14865 OFFICIAL REPORT (HANSARD) House of Commons Debates VOLUME 147 NUMBER 228 2nd SESSION 41st PARLIAMENT Wednesday, June 10, 2015 Speaker: The Honourable Andrew Scheer HOUSE OF COMMONS CANADA (Table of Contents appears at back of this issue.) COMMONS DEBATES June 10, 2015 DEBATES Edited Hansard * Table of Contents * Number 228 (Official Version) Official Report * Table of Contents * Number 228 (Official Version) Compte rendu officiel * Table des matières * Numéro 228 (Version officielle) 147 228 10 06 2015 2015/06/10 14:00:00 House of Commons Débats de la Chambre des communes House of Commons Debates 41 2 The House met at 2 p.m.

Prayers Statements by Members (1400) [ English ] The Speaker : It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem led by the hon. member for Kitchener—Conestoga . [ Members sang the national anthem ] STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS Statements by Members [ Translation ] Ahuntsic Youth Hockey Mrs. Maria Mourani (Ahuntsic, Ind.) : Mr. Speaker, I am wearing a Braves d'Ahuntsic jersey, not a Boston Bruins one, with the number 9 and Maurice Richard's name. This is because I want to salute an association that, for 60 years, has been dedicated to youth and our national sport, hockey.

Beginning in 1957, Maurice “Rocket” Richard was one of the Braves' dedicated volunteers who watched his sons from the sidelines at outdoor rinks, transported players to practices and refereed games. He also generously contributed his services and leveraged his fame for this amateur hockey association. Let us hope that someday, the wishes of the Richard family and the Braves d'Ahuntsic will come true and the Ahuntsic arena will bear the name of an exceptional man and sportsman who left his mark on the history of Quebec, Canada and our part of the country.

[ English ] Member for Dauphin—Swan River—Marquette Mr. Robert Sopuck (Dauphin—Swan River—Marquette, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have represented the great people of Dauphin—Swan River—Marquette for the past four and a half years. Their work ethic is exemplary, whether it is on the many farms, small businesses, our forestry industry or the agricultural value chain. These natural resource industries are the backbone of a beautiful and diverse constituency.

My constituents are proud to come from the Parkland region of Western Manitoba where the many beautiful lakes, rivers and fisheries contribute to a vibrant tourism industry. The crown jewel of western Manitoba is our remarkable Riding Mountain National Park that attracts visitors from across Canada and around the world. I have spent these last few years dedicated to protecting and defending our rural way of life. I look forward to continuing this important work and to building on the expanding opportunities for my constituents in my many growing communities.

Our government is leading this economic turnaround in my riding, with a balanced budget, and a low-tax plan for jobs, growth and security.

(1405) 2015 Pan Am Games Mr. Malcolm Allen (Welland, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, this July, as part of the 2015 Pan American Games being held in Toronto, the international canoe-kayak competition will be held in my riding of Welland. We are excited to host 120 athletes from all over the Americas eager to try and take home the gold. We are welcoming athletes and spectators alike to our great city, and Welland is very proud to be a host for the prestigious Pan Am Games.

Along with recognizing this honour, I would like to congratulate a member of our community, Brian Thorne, who in 1987 along with his teammate were awarded gold medals in the lightweight double sculls category in rowing. We will get to honour Brian once more as he has been selected as one of the carriers for the Pan American torch relay. Brian will get to carry the torch through the streets of Welland, as a symbol of an important journey in the start of the games and to welcome a new generation of outstanding athletes.

On behalf of myself and the constituents of my riding, I would like to give a heartfelt congratulations to Brian, the city of Welland and the countless volunteers who will make these games great. Best of luck to all the athletes, go Canada go!

Member for Kildonan—St. Paul Mrs. Joy Smith (Kildonan—St. Paul, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, the 41st Parliament will soon draw to a close. The daily spin will end, the thumping of desks will cease and this room will grow silent. It has been a pleasure to work with such highly intelligent and dedicated staff as Joel Oosterman, Marian Jaworski, and of course the most brilliant young woman, Evann Goltz. Under the leadership of our Prime Minister , Canada has the strongest economy in the G7 and a balanced budget.

Our anti-human trafficking laws have been strengthened, support for NGOs has been increased, and survivors have been given dignity and justice. However across our nation, human trafficking will continue to occur, in cities, small towns and on reserves. Men and women, boys and girls, will still be bought, sold and exploited. We must continue to seek to abolish it in our generation. We can do it. We must do it. As I close the door on this

chapter of my life, I thank God for his grace. I thank my precious family for sticking with me. I am ready for the next exciting chapter.

Relay for Life Hon. Mark Eyking (Sydney—Victoria, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life that was held in my riding over the weekend. This was the 13th year it has been held in Cape Breton. Relay for Life brings Canadians together from across this great country to join in the fight against cancer. It is an opportunity for communities to celebrate survivors and remember loved ones lost to the disease, all while raising funds. The relay is the largest cancer fundraiser in Canada with more than 500 communities taking part each year.

In Sydney, Saturday night, I participated with 350 participants, 100 volunteers and 95 survivors, all helping raise $60,000. Throughout Cape Breton over the last week, there were four fundraisers raising $170,000. It was great to be joined Saturday night by former MLA Gordie Gosse who has been courageously battling cancer over the last year. Congratulations to all volunteers and all those who came out to show their support. I invite everyone in this House to visit the site cancer.ca to find a relay happening in their area and join the fight against this illness that affects all of us.

Member for Calgary Northeast Mr. Devinder Shory (Calgary Northeast, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to thank the residents of Calgary Northeast for giving me the honour of representing them for the past seven years. I also want to thank my parliamentary colleagues who are not seeking re-election for their public service.

Throughout this time our Conservative government has accomplished a great number of things, like lowering taxes, balancing the budget, opening new markets, strengthening the immigration system, protecting the value of Canadian citizenship by stripping it from convicted terrorists, investing in infrastructure, expanding the universal child care benefit, and the list goes on. However, it would not be possible without the feedback, support, passion and dedication from community leaders and members.

As the Conservative candidate for the new riding of Calgary Skyview, I look forward to receiving the continued support from the community in upcoming election and I will definitely miss my brother from another mother, the member for Medicine Hat.

(1410) Supply Management Mr. Alex Atamanenko (British Columbia Southern Interior, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, our supply management sector is under threat at the current secretive negotiations on the trans-Pacific partnership. Countries such as the U.S. and New Zealand are applying tremendous pressure on Canada to put supply management on the chopping block. Most recently, the Conservatives buckled under European pressure to allow an additional 17,000 tonnes of subsidized European artisan cheese to flood our markets. Our farmers are taking a direct hit as a result of this CETA sell-out.

Unlike other agricultural sectors, farmers in the supply management sector have been able to survive in difficult times over the years without any government subsidies. Prices to consumers have remained constant and competitive. The price of chicken, for example, has risen by only 3.5% over the past two years, while non-supply managed pork and beef have risen by over 20%, and supply management contributes $20 billion to our gross domestic product. I call on the Conservatives not to give any additional duty-free access for imported dairy, egg and poultry products. The system is working for Canadians.

No further concessions.

Stomping Out Stigma Mrs. Pat Perkins (Whitby—Oshawa, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to congratulate All Saints Catholic Secondary School teacher Pam Garant who was honoured with the Durham Catholic School Board Award of Merit for her successful efforts to raise awareness of mental illness, an issue that affects 20% of Canadians at some point in their lifetime. Six years ago, a conference at the Ontario Shores for Mental Health Sciences facility inspired Pam and some of her students to start a club called “Stomping Out Stigma”.

Today, the club is thriving with nearly 80 members who work to reduce the stigma that can be associated with mental health issues and they continue discussions about coping strategies and resilience outside of the school walls. Pam has helped these students become leaders in our community. I know all members will join me in congratulating the Stomping Out Stigma club for their very important work.

Police Services Hon. Laurie Hawn (Edmonton Centre, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, the following comments or thoughts could have been made by thousands of people we know. While people sleep, we are out there. While people are sitting down at Thanksgiving or Christmas, we are out there. When it is raining and cold and people are glad to be home with their families, we are out there. When it is people's children's birthday, we are out there. When it is our children's birthday, we are still out there. When people are scared, they call us; when we are scared, we carry on.

While people are asleep with their spouse, ours sleep alone. When people tell their families “see you tonight” as they leave for work, they mean it. When we tell our families that, we pray that we will. Therefore, the next time we are out with our families or friends and we see a patrol car go by, let us remember the incredible sacrifice made by those officers every day. Inside that car is a person who sacrifices his or her life, both professionally and personally, every day.

God bless the soul of Constable Daniel Woodall; God bless his family in their time of tragedy; God bless the recovery of Sergeant Jason Harley; and God bless all members of the Edmonton Police Service and all police forces.

[ Translation ] Saint-Bruno—Saint-Hubert Volunteers Mrs. Djaouida Sellah (Saint-Bruno—Saint-Hubert, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, I would like to dedicate my final member's statement of this 41st Parliament to all the volunteers who have made a difference in Saint-Bruno—Saint-Hubert this year.

We are fortunate to be able to count on the Centre de soutien entr'Aidants, Au Second Lieu, the Maison des Tournesols, the Association Sclérose en Plaques Rive-Sud, the Maison de la famille La Parentr’aide , the Centre d'action bénévole de Saint-Hubert, the Centre d'action bénévole “Les P'tits bonheurs”, the Fondation du Mont-Saint-Bruno, the Mont-Bruno and Laflèche Optimist Clubs, the Maison des jeunes de Saint-Bruno, the Groupe d'entraide G.E.M.E., and Minta Saint-Bruno. They all make our community a better place to live and I thank them very much for that.

[ English ] Taxation Mr. John Carmichael (Don Valley West, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, under the leadership of our Prime Minister , we have consistently lowered taxes and created voluntary options for Canadians to save, which include: pension income splitting, pooled registered pension plans, and the landmark tax-free savings account. By contrast, the Liberal leader would raise taxes and force a mandatory payroll tax increase on every employee and employer in Canada, whether they like it or not.

The Liberal leader's mandatory $1,000 tax hike would be forced onto middle-class workers, and his payroll tax increase would force small businesses to cut hours, jobs and wages. Now is not the time for these risky schemes and untested leadership.

(1415) [ Translation ] Gender Parity Mrs. Anne-Marie Day (Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, women in Canada have never been more educated. They hold the majority of positions in fields such as business administration, law and health. However, women are still under-represented in senior management positions. It does not make sense to me that in 2015, being a woman is an obstacle to career advancement. I was embarrassed for Canadian women when every member of the Conservative Party voted against Bill C-473 , which called for gender parity in federal crown corporations.

If this trend holds, gender parity in senior management positions in Canada will be not be achieved until 2097. That is shameful. I am ashamed of the Conservative government for refusing to launch an investigation into the murder and disappearance of more than 1,000 aboriginal women. Canadians deserve better. The NDP will promote women in leadership and call a commission of inquiry into the missing and murdered aboriginal women.

[ English ] Manufacturing Industry Mrs. Susan Truppe (London North Centre, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, last year, our government secured the largest advanced manufacturing export contract in Canadian history. The multi-billion dollar contract for GDLS Canada will create and sustain thousands of jobs in London and across Canada. Shamefully, the NDP member for London—Fanshawe has remained silent, while her Liberal colleague from Westmount—Ville-Marie attacked our government's support of these high paying union jobs.

What is worse is that the Liberal leader was actually in London when he said that Ontario should transition away from manufacturing-based jobs. Our Conservative government will not turn its back on the thousands of workers who depend on manufacturing to put food on the table for the their families. While we remain focused on creating jobs, the Liberals and the NDP are pushing a high-tax, high-debt agenda that would threaten jobs and set working families back.

Multicultural Programming Hon. Judy Sgro (York West, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, Conservatives talk a big game when it comes to supporting multiculturalism, yet the policies of the government have allowed the telecom sector to end local multicultural offerings. Case in point, when Rogers slashed OMNI TV's multilingual services, the government closed its eyes and hoped no one would notice. Despite building a company on the backs of ethnic communities, Rogers has clearly abandoned its roots.

With the help of the government, Rogers ended Portuguese and South Asian newscasts, 21 programs in 12 different languages, and replaced daily OMNI newscasts with current affairs programming without original reporting and, now, the newscasts in Punjabi, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Italian have also been cancelled. Governments must create a climate where multicultural programming can flourish. It is time for the government and Rogers to take their responsibilities seriously. It is not always about money; it is about identity.

Foreign Affairs Mr. Royal Galipeau (Ottawa—Orléans, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, though separated for a time by the Iron Curtain of the Soviet era, Canada and Poland again have an increasingly strong defence relationship.

In fact, Canada was the first country to ratify Polish accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. [ Translation ] Yesterday, Canada and Poland signed a declaration of intent to cement their commitment to strengthen their defence co-operation, promote security and contribute to international peace. [ English ] This follows last year's declaration of intent signed with Ukraine, exploring opportunities to conduct joint military training and capacity building in response to the Putin regime's aggression toward Ukraine. [ Translation ] On behalf of the good people of Orléans, I am pleased that Canada continues to stand united with its allies.

Ethics Mr. Pierre Nantel (Longueuil—Pierre-Boucher, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, the Auditor General's report on the Senate expense scandal reads like the script for a bad soap opera. Apparently, Liberal and Conservative senators believe it is acceptable for our taxes to pay for fishing trips, golf games, a second house, family dinners, personal events such as wedding anniversaries, and vacations because we all know that senators have a tough life. From time to time, they need a break from the cold Camembert. Poor dears. For goodness' sake. Those are not parliamentary duties.

They have been caught with their hands in the cookie jar. Nothing is too good for them. Meanwhile, the Conservatives have the audacity to ask Canadians to tighten their belts. We have had enough of being ripped off and paying for senators' golf games. This fall, all Quebeckers and Canadians can vote with confidence for the NDP because they know that it is the only party that will clean up this mess and get rid of the Senate.

(1420) Taxation Mr. Jacques Gourde (Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, my constituents do not want anything to do with the Liberal leader 's plan, which involves raising taxes and forcing Canadians to pay another mandatory tax of $1,000. The only thing his increase in payroll taxes will do for small businesses is reduce their employees' take-home pay. It will force employers to cut jobs. Rather than proposing risky plans based on tax hikes, our government believes it is better to put money directly back into seniors' and retirees' pockets and let Canadians choose their own way of saving.

This year, we cut the average family's taxes by $6,600 a year. We increased the limit for tax-free savings accounts so that Canadians can save more without paying more taxes. Meanwhile, the Liberal leader plans to do away with these accounts and raise taxes. This is no time for the Liberals' risky tax and spend strategy or for untested leadership.

ORAL QUESTIONS Oral Questions [ English ] Ethics Hon. Thomas Mulcair (Leader of the Opposition, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, the Auditor General has referred nine more senators to the RCMP. There are 34 senators with illegal expenses, with 13 charged, under investigation or on trial for fraud, many appointed by the current Prime Minister: six Conservatives, seven Liberals. The Prime Minister used to rail against this type of ingrained institutional corruption. What has happened to the Prime Minister's principles? Mr. Paul Calandra (Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Intergovernmental Affairs, CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, as I said yesterday, it was the Senate that invited the Auditor General to examine senatorial expenses. As we know, the Auditor General has highlighted some 30 senators who have some issues with expenses. At the same time, the House administration has identified some 68 members of the NDP caucus who have issues with respect to their expenses. The Auditor General identified a little less than $1 million in the Senate. The House administration has identified that NDP members owe $2.7 million. The leader of the opposition himself owes $400,000.

I certainly hope he will do the right thing and repay that money as well. Hon. Thomas Mulcair (Leader of the Opposition, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, I never thought I would be nostalgic for Dean Del Mastro. These are the Prime Minister's very own nominations. He owns them. The Auditor General found that his senators were charging for everything from $200 for a hockey game to over $11,000 in trips to play golf, visit their tailor or go fishing. Are Canadians supposed to be glad that they did not take a government helicopter, like the Minister of Justice did on his fishing trip?

Will the Prime Minister stand up, assume his responsibility and answer for the actions of the people that he named? He is the only person responsible here. Mr. Paul Calandra (Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Intergovernmental Affairs, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, it was the Senate that invited the Auditor General and we welcome the report of the Auditor General. At the same time, Canadians do not differentiate. When elected officials, or any parliamentarians, have issues with expenses, they expect them to pay them back.

That is why the leader of the opposition should pay back the $400,000 that he owes as part of a $2.7 million scheme that he hatched in his office to take money away from ridings and funnel it to a partisan office in Montreal. The leader of the opposition would be well-advised to take care and watch out for his ever-growing proboscis as he climbs down off of his high horse. [ Translation ] Hon. Thomas Mulcair (Leader of the Opposition, NDP) : Mr.

Speaker, Marjory LeBreton, the former leader of the Conservative government in the Senate, had to resign—brace yourselves—for altering the Duffy report in response to orders from the Prime Minister's Office. Her replacement, Claude Carignan, also chosen by the Prime Minister , has now also been singled out by the Auditor General for inappropriate expenses. The Prime Minister's judgment is in question here. Does the Prime Minister still have confidence in his leader in the Senate? Why is Claude Carignan still a member of the Conservative government? (1425) [ English ] Mr.

Paul Calandra (Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Intergovernmental Affairs, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, it was the Senate that invited the Auditor General to review its expenses. The Auditor General presented a report yesterday and we expect that all senators will co-operate with that report. At the same time, we know that there are some 68 members of the NDP caucus who owe taxpayers $2.7 million. For instance, the member for Longueuil—Pierre-Boucher owes $14,911 and is refusing to pay it back. The member for Scarborough Southwest owes $141,000. The member for Parkdale—High Park owes over $1,000.

The member for Vaudreuil-Soulanges owes $30,740. The member for Laval owes— The Speaker : Order. The hon. leader of the opposition. [ Translation ] Hon. Thomas Mulcair (Leader of the Opposition, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, we must not forget that the expense audit does not include the senators who repaid their fraudulent expenses before June 2013. Another person appointed by the Prime Minister , Carolyn Stewart Olsen, who was involved in the attempts to cover up the Mike Duffy scandal, said that she repaid her fraudulent expenses in order to escape the audit and avoid getting caught.

How many other senators appointed by the Prime Minister used this scheme to cover up and conceal their fraudulent expenses before the audit even started? [ English ] Mr. Paul Calandra (Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Intergovernmental Affairs, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, we trust the work of the Auditor General. He presented a number of recommendations. We hope, and of course insist, that all of the senators follow the process and work with the Auditor General.

Again, the Leader of the Opposition seems to think that Canadians look at things differently when there are 68 members of the NDP caucus who were identified for misusing $2.7 million of taxpayer resources. The Leader of the Opposition himself sits in this place owing the taxpayers $400,000 as part of a $2.7 million scheme that the New Democrats all owe the taxpayers. They should do the right thing and pay it back.

[ Translation ] Aboriginal Affairs Hon. Thomas Mulcair (Leader of the Opposition, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is going to meet the Pope at the Vatican tomorrow. Will he ask Pope Francis to apologize for the church's involvement in the horrors of residential schools?

Hon. Bernard Valcourt (Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, as I said yesterday, we want to thank all of the survivors for their courage and for sharing their experiences with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and all Canadians. When the Prime Minister made a historic apology on behalf of all Canadians in 2008, the government recognized that the policy of assimilation and residential schools caused great harm and that the schools had no place in Canada. I have personally written to the provinces, the territories, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Vatican to inform them of the commission's report and recommendations.

[ English ] The Senate Mr. Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, the Senate needs real change. The current government has offered none. The Prime Minister instead appointed 57 senators who take orders from him. His ministers caucused with them this morning. Duffy. Wallin. Brazeau. How can ministers in the government defend their Prime Minister 's status quo decade of patronage appointments? Mr. Paul Calandra (Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Intergovernmental Affairs, CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, as members know, we have brought forward a number of recommendations with respect to reforming the Senate. The Supreme Court, in its wisdom, has suggested that unanimity is required from all of the provinces. The Liberal Party's position on this makes no sense whatsoever. The Liberal leader wants to appoint Liberals who would then appoint non-partisan people to fill the Senate, so it would be unelected Liberals appointing unelected Liberals to sit in the Senate. That is the Liberals' idea of reform. That is not what Canadians want. We are fighting to bring accountability to the Senate.

We have made a lot of progress. We welcome the Auditor General's report. We will continue to focus on jobs and economic growth. (1430) [ Translation ] Mr. Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has been promising to reform the Senate for over 10 years now, but he chose to appoint 57 senators. The Leader of the Opposition also makes a lot of promises, but the fact is that he wants to lead Canada back into a constitutional saga. The Senate needs real change. Only the Liberal Party has a plan to make that happen.

Why is this government refusing to take action and bring real change to the Senate? [ English ] Mr. Paul Calandra (Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Intergovernmental Affairs, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, Canadians waited and waited and waited, and the leader of the Liberal Party came forward with his plan. His plan was to not call his senators Liberals any more but to call them Senate Liberals.

They have been alleviated of the responsibility of attending the weekly caucus meeting with the Liberals—I know there are a lot of people who would welcome that—but they still call themselves Liberals, they fundraise for the Liberal Party, and they campaign for the Liberal Party. His idea of reform is to have an unelected group of Liberals appointing an unelected group of Liberal senators. We can do better, and we will. Mr. Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, removing senators from his caucus is something the Prime Minister could do today.

Ending partisan appointments to the Senate is something the Prime Minister could do today. That is what real change would actually look like. After a decade, Canadians do not want excuses. They want to know why Conservatives have done nothing for real, meaningful Senate reform. Mr. Paul Calandra (Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Intergovernmental Affairs, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, Canadians have waited and waited and waited, and that member comes here with a policy of unelected Liberals nominating unelected Liberal senators.

His great policy is to not call them Liberals but to call them Senate Liberals. On top of his other great economic policy of legalizing marijuana, the great Liberals have come up with great policies: tax Canadians more, take away the universal child care benefit, and increase mandatory pension contributions. Tax more, spend more, change the name of the party; anything to try to get re-elected. That member is in way over his head. Canadians deserve better.

Ethics Ms. Irene Mathyssen (London—Fanshawe, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, the Auditor General's report stated oversight, accountability and transparency of senators' expenses-- Some hon. members: Oh, oh! The Speaker : Order. We have to get back to order. The hon. member for London--Fanshawe now has the floor, and I would like to hear the question. Ms. Irene Mathyssen : They are so badly behaved, Mr. Speaker. The Auditor General's report stated that oversight, accountability and transparency of senators' expenses was quite simply not adequate. He said it is time for transformational change and independent oversight.

The Prime Minister's hand-picked Senate Speaker disagreed with the Auditor General. He said senators can still handle their own oversight and defended using a secretive Senate committee. Do Conservatives really think accountability means using secretive Senate committees and senators and MPs all policing themselves? Mr. Paul Calandra (Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Intergovernmental Affairs, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, that is not what the senators have suggested. They welcome the Auditor General's report and will look at implementing the recommendations.

The Auditor General found 30 senators with problems. House administration found 68 members of Parliament with problems with their expenses. They all happen to be NDP members of Parliament. I do not know how that member can sit in the House and claim all kinds of things against senators, when she sits in a caucus of 68 members of Parliament who owe $2.7 million to Canadians, which they refuse to pay back. Her own leader owes $400,000. Help him repay that $400,000. Ms. Irene Mathyssen (London—Fanshawe, NDP) : Still living in fantasy, Mr. Speaker. The Conservatives once promised to fight for change in Ottawa.

Now they fight to defend unelected and unaccountable senators. Just look at what they have become. Fifty-nine senators have been appointed by a Prime Minister who promised he would never appoint a single one. They use the Senate as a slush fund for party fundraising. The Prime Minister's Office was caught orchestrating a cover-up to help Mike Duffy. Is this the reason Conservatives now oppose the Auditor General's call for independent oversight in the Senate?

(1435) Mr. Paul Calandra (Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Intergovernmental Affairs, CPC) : That is obviously completely wrong, Mr. Speaker. That is not at all what the Senate has suggested. The Senate welcomes the report of the Auditor General and is looking at implementing the recommendations. At the same time, what the NDP does not seem to understand is that there is only one taxpayer. When they deliberately abuse their money, Canadians want it back, at the very least. The NDP owes $2.7 million to the people of Canada. The former NDP member for Montcalm owes $22,000.

The member for Laval—Les Îles owes $31,874 and is refusing to pay that back. I hope those members will do the right thing and pay it back. [ Translation ] Ms. Ève Péclet (La Pointe-de-l'Île, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, Canadians have a right to know how much the Prime Minister's Office knew about the Senate expense scandal. Senator Tkachuk was reimbursed for a trip that he and his wife took to attend the 50th wedding anniversary of another senator. The Speaker of the Senate was reimbursed for expenses related to organizing a Valentine's Day ball. I do not think that really falls within the scope of his official duties.

Does the Prime Minister agree with the Auditor General that the Senate needs an independent oversight body to keep an eye on its expenses? It is simple. [ English ] Mr. Paul Calandra (Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Intergovernmental Affairs, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, it is up to the Senate. It is its responsibility to respond to the court. We welcome the recommendations of the Auditor General, and we already suggested yesterday in the House that we look forward to the Senate implementing the suggestions of the Auditor General.

However, this member can also help the taxpayers of Canada by repaying the $27,144 she owes the people of her riding as part of the $2.7 million scheme hatched by the Leader of the Opposition to defraud Canadians of the money they sent to this place. Whether it is a senator or a member of Parliament, they owe them the money. Pay it back. [ Translation ] Ms. Ève Péclet (La Pointe-de-l'Île, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, it is clear that someone, somewhere in the Prime Minister's Office saw those expenses and decided that the situation absolutely had to be covered up, because it was not right.

Senator Zimmer and his wife claimed over $100,000 in Senate expenses for personal travel, including over $2,000 in personal taxi fares. They enjoyed an open bar at taxpayers' expense. It is shameful. Will the Prime Minister do the right thing, take charge and support the creation of an independent oversight body for the Senate once and for all? [ English ] Mr. Paul Calandra (Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Intergovernmental Affairs, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I have already answered that on a number of occasions. We welcome the report of the Auditor General.

He has made a number of important recommendations, and we expect that the Senate will follow those recommendations. At the same time, it is incumbent upon the NDP to do the right thing as well. There are some 68 members of that caucus who owe $2.7 million. The member for Compton—Stanstead owes $142,548 and is refusing to pay it back. The member for Toronto—Danforth funnelled money to an illegal office in Montreal for some reason. He spent $1,288. They should all pay that back. [ Translation ] Mr. Alexandre Boulerice (Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, NDP) : Mr.

Speaker, when he was a member of the opposition, the Prime Minister stated loud and clear that he would reform the Senate and clean house. Once he came to power, he did exactly what the Liberals did. He appointed his cronies, who, according to the Auditor General, could not care less about wasting taxpayers' money: business class travel, fishing trips, golf games, hockey tickets, the list goes on. There is nothing too good for the upper class. Senators have no qualms about making other people pay for their luxurious lifestyles. We propose abolishing the Senate.

However, in the meantime, what are the Conservatives going to do to clean house? [ English ] Mr. Paul Calandra (Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Intergovernmental Affairs, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, this is a member who owes the taxpayers $122,000, because he supported an illegal office in Montreal. We know that he knows how to write cheques. We know that because he wrote 29 separate cheques to the separatist party in Quebec.

He can do the right thing by saving one of those cheques and writing it for $122,000 to the Receiver General of Canada for his portion of the $2.7 million the NDP owes the taxpayer. I am not sure if the Receiver General takes a credit card or PayPal, but he should pay back all of the money he owes. (1440) [ Translation ] Mr. Alexandre Boulerice (Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, it is such a delight when the best attack one's adversary can dish out is nothing but a dud. The Senate is just another broken and empty Conservative promise.

The Senate is fraught with scandal, and the Conservatives' solution is to allow senators to self-inspect. This happens in other sectors too, and no one seems to have a problem with that. The Auditor General is calling for sweeping changes and an independent oversight body. Did being drunk on power get the better of the Conservatives and their determination to clean up the Senate? I think so. [ English ] Mr. Paul Calandra (Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Intergovernmental Affairs, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I have already answered that on a number of occasions.

The Auditor General made some important recommendations. We expect that the Senate will follow those recommendations, and it has indicated that it will do that. At the same time, Canadians work very hard for the money they make and the money they send to this place and to the other place. When that money is deliberately abused, I am not going to stand up and defend that, nor should that member.

He should work with the other 67 members of his caucus to repay the $2.7 million they owe instead of spending the entire summer squished into the defendant's box trying to argue with Canadians about why they refuse to pay it back. Pay back the money you owe. The Speaker : I want to remind the hon. parliamentary secretary to address his comments to the Chair and not directly at his colleagues. The hon. member for Timmins—James Bay. Mr. Charlie Angus (Timmins—James Bay, NDP) : Mr.

Speaker, the Prime Minister used to say that senators do not represent anybody but the prime minister who appointed them, and the current Prime Minister has been found doing damage control for the Senate scandal every step of the way. How does he feel now that we have found out that his hand-picked Senate speaker was billing taxpayers for a St. Valentine's ball in Montreal and that his previous Senate leader flew to Vancouver for a wedding anniversary on the taxpayers' dime? These senators are refusing to show any contrition, and the government is refusing to show any responsibility.

When will it stop defending its friends in the Senate and start defending the Canadian taxpayer? Mr. Paul Calandra (Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Intergovernmental Affairs, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, the absolute nerve of that member to get up and talk about defending the Canadian taxpayer when there are 68 members of his caucus who owe the Canadian taxpayer three times as much as has been identified in the auditor's report.

I will not stand up to try to protect anybody who has deliberately used taxpayers' money inappropriately, and I certainly will not defend the members of the NDP caucus who owe $2.7 million to taxpayers. It is up to you to tell Canadian taxpayers why you refuse— The Speaker : Order, please. I ask the hon. member to address his comments to the Chair. He will do well to do that in future. The hon. member for Timmins—James Bay. Mr. Charlie Angus (Timmins—James Bay, NDP) : Mr.

Speaker, that was certainly pitiful: a once-proud government that will say anything and do anything in its dying days as it is tied to the corruption in the Senate. No wonder the Prime Minister has gone to ground. Let us get back to reality. Let us talk about the former president of the Liberal Party, Senator Poulin, who refused to even co-operate with the Auditor General. Her case has been referred to the RCMP. Canadians are sick of this sense of entitlement. Why does the Prime Minister refuse to show any leadership, and let that member defend the indefensible?

Why are the Conservatives defending corruption in the Senate rather than standing up for the Canadian taxpayer? Mr. Paul Calandra (Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Intergovernmental Affairs, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, we are standing up for Canadian taxpayers every single day. I will not defend people who deliberately misuse taxpayers dollars, whether they are a member of the Senate or whether they are a member of the House of Commons. Canadians deserve better, and with this government they always get better.

However, it is up to that member and that caucus to explain why, when specifically asked on September 22 where these offices would be, whether they would be in Ottawa in Montreal, they said, specifically, that they would be in Ottawa, but instead funnelled it to the illegal office in Montreal. Canadians deserve better from everybody, including those 68 members who owe money.

Public Safety Mr. Craig Scott (Toronto—Danforth, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, it is not only about abusing public money for fishing trips and wedding anniversaries. The Senate is also an undemocratic institution that has blocked important legislation passed by elected members of the House. The Senate killed Jack Layton's climate change accountability act. It is quietly doing away with a bill to bring equality to transgendered people. Last night it passed Bill C-51 with no sober second thought whatsoever, despite overwhelming public opposition. Not a single amendment was proposed.

Why are Conservatives defending this illegitimate institution that rejects the democratic will of Canadians? (1445) [ Translation ] Hon. Steven Blaney (Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, it is unfortunate that for the entire session the NDP has been complacent and not taken terrorism seriously. This has been their attitude with respect to all the measures our government has put in place to protect Canadians.

Whether it was our counter-terrorism strategy, the revocation of passports or the revocation of citizenship, the NDP did not back practical measures to support Canadians. Fortunately, I was able to count on the support of Conservative members and senators. I thank them because their support means that Canada will have better protection against terrorists.

[ English ] International Trade Ms. Chrystia Freeland (Toronto Centre, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, the formal trade deal between Europe and Ukraine goes into force at the beginning of 2016, but the EU actually understands Ukraine's pivotal role and has therefore pre-emptively and unilaterally lifted tariffs for Ukrainian companies. In contrast, despite much rhetoric about Ukraine, Canada has held back, awaiting the completion of inevitably time-consuming, formal, bilateral trade talks. Why does the Prime Minister not do as much for Ukraine on trade right now as Angela Merkel has already done? Hon.

Ed Fast (Minister of International Trade, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, no one has done more for Ukraine than this Conservative government. The Prime Minister has visited Ukraine on a number of occasions. We have hosted President Poroshenko here in the House. I have been to Ukraine on two occasions to see for myself the situation on the ground. It is this government that began free trade negotiations with the Ukrainian government. We continue to pursue those negotiations. Our negotiators are at the table, hoping to complete negotiations in the short term so Ukrainians can benefit from more open markets.

In the meantime, we are also stepping in, supporting democracy, transparency and governance within that country.

[ Translation ] Pensions Mr. Emmanuel Dubourg (Bourassa, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Finance has finally admitted it: Canada pension plan contributions are not taxes. Thank goodness. Just because the Conservatives keep repeating falsehoods does not all of a sudden turn them into the truth. Pension income is money that always goes into the pockets of retirees. In the private sector, 75% of workers do not have a company pension plan. Why does the government not work with the provinces to establish a better pension plan for all Canadians? [ English ] Hon.

Kevin Sorenson (Minister of State (Finance), CPC) : Mr. Speaker, again, the Liberal plan has a plan for all Canadians. It is higher taxes. In fact, the Liberal leader has confirmed that he would implement the Ontario Liberal payroll tax on every worker and every small businessman and woman in Canada. For workers earning $60,000 a year, the Liberal policy means they would lose $1,000 in take-home pay. That is a $1,000 tax hike. This mandatory payroll tax increase would kill jobs and force small businesses to cut hours and wages.

By contrast, under the strong leadership of our Prime Minister , we have lowered taxes, created new options for Canadians— The Speaker : Order, please. The hon. member for Wascana. Hon. Ralph Goodale (Wascana, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, the late Jim Flaherty said “the Canada Pension Plan plays a central role in our government-supported retirement system”, and should be “enhanced”. The current Minister of Finance has confirmed that CPP premiums are not payroll taxes. He says that the money always belongs to individual pensioners, and the CPP Investment Board gets impressive results.

Fragmented schemes in bits and pieces here and there do not cover most Canadians and they are not portable. Therefore, why not work with the provinces and a strong majority of Canadians to expand the CPP? Hon. Kevin Sorenson (Minister of State (Finance), CPC) : Mr. Speaker, under the strong leadership of our Prime Minister , our government has lowered taxes and created new voluntary opportunities for Canadians to save.

Consistent with our record of creating voluntary options for Canadians to save their own money, we are open to giving Canadians the option to contribute more to the Canada pension plan on a voluntary basis. By contrast, we know that, given the chance, both the Liberals and the NDP would take away pension income splitting and shut down tax-free savings account. The Liberal plan is that for someone earning $60,000 a year, it would impose another $1,000 of taxes on it. Canadians cannot afford that.

(1450) Canada Revenue Agency Mr. Murray Rankin (Victoria, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, two new Swiss banks are now facing fines from the United States for helping wealthy clients evade taxes. Still there is no action from the Conservatives to actually charge Canadians found to be stashing millions overseas. We are losing up to $8 billion a year to tax havens. That money could help pay for child care, health care, transit or boosting economic innovation. However, the Conservatives have totally failed to get serious on cracking down on tax havens.

Why do they keep letting the wealthy and well connected avoid paying their fair share? Mr. Gerald Keddy (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture, to the Minister of National Revenue and for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, that question is absolute nonsense. Our government has always had zero tolerance for tax evasion. Let the numbers and the record speak for themselves. From 2006 to March 31, 2014, CRA audited over 8,600 international tax cases, identified over $5.6 billion in additional taxes, taxes that are being collected. [ Translation ] Mr.

Pierre Dionne Labelle (Rivière-du-Nord, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, the United States has just imposed hefty fines on two Swiss banks that were helping American taxpayers hide more than $660 million from the taxman. Here, people in the middle class are working harder and harder to make ends meet and are paying their taxes in Canada. However, Canadian corporations have sheltered almost $200 billion in tax havens. When will the Conservatives take action to ensure that corporations pay their fair share here? [ English ] Mr.

Gerald Keddy (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture, to the Minister of National Revenue and for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, CRA and our government expect all Canadians and all corporations to pay their fair share of Canadian tax. What the hon. member is talking about is again sheer nonsense. We have more international auditors. We have a greater effort to catch tax evaders, not just individuals but companies as well, who are using offshore shelters to protect themselves from paying Canadian tax.

We expect everyone to pay their fair share of tax and we intend to ensure that happens.

[ Translation ] International Trade Ms. Laurin Liu (Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, farmers no longer know who to believe in the Conservative Party when it comes to the future of supply management in Canada. The member for Edmonton Centre called supply management an anachronism that needs to disappear. The Prime Minister said that Canada would have to make difficult choices, and his Quebec lieutenant has already talked about compensating Canadian producers for the losses they will sustain as a result of the trans-Pacific partnership. Will the Conservatives protect supply management, yes or no? Hon.

Maxime Bernier (Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism, and Agriculture), CPC) : Mr. Speaker, our government has signed free trade agreements with nearly 37 countries and we have always protected the supply management system. It is also important to point out that we signed those agreements because they were good for consumers, small businesses and families, in other words, for all Canadians. We will continue to apply that same logic in the future. We are going to continue to sign free trade agreements that are good for all Canadians and all industrial sectors. [ English ] Mr.

Malcolm Allen (Welland, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, it seems that the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing in that caucus over there. Out of one side of its mouth, it says yes. The member for Edmonton Centre was clear. He said that it was an “anachronism that needs to disappear” when he was talking about supply management. Even the Prime Minister , when he was referring to supply management, said that Canada would face difficult decisions when it ratified the trans-Pacific partnership. Down in the corner we have prominent Liberals who say that we need to end supply management.

One wonders why farmers in the country are nervous. Why is there so much doublespeak from the Conservative benches when it comes to protecting supply management? The Conservatives are either for it or they are against it. Hon. Ed Fast (Minister of International Trade, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, the only doublespeak is from the NDP. Our government will continue to promote Canadian trade interests across all sectors of our economy, including supply management. That has never prevented us from successfully concluding trade agreements with countries like the United States, with the European Union, with South Korea.

We make no apologies for ensuring that any deal reached must be in Canada's best interests. That is the standard we have set and we will only sign a trade agreement if it significantly benefits Canadian workers and families.

Taxation Ms. Joan Crockatt (Calgary Centre, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, our government has consistently lowered taxes. In fact, as a result, we have the lowest personal tax burden than we have had in 50 years, and that is more money in the pockets of families. Meanwhile, the Liberal leader keeps pushing reckless spending, which we know would actually kill jobs and take money out of the pockets of people. It is clear that the Liberals have only one plan for the economy, and that is to raise taxes. Will the Minister of Finance please tell the House and Canadians what our government is doing to deliver on our promise to make life more affordable for Canadians?

(1455) Hon. Joe Oliver (Minister of Finance, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, today, Canadians are celebrating tax freedom day, when families start working for themselves, not the government. We are helping by cutting taxes to where they were almost 50 years ago by doubling the TFSA and increasing benefits for families. We have been delivering on our promises to make life more affordable, while balancing the budget. Tax freedom day is proof that now is not the time for the Liberal leader's plan for reckless spending and tax hikes.

[ Translation ] Employment Ms. Peggy Nash (Parkdale—High Park, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, this is the worst economic performance Canada has seen outside of a recession in three decades. Some 200 workers have been laid off at the Davie shipyard in Lévis. In the past year, Montreal has lost thousands of jobs: 1,000 at Bombardier, 3,000 at Target and 430 at Energizer, not to mention the 300 workers who have lost their jobs at Bell Helicopter. When will the Conservatives finally do their job and create jobs for the middle class? Hon.

Pierre Poilievre (Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Democratic Reform, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, the only plan that the Liberals and the New Democrats have for jobs is to raise taxes for job creators. What is more, both parties are saying they will support Kathleen Wynne's plan to impose a new $1,000 payroll tax on workers and the small businesses that employ them across the country. We are doing the opposite. By lowering taxes, we have created 1.2 million new jobs. We are going to continue with that approach. [ English ] Ms. Peggy Nash (Parkdale—High Park, NDP) : Mr.

Speaker, Canadians are losing their jobs because the Conservatives cannot be bothered to do theirs. Major layoffs have hit Canadians from coast to coast: 485 jobs at Blacks, 1,000 at GM Oshawa, 1,500 at Future Shop, nearly 18,000 laid off at Target, Sony, Mexx, Smart Set. The list goes on. This is the worst economic performance Canada has seen outside of a recession in more than three decades. When will the Conservatives stop their self-congratulations and bring forward a real plan to put people back to work? Hon.

Pierre Poilievre (Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Democratic Reform, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, the NDP's only plan for jobs is to tax people who create them. New Democrats, along with the Liberals, propose a new $1,000 payroll tax on workers and on the small businesses that employ them. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business says that would force the majority of employers to cut wages, jobs and hours. Our approach is to lower taxes and to expand trade and training. That has helped to create 1.2 million net new jobs, 80% of them full time and two-thirds in high-wage sectors.

Labour Mr. Paul Dewar (Ottawa Centre, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, in 2009, Peter Kennedy went to work and did not come home. He was killed in an explosion right here, right next to Parliament Hill. Public Works was found guilty of violating health and safety laws. The court ordered safety inspections to ensure that these problems would be fixed. Now we learn that not a single inspection has taken place as per the orders. We have seen the tragedy that can result when the government ignores health and safety laws.

The simple question is this: why did the Conservatives put workers at risk by failing to comply with the court's order? Hon. Diane Finley (Minister of Public Works and Government Services, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, of course our sympathies rest with Mr. Kennedy's family. I can assure members that in fact regular inspections have been done. The Technical Standards and Safety Authority completed an inspection in May and said that “No non-compliance issues were noted...and...no further actions are required....” [ Translation ] Mr. Mathieu Ravignat (Pontiac, NDP) : Mr.

Speaker, we learned today that no labour inspections have been conducted at the Cliff Street central heating plant, even though an inspection was ordered by the court last year. All members of the House remember the tragic accident at this plant that led to the death of engineer Peter Kennedy. How can the Minister of Labour justify the lack of inspection? Does the minister not care about the safety of federal employees and buildings?

(1500) Hon. Diane Finley (Minister of Public Works and Government Services, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, our sympathies remain with Mr. Kennedy's family. I can assure the House that inspections are still being conducted because we make workers' safety a priority. [ English ] The workplace health and safety committee has been conducting monthly inspections. As well, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority gave an all-clear in May of this year, and I have the report.

National Defence Ms. Joyce Murray (Vancouver Quadra, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, defence budget cuts and future plans will reduce defence funding to its lowest percentage of GDP since the 1930s. The Conservatives' military procurement strategy is a failure of titanic proportions. The Conservatives do not deliver, but they certainly know how to posture. The Prime Minister exploited special forces members in Iraq with vanity videos, and now he has cooked up another photo opportunity, this time with the Royal Canadian Navy in Poland. How cynical.

Why does he constantly put his own partisan interests above the needs of Canadian Armed Forces members? Hon. Erin O'Toole (Minister of Veterans Affairs, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, that question gives me an opportunity, as someone who flew on the Sea King helicopter, to rise in this House and say that the gall of the Liberal Party to even talk about defence spending in this House after the decade of darkness when they took our men and women in the Canadian Armed Forces and whittled them down to a voluntary force is shameful. Over the course of our government, there has been $6 billion in new spending.

We have provided needed equipment and uniforms and training, and morale is up as a result. We will never let the Liberals do that again.

Aboriginal Affairs Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Winnipeg North, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, back in 2011, the Manitoba government intentionally flooded out over 5,000 first nations people living downstream from the Fairford Dam. This was not a natural flood. Lake St. Martin First Nation was 100% displaced. Many are homeless and are ending up on the streets in Winnipeg and elsewhere. Their economic and traditional livelihoods have been destroyed. We have looked to the federal government for leadership and we have found it to be wanting. My question to the minister is this: what has he done to assist the people of Lake St.

Martin First Nation to have their reserve back? Hon. Bernard Valcourt (Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, we understand that this is a difficult situation for those first nations individuals and families who remain evacuated from their homes, and of course our thoughts are with them. We have concluded an agreement with the Canadian Red Cross to deliver evacuation and emergency services to first nations in Manitoba. We have announced plans to advance negotiations that would, if finalized, see the flood evacuees from the Lake St.

Martin area first nation return to their home communities. In addition, we are continuing to work with the province to achieve this.

[ Translation ] Canada Post Mrs. Anne-Marie Day (Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, Canada Post has announced that a number of post offices in Ontario, New Brunswick and Manitoba will no longer provide services in both official languages. There will now be even fewer services for francophones. The future of francophone minorities depends on having access to services in French. There have been nothing but setbacks for official language under the Conservatives. What will the minister do to ensure that francophones continue to receive postal services in their language? [ English ] Hon.

Lisa Raitt (Minister of Transport, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, we take the allegation very seriously, and I will ensure that we discuss the matter with Canada Post. [ Translation ] Mr. Claude Gravelle (Nickel Belt, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, the government needs to stop claiming all is well with official languages. Francophones in Winnipeg, Miramichi and Kirkland Lake, Ontario, will lose access to postal services in French. Not only is Canada Post unable to deliver the mail, but it is now turning its back on francophones.

Does the minister have a plan to stop the erosion of French-language services across Canada? (1505) [ English ] Hon. Lisa Raitt (Minister of Transport, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, as I have already said, we take the matter of the provision of services in both official languages very seriously, and I will bring up the matter with Canada Post.

Industry Mr. Dean Allison (Niagara West—Glanbrook, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, trade and the free movement of goods between the provinces that make up this great nation are a pillar of Canada's Constitution and its history. This government strongly supports the reduction of internal trade barriers between the provinces and territories. We believe in jobs, prosperity, and growth. Can the Minister of Industry please update this House on the status of the agreement on internal trade? Hon. James Moore (Minister of Industry, CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, after 20 years of starts of stops and failing, yesterday I was pleased to join with all 13 out of 13 provinces and territories as they sat down with the federal government and agreed to have a brand new free trade deal for all of Canada. Canada is a global free trade leader. We are the only country in the world with free trade access to more than 52% of the global economy. However, having a free trade deal within Canada that works has been a struggle for Canada for over 20 years.

We agreed yesterday—these are Conservative, NDP, and Liberal provincial governments agreeing unanimously—to have a comprehensive free trade deal for Canada. All provinces are on side, and it will be delivered to all the provinces and to all Canadians by March of 2016. This is an historic day for Canada.

Public Safety Hon. Judy Sgro (York West, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, StatsCan confirmed that Muslims are the only group to face an increase in hate crimes. This week alone, Ahmadi Muslims in Woodbridge were victimized when their residence and mosque were vandalized. The National Council of Muslims blames this increase on toxic political rhetoric. Leaders of many faiths agree, and urge governments to tone down the rhetoric, as it creates fear and mistrust. Will the government tone down its anti-Muslim rhetoric and work to make all Canadians safe from discrimination, regardless of faith? [ Translation ] Hon.

Steven Blaney (Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, our government takes terrorist threats seriously. That is why we aim to protect all Canadians. That is also why we appreciated the comments in support of the measures we are taking to protect the Canadian public, including the support from members of the Muslim community. I encourage the member to show a little respect in a debate on national security.

Citizenship and Immigration Ms. Hélène Laverdière (Laurier—Sainte-Marie, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, Lebanese singer Mohamed Eskandar has three concerts planned in Canada over the next few days. However, his songs clearly incite violence against women and homosexuals. We simply cannot tolerate these kinds of messages, which fly in the face of our values. Back in 2012, the government denied him a visa. Can the minister confirm whether a visa was granted to Mr. Eskandar, and if so, why was it granted, when it was denied in 2012? Hon. Chris Alexander (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, yes, it is true, anyone who holds a Canadian visa must meet all of the visa requirements. We will continue to uphold Canada's laws.

[ English ] Health Mr. Ben Lobb (Huron—Bruce, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, it is estimated that between 6% and 15% of seniors aged 65 and older are living with some form of dementia. The number of Canadians living with dementia is expected to double by 2031. That is why I am proud that my motion supporting the strong action our government is taking will be discussed again tomorrow in the House. Could the Minister of Health update the House on the latest action to address dementia? Hon. Rona Ambrose (Minister of Health, CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, I was very pleased to announce the launch of Dementia Friends Canada with the Canadian Alzheimer Society. This is going to improve awareness and understanding for those who are living with dementia in Canada, and it builds on our government's work to create a national strategy with provinces as well as to find a cure for dementia by 2025. I invite all colleagues on all sides of the House to please join myself and you, Mr. Speaker, in the Speaker's lounge to become a Dementia Friend. We have a selfie booth set up. It takes 30 seconds to sign up.

We are trying to sign up one million Canadians to become Dementia Friends to show those who are suffering with dementia and their caregivers that we support them.

[ Translation ] Canada Post Ms. Isabelle Morin (Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Lachine, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, the cities of Dorval, Pointe-Claire, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue and Kirkland have joined the class action lawsuit against Canada Post. The government continues to stonewall and is allowing Canada Post to install community mailboxes without consulting the municipalities. Why does the government refuse to listen to the cities, the municipalities and the people of the West Island who oppose the end of home mail delivery? (1510) [ English ] Hon. Lisa Raitt (Minister of Transport, CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, Canada Post is suffering from the fact that people are simply not utilizing mail in the traditional way. They are utilizing other ways. As a result, Canada Post is facing an issue of not being able to be self-sustaining, which it must be under legislation. It has developed a five-point plan. In that five-point plan it is converting the remaining one-third of Canadian households to be like the other two-thirds of Canadian households by receiving mail at a community mailbox, not at their door. We support Canada Post in its plan to become self-sufficient.

National Defence Ms. Elizabeth May (Saanich—Gulf Islands, GP) : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the hon. Minister of Veterans Affairs , who is taking defence questions today. While I was very honoured to participate at the official opening of 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron in my riding in April, there are a lot of local concerns about the potential for increased noise as four out of the six aging Sea Kings are retired and nine Cyclone helicopters take over. I wonder if the hon. minister has had an opportunity to look into this matter, which is of grave local concern. Hon.

Erin O'Toole (Minister of Veterans Affairs, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for her question and assure her that the Department of National Defence has consulted with the municipality and with first nations on environmental compliance. The Cyclone helicopter will meet civil aviation requirements for noise. It does give me an opportunity to thank the men and women of 443 Squadron, some of them my old comrades, for their tremendous service flying the Sea King helicopter for our Pacific navy.

After the decade of darkness I referred to earlier, the Cyclone is on the horizon, and fair winds and following seas are coming for the Pacific navy and our air force.

Presence in Gallery The Speaker : I would like to draw to the attention of hon. members the presence in the gallery of the Honourable Herb Cox, Minister of Environment for the Province of Saskatchewan. Some hon. members: Hear, hear! The Speaker: I understand the hon. member for Sydney—Victoria has a point of order. Hon. Mark Eyking : Mr. Speaker, the member for Welland made a statement on supply management and about the Liberals which was not true. Could he retract those comments that he made today in the House? The Speaker : That sounds like a matter for debate.

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS Routine Proceedings [ English ] Government Response to Petitions Mr. Tom Lukiwski (Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's response to 15 petitions.

Penalties for the Criminal Possession of Firearms Act Hon. Peter MacKay (Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, CPC) Bill C-69. Introduction and first reading moved for leave to introduce Bill C-69,

An Act to amend the Criminal Code in response to the Supreme Court of Canada decision in R. v. Nur . (Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)

Interparliamentary Delegations Ms. Wai Young (Vancouver South, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 34(1), I have the honour to present to the House, in both official languages, the report of the Canadian delegation of the Canada-China Legislative Association, respecting its participation at the 17th bilateral meeting in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, People's Republic of China, from November 9-17, 2013. [ Translation ] Mr. Robert Aubin (Trois-Rivières, NDP) : Mr.

Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 34(1), I have the honour to present to the House, in both official languages, the report of the delegation of the Canadian branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie concerning its participation at the meeting of the parliamentary affairs committee of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie, which was held in Antananarivo, Madagascar, from April 15 to 17, 2015.

[ English ] Committees of the House Canadian Heritage Mr. Gordon Brown (Leeds—Grenville, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 15th report of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage entitled “Review of Dance in Canada”. Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to this report. [ Translation ] I would like to take this opportunity to move: Motion That the House do now proceed to orders of the day. (1515) [ English ] The Speaker : Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?

Some hon. members: Agreed. Some hon. members: No. The Speaker: All those in favour of the motion will please say yea. Some hon. members: Yea. The Speaker: All those opposed will please say nay. Some hon. members: Nay. The Speaker: In my opinion the yeas have it. I declare the motion carried. (Motion agreed to)

Government Orders Government Orders [ English ] Economic Action Plan 2015 Act, No. 1 Bill C-59--Time Allocation Motion Hon. Peter Van Loan (Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, CPC) : I move: That in relation to Bill C-59,

An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on April 21, 2015 and other measures , not more than one further sitting day shall be allotted to the consideration of the report stage and one sitting day shall be allotted to the third reading stage of the said bill; and That fifteen minutes before the expiry of the time provide provided for Government Orders on the day allotted to the consideration of the report stage and on the day allotted to the third reading stage of the said bill, any proceedings before the House shall be interrupted, if required for the purpose of this Order, and in turn every question necessary for the disposal of the stage of the bill then under consideration shall be put, forthwith and successively, without further debate or amendment.

The Speaker : The hon. opposition House leader is rising on a point of order? Mr. Peter Julian : Mr. Speaker, as you know, in this place, the tradition is that the mover and the seconder have to be in the House when the motion is being read. The Speaker : I see the hon. member for Central Nova now. I assume he was here when the government House leader was moving the motion— Some hon. members: Oh, oh! The Speaker: Sorry. I was trying to be diplomatic. I did not just assume that, I saw him. He was there while the member was moving it.

I will take this opportunity to remind members that it would be helpful for the Chair and, I think, all members if they waited until the procedure that they were involved in was completed before they left the chamber. It would certainly make for less confusion. We will now have a 30-minute question period. I will ask members to keep their questions or comments to about a minute and responses to a similar length of time. The hon. member for Skeena—Bulkley Valley. Mr. Nathan Cullen (Skeena—Bulkley Valley, NDP) : Mr.

Speaker, the Conservatives have made a bit of anti-democratic history today by passing a motion to shut down debate in the House of Commons 100 times now since they have formed government, and they cheer. However, when they were in opposition, the Minister of Justice , the Minister of Industry , and the Prime Minister himself said that this very tactic was offensive to democratic principles when the Liberals used it. They have moved closure and shut down debate three times more than any other government in Canadian history. That is the Conservative legacy; that is the Conservative record.

In the irony of irony's, what is the government shutting down debate on? It is the budget. It wants to shut down debate on the conversation around its terrible plan and its terrible record for Canada's economy, experiencing the worst growth outside of a recession in more than three decades. That is its legacy. That is why it wants to shut down debate in the House of Commons. However, Canadians are watching. They know the NDP has a plan to get Canada back on track, not just economically but democratically as well, by shutting down the Senate and giving this place the life that it needs again. Hon.

Peter Van Loan : Mr. Speaker, as members know, Canadians gave our government a strong mandate to focus on job creation and economic growth, and to deliver both. They expect their parliamentarians to make decisions. When this government uses time allocation, it does so in a fashion that is designed for scheduling, to allow certainty of debate and certainty for members, but most importantly, to allow members to make decisions. I know that some in the opposition are skeptical about that, but the proof is in the numbers.

I know many of them hold out the British Parliament, the mother Parliament, as the model of how things should be done. Compared with the British Parliament, we in this Parliament, compared with the parallel one that just finished off in Britain, have had more than twice as much debate on every bill that we have passed. In fact, we have had the same amount of debate at second reading alone than the British Parliament has had for all three stages. We have had 3.3 days at second reading

whereas it had one. We have had 1.6 days longer at report stage than its 1.1 day. Again, at third reading, we have had double the amount of debate that the British Parliament has had, which is two days versus its one day. That goes to show the House that not only have we allowed considerable and substantial debate here, we have also been able to make decisions and get things done for Canadians on what matters to them most, which is making Canadians safe, and delivering economic results and job creation for Canada.

(1520) Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Winnipeg North, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, the Conservative reform majority government and its attitude toward democracy inside the House has been simply disgusting as it does not demonstrate any true respect for proper procedures with respect to passing both budgets and legislation. As has been noted, this is the 100th time that time allocation has been brought in on legislation which we are seeing today, the budget implementation bill.

We can also talk about the Canada Wheat Board, the pooled pensions, copyright legislation, back-to-work legislation with Canada Post and Air Canada, the first nations, the free trade agreements, and the list goes on. The only way in which the government has been able to deal with the legislative agenda as opposed to working with the opposition is to ram it through the House of Commons in an undemocratic fashion.

Why has the government been a total and absolute failure in not recognizing the importance of working in negotiation with the opposition and ensuring that Canada is served better through the normal process of thorough debate? Hon. Kevin Sorenson (Minister of State (Finance), CPC) : Mr. Speaker, the member is wrong. Certainly, I disagree with his question. Bill C-59 supports this balanced budget that our government has brought forward. Our government has brought forward a low tax plan for Canadians. It is a road map to understand where we are going as a country.

We have a balanced budget, a plan for jobs, a plan for growth, and a plan for security. All of those are part of the budget, our economic action plan 2015. All of the measures in the budget implementation bill were in economic action plan 2015. Many of the measures are tax related and accomplish one main goal: to make certain that we can afford Canadians the prosperity they deserve. We want to keep money in the pockets of Canadians, seniors, the middle class, all Canadians. The Liberal opposition makes it very clear that it wants to take more in taxes from Canadians.

This budget makes it clear that we are continuing down a low tax plan for Canada. [ Translation ] Mr. Raymond Côté (Beauport—Limoilou, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, I listened to my colleague across the way. Many groups that appeared before the Standing Committee on Finance condemned the government's tactics for achieving a so-called “new balanced budget”. The way it has been used is disgraceful. The Canadian Taxpayers Federation and others condemned this tactic. Today we are up against another time allocation motion—the 100th. This is a real shame.

Once again, this is an omnibus bill that amends a lot of laws, and we have not had enough time to study it. The Standing Committee on Finance was flooded with letters from bar associations in provinces across Canada. Among other things, they want the government to withdraw amendments to three major acts affecting the Patent Act and other similar acts. Unfortunately, the government is ignoring us and bowing to pressure from a single group.

We have not had an adversarial debate or heard divergent opinions on this part of the omnibus bill, not to mention many other parts that amend other pieces of legislation, including the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Frankly, how can the government House leader crow about us having enough time? That is completely false. (1525) [ English ] Hon. Kevin Sorenson : Mr. Speaker, again, I reject the premise of most of what the member said in his question.

As far as the size of this budget bill, it has been common practice in this Parliament to include various measures in a budget bill and subsequently in budget implementation bills. I appreciate the House leader's opening answer to the questions from the opposition where he clearly laid out for Canadians the opportunities that members have at every phase to debate measures. The opposition can stand at second reading, they can be in committee, there is third reading, and then the Senate. There is ample debate.

One of the hallmarks of our Parliament and of our democracy is the ability to bring forward legislation, so that Canadians can see the direction in which we are going. In what direction are we going? We are going in the direction of growing the economy, making certain that taxes stay low, and making certain that Canadians are safe at home and abroad. This budget is clear. It is good for families, it keeps taxes low, and also, through universal child care benefits and others, puts money into Canadians' pockets.

NDP members say they want more debate, but we know that at every stage they get up with the same speeches, with the same talking points, that the NDP House leader rolls out for them. [ Translation ] Mr. François Choquette (Drummond, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, today is truly a very sad, very anti-democratic day. The government is imposing closure for the 100th time. It is imposing closure not only on us in the opposition, but on the people of Drummond as well. The people of Drummond elected me as their representative to speak on their behalf here in the House of Commons and to discuss the budget.

The people of Drummond certainly want to know what is in the budget for fighting climate change. What does this budget include for the environment? Nothing. It needs to be said. There is nothing for the environment, nothing for dealing with climate change, nothing for the economy of the future, and nothing for transitioning to green energy. I wanted to mention that in my speech, but I might not get to that because of this new closure motion. The government is preventing me from having a say and preventing the people of Drummond from having a voice here in the House of Commons. That is very serious.

What is more, this comes on the heels of the Prime Minister 's trip to the G7, where he once again undermined discussions to reach an iron-clad agreement to fight climate change. The G7 members in Europe wanted an agreement to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Of course the Conservative Prime Minister undermined that effort and now the timeframe has been extended to 2100, which is the same as putting it off indefinitely. The government needs to respect democracy as well as the people of Drummond and all the other ridings, who also have the right to express themselves. [ English ] Hon. Kevin Sorenson : Mr.

Speaker, again, I am very proud of our government's record in the past on all of the different items that he has brought forward. This budget gives us an idea of where we are going in the future and where we are going over the next number of years. The government has laid out a very clear road map that shows that we are going to continue to see the economy in Canada grow. That means that we will have more jobs. Month after month, we see more and more jobs being rolled out. In spite of an oil patch that we know is under stress, we know that more and more jobs are being created across this country.

In manufacturing, we see a real optimism among those that the Liberal leader has basically given up on in Ontario. Again, this budget lays out that we are going to watch the economy grow. Here is how we are going to do it. We are going to continue to cut taxes for those who are creating jobs. We are going to continue to put money into the pockets of Canadian families. We are going to make sure that Canadians are safe at home and abroad. We are going to put resources into our national defence, into our military, and into the RCMP, CSIS and those who look after us here in Canada.

We have the greatest country in the world. Provinces that have ever experimented with the NDP know that they cannot ever again afford the economic policies of any New Democratic— (1530) [ Translation ] The Acting Speaker (Mr. Bruce Stanton) : I would like to remind hon. members to keep their questions and comments to approximately one minute so that more members have the opportunity to speak. The hon. member for Abitibi—Témiscamingue. Ms. Christine Moore (Abitibi—Témiscamingue, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, this is the 100th gag order, and it is completely shameful. It does not make any sense.

The people of my riding are being insulted. Even my baby is feeling insulted. It has kicked at least 100 times since the government announced this 100th gag order. What is more, they are imposing a gag order on a budget bill. We are talking about the budget that the Conservatives were two months late in tabling. They did not want to table the budget for two months. They needed more time. Finally, they balanced the budget, but do you know how, Mr. Speaker? They did so by selling the GM shares and by dipping into the contingency and employment insurance funds.

If more time was needed to debate the budget bill, then why did they not table the budget two months earlier rather than imposing a gag order, which is a slap in the face to Canadians? I simply hope that Canadians will remember this 100th gag order and that they will get the Conservatives the hell out of here for at least 100 years. [ English ] Hon. Kevin Sorenson : Mr. Speaker, I want to wish the hon. member all the best as she is preparing to deliver another healthy child. I would just ask that she does not get too worked up here in the House until after that happens.

I know that the opposition does not like the fact that we have such an ambitious and robust agenda to strengthen the economy and to create jobs. The opposition does not like the idea that the government is doing its job. Again, we have seen, time after time— The Acting Speaker (Mr. Bruce Stanton) : The hon. member for Newton—North Delta on a point of order. Ms. Jinny Jogindera Sims : Mr. Speaker, I cannot believe that I heard my colleague across the way make such a personal comment about my colleague on this side. I am really quite disturbed that a parliamentarian would make that kind of comment.

It was not only demeaning, but very condescending. The Acting Speaker (Mr. Bruce Stanton) : I appreciate the intervention by the hon. member for Newton—North Delta. I did not hear anything unparliamentary in the remarks of the hon. minister of state. I am not sure specifically what she is referring to, but we will carry on. The hon. minister of state. Hon. Kevin Sorenson : Mr. Speaker, between the two of us, the hon. member, and her question, I do not know if the hon. member heard the question from the NDP. She talked about the fact that her unborn child was kicking inside her as we have gone through this debate.

I simply stood and wished her all the best in her pregnancy. I certainly did not mean any offence by it, and I wish her all the best. In answer to her question, we know that the opposition does not like the fact that we have an ambitious plan for Canada. The high-tax, no development party across the way does not like that fact that we are a government that is saying that we have confidence in the Canadian people. We have confidence in Canadian small- and medium-sized businessmen and women who are out there and making a go of it, putting food on their table and making sure that they employ other Canadians.

We know that that party opposes low taxes because every time we bring forward policy and legislation to lower taxes, it votes against it. Shame on the opposition for bringing forward ideas that would only cost jobs here in Canada. That is why Canadians know that they are better off with this Conservative government.

(1535) Mr. Dave Van Kesteren (Chatham-Kent—Essex, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, it is only our Conservative government that supports the agriculture sector and recognizes the immense contribution of hard-working farmers to the Canadian economy. For instance, economic action plan 2015 will provide an additional $12 million to the agri-marketing program to promote high quality Canadian agriculture and agri-food products around the world.

As well, the budget also commits an additional $18 million to expand market access so that agricultural industries can have open access to new markets and take advantage of many new trade opportunities. I wonder if the Minister of State for Finance could please further expand on some of the other great things that our government is doing to support farming in this country. Hon. Kevin Sorenson : Finally we have a good question, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank that member for his hard work on finance committee— [ Translation ] The Acting Speaker (Mr. Bruce Stanton) : The hon. member for Gatineau on a point of order.

Ms. Françoise Boivin : Absolutely, Mr. Speaker. The minister of state probably thinks that is a good question because it avoids the real matter currently before the House, namely the time allocation motion. The question was on the content of Bill C-59 . [ English ] The Chair always gives leeway but at the same time, this is a blatant direct content of the bill question and not a time allocation question. [ Translation ] The Acting Speaker (Mr. Bruce Stanton) : I appreciate the intervention by the hon. member for Gatineau .

Once again, it is probably not a point of order, but rather a matter for debate about the difference between the questions from the two sides. [ English ] I am aware that we are within a 30-minute time period here so we are going to try and continue on and make sure that enough time is available and ask members to concentrate their questions and responses in respect to the question that is in front of the House. The hon. Minister of State for Finance. Hon. Kevin Sorenson : Mr. Speaker, I thank you for ruling on both points that were not points of order.

We have brought forward the measures that we have in this budget for many reasons. They help Canadians in all careers, in all businesses, in all walks of life. For generations our farmers have fed Canadians and people around the world. We have also done more than that, not just in what we produce, but also in providing jobs and opportunities I represent a rural constituency where agriculture is important. That is why it is important for us to move on— [ Translation ] The Acting Speaker (Mr. Bruce Stanton) : The hon. member for LaSalle—Émard on a point of order. Ms. Hélène LeBlanc : Mr.

Speaker, like my colleague, I am rising on a point of order. I will not have the opportunity to debate this bill because a gag order has just been imposed, but the Minister of State for Finance will have 30 minutes more than I will to debate this issue. We are supposed to be asking questions only about the gag order. Does he agree with this 100th gag order? It does not necessarily affect him because he has been given an additional 30 minutes to debate this bill and say everything he wants. However, his colleagues behind him are just as penalized by this gag order as we are.

I would like him to talk about the unfairness of this 100th gag order and how it affects his colleagues. [ English ] The Acting Speaker (Mr. Bruce Stanton) : I will address the point of order. Members will know that it is not the ability of the Chair to adjudicate the responses that come when questions are posed in the House. The exchange that I heard this afternoon is certainly in order.

As we have seen in previous 30-minute question and answer periods around the issue of time allocation, the subject of the bill is quite often very much a part of the debate and really cannot be separated from the issues around the relevance of the time allocation question itself. We understand this to be true and it is left to the minister or parliamentary secretary, in this case the Minister of State for Finance , to respond in a way that he sees fit. I see the hon. Minister of State for Finance rising. Is it on the point of order or are we continuing the questions? The hon. Minister of State for Finance.

(1540) Hon. Kevin Sorenson : Mr. Speaker, we have had three frivolous points of order now that have taken time from the House. The only comment that the member has given was when she stretched out her point of order. As you have so clearly said, Mr. Speaker, when we do time allocation, when we speak about the budget, we speak about measures in the budget. My hon. friend brought forward a question on agriculture. Only our Conservative government here in the House understands that family farms are the backbone of our country.

That is why I was pleased to join our Minister of Agriculture in Regina to announce more support for our farmers. To allow farm business owners to maintain more of their capital for retirement, economic action plan 2015 would provide funding to increase the lifetime capital gains exemption to $1 million for farmers and fishermen. These are measures that matter to Canadians in the budget, in economic action plan 2015. Ms. Elizabeth May (Saanich—Gulf Islands, GP) : Mr.

Speaker, I regret that it is the Minister of State for Finance who has to answer questions for what is really a move by the Prime Minister's Office and the government House leader to, for the 100th time in this Parliament, shut down debate prematurely. It is particularly egregious when it is done in the case of an omnibus budget bill with many separate sections, none of which received adequate study in committee and now will be rushed through this place. I think very highly of my hon. friend, and the Minister of State for Finance is a friend.

I would not want to assume that he had anything to do with wanting to shut down debate and deprive members of Parliament, like myself, of an opportunity to adequately debate and study the bill. I will put to him that I do not think it had anything whatsoever to do with the budget to decide to imagine away the access to information law, which currently stands as law of the land, to remove it at a time when the information commissioner had already put the Minister of Public Safety on notice that she believed a crime had been committed and required investigation.

Now the substance of that criminal act is to be erased retroactively. Hon. Kevin Sorenson : Mr. Speaker, we have mentioned a number of times that every single measure in Bill C-59 was referenced in the budget. We are very proud of the steps that we are taking to support the economy in economic action plan 2015. Her question was more specific to the access to information. For Canadians who may be watching, and for people in my constituency who may be watching, the main thrust of her question was why we are going the extra measure to get rid of the long gun registry.

It was a commitment that our government fulfilled. It was a commitment we made to end the wasteful, ineffective long gun registry once and for all. Measures in the budget allow us to do that. It was still possible to access the outdated registry through access to information. [ Translation ] Ms. Christine Moore : Mr. Speaker, in the last part of my comment I used language that was unparliamentary. I should have said that I hope we will throw them out for the next 100 years. The Acting Speaker (Mr.

Bruce Stanton) : I thank the member for Abitibi—Témiscamingue for her clarification. [ English ] We will just let the hon. Minister of State finish up and then we are going to go to questions, to the hon. member for Cape Breton—Canso. The hon. Minister of State. Hon. Kevin Sorenson : Mr. Speaker, for Canadians who are wondering what the NDP is doing here, we have had four individuals stand on points of order that were not points of order. NDP members are concerned that they do not have the ability to debate, but they are not asking the questions. They are just throwing frivolous points of order around.

Going back to the question, the will of Parliament was made very clear when it came to the long gun registry. The clarity was that all copies of the registry were to be destroyed. The technical amendment that we are proposing in the budget addresses this problem and it solves it. Our Conservative government was pleased to end the wasteful and ineffective long gun registry once and for all. We know that the opposition parties would want to bring it back.

(1545) Mr. Rodger Cuzner (Cape Breton—Canso, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, I, too, have a lot of respect for my colleague, the Minister of State for Finance . In holding that lofty position with the government, I am sure he is pretty good with math. I know math is hard. We saw that in the Alberta election. I will ask him to help me and in turn help Canadians with this one. When public servants are making $60,000 a year and, let us say, they miss three or four days of work, those jobs are not filled. No replacements come in.

Those days are paid for as part of their salary, yet the government has come up with the number, $900 million in saving, by stealing back sick time from the public servants. How do we not have any additional costs on those sick days, but still put together what I and I think most Canadians think is a phony revenue line in the budget of $900 million. Could he help us through that math? Hon. Kevin Sorenson : Mr. Speaker, my friend mentioned that math is difficult. Obviously, from a party whose leader thinks that budgets balance themselves, it would be very difficult to explain all that to him.

However, I can guarantee that budgets take discipline, hard work and they do not balance themselves. Economic action plan 2015 reaffirms the government's commitment to pursuing a new disability and sick leave management system. The 40-year-old sick leave accumulation system is antiquated and not responsive to the needs of the majority of our employees. Over 60% of the employees in the public service do not have enough banked sick leave to cover the waiting period before assessing long-term disability benefits, and 25% have less than 10 days banked sick leave. This places them at risk of income loss.

A modernized system would provide adequate support for all employees, regardless of age, medical history and service of years. It is fair. Canadians expect us to bring forward a system that would be fair for all, and we intend to do that. [ Translation ] The Acting Speaker (Mr. Bruce Stanton) : The hon. member for Gatineau , for one last question. Ms. Françoise Boivin (Gatineau, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to speak, since we will not have the opportunity to ask many more questions about Bill C-59 .

With regard to this bill, the national media have accused members of all parties of not spending enough time doing the job we were all elected to do in this House. What job would that be? Ensuring that the money we receive from taxpayers across this country is properly spent. What is sad about the government's approach, with its 100th gag order, is that it undermines what should be our most important job. I am talking about conducting in-depth analyses of legislation and being able to hear from different groups.

I heard a number of my colleagues talk about the Privacy Commissioner or about public servants, who negotiated over the years and are going to unilaterally and illegally lose benefits to which they are entitled and for which they made other concessions. There is something obscene about this whole thing, and it seems as though the whole budget process is taken lightly and is carried out behind closed doors. Could my colleague speak to that? [ English ] Hon. Kevin Sorenson : Mr. Speaker, on the member's final point on whether the budget was drafted behind doors, the answer is no.

The finance minister , the parliamentary secretary, myself and a number of others did consultations all across the country, right from the east coast to the west coast. We listened to moms and dads, businessmen and women, first nations groups, those in post-secondary education, and a good balance of Canadians. They brought forward ideas, like lowering taxes for small business. Small businessmen and women would said that as much as the government was already doing, they were still finding it difficult to really prosper and to hire more.

Again, we brought forward measures like lowering those taxes, the accelerated capital cost allowance for manufacturers so they could invest back into their own companies and invest in innovation. We have put money into research so they can succeed. That is the way these budgets are drawn up. We waited for our budget until April because we saw a drop in the oil sector. The finance minister wanted to be certain that the budget we were bringing forward would clearly show where we were and where we would be going. In the rollout of this budget, Canadians know we got it right. We have kept taxes low.

We have helped families. We have helped their security. We got it right. (1550) [ Translation ] The Acting Speaker (Mr. Bruce Stanton) : It is my duty to interrupt the proceedings and put forthwith the question necessary to dispose of the motion now before the House. The question is on the motion. Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? Some hon. members: Agreed. Some hon. members: No. The Acting Speaker (Mr. Bruce Stanton): All those in favour of the motion will please say yea. Some hon. members: Yea. The Acting Speaker (Mr. Bruce Stanton): All those opposed will please say nay.

Some hon. members: Nay. The Acting Speaker (Mr. Bruce Stanton): In my opinion the yeas have it. And five or more members having risen: The Acting Speaker (Mr. Bruce Stanton): Call in the members.

(1630) (The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:) (Division No. 436) YEAS Members Ablonczy Adler Aglukkaq Albas Albrecht Alexander Allen (Tobique—Mactaquac) Allison Ambler Ambrose Anders Anderson Armstrong Ashfield Aspin Barlow Bateman Benoit Bergen Bernier Blaney Block Boughen Braid Breitkreuz Brown (Leeds—Grenville) Brown (Newmarket—Aurora) Bruinooge Butt Calandra Calkins Cannan Carmichael Carrie Chong Clarke Clement Crockatt Daniel Davidson Dechert Dreeshen Duncan (Vancouver Island North) Dykstra Eglinski Falk Fast Findlay (Delta—Richmond East) Finley (Haldimand—Norfolk) Fletcher Galipeau Gallant Gill Glover Goguen Goldring Goodyear Gourde Harris (Cariboo—Prince George) Hawn Hayes Hiebert Hillyer Hoback Holder James Kamp (Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge—Mission) Keddy (South Shore—St.

Margaret'

s) Kent Kerr Komarnicki Kramp (Prince Edward—Hastings) Lake Lauzon Leef Leitch Lemieux Leung Lobb Lukiwski Lunney MacKay (Central Nova) MacKenzie Maguire Mayes McColeman McLeod Menegakis Miller Moore (Port Moody—Westwood—Port Coquitlam) Moore (Fundy Royal) Nicholson Norlock Obhrai O'Connor Oliver O'Neill Gordon O'Toole Paradis Payne Perkins Poilievre Preston Raitt Rajotte Reid Rempel Richards Rickford Saxton Schellenberger Seeback Shory Smith Sopuck Sorenson Storseth Strahl Sweet Toet Trost Trottier Truppe Uppal Valcourt Van Kesteren Van Loan Wallace Warawa Warkentin Watson Weston (West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country) Wilks Williamson Wong Woodworth Yelich Young (Oakville) Young (Vancouver South) Yurdiga Zimmer -- 141 NAYS Members Adams Allen (Welland) Andrews Angus Ashton Atamanenko Aubin Ayala Bélanger Bellavance Bennett Benskin Bevington Blanchette Blanchette-Lamothe Boivin Borg Boulerice Brahmi Brison Byrne Casey Cash Charlton Chicoine Chisholm Choquette Christopherson Cleary Comartin Côté Cotler Crowder Cullen Cuzner Davies (Vancouver Kingsway) Davies (Vancouver East) Day Dewar Dion Dionne Labelle Donnelly Doré Lefebvre Dubé Dubourg Duncan (Edmonton—Strathcona) Dusseault Easter Eyking Foote Freeland Freeman Garneau Garrison Giguère Godin Goodale Gravelle Groguhé Harris (St.

John's East) Hsu Hughes Julian Kellway Lamoureux Lapointe Latendresse Laverdière LeBlanc (Beauséjour) LeBlanc (LaSalle—Émard) Liu MacAulay Mai Marston Martin Masse Mathyssen May McCallum McGuinty McKay (Scarborough—Guildwood) Michaud Moore (Abitibi—Témiscamingue) Morin (Chicoutimi—Le Fjord) Morin (Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Lachine) Morin (Laurentides—Labelle) Morin (Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot) Mourani Mulcair Murray Nash Nunez-Melo Pacetti Papillon Péclet Perreault Pilon Plamondon Quach Rafferty Rankin Ravignat Raynault Regan Saganash Sandhu Scarpaleggia Scott Sellah Sgro Simms (Bonavista—Gander—Grand Falls—Windsor) Sims (Newton—North Delta) Sitsabaiesan St-Denis Stewart Stoffer Sullivan Toone Tremblay Trudeau Valeriote Vaughan -- 122 PAIRED Nil The Acting Speaker (Mr.

Bruce Stanton) : I declare the motion carried. Motion agreed to [ English ] I wish to inform the House that because of the proceedings on the time allocation motion, government orders will be extended by 30 minutes. The hon. government House leader. Hon. Peter Van Loan (Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, documents containing the government's responses to order paper Questions Nos. 1,187 to 1,193, and 1,195 to 1,205.

(1635) [ Translation ] Report Stage Bill C-59. Report stage The House resumed from June 9 consideration of Bill C-59,

An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on April 21, 2015 and other measures , as reported (without amendment) from the committee, and of the motions in Group No. 1. Mr. François Choquette (Drummond, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, today is a sad day, for it is the 100th time the Conservative government has put a gag order on members. We must not forget that the role of members in this House is to represent our constituents and stand up for their ideas and their aspirations.

I represent the people of the riding of Drummond, and they want me to be able to have my say on this bill to implement certain provisions of the budget. The bill is extremely important, because it will have a significant impact on their lives. Unfortunately, the Conservatives have imposed a 100th gag order, which is a new record. It is completely shameful. On top of that, we are nearing the end of this term. Fortunately, we will have the chance to get rid of this Conservative government in the upcoming election.

I am very pleased nonetheless to have this tremendous opportunity to speak to this bad bill, an opportunity that some of my colleagues will unfortunately not have. Once again, the Conservatives have introduced an omnibus budget implementation bill. This mammoth bill was drafted in order to ram through—to say nothing of the gag order—hundreds of changes to a number of laws, without any study or scrutiny. Let us talk about the Conservatives' bad ideas that are going to hurt the middle class.

On the weekend, I attended half a dozen events where I met with people from Drummond's middle class and those who aspire to be part of the middle class. They told me that the NDP's measures would encourage the middle class and that the Conservatives' measures, such as income splitting, would certainly not help them. That measure will benefit only the wealthiest 15% of our society. It is not going to help the people who truly need help in the riding of Drummond, and it will cost taxpayers billions of dollars. Canadians need our help.

They need us to set a $15 an hour national minimum wage and implement a national child care program. With that improvement, Quebec would have a better-quality child care system. Canadians need us to cancel the $36 billion in cuts to health care that the Conservatives are planning to make over the next decade. These are bad decisions the Conservative government is making. The Conservatives are also increasing the TFSA contribution limit. This will also benefit the wealthiest in our society, but there is nothing for the middle class or the people in Drummond who aspire to be part of it.

Families in Drummondville and the greater Drummond area want a responsible government that will address the challenges of this decade and this century, such as the fight against climate change. There is nothing in this budget implementation bill about the environment or the fight against climate change. We need to stimulate the economy, but we need an economy that is in line with the three pillars of sustainable development. I do not need to remind the House that the leader of the NDP, the member for Outremont , is the one who implemented the Sustainable Development Act in Quebec.

He is the father of sustainable development. He is very familiar with the three pillars of sustainable development, whether we are talking about the economy or respect for the environment. Of course we need to stimulate the economy, but in doing so we need to be respectful of the environment and workers. Unfortunately, there is nothing about that in this budget.

(1640) It was not surprising to see that on his recent trip to Europe for the G7 summit, the Prime Minister sabotaged the efforts of the heads of state in this organization. They wanted to reach an agreement, to take a strong stand by limiting climate change and achieving carbon neutrality or no carbon emissions by 2050. Unfortunately, the Conservative government, led by this Prime Minister, sabotaged the G7's vision by extending that timeframe far into the future. He said that our goal should be 2100. Once again, this government is passing problems on to future generations.

As his Minister of Finance said, the Prime Minister's grandchildren will have to deal with this problem. That does not make any sense. It is a total lack of responsibility. Canada definitely needs an NDP government because the NDP is the only party that can replace this tired, irresponsible government that does not care about future generations. An NDP government will make these kinds of changes. There is no mention in this budget of programs to transition to green energy sources. As I mentioned, the government shows no desire to do so. Its weak Copenhagen target will not even be reached.

This Conservative government was the only government in the world to withdraw from Kyoto. They are really out to lunch when they talk about the economy of the future. What, exactly, does that mean? It means an economy that will transition to green energy sources. The Conservative government has no plan to invest in green energy sources in its budget. It has no plan to stop subsidizing fossil fuels. Every year, Canada's fossil fuel industry receives some $1.3 billion in subsidies and all kinds of assistance. That is a huge amount of money that goes to companies that do not need it.

Oil and gas companies, as well as companies in the coal industry, do not represent the economy of the future. The economy of the future involves transitioning towards green energy sources and energy efficiency. Mr. Speaker, I see that I have just two minutes left. Time flies. That is why, as I said, it does not make sense to have a gag order. A few months ago, I moved a motion on energy efficiency. Unfortunately, the Conservatives opposed it. I would like to refer to some other reports, but since I do not have much time left, I will conclude with a few words about a report entitled “Acting on Climate Change”.

This is a solution proposed by 60 Canadian scholars. These scientists from across Canada have proposed solutions to address climate change. The government could have found some inspiration there. The report is non-partisan and unbiased. According to the report, the first thing we need to do is put a price on carbon. We need a national emissions cap and trade system like the one that Quebec and California belong to. The NDP's proposals are similar. The report also calls for the elimination of fossil fuel industry subsidies. The $1.3 billion I mentioned could be allocated to green solutions.

That would create 10 times more jobs. There would be 10 times more jobs for the people of Drummond if the government took that money and invested it in green energy. In addition, investments in building and maintaining infrastructure would have to tie in to a long-term decarbonization goal. There are so many economic measures the Conservative government could have taken to turn our economy into a low-carbon-emissions economy, but it did not. It is not doing anything for the environment and has no vision for the future in that regard.

(1645) The only party that has a vision for the future and can replace the Conservative government is the NDP, and that is what we will do on October 19. We will propose a comprehensive vision that integrates sustainable development, and we will grow the economy while respecting the environment and social issues. [ English ] Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Winnipeg North, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, budgets are about priorities and the Liberal Party would argue that the government has its priorities all wrong. They are not the priorities of Canadians.

It is important to recognize that under the the current government, middle-class Canadians have had to work longer and harder just to make ends meet. That is not right. We are months away from an election and the budget debate provides us the opportunity to show some contrast. I would like to present some contrast and see if the member would like to do likewise for the NDP. A Liberal government, for example, would make the tax system fairer and cut the middle-class tax rate by 7%. That is a $3 billion tax cut for those who need it the most.

The Liberal plan would also provide one bigger, fairer tax-free monthly cheque to help families with the high costs of raising their kids. We would also ask the wealthiest Canadians to pay a little more so the middle-class can pay less. The Liberals would cancel the Prime Minister 's income splitting and other tax breaks for the wealthy. We would introduce a new tax bracket for the top 1% of incomes over $200,000. Would the member not agree that giving strength to Canada's middle class would give strength to Canada's economy, and that it is the way of the future? [ Translation ] Mr. François Choquette : Mr.

Speaker, I thank my colleague from Winnipeg North . I agree that the Conservatives have made some poor choices, and that is why I am mentioning it. People need to understand that the only party that is ready to replace the Conservatives is the NDP. We need to get rid of income splitting and the increase in the TFSA limit, because those measures help only the richest 15%. People in my riding tell me that we need to look after the middle class first, because members of the middle class are the ones who are having a hard time making ends meet. We also need to look after those who aspire to join the middle class.

That is why we have a plan for small businesses. Drummond has a long list of examples of successful small and medium-sized businesses that were set up by innovative, creative people. Those are the people we need to help, so that they can create jobs. Eighty per cent of new jobs are created by SMEs, and the NDP government will support SMEs to help create jobs. Mr. Raymond Côté (Beauport—Limoilou, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for Drummond for his speech. I would like to pick up on what he said about the new economy and the extraordinary opportunities that come with protecting the environment.

There is a very telling statistic about the Conservative reign. In 2006, the employment rate was 62.8% and in 2014 it was only 61.4%, which is a rather shameful statistic considering the economic recovery that followed the crisis. It also stands to reason that with the upheaval related to the drop in the price of oil, the employment rate fell further in 2015. It really is too bad that we did not take up the challenge and start transitioning to a new economy, one that is more respectful and that gives people more autonomy in order to reduce their dependence on oil.

Would my colleague like to elaborate on the benefits of creating good-quality, well-paying jobs for middle-class families? Mr. François Choquette : Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my hon. colleague from Beauport—Limoilou , who is doing excellent work on environmental concerns at the Port of Québec. I am very proud because we cannot move the economy into the future in any old way. There has to be a vision for sustainable development. I am so proud to be a member of the New Democratic Party, whose leader is the author of Quebec's Sustainable Development Act.

He knows exactly what it means to move the economy forward while respecting the environment and the social concerns of workers and people. When the people of Drummond hear about sustainable development and support for SMEs, they are truly happy because they know that is the way of the future. They know that 80% of new jobs are created by SMEs and that we need to give SMEs the opportunity to grow. That is why we have a plan that will not only let SMEs grow and develop, but will help them to create jobs and hire people. We also want to take back the $1.3 billion in subsidies to oil and gas companies.

It is shameful that this money is used for that when it should be used to create the sustainable economies of the future. We must not pass problems on to our grandchildren or, as the Minister of Finance said, pass the problems on to the Prime Minister 's grandchildren. That makes no sense. (1650) [ English ] Mr. Larry Maguire (Brandon—Souris, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, we have kept our promise to Canadians, and the budget is balanced. Some underestimate the discipline involved. It was widely reported that there were some in the House that believed budgets magically balanced themselves.

However, nothing could be further from the truth. Let me state for the record and the benefit of all members that magic cannot be counted on to balance the budget, and Hogwarts is not the London School of Economics. Our budget is balanced due to the fiscal responsibility of our government, not by waiving the magic wand. While the Liberals and the NDP are making billions of dollars in new political promises, I encourage both of those parties to dust off their calculators as their numbers do not add up. In fact, their budgetary plans have more holes in them than Swiss cheese.

Balanced budgets are the only way to ensure long-term prosperity in our economy. It allows for further tax relief for hard-working families and for our seniors. It bolsters our top credit rating, supports lower interest payments and protects health care transfers to the provinces. We cannot borrow our way to prosperity, no matter what some of our opposition colleagues might say. Now is not the time to spend money we do not have, which, if done, would only lead to massive deficits and larger debt payments.

For generations, Westman families have understood the path to prosperity and that we must not compromise tomorrow by spending recklessly today or pile on debt that we cannot afford. Rather, we must invest sensibly for a financially secure future. My approach of standing up for hard-working taxpayers has been clear and consistent: take as little as possible and give back as much as we can. That is why I am pleased to stand and voice my support for this budget implementation act, as federal taxes are now the lowest they have been in 50 years.

Countless seniors from my constituency of Brandon—Souris , and from across the country, have been taken off the tax rolls completely. Benefits are going directly to families, and we have reduced numerous taxes rather than funding an over-burgeoning and inefficient bureaucracy that can help few. I also support this budget implementation act and budget 2015 because our Conservative government is supporting the good people of Manitoba like never before. Since 2006, under the leadership of our Prime Minister , health care transfers have risen by 57%.

Unlike the previous Liberal government that drastically cut and slashed vital health care funding to Manitoba and other provinces to balance its federal budget, we took a much different approach. In fact, federal support has never been higher. I am also pleased that the new building Canada plan is making critical infrastructure investments to grow Westman's economy, such as tripling the size of Manitoba's regional airport terminal at McGill Field, expanding the town of Deloraine's water treatment plant, and ensuring more homes and farms have access to clean drinking water in the rural municipality of Elton.

I would be remiss not to point out that the opposition voted against the funding of all these projects. The people of Westman are not pleased that every time the NDP and the Liberals have a chance to stand up for Brandon—Souris, they have sat on their hands. While the Liberals like to crow about infrastructure funding, they forget that their record of investing in Manitoba is abysmal. We only have to look at their lackluster infrastructure record of only investing $370 million in Manitoba over 12 years. In comparison, our Conservative government has already invested $