, the kinds of innovation, and the kinds of leadership that investment in agriculture needs to happen.We are proud to be supporting our farmers and our agrifood businesses. The Conservatives talk a good game, but were never there for them when it came to actually creating growth.
Mr. Speaker, many Canadians are asking themselves what happened to that shiny, progressive, climate-fighting Prime Minister. He was the guy who once said, No relationship is more important to me...than the [relationship] with Indigenous Peoples,governments grant permits...[but] only communities grant permission, and this classic, We have a chance to build...economies that are clean,...growing,...and forward-looking. Then he bought a $4.5-billion, 65-year-old leaky pipeline.For all those people who thought he was progressive, thought he believed in the new economy, and thought he was going to fight climate change, whatever happened to that guy?
Mr. Speaker, we were pleased to secure over $1 billion in two-way investment between India and Canada. We were pleased to secure at least 5,800 new jobs in investment in Canada from that trip. We were pleased to do a lot of good work on that nine-day trip, for less than it cost Stephen Harper and the Conservatives to do a six-day trip just a few years before. We stay focused on the things that matter to Canadians: on growing the economy in ways that are far greater than the Conservatives were able to do for 10 years.
Mr. Speaker, it is extremely important to us that Canadians have freedom of expression and the right to disagree with the government on decisions made in Canada. It is a very important right that we encourage.However, obviously, we all expect these demonstrations, these expressions, to be carried out in accordance with the law and to not endanger others. We live under the rule of law and we expect those laws to be obeyed.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for her question. This is an issue that affects far too many Canadians. I know that it is very difficult to live with Lyme disease.We realize that a lot of research is needed on this disease. We are committed to working with those suffering from Lyme disease and with researchers to find the best approach to protect all Canadians. This is a very important issue, and I thank the member for raising it in the House of Commons.
Mr. Speaker, the problem with the Prime Minister's reckless spending is that he is doing it on the taxpayers' dime and with no end in sight. We have just learned how much the Prime Minister is spending on his summer home: $3,000 on sun umbrellasI am not sure where he finds them; $7,500 on a swing set; $12,000 to replace a dock; and $5,000 on a golf cart. Meanwhile, 80% of Canadians and Canadian families are paying more taxes under this government.How can the Prime Minister justify that kind of spending while hard-working Canadians are just trying to make a living
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for KildonanSt. Paul for her hard work in her community. Our government knows that climate change is real and that the frequency of severe weather events like flooding is increasing. That is why this week we were proud to announce a federal investment of almost $250 million in the Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin outlet channels. Alongside the province, our investment will allow for the management of the flows of these watersheds and protect the communities of the region for years to come.
Mr. Speaker, we have consistently stood up for Canadian interests and Canadian jobs, and we will continue to. We are standing up strongly against these unfair steel and aluminum tariffs that are challenging for our industry and our workers. I have said to workers directly, right across the country, that we will be there for them.The threat of tariffs that could be imposed on autos would be absolutely unacceptable. We continue to work with the industry in Canada and in the United States to ensure that never happens. We know we need to continue to stand up for Canadians, and we will do just that.
Mr. Speaker, we have tasked the federal science adviser to actually look into the question of aquaculture so we can make evidence-based policy moves going forward.However, I would highlight for my colleague from the NDP that he should have a conversation with his provincial counterparts, if he is not fighting with them as they are with their provincial counterparts in Alberta. They just approved continued tenure for aquaculture farms. That is the decision on the provincial side and we know there are significant concerns that we are moving forward
Mr. Speaker, the Conservative government spent over $1.5 million bringing Stephen Harper's limos from Ottawa to India for his trip because he wanted to travel around in the style to which he was accustomed. That is completely irresponsible. We were proud that our trip to India, which covered nine days and secured one billion dollars' worth of bilateral investment, cost significantly less than his six-day trip.
Mr. Speaker, I find the indignation with which the Prime Minister emotes very troubling when it comes to his discussing his expenses on the India trip. Primarily the Prime Minister is not above scrutiny when it comes to expenses that he incurs, and in fact, he signs off on these. For the India trip alone, they flew in 5,000 dollars' worth of wine, charged $5,000 on cellphone costs, and $60,000 for personal chauffeurs. Did the Prime Minister sign off on all of these expenses?
