OFFICIAL REPORT (HANSARD)

House of Commons Debates Volume 151 No. 239 1st SESSION 44th PARLIAMENT Wednesday, October 25, 2023 Speaker: The Honourable Greg Fergus HOUSE OF COMMONS CANADA (Table of Contents appears at back of this issue.) COMMONS DEBATES October 25, 2023 DEBATES No. 239 No. 239 N o 239 Volume 151 239 25 10 2023 2023/10/25 14:05:00 Débats de la Chambre des communes House of Commons Debates House Of Commons 1 44

The House met at 2 p.m. Prayer

Statements by Members

(1405) [ Translation ]

The Speaker :

It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem led by the hon. member for Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation . [ Members sang the national anthem ]

Statements by Members Statements by Members

[ Translation ] Homelessness Awareness Night

Mrs. Élisabeth Brière (Sherbrooke, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, it was a unique experience for me to participate in the 22nd edition of Homelessness Awareness Night in Sherbrooke on Friday. Over 200 people were there to raise public awareness of the growing vulnerability of those who have no choice but to live on the streets. Many organizations also demonstrated their support for the cause. I want to thank the Salvation Army, Chaudronnée de l'Estrie, CAP, Coop de solidarité l'Autre-Toit and all of the other organizations that help to fight hunger, prevent trauma and eradicate extreme poverty.

I walked, ate some delicious chili and talked about the reality of homelessness with Michel‑Alexandre, Jérémie and Alexandre. Events like this one show that the people of Sherbrooke are concerned about homelessness and that they are prepared to take action to fight it.

[ English ] Special Olympics Canada Winter Games

Mr. Len Webber (Calgary Confederation, CPC) :

Mr. Speaker, the Olympics are back in Calgary. I was there for the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, and I will be there in February for the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games. Qualified athletes from across Canada will compete in eight sports with inspiring enthusiasm. The athletes, together with their families, friends, coaches, officials, mission staff and over 4,000 visitors, will generate significant economic activity for our community. However, to make this event an absolute success, we need our community to help.

Olympic medallist and games co-chair Cheryl Bernard and her team are looking for 1,200 volunteers to help roll out the red carpet and make the events run smoothly. People can find all the details on their website, calgary2024.specialolympics.ca. There are so many ways to be a part of the volunteer experience. I encourage all Calgarians to consider volunteering so that we can make the games a great success.

Canadian Italian Business Professional Association

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

Mr. Speaker, for over seven decades, the Canadian Italian Business Professional Association, CIBPA, has been a leading voice in our community, playing an instrumental role in recognizing the achievements of more than 1.5 million Italian Canadians across Canada. CIBPA's inception marked a significant moment in the Italo-Canadian journey. It was founded to address difficulties experienced by Italian immigrants seeking to establish themselves in Canadian society.

This Friday, CIBPA Toronto celebrates its 71st annual President's Ball, featuring the spirit of unity that defines the community and the ongoing contributions of Italian Canadians to all aspects of society. I wish to congratulate this year's CIBPA award recipients: Dr. Gianluigi Bisleri, Rocco Rossi, Victoria Mancinelli, Carmen Principato, Anthony Ricciardi and Dr. Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano on their individual accomplishments. The Italian Canadian story of hard work, sacrifice and generosity is one I am proud of and one my children will know well.

On behalf of my colleagues and the Italian Canadian community, auguri to this year's award recipients for their recognition.

[ Translation ] Société Alzheimer Laurentides

Ms. Marie-Hélène Gaudreau (Laurentides—Labelle, BQ) :

Mr. Speaker, for 40 years, Société Alzheimer Laurentides, based in Sainte‑Agathe‑des‑Monts, has worked tirelessly to support people with all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's. It also provides support to caregivers and families in the vast Laurentian region. I would like to highlight the invaluable contribution that this organization makes within the community. All workers and volunteers are the backbone of the organization, because they provide a social safety net and ensure that patients are treated with humanity.

In my personal life, I have witnessed the immense contribution of these organizations and what they do. They have my gratitude and appreciation. Having had to live with my father when he was losing his autonomy, I know first-hand that these services need to be there for communities. Let us ensure the sustainability of Société Alzheimer Laurentides.

(1410) Macadam Sud

Mrs. Sherry Romanado (Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the exceptional achievements of Macadam Sud, an organization in my riding that is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Macadam Sud's mission is to support and empower troubled adolescents and young adults by tackling issues such as homelessness, mental health, school drop-outs and isolation, to name just a few. A large part of the Macadam Sud team is made up of street outreach workers. They meet young people in their environment and offer them support without judging them, with respect and dignity.

I want to congratulate all the members of the current Macadam Sud team for the important work they are doing. I also want to thank all those who, over the past 40 years, have contributed to the organization's mission and consequently enabled many young people in Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne to improve their quality of life. I wish Macadam Sud continued success.

[ English ] Ted Farr

Mr. Dan Albas (Central Okanagan—Similkameen—Nicola, CPC) :

Mr. Speaker, Canadian radio lost a good one this month. Ted Farr began his radio career 54 years ago, in 1969. Many remember “Tall Ted” on CKLG's Doc Harris Show . Ted's colleagues have remembered him for being an outstanding coach and mentor. I met Ted at Kelowna's AM 1150, where he led the news team. Ted was dedicated in all that he did. Ted Farr's interviews always got to the heart of the issue; and not just what the news was, but how it affected people in their daily lives. Ted was a dedicated husband and father and a proud grandfather.