Mr. Speaker, the member opposite highlighted that, indeed, summer is around the corner. We will be spending it across the country engaging with Canadians, as will every member of this House. Hopefully, there will be a little time for families for many of us as well, but we know all of us in this House will continue to stay focused on our responsibilities for Canadians.It is interesting that on this last day in the House, when plenty of big things are happening around the world, the Conservatives are making the choice to play petty politics and make personal attacks. There are so many big issues we can and should be talking about. I encourage them
Mr. Speaker, more information about the cost of the Prime Minister's disastrous trip to India is coming to light: $17,000 for one single Canadian chef who prepared one single meal; $60,000 to rent chauffeured vehicles; and hundreds of thousands of dollars to feed and house the 77-member delegation that included 21 MPs, most of whom did not attend any working meetings during the trip. The tab is now at $1.5 million and climbing.How can the Prime Minister justify that kind of spending to Canadians?
Mr. Speaker, perhaps the Conservatives have forgotten why Stephen Harper's trip to India was so expensive for taxpayers. It was because he wanted to bring his own limousines with him, at a cost of $1.5 million. That is the Conservative approach to such matters.With respect to Harrington Lake, the National Capital Commission is responsible for ensuring the appropriate and timely maintenance of all official residences. The National Capital Commission is conducting much-needed rehabilitation work at Harrington Lake in order to preserve this federally-designated heritage building.
Mr. Speaker, while Trump closed the doors to those fleeing gang violence and domestic violence, yet many fleeing from Central America cite gang violence as the main reason to seek asylum. Trump's policy is in violation of the UN convention for gender-related persecution. As long as Trump is in power, the U.S. will never be a safe country for asylum seekers. Will the Prime Minister show the moral leadership by suspending the safe third country agreement?
Mr. Speaker, in regards to the Yazidis, our government has proven to be a global leader in welcoming refugees and we have more than doubled Canada's refugee numbers. We have provided a new home to more than 1,300 women and their families who endured the brutality of Daesh, 85% of whom are Yazidi.Our government's commitment to supporting vulnerable women and girls is unwavering. We announced $20 million to expand our refugee program, specifically targeting women and girls. We will continue to expedite applications so that their family members who escaped Daesh can join their relatives in Canada.
Mr. Speaker, our government is proposing measures that represent a reasonable and common-sense approach to firearm policy to make Canadians less vulnerable to gun violence. First, I want to be clear that this bill would not recreate a federal long-gun registry. As parliamentarians, I strongly believe that we have no greater responsibility than keeping Canadians safe. Can the Prime Minister explain how enhanced background checks makes society, gun owners, and Canadians safer and more secure?
Mr. Speaker, he says he is investing in the middle class. Since when does the Prime Minister's family count as the middle class? Instead of planning for Canada's economy against the external threats that face us, where are his priorities? Where are his investments? Well, there is $8,500 for new boat racks, $13,000 for a new deck with sun umbrellas, and $7,500 for a new play structure. I have bought many swing sets and play structures for my kids. Can the Prime Minister tell me what exactly is part of a $7,500 swing set?
Mr. Speaker, our government stands strong in the fight against Daesh and will continue to be part of the coalition, as we defend minorities of all types from the murderous terrorist organization of Daesh and the like. We continue to support victims of Daesh from all different cultures and religions. We have looked at resettling numerous minority refugees who are victims of Daesh. We will continue to hold our place in the world in defending victims and minorities against the murderous actions of Daesh.
Mr. Speaker, in two months the Prime Minister will close the high-performing Vegreville immigration office, killing 288 jobs, dozens more in town, and millions in local revenue. It will not even save tax dollars. It will cost nearly $47 million more for renos and leasing for only 32 extra jobs in Edmonton. The Prime Minister ignores the pleas of workers, the union, the town, and Alberta representatives of all parties at all levels. He is hurting the 74% of women supporting their families and disabled workers with long-term placements in the office.Will the Prime Minister please stop this unfounded, cold-hearted closure?
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is writing cheques from taxpayers' accounts to his own family to reimburse it for personal costs. It does not end there. He spent $28,000 to groom his cross-country ski trails, $5,000 for a new golf cart, and more than $4,000 to wire up his new sauna, but I have to come back to the swing sets. I have bought several for my family. I am trying to imagine what goes into a $7,500 swing set.Can the Prime Minister tell me, is there a chair lift for the slide, are the seats on the swing ergonomically designed, and will he finally reimburse taxpayers for that expense?
Mr. Speaker, over the past two years, Canadians across the country have been thanking us for reinvesting in immigration services and processing times, after 10 years of Conservatives shutting down, creating backlogs, starving our immigration systems from being able to actually process the backlogs and giving them the resources they needed. We know we need to do better on processing times. We need to invest in our immigration system. That is exactly why we are ensuring we have the capacity in our system to treat the files that Canadians and new Canadians expect us to treat rapidly and efficiently.
Mr. Speaker, Canadians across the country are very concerned with the stories and images that we have witnessed. As I have said, what is happening in the United States is wrong. I cannot imagine what these families are going through. As I have said many times, the safe third country agreement is over 10 years old. We will continually look for ways to modernize it and be in conversation with the Americans on this. We will continue as well to closely monitor developments in the United States.
Mr. Speaker, Nada is a young Yazidi mother from Iraq. When ISIS invaded her community, she was sold as a sex slave. She recently recounted coming face to face with Abu Tawfiq, the man she says sold her and bought her. He was not in jail. He was not in Iraq. He is a free man in London, Ontario.We need to believe victims, and the Liberals let this guy into our country.Will the Prime Minister take responsibility for allowing ISIS terrorists to walk our streets freely and finally send these war criminals to The Hague?
Mr. Speaker, it is becoming increasingly clear that the Prime Minister is out of touch with the struggles of everyday Canadians. He is using his job to pay for his celebrity lifestyle. The Prime Minister thinks he is entitled to his entitlements. He spares no expense when he wants to be pampered and showered with luxury. Who would have guessed that he could use $1.5 million for six days to dance around India? It is unbelievable. When will he stop using taxpayer dollars as his own personal bank account? It is not.
Mr. Speaker, Canadians across the country are troubled by the images that we have seen. As I said, what is happening is unacceptable. I cannot imagine the pain these families are experiencing.The safe third country agreement has been in place for more than 10 years and we continue to seek ways to modernize it. We are in ongoing talks with the United States. We will continue to closely monitor developments in the United States.
Mr. Speaker, recently a Liberal MP said, The time has come to transition to closed containment salmon aquaculture in British Columbia. I could not agree more. Canada is well-positioned to become a world leader in closed containment, but we need action now. Globally, money is being invested in land-based salmon farming. Florida, for instance, is building a 90,000-tonne facility. It is time for Canada to invest in a safe, sustainable industry that protects wild salmon and employment, develops new technologies, jobs, and export opportunities.Will the Prime Minister commit today to transition these farms to land?
Mr. Speaker, does anyone think it is normal for people to get killed for demonstrating?Is it true that people expressing their right to peaceful protest run the risk of being shot at? Though upsetting, that is the opinion of the former Governor of the Bank of Canada, David Dodge.Demonstrations are on the horizon. Thousands of people are furious at the Liberal government's decision on the Kinder Morgan pipeline. They will speak out and they have the right to do so.Can the Prime Minister assure the House that he will not use infiltration and intimidation tactics or excessive force against our fellow citizens?
Mr. Speaker, we got elected on a commitment to invest in the middle class and those working hard to join it, and that is exactly what we have done. The first thing we did was lower taxes for the middle class and raise them on the wealthiest 1%, which the Conservatives voted against. Then we delivered on a Canada child benefit, which helps nine out of 10 Canadian families by not sending child benefit cheques to millionaires. It is lifting hundreds of thousands of kids out of poverty across the country, and the Conservatives voted against it. The Conservatives continue to look for boutique tax cuts for the wealthiest Canadians while we are supporting middle-class Canadians right across the country, and we will continue to do just that.
Mr. Speaker, the government's superclusters program is said to hand over $950 million of Canadian taxpayer money to for-profit companies. Of the many applications received, nine were shortlisted, and then five were selected to receive the funds, shutting out agrifood, oil and gas, infrastructure, mobility systems, and mining applications.How does the Prime Minister justify picking winners and losers, leaving Canadian taxpayers on the hook for his corporate welfare scheme?
Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to ensuring the full participation of people with disabilities in society, and we have taken steps to do so. We support a variety of programs and services to assist those with disabilities to gain employment, to develop skills, and to gain experience. For 10 long years, the Harper Conservatives promised to deliver legislation for persons with disabilities but did nothing. I am not going to break with parliamentary privilege, but I will confirm that we will be introducing this historic accessibility legislation before the House rises for the summer.
Mr. Speaker, we know that both the Conservatives and the NDP think there is a false choice between either the environment or the economy. Apparently, the CCF does as well. We know that the only way to move forward is to invest in protecting our environment while growing our economy. That is exactly what we are doing with our national framework on fighting climate change. We are proud that we have been transparent about the way we are moving forward on that. We have been clear with Canadians that this is a priority for us. The Conservatives do not even have a plan. The NDP want to present a false choice. We are just glad to see the CCF back in the House.
Mr. Speaker, as I said, this situation is unacceptable. We are monitoring the situation in the United States very closely. We will continue to work with the Americans on border protection and the agreements we have with them, while protecting our values and the way we do things in Canada. We will be loud and clear about that. We obviously do not do things the same way.
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives spend all of their time trying to twist in the wind because they do not admit that climate change is a problem, do not have a plan to fight climate change, and therefore cannot reveal the details of their plan.We have been transparent in the election campaign and ever since, and in the budget. We have demonstrated that we are moving forward on growing our economy and protecting the environment, at the same time as moving forward on a concrete plan with all provinces to fight climate change. That is what we are doing. The Conservatives cannot say what they are doing because they do not know what they are doing, because they do not have a plan.
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives are making up numbers to distract us from the fact that they have absolutely no intention of fighting climate change. They cannot tell us what their plan for fighting climate change is, because they have no plan for fighting climate change. All their attacks are designed to keep everyone from realizing that they have no plan and are not even interested in fighting climate change. The Conservatives have not changed a bit since their 10 years of inaction.
Once again, Mr. Speaker, we are confronted with anger from the Prime Minister that we have the audacity to ask questions about his spending habits. In the private sector, they say that the tone is set at the top. The tone of the Liberal government is a culture of spending in excess. That is all this is. Maybe the Prime Minister can tell me why, at his personal retreat at Harrington Lake, he thinks it is okay to spend $10,000 for a new patio, $12,000 for deck and dock upgrades, and $60,000 in total on these upgrades when Canadians are worried about paying for his carbon tax.
Mr. Speaker, so many indigenous people are asking for this day to be a statutory holiday, and the Prime Minister is clearly not listening. The government continues to show that it does not really respect first nations and the U.N. declaration that it adopted. It is not listening to indigenous communities, as illustrated by the botched consultation on pipeline projects.Will it at least support my colleague's bill so that all Canadians can celebrate with indigenous peoples and recognize their rights?
Mr. Speaker, we promised Canadians that we would invest in the middle class and those working hard to join it.That is exactly what we have done with historic investments in infrastructure and with the Canada child benefit, which is helping nine out of 10 families and will lift 300,000 children out of poverty. We lowered taxes for the middle class and increased them for the well-off. Not only are we investing for the benefit of Canadians, but we also secured the strongest growth in the G7 last year. We are creating the growth that Canadians need.
Mr. Speaker, Canadians want us to be effective on the world stage.During our trip to India, we announced bilateral investments totalling over $1 billion that will help create 5,800 jobs in Canada. We also announced $11.5 million for the right start initiative to empower the world's poorest women and girls. These commitments will benefit the middle class and those working hard to join it.I would point out that this nine-day trip cost much less than Stephen Harper's six-day trip to India a few years ago.
Mr. Speaker, with regard to the India trip, I do not recall Prime Minister Harper bringing along on the trip his own personal chefwhat was that: $17,000and, may I add, a terrorist. Maybe the Prime Minister needs to park the arrogance and swagger for just a split second. We know summer is around the corner. We know what that means. The Prime Minister is going to be taking quite a bit of time off, so perhaps he could at this moment have a bit of humility and tell Canadians he is sorry for abusing their tax dollars and he will not do it again.
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. In a moment I will be asking for unanimous consent to present a motion.Last night, the Senate passed Bill C-45, important legislation that will positively change 100 years of legal, social, and economic attitudes towards cannabis. It will legalize an activity that the vast majority of Canadians regard as acceptable.That is why, Mr. Speaker, if you seek it, I hope you will find unanimous consent for the following motion: That, in the opinion of the House, given the passage of Bill C-45 and the imminent legalization of cannabis for personal recreational use, and recognizing that many Canadians are facing criminal charges, experiencing criminal sanctions, or bearing criminal records for cannabis offences that are soon to be legal, the government should take all necessary steps to immediately provide pardons for those burdened by criminal records for cannabis offences that will soon be legal.
Mr. Speaker, after sitting with a Yazidi woman who survived sexual slavery, one leaves awed by her strength, concerned for her welfare, and left with a deep, white-hot desire to bring her justice. When we wax eloquent about #MeToo, we cannot forget our obligation to bring justice to women who have had their bodies used as tools of war.Why does the feminist Prime Minister continually refuse to commit to refer Canadian ISIS terrorists to the International Criminal Court?
Mr. Speaker, the number of victims of Lyme disease doubled in Quebec in 2017, and this number continues to grow every year as a result of climate change.The government created the federal framework on Lyme disease one year ago, but the guidelines are still not being applied. If this disease is not treated, it can cause cardiac and neurological problems. False negatives are quite common.When will victims of Lyme disease have access to better diagnostic testing and treatments for chronic cases in Canada?
Mr. Speaker, yesterday the foreign affairs minister finally acknowledged genocide of Yazidis at the hands of Daesh in Syria and Iraq. However, the government has yet to acknowledge genocide against Christian communities in the same areas, Assyrian, Chaldean and other Christians who live in communities alongside Yazidis and have often been treated in exactly the same way. Will the Prime Minister today also acknowledge the Christian victims of this genocide?
Mr. Speaker, this is the last opportunity for the House to adopt Bill C-79 before adjourning for the summer. Discussions have taken place, and if you seek it, you will find, I hope, unanimous consent for the following motion: That notwithstanding any Standing Order or usual practice of the House, Bill C-79, An Act to implement the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership between Canada, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam, be deemed to have been read a second time and referred to a committee of the whole, deemed reported without amendments, deemed concurred in at report stage, and deemed read a third time and passed.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I asked the Liberals if they would support my private member's bill to make National Indigenous Peoples Day a statutory holiday. Instead of saying whether they would support it, the minister spoke about the government's celebrations taking place. People already know about the celebrations. What they want is for the Liberals to actually recognize the importance of providing people with a time and opportunity to celebrate.Therefore, I am asking again: Will the Liberals support my bill and make National Indigenous Peoples Day a statutory holiday?
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister just mentioned holding Iran to account. Last night the MP for Richmond Hill organized an event on the Hill for a regime-friendly Iranian lobbying group. Last week this same group publicly criticized the House of Commons for passing a motion condemning Iran. The Iranian regime is an oppressive abuser of human rights. Does the Prime Minister approve of the actions of the MP for Richmond Hill, organizing parliamentary meetings for a group that supports the Iranian regime?
Mr. Speaker, troubling reports are surfacing that the Minister of Immigration is planning on removing Her Majesty from the oath of citizenship. Could the Prime Minister confirm if his government is discussing removing Her Majesty from the oath of citizenship?
Mr. Speaker, I can confirm that we are not considering removing Her Majesty from the oath of citizenship.
Mr. Speaker, we deeply oppose Iran's support for terrorist organizations, its threats toward Israel, its ballistic missile program, and its support for the murderous Assad regime. We will always defend human rights and hold Iran to account for its actions.We led a resolution at the United Nations in November, calling on Iran to comply with its international human rights obligations. We will continue to maintain sanctions on Iran, which include restrictions on sensitive goods and a list of individuals and entities subject to asset freezes, with whom all transactions involving property are prohibited.
Mr. Speaker, as politicians, we engage with a broad range of people, but we have been unequivocal. We deeply oppose Iran's support for terrorist organizations, for its threats toward Israel, its ballistic missile program, and its support for the murderous Assad regime. We will always defend human rights and hold Iran to account for its actions. We continue to maintain sanctions on Iran, which include restrictions on sensitive goods, and a list of individuals and entities subject to asset freezes. We will always remain firm in our defence of human rights and are standing against state sponsors of terrorism around the world.
Mr. Speaker, our security agencies take all potential threats very seriously and use the full tool kit of measures, including surveillance, the no-fly list, revoking passports, and laying criminal charges when sufficient evidence exists. We trust our police forces and intelligence services to do their work and to do it well.I find it troubling that the Conservatives seem to want elected officials to directly intervene with police officers and tell them who should be arrested and when they should be arrested.We will continue to trust those responsible for the safety of Canadians to do their jobs.
Mr. Speaker, today is a terrific day for the voters of ChicoutimiLe Fjord. Our new colleague, Richard Martel, is arriving on the Hill today. Unfortunately for Richard, more details emerged today about the Prime Minister's trip to India. This was a trip that sparked a diplomatic crisis after a terrorist got on the guest list. On top of that, the Prime Minister's negotiating skills led to a deal where India gets an investment of $750 million and Canada gets a measly $250 million. We now know that this trip cost at least $1.5 million. Why was this?
Mr. Speaker, the fact is that over 2,000 migrant children are already in baby jails. The parents do not know where they are or when they will see them again.The head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed parents' worst fears. He expects hundreds of separated children will never see their parents again. They will be lost in the system forever.Does the Prime Minister recognize that as long as Trump is in power, the U.S. will never be a safe country for asylum seekers?
Mr. Speaker, the federal government has repeatedly stated that provinces will keep their revenues from carbon pricing. However, next year is a renewal of equalization. If carbon revenues are added to the formula, then each province's carbon tax base would count against its equalization entitlement, effectively clawing back the money. Will the government include carbon pricing in equalization and, if so, how will it ensure that provinces actually keep the revenue?
Mr. Speaker, I would not want to make an error in the House of Commons. I need to point out that the armoured limos only cost $1 million to bring to India. I am sorry; I got the number wrong, previously.We remain focused on investing and growing the economy and supporting Canadians. That is why we lowered taxes on the middle class and raised them on the wealthiest 1%. The Conservatives voted against that. That is why we are delivering a Canada child benefit that delivers more money to nine out of 10 Canadian families and is lifting hundreds of thousands of kids out of poverty. Again, the Conservatives voted
Mr. Speaker, our government is investing $8 billion in clean technology and renewable energy. That is where we are focused on moving forward. We are also moving forward with the pan-Canadian approach to fight climate change, one that understands that growing the economy and protecting the environment need to go together. Unfortunately, the NDP does not get that and still thinks there is a choice to be made between the environment and the economy. When it comes to indigenous peoples, it only listens to those who agree with it, and have nothing to say about the indigenous communities that support energy projects.
Mr. Speaker, as I have said, what is happening is wrong. None of us can imagine what these families are going through and I know all Canadians have the well-being of children first and foremost in their minds. As I have said numerous times both at home and abroad, I will always stand up for the values that Canadians hold dear. This is something that I will continue to do.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice dismissed the concerns of Canadian auto workers, saying everything was just fine. It is not fine when TD Bank says 160,000 jobs are at risk. The Minister of Foreign Affairs is unable to provide details on her plan to protect the jobs of workers in the auto industry.I am going to ask again a simple question to the Prime Minister. What is the plan to protect auto manufacturing jobs in Canada?
Mr. Speaker, we are in a tariff conflict with the United States. We are seeing horrific images of children being detained across the United States. We are seeing indigenous peoples in this country challenged, needing better opportunities. We are seeing a broad range of issues that matter on this the last day of the spring sitting of the House of Commons. We are moving forward on the legalization of marijuana, which I know the Conservatives have issues with. However, this is what the Leader of the Opposition chooses to spend his last day in Parliament before the summer
Mr. Speaker, the Iranian regime continues to brutalize its own citizens. Mohammad Salas, a bus driver and member of a religious minority, was arrested. He was then tortured. His phoney confession was then broadcast on state television. It was used as the only evidence in his trial. On Monday, at dawn, he was executed. Then the regime refused to allow his family to even see the body. When will the Liberal government start to support the Iranian people and stop fantasizing about normalizing relations with this vicious, murderous, terrorist regime?
Mr. Speaker, the cover-up continues. The United States is not the only one attacking our dairy farmers. The Liberal Party is going to force dairy farmers to pay a carbon tax. For an average dairy farm, the price tag will be $17,000 in Quebec and $28,000 in British Columbia. Unfortunately for dairy farmers in the Maritimes, the Prime Minister did not forget about them. The bill will be $21,000 in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, $18,000 in Prince Edward Island, andI hope everyone is sitting downa whopping $39,000 in Newfoundland and Labrador. Why is the Prime Minister condoning these attacks, which are threatening Canada's family farms?
Mr. Speaker, Canada ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities eight long years ago but to this day we have failed to implement it. That is why Canadians are watching as the minister tables the government's long-awaited accessibility act this afternoon. People living with disabilities need more than a vague promise for a barrier-free Canada.Could the Prime Minister tell us if today's legislation will fulfill Canada's obligations to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities?
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is incapable of managing taxpayers' money responsibly. More than $8 million on a temporary skating rink, $215,000 for an illegal vacation on a private island, at least $1.5 million for a disastrous trip to India, and tens of thousands of dollars on non-essential items to renovate the Prime Minister's cottage in Harrington Lake.Why does the Prime Minister keep spending so recklessly and sending the bill to the next generation?
Mr. Speaker, severe weather events are a significant and growing problem across Canada. My province of Manitoba has seen first-hand the devastating effects flooding can have on our communities. These floods have forced residents from homes, businesses to relocate or close, and caused residents to worry annually what the year's flood season may bring.Could the Prime Minister please update the House on the steps that our government is taking to improve the resiliency of Canadian communities, especially those in Manitoba?