He championed his kids: his son Jonathan, who sadly predeceased him in 2008; and his daughter Natalie. Grandson Jonathan was Ted's joy and he was so proud of watching him play and grow in lacrosse. Ted and wife Terrie, also known as T&T, celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary on October 1. Ted's own words to Terrie were, “Your love and support for 52 years has been priceless.” I send my deepest condolences to Terrie, Natalie and grandson Jonathan. To quote Ted's favourite expression, “If you couldn't play tomorrow, how hard would you play today?”

Prince Edward Island Marathon

Mr. Sean Casey (Charlottetown, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, 10 days ago, the Prince Edward Island Marathon was run on a clear, cool morning in Charlottetown. More than 3,000 people from all over the world participated in multiple categories. The P.E.I. Marathon started from humble beginnings, until 19 years ago when Myrtle Jenkins-Smith saw the potential to professionalize it, make it into a Boston Marathon qualifier, draw in corporate partners, ramp up the promotion and make it into a huge tourist draw. Myrtle has been the heart and soul of what is now a weekend that runners everywhere have circled on their calendars.

Myrtle has tweaked and perfected the formula that keeps volunteers, sponsors, spectators and runners coming back year after year. The P.E.I. Marathon is but one of so many enduring contributions that Myrtle has made to better our community and the lives of so many. Myrtle truly has dedicated her life to service and excelled at every turn. Islanders are truly fortunate to count her as one of our own.

Louis Riel

Ms. Yvonne Jones (Labrador, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise in the House to honour Louis Riel, a man who continues to inspire generations of Métis leaders in Canada and the respect of all Canadians. Riel was a father of the Métis Nation and the founder of Manitoba. He was a political leader who fearlessly fought for the rights of all Métis citizens at a time when his people faced persecution and oppression because of their culture, values and way of life. Today, in front of the House, we have Bill C-53 , which would recognize the rights of Métis in Canada.

I call on everyone to reflect on the importance of Métis in Canada and support the rights and recognition of Métis people. In recognizing Riel's unwavering commitment to the vitality and prosperity of Métis in Canada, the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan will be hosting a reception this evening in the Speaker's lounge. I hope that colleagues in the House will join the Métis Nation in celebrating the incredible life and legacy of Louis Riel.

(1415) Carbon Tax

Mr. Todd Doherty (Cariboo—Prince George, CPC) :

Mr. Speaker, after eight long years of the NDP-Liberal government, Canadians are finding life more difficult each and every day. The tripling of the carbon tax is having a devastating effect. It is raising the cost of everything from gas to groceries to home heating fuel. Canadians are struggling just to get by. According to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, B.C. is one of the most expensive places to live. British Columbians are being “raked over the coals”. The Prime Minister just does not understand.

Higher taxes means it costs more to grow the food; it costs more to ship the food; and, ultimately, it costs more to buy the food. When Prince George resident Brian Wourms opened up his gas bill, almost half was tax. We need to end this nightmare. The Prime Minister is out of touch and just not worth the cost.

Tragedy in Sault Ste. Marie

Mr. Terry Sheehan (Sault Ste. Marie, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, our hearts are broken in Sault Ste. Marie. Families have been shattered by intimate partner violence. Children who had a bright future ahead of them, with untold potential, have been lost. To the families and friends of the victims, I send my deepest condolences. To the school community and to the residents of the Soo, I hear in their voices their pain. We will be there for them. It is so important that, as a community, we reach out to our friends, family members, therapists and counsellors in such a time.

I would be remiss if I did not recognize the first responders whose lives will be significantly changed for the rest of their lives. We are going to stand together. We will mourn together and we will heal together because, as a community, we will get through these very tragic days in Sault Ste. Marie and Canada. I thank all who have reached out to me and to my community. My heart goes out to the families.

[ Translation ] Bloc Québécois

Mr. Gérard Deltell (Louis-Saint-Laurent, CPC) :

Mr. Speaker, after eight years of Liberal government, a growing number of Quebeckers are realizing how costly it is to vote for the Bloc Québécois. Twice, the Bloc has voted to keep the two carbon taxes. The first tax has direct impacts in Quebec and the second is going to cost up to 20¢ more a litre at the gas pumps. That is not all. Last Monday, the RCMP commissioner appeared before the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics. He came to testify in the SNC-Lavalin case. Before he could utter a word, Liberal members asked to adjourn the meeting.

Who voted for that adjournment with the Liberals? That was the Bloc Québécois. The Bloc member for Trois-Rivières prevented the RCMP boss from testifying when he was right there in the committee room. How can the Bloc Québécois side with the Liberals when ethics are at stake? How can the Bloc Québécois side with the Liberals to protect the Liberal Prime Minister ? Whether in terms of money or ethics, voting for the Bloc Québécois is costly.

[ English ] Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada

Mr. Damien Kurek (Battle River—Crowfoot, CPC) :

Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, members of the NDP-Liberal government shut down the ethics committee before we could hear from the RCMP commissioner, who was there to testify about the documents the Liberal Prime Minister refused to release that hindered their criminal investigation into the SNC-Lavalin scandal. All of this happened after the Prime Minister hid behind cabinet confidence. This type of behaviour is disgraceful and shows clearly that the Liberals, with the help of the NDP, seem to be hiding and protecting the Prime Minister. No one, not even the Prime Minister, should be above the law.

After eight years, the corrupt NDP-Liberal government has not only worsened the livelihoods of Canadians but also seen trust in government disappear as quickly as a Liberal election promise. Canadians deserve to know whether the Prime Minister broke the law to help his friends. My question is simple: If he has nothing to hide, why is the cover-up coalition going to such lengths to keep the facts from coming to light?

(1420) Ian Shugart

Hon. David Lametti (LaSalle—Émard—Verdun, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with the sad news that Canada has lost a loyal and faithful public servant. Our friend and colleague, Senator Ian Shugart, has left us after a battle with cancer. Ian was born in Ottawa and educated at Trinity College, U of T, before taking a degree in political economy. Ian cut his political teeth as a policy adviser to two Right Honourables, Joe Clark and Brian Mulroney. When the Conservatives were elected to govern in 1984, he first became a policy adviser and then chief of staff to Minister Jake Epp.

During this time, he played a pivotal role in historic events, such as the patriation of the Constitution and the development of the charter, and working, among other things, on child care, labour market agreements and the Meech Lake accord. In 1991, Ian entered the public service, rising to many important roles, successive deputy minister positions, with a substantive impact in many areas, including health, labour, climate and global affairs. Finally, in 2019, he was named by the Prime Minister as the 24th Clerk of the Privy Council.

He would serve in this role for two years, marked by the outset of a global pandemic, until his health forced him to step aside. When the situation looked more positive, in 2022, he returned to public service as a senator and with a deserved role at the Munk School. Ian's public service was punctuated not only by his intellect but also by his practical wisdom. I would add, too, his stability and kindness.

As a rookie cabinet minister on some challenging files, I will always appreciate the many kind words from Ian before, after and sometimes during cabinet meetings, whether spoken or in the form of an encouraging note. On behalf of all Canadians, we are thankful for Ian's dedicated service to this country and to our public institutions. We thank him for his thoughtfulness. To Linda, family and friends, please accept our condolences. Rest in peace, friend.

The Speaker :

He was indeed a great public servant. The hon. member for Edmonton Strathcona.

Women's Rights

Ms. Heather McPherson (Edmonton Strathcona, NDP) :

Mr. Speaker, the world is a dangerous place for women. In the DRC, women are facing the world's highest rates of sexual and gender-based violence. MSF reports that sexual violence now is a public health emergency in the Central African Republic. In Afghanistan and Iran, women's rights are non-existent. In Canada, women who speak up are attacked, not just in politics but also in journalism, on social media and in their communities. I am alarmed by the exclusion of Muslim and Jewish women's voices from critical conversations on Israel and Palestine.

Canada claims to have a feminist foreign policy, but where are the investments? As Sudan's Hala Al-Karib said recently, only paying lip service to the women, peace and security agenda without insisting on women's rights and women's meaningful participation in peace and political processes is not enough. Canada must do better.

[ Translation ] Macadam Sud

Mr. Denis Trudel (Longueuil—Saint-Hubert, BQ) :

Mr. Speaker, we are currently seeing a troubling rise in food insecurity and homelessness, a housing crisis that will likely be long and gruelling, and unbearable inflation rates that are primarily affecting the less fortunate, including the young people in our communities. In my riding, Macadam Sud supports young people between the ages of 12 and 35 and gives them the tools they need to improve their living conditions with respect and human dignity, especially those who find themselves marginalized when it comes to education, family and the labour market.

I rise today to recognize the 40th anniversary of this organization, which has dedicated the last 40 years to supporting the community, helping young and marginalized people live decent lives, and making a real difference in the lives of all families in Longueuil. Speaking for myself and on behalf of all Bloc Québécois members, I would like to thank Macadam Sud.

[ English ] Housing

Mrs. Karen Vecchio (Elgin—Middlesex—London, CPC) :

Mr. Speaker, after eight years, too many Canadians are suffering at the hands of crippling mortgage rates. According to a CBC

article published this week, a Calgary senior sold his home due to interest rate hikes and is still unable to find an affordable rental. Seniors are forced to couch surf, find roommates, or rent a bedroom in a basement apartment. Under the NDP-Liberal government, the very people who built this country are being forced to sell their homes, with nowhere left to turn except the workforce. Seniors should not be forced out of retirement to make ends meet and achieve their dream of owning a home.

It is clear that the NDP-Liberal government is not capable of ensuring housing stability and protecting Canadians of all ages, the thousands of Canadians fighting homelessness and desperate for a change. The Prime Minister is not worth the cost. It is time for Canadians to have a common sense government that brings down inflation and interest rates so hard-working people can keep their homes and a secure life.

(1425) Member for Vancouver Centre

Hon. Steven MacKinnon (Gatineau, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, it is a very “heady” day in the House as we honour a true trailblazer. Thirty years ago today, the voters of Vancouver Centre opted for a fresh alternative over her opponent, a Conservative prime minister. They chose a physician who was running as the Liberal candidate for the first time. Since October 25, 1993, voters in that constituency have voted Liberal, and they have elected her in 10 successive elections. She is now the longest-serving female member of Parliament in Canadian history.

She has been the parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Health and the Secretary of State for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women. Over three decades, she has been a supporter of a strong health care system and a champion for the LGBTQ+ community. She currently chairs the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, and back home she is beloved by her fellow residents of Vancouver. Indeed, the City of Vancouver has proclaimed today as a day in her name. Canada has been fortunate to have her in the House.

Oral Questions Oral Questions

[ Translation ] Carbon Pricing

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

Mr. Speaker, after eight years in power, this Prime Minister is not worth the price of food. According to a devastating report, in one month alone there were two million visits to food banks. That is by far the highest level of use in the history of Canada, and that, after eight years of this Prime Minister. Will he finally reverse his plan to radically increase the taxes imposed on farmers and truck drivers who deliver our food?

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, I will answer that question in a moment.

I want to begin by sharing a few thoughts about Senator Shugart. [ English ] It is with incredible sadness that I rise in this place to mourn the loss of our friend and fellow parliamentarian, Senator Ian Shugart. [ Translation ] Senator Shugart spent his entire career in the service of others and his contributions have been invaluable. [ English ] He was an incredible clerk to the current government, and I know he was also a valuable deputy minister to the Leader of the Opposition when he was in government. [ Translation ] I offer my deepest condolences to his family, his friends, his Senate colleagues and his former public service colleagues.

[ English ]

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

Mr. Speaker, indeed, Ian Shugart was my deputy minister. He was a brilliant public servant, serving both political parties and serving Canadians in the Senate. All of us mourn with his family at the tragic loss of this great Canadian public servant. (1430) [ Translation ] I want to quote Food Banks Canada, which said, “Rates of food insecurity in Canada—the number of people living in households struggling to afford food due to lack of money—have increased to the highest levels on record.” This is happening after eight years of this Prime Minister's inflationary taxes and deficits.

Why does the Prime Minister want to deprive Canadians of food just so he can increase taxes at the expense of Canadians and families?

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, on the contrary, over the years, we have helped lift 500,000 children out of poverty with the Canada child benefit, a measure that the Conservatives campaigned against. We have helped people create economic opportunities. We know that people are struggling right now. That is why we are stepping up to help them with measures like $10-a-day child care, dental care for children and even more family allowance cheques. The Conservative Party opposed all of those measures. We will continue to be there to help families in these difficult times. We will continue to invest in them and help them rather than making cuts like the Conservative Party is proposing.

[ English ]

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

Mr. Speaker, there he goes telling Canadians they have never had it so good when, after eight years, he is not worth the cost of food. According to the HungerCount by Food Banks Canada, “the number of people living in households struggling to afford food due to lack of money” has “increased to the highest levels on record.” There is a record-smashing two million visits to Canadian food banks in a month, and his plan is to quadruple the carbon tax on the farmers and the truckers who bring us our food. How many Canadians have to go hungry or homeless before he axes this terrible tax?

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, we know that Canadians are struggling with the costs of food and groceries and housing. That is why we continue to step up to support them with measures like $10-a-day child care, dental care for children and child benefit cheques, all measures that the Conservative Party has stood against. We will continue to help Canadians. We will continue our work to lift hundreds of thousands of kids out of poverty and to lift over a million Canadians out of poverty. However, there is much more to do, and we will keep doing it instead of giving in to the Conservatives' demands for more cuts, cuts to services for Canadians and cuts to supports that people rely on.

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

Mr. Speaker, actually, Canadians are making cuts to their food. They are cutting back on their standard of living after eight years under the Prime Minister , who is not worth the cost. I will go back to that nightmarish report from Food Banks Canada, where one Nova Scotian reported to researchers, “Seniors are having trouble with home heating and many times have to choose between food and heating.” With heating bills coming up again soon and a cold winter expected, Nova Scotians will have to pay his carbon tax, which he plans to quadruple. How many Nova Scotia seniors will have to go homeless or hungry in order to pay for his massive carbon tax hike?

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, if the hon. member actually cared about seniors, he would not have been part of the government that raised the retirement age, driving seniors further into poverty. We brought it back to 65. We continued to step up with supports for seniors, and we are going to continue to stand to defend their pensions as well. While his Conservative colleagues are attacking the CPP, he has finally realized that perhaps the CPP is a good thing and has come out in defence of it. This is after a decade of attacking seniors and their pensions, of attacking the CPP. We are going to continue unequivocally to stand to support seniors right across the country, unlike the Leader of the Opposition .

Housing

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

Mr. Speaker, not only have we always defended the CPP, but the number of seniors requiring food banks was also drastically lower when we were in government. Let me quote a British Columbian, who reported the following in the Food Banks Canada report: “The cost of housing is indescribable. Many of our users are paying 50% of their annual income in rent, providing they can find accommodations.” This is the housing hell the Prime Minister and the NDP have caused after eight years. Will he realize that we do not need more photo ops and we do not need more bureaucracy? Instead, we need more homes.

(1435) Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, as the Leader of the Opposition has put forward no plan for housing, he lacks credibility on this issue. We are taking bold action to get more affordable homes built. Indeed, just today, the Minister of Housing is in British Columbia, in Kelowna, for our most recent housing accelerator announcement. This will streamline building permits and allow for high-density housing near public transit, spurring the construction of up to 20,000 new housing units over the next decade in Kelowna.

We are also working with Kelowna to make city-owned lands available for housing, in partnership with non-profits, and we look forward to signing more agreements right across the country, delivering for Canadians on housing.

[ Translation ] Intergovernmental Affairs

Mr. Yves-François Blanchet (Beloeil—Chambly, BQ) :

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the National Assembly of Quebec unanimously passed a motion asserting the economic viability of a possible sovereign Quebec, another in a series of unanimous motions that speak for all of Quebec. Regardless of his personal preference, does the Prime Minister recognize Quebec's ability to succeed economically as an independent country?

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, the Bloc Québécois's attempts to reignite a debate on federal-provincial bickering continue to boggle my mind. The reality is that, of course, Quebeckers are a proud people from a proud nation ready to build a better future, but they know very well that their brightest future is within Canada. That is why, as the Canadian government, we are here to invest in things like the Réseau express métropolitain de Montréal, Northvolt, Davie and the lithium mines, all hand in hand with the Quebec government to build a better future for all Quebeckers and all Canadians.

Mr. Yves-François Blanchet (Beloeil—Chambly, BQ) :

Mr. Speaker, Quebec has heard the “we want change” rhetoric before. However, I would remind the Prime Minister, who claims to speak for the masses, that everyone, including the Premier of Quebec, voted in favour of the motion saying that Quebec is capable. I am not asking if that is what he wants. I am not asking if he knows how to count. I am asking him if he agrees with the statement that Quebec is capable of being an economically sovereign country. That is all.

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, over the past few years, I have been very pleased to make announcements alongside Premier Legault, during which we have talked a lot about the importance of reducing the wealth gap between Quebec and the other provinces. That is because we know that Quebec is capable of doing more, and we know that Quebec is poised for economic growth. We are here to help and support people. Canada is here to capitalize on the economic growth and leadership that Quebeckers are capable of and that they demonstrate every day. We will continue to work hand in hand with Quebeckers to build a prosperous future for all.

[ English ] The Economy

Mr. Jagmeet Singh (Burnaby South, NDP) :

Mr. Speaker, two million Canadians had to use the food bank in one month alone. This is the direct result of Liberals and Conservatives who continue to distract from what is going on. The real reason for what is causing this, as Canadians knew really well when they were asked the question, is greedy CEOs. Why will the Prime Minister not understand what Canadians already do?

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, we understand and we see first-hand how Canadians are struggling with the cost of food, groceries and housing. That is why we are taking concrete actions to support them through this, whether it be with the grocery rebate, whether it be with $10-a-day child care, whether it be with dental care that is going to support young children, whether it be with the initiatives we are taking across this country to create good jobs and economic growth, whether it be with the GST rebate cheques, or whether it be with the climate action rebate that is putting money in people's pockets right across the country.

We are going to continue to be there for Canadians, as we have been in years past, as we lifted hundreds of thousands of kids out of poverty and as we lifted over a million Canadians out of poverty. We know that there is more work to do, and we are going to continue to do it.

(1440) Mr. Jagmeet Singh (Burnaby South, NDP) :

Mr. Speaker, while Liberals and Conservatives continue to distract, Canadians know that corporate greed is driving up the cost of food. [ Translation ] Two million Canadians used food banks in a single month while large corporations showed profits of almost $4 billion. When the Conservatives and Liberals have a choice, they always side with CEOs over Canadians. That is why we forced the CEOs to come back before the committee to answer questions that the Conservatives and Liberals refuse to ask. Will the Prime Minister admit that their approach is a failure?

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, our goal is to make life more affordable and ensure that companies pay their share. The Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry met with the CEOs of the big grocery chains and of domestic and international food producers to clearly explain the need for a more affordable grocery basket and improved competition. I hope that all members will join us in expediting the passage of Bill C‑56 on affordable housing and groceries to improve competition in the food sector, among others.

[ English ]

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

Mr. Speaker, it is like a parallel universe every time the NDP leader stands up, attacks the very government he is a part of and laments how miserable life is for Canadians. This is after two years of his being part of voting for quadrupling the carbon tax, driving up inflationary deficits and, of course, driving two million people to the food banks in a single month. He blames greed for all this hunger. He is right. It is the greed of Liberal and NDP politicians who keep taking more and more from Canadians. Will they reverse these disastrous policies?

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, all of us in the House see how Canadians are struggling. We just have different responses to it. The Conservative Party is proposing cuts to government services, cuts to investments that are going to support seniors and cuts to investments that are going to support families, whether dental care or child care. The Conservative Party thinks one can cut one's way to prosperity, when the reality is that our investments in child care, in dental care, in supports for seniors and in supports for students have actually helped Canadians through some difficult times. We will continue to be there for them into the coming years.

Finance

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

Mr. Speaker, he is not being there for Canadians. He is taking money out of their pockets. If members do not believe me, they can listen to the Governor of the Bank of Canada, who today said, “government spending will be adding to demand more than supply is growing. And in an environment where we’re trying to moderate spending and get inflation down, that’s not helpful”. That adds to the voice of former Liberal finance minister John Manley, who has accused the Prime Minister of pressing on the inflationary gas pedal. Will the Prime Minister tell us if he agrees with the bank governor that his government spending is not helpful for inflation?

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, Canadians know we need more supply on the housing crisis. That is why we are there investing with municipalities to deliver more housing. In Brampton, our housing agreement was for the construction of more than 24,000 homes over the next decade. That is an investment that the Leader of the Opposition would cut. In other cities, such as Richmond Hill, Moncton and Ajax, just this week, they are passing more ambitious housing plans at their local councils in response to the federal housing accelerator. While the Leader of the Opposition would rip up these agreements, we are focused on building solutions that will work for communities right across the country.

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

Mr. Speaker, the question was not about his housing photo ops. The question was about the rate of inflation and its link to government spending. I am going to quote the Governor of the Bank of Canada on this point. He said, “government spending will be adding to demand more than supply is growing. And in an environment where we’re trying to moderate spending and get inflation down, that’s not helpful.” He is now clearly saying that government spending is driving up inflation. I have a very simple question: Does the Prime Minister agree with the bank governor that deficits are driving inflation, yes or no?

(1445) Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, inflation is steadily coming down, even as we continue to sign agreements with communities across the country. By the way, if the opposition leader cared so much about getting more homes built, he would support our affordable housing and groceries act. That legislation would remove the GST on the construction of rental homes, which housing advocates and developers have described as a game-changer. That is the relief that Canadians need. Let us keep moving these important measures forward, and let us keep getting Canadians the housing relief they need, instead of political attacks and cuts from the Conservatives.

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

Mr. Speaker, he is very determined to avoid discussing the growing evidence of the link between his deficits and the inflation Canadians pay. Let us review what the bank governor said today. He said that, one, inflation risks are rising; two, inflation will not get back to target until the year 2025, which is two years out; and three, the bank is now leaving its door open to further rate hikes, probably spurred on by the deficits of the government. With mortgage payments up 150%, for God's sake, why will he not get rid of these inflationary deficits so Canadians can keep their homes?

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, what the Leader of the Opposition is proposing is to cut spending and supports for Canadians in the hopes that Canadians will somehow do better that way. We disagree. What Canadians need is greater investment in the supply of housing. That is why, through our agreements, we are unlocking new homes and opportunities for growth in the city of Hamilton by spurring the construction of thousands of homes over the next decade, just as we are across the country. The mayor of Hamilton actually said our housing agreement was “absolutely a big deal”, and I could not agree more.

When we work together with a strong and ambitious plan, we can get more homes built faster. While the Leader of the Opposition 's plan would see these agreements ripped up and stalled, we will keep moving forward to help Canadians.

Housing

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

Mr. Speaker, do members know the one word he never used in that big, rambling, read-off answer? It is “done”. That is because none of those houses are done. They are all promises. He has been promising to build affordable homes for eight years. Since he first made that promise, housing costs have doubled and none of the promises have come to fruition. Yes, other levels of government have politicians who are thrilled to have more money to bloat their bureaucracies. When will he realize that we do not make housing affordable by building bureaucracy, but we have to build homes?

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, we are working hand in hand with municipalities across this country, whether it is Kelowna, Hamilton, Ajax, or now Halifax, where we are continuing to move forward with investments that are going to respond to people. I have to say that I was in Brampton just last week. As we were making another announcement about new homes coming up, we were standing on the site of a building that we announced two years ago, which would be opening its doors to new residents today. This is what we are doing after that member was housing minister and got nothing done. We are there to invest in Canadians and build a stronger future.

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

Mr. Speaker, he has the best photo ops in the history of photo ops. We will give him credit for that. He wants to know what I got done. When I was housing minister, the average rent was $950. It is now over $2,000. When I was housing minister, the average mortgage payment was $1,400. It is now well over $3,500. When I was housing minister, the average needed down payment was 20 grand and one could own a home, on average, by age 29. Now, those numbers have skyrocketed. I deal in the world of results; he deals in the world of photo ops. I know which ones Canadians prefer.

(1450) Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, while he continues to insult and slag cities and municipalities across this country, we are going to continue to work with them, just as we are working with the City of Halifax to build more homes so that locals can thrive in their community. Recently, we announced an agreement with Halifax to fast track 2,600 permitted units over the next three years, spurring the construction of thousands of homes over the next decade. However, he wants to talk about what happened when he was housing minister. When he was housing minister, he announced $300 million and got 99 homes built.

That is his record as housing minister. We are building homes right across the country, and we are doing it for real.

[ Translation ] Intergovernmental Affairs

Mr. Yves-François Blanchet (Beloeil—Chambly, BQ) :

Mr. Speaker, when the Prime Minister proudly makes funding announcements in Quebec with the member to his right, he is actually talking about money that belongs to Quebeckers. Those are our tax dollars. With respect to the motion, if he says he agrees, he is in trouble. If he says he does not agree, he is in trouble. Since he is in trouble either way, and because he will be asked about it the next time he is next to the Premier of Quebec, why will he not simply tell us what he really thinks for once?

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, when I spend time in my riding in Montreal, when I spend time across Quebec, and speak with people about their concerns, whether it is about climate change, affordability, the cost of housing or the extremely difficult and unstable international situation, they no longer want to talk about sovereignty. They no longer talk to me about wanting Quebec to be its own country. What they want to talk about is how we can work together to really make their lives better.

I understand that the raison d'être of the Bloc Québécois is to pick fights and keep raising the issue of sovereignty, but we, as proud Quebeckers and proud Canadians, will continue to work hard every day for all Quebeckers and all Canadians.

Mr. Yves-François Blanchet (Beloeil—Chambly, BQ) :

Mr. Speaker, I am bit like those people. I am reluctant to talk to him about things he does not necessarily understand, but I have no choice. He does not want to provide an answer so I will answer for him. Quebec can and should become independent as soon as possible. He may agree or disagree, but he cannot deny that there are 125 members of the National Assembly of Quebec who have said that Quebec can be a viable country economically. The Prime Minister of Canada is too spineless to say anything.

The Speaker :

I would like to once again remind members of something I said during my statement last week. It is very important not to question the courage of each hon. member here. The right hon. Prime Minister.

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, according to the Bloc Québécois, sovereignty is urgent. They have been here in Ottawa for 30 years, and it has been urgent for 30 years. They keep trying to bring this up. The reality is that we all have to work together to deliver for Quebeckers, to deliver housing, to deliver affordable groceries, to deliver a safer, cleaner planet. That is what we are working on. I work very well with the Government of Quebec and we will continue to do so. We will focus on Quebeckers' desire to build a better world, not the Bloc Québécois's desire to bicker.

Finance

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

Mr. Speaker, after eight years in office, this Prime Minister is not worth the cost of inflation and interest rates. Today, the Governor of the Bank of Canada noted three things in his report. First, inflationary risks have increased. Second, he is considering raising interest rates again, and third, the government's deficits and spending are driving up inflation, which is also increasing the risk of interest rate hikes. Will the Prime Minister finally reverse his inflationary policies before Canadians start losing their homes?

(1455) Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, it is obvious that the Leader of the Opposition and I strongly disagree. At a time when Canadians are struggling and suffering, he is proposing cuts to services and to the help that we are offering. We will continue to be there for Canadians. The Conservative Party will always choose austerity and budget cuts in difficult times. Such cuts would lead to longer wait times in emergency rooms, higher fees for child care services, uncertainty for seniors when they retire, and no action against climate change. That is an irresponsible approach, but it is the one the Conservative Party continues to offer.

We will be there to support people, to invest in their future and to help them now.

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

Mr. Speaker, the disagreement is not with me, but with the Governor of the Bank of Canada, who said today that government spending is driving up inflation. I know the Prime Minister loves to spend money. He has doubled our national debt and he is forcing Canadians to make the decision to cut their own spending. Does the Prime Minister agree with the Governor of the Bank of Canada that this government's spending is driving up inflation? Yes or no?

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, unlike the Leader of the Opposition, we will always respect the independence of the Governor of the Bank of Canada. As is clear from the public accounts, we have reduced the deficit without cutting the supports Canadians depend on. We have the lowest deficit in the G7 and the best net debt-to-GDP ratio, and we have maintained our AAA rating, all while inflation continues to fall. We do not need the Conservatives' budget cuts. We can be there in a responsible way to help Canadians, create growth and maintain our fiscal responsibility. That is exactly what we are doing.

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

Mr. Speaker, people are already making budget cuts in their personal lives. Given the 150% increase in monthly mortgage payments since this Prime Minister came to power, people are being forced to either leave their homes, live on the street or cut back on food. People are having to make these kinds of cuts because of the Prime Minister's policies. Would the Prime Minister agree that this government's deficits are driving up inflation and interest rates on the backs of Canadians, yes or no?

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, Canadians are facing a housing crisis. The Conservatives' solution is to reduce the government's investments in housing. We are choosing a different solution. We are saying that in order to bring down housing prices, we need to build more housing. That is exactly what we are doing. For example, today the City of Kelowna will simplify its building permit process and allow for greater density near public transit, which will stimulate the construction of 20,000 new housing units over the next decade. We are here to invest and create more housing, while the Conservatives are proposing austerity and budget cuts.

[ English ] Housing

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

Mr. Speaker, again we hear all of the Prime Minister 's expensive promises that have not completed a single home. He mentions that I spent only $300 million on housing, but he had the number of houses built wrong. It was actually 200,000 homes that were built in the year I was housing minister, but we know that numbers are not his strength. This is the guy who thinks budgets balance themselves, who does not think about monetary policy and who doubled the debt, doubled housing costs and doubled rent. What else is going to double before the Prime Minister realizes that he is just not worth the cost?

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, as the member opposite knows full well, and he can look in the history records, it was a $300-million program that delivered 99 homes. The reality is that we are continuing to work hand in hand with municipalities, community leaders and non-profits across the country to move forward on building more homes and responding to the supply challenges. That is why, for example, we are removing GST from new apartment buildings. Unfortunately, the members opposite refuse to allow that bill to move forward, are continuing to block it and do not want to vote for it either. We are going to be there to support Canadians every step of the way.

(1500) Mr. Jagmeet Singh (Burnaby South, NDP) :

Mr. Speaker, the housing crisis in this country is deeply concerning. People are living in tents. People are living in cars. Now, in Saskatchewan, people are resorting to living in apartment lobbies. This is a direct result of the Liberals and the Conservatives, who have lost a million affordable homes over the past number of years. Even the Saskatchewan Landlord Association is calling for action. When will the Prime Minister fix the mess he created and house people this winter?

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, we are working very closely with municipalities across this country on housing and homelessness, on building more homes and on improving supply. In the member opposite's hometown of Brampton, our housing agreement will spur the construction of more than 24,000 homes over the next decade by allowing higher density housing near public transit. Other cities, like Richmond Hill, Moncton and Ajax, just this week are passing more ambitious housing plans at their local councils in response to federal leadership.

In Moncton, Halifax, Kelowna and other places across this country, we continue to invest in agreements that are going to build more homes quicker to support Canadians and build a brighter future for everyone.

Foreign Affairs

Mr. Blake Desjarlais (Edmonton Griesbach, NDP) :

Mr. Speaker, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is getting worse by the minute. This collective punishment has now claimed the lives of over 6,000 people. The 12-year-old daughter of one of my constituents remains stuck in Gaza, separated from both of her parents, and we have no information on her whereabouts. We need more humanitarian aid and a response that is fair to both Israeli and Palestinian civilians. When will the government join New Democrats in calling for a ceasefire now?

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, we unequivocally condemn Hamas's terrorist attack against Israel. We support Israel's right to defend itself in accordance with international law. We are deeply concerned about the situation in Gaza. As I said, there are ongoing diplomatic conversations about the consideration of humanitarian pauses, and that is something Canada supports. Desperately needed humanitarian aid must reach vulnerable Palestinian civilians in Gaza, and Canada is working closely with partners to build a humanitarian corridor. Hamas must immediately release all hostages, and Canadians and foreign nationals who wish to leave Gaza must be allowed to do so.

Indigenous Affairs

Mr. Brendan Hanley (Yukon, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, since it was imposed upon them, indigenous families and children have experienced racist and discriminatory treatment by Canada's family and children's services. Communities in Yukon and across the nation have always known that self-determination and truth are key to healing and making sure future generations thrive. Thanks to the advocacy of first nations leaders and communities, calls for accountability have been answered by the highest courts. Can the Prime Minister tell us what the Federal Court's decision means for first nations children and families?

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for Yukon for his leadership. Yesterday's announcement represents an important milestone. This historic court settlement is the largest in Canadian history and will provide $23 billion to those impacted. While no amount of money can make up for the incredible pain that was caused, this is an important step toward affirming the voices of those affected and our commitment toward reconciliation. It could not have been achieved without the leadership of first nations, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside them to deliver for indigenous people across this country.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police

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

Mr. Speaker, after eight years, the Prime Minister is neither worth the cost nor the corruption. We know he illegally interfered to block the criminal prosecution of a multinational Liberal-linked corporation that had stolen from Africa's poorest people. Now we know that he was involved in blocking the RCMP from investigating the criminality of his conduct. He held back cabinet documents, so we invited the top Mountie to testify on this cover-up, and he and his co-conspirators in the NDP silenced the RCMP commissioner and prevented him from testifying. Will the Prime Minister stop the cover-up and let the Mounties testify?

(1505) Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, the member opposite knows well that the RCMP and the CBSA's professional integrity division are investigating. The CBSA has also launched an internal audit to look into contracting at the agency and has increased oversight processes when it comes to contracting.

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

Mr. Speaker, the question was about the SNC-Lavalin criminal investigation, not the ArriveCAN app criminal investigation. I can understand that there are so many criminal investigations he can get confused sometimes, but he sure managed to know enough about them to block them from any scrutiny. He deprived the police of cabinet documents that may have led to criminal charges against him, and now he is depriving a parliamentary committee from investigating it. Yes or no, will he let the commissioner of the RCMP testify about his blockage of cabinet documents in the criminal investigation of the SNC-Lavalin scandal?

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, when the opposition leader is bringing up matters that were duly settled four years ago, it is obvious they have no vision for the future of this country, no plan to move Canada forward and nothing to offer Canadians except cuts, austerity and partisan attacks.

Public Services and Procurement

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

Mr. Speaker, one thing we will cut is the ArriveCAN app. That matter is also under criminal investigation. It was an app we did not need and did not work, and it was about 500 times more expensive than it should have been. We now know that one of the contractors who was paid submitted detailed documentation on a company that did not even exist. We know the Prime Minister blocked criminal investigations into his SNC-Lavalin scandal. Will he agree, yes or no, to co-operate with the police in the ArriveCAN criminal investigation?

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, as I just said to the opposition leader, when it comes to contracting, investigations are ongoing and processes have been updated. He does not much care about facts or process, just his hidden agenda driven by ideology, an ideology rooted in denying that the government had to act fast in a once-in-a-century moment to keep Canadians safe. He does not want to talk about the pandemic. He does not want to talk about his behaviour during the pandemic and following it. He will continue to try to distract and deflect based on his ideology and based on the members of his team. It is very telling that the Conservative Party would choose not to prioritize Canadians' safety.

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

Mr. Speaker, he accuses me of distracting. The question was about the criminal investigation into the ArriveCAN app, and what does he do? He tries once again to divide Canadians in order to distract from the costs and corruption he has imposed upon them. I asked a very simple question. We now know that a program he created is under criminal investigation. Will he, yes or no, co-operate with the police?

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, as I said, both the RCMP and the CBSA's professional integrity division are investigating, and the CBSA has also launched an internal audit to look into contracting at the agency. Once again, when the Leader of the Opposition talks about dividing Canadians, he does not want to accept that over 80% of Canadians chose to get vaccinated during the pandemic. He continues to play divisive games to try to divide Canadians on a matter core to public health and public safety. We have always stood up for the safety of Canadians while he chooses to wear a tinfoil hat.

(1510) The Speaker :

Colleagues, I encourage you once again to take note of my declaration from last week encouraging members to avoid statements that could disrupt the proceedings of the House of Commons. [ Translation ] The hon. member for Beloeil—Chambly.

Small Business

Mr. Yves-François Blanchet (Beloeil—Chambly, BQ) :

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister says he will continue to try to consider the priorities of Quebeckers. I will tell him about one priority that Quebeckers have and it is the subject of a motion in the National Assembly of Quebec. I am talking about extending the deadline for the repayment of emergency loans that were issued during the pandemic that, at this point, are threatening the survival of tens of thousands of businesses in Quebec and Canada. Does the Prime Minister agree that these businesses, in the interest of the economy both in Canada and Quebec, need an extended deadline or more flexible terms of payment?

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, we know that small businesses were hard hit by the pandemic and that many are still going through a tough time today. The emergency business account was a lifeline for small businesses. That is why we announced extended deadlines, providing an additional year for term loan repayment and additional flexibilities for loan holders looking to benefit from loan forgiveness. We will continue to be there for small businesses in Quebec and across the country.

Mr. Yves-François Blanchet (Beloeil—Chambly, BQ) :

Mr. Speaker, what all the businesses, all the provinces and Quebec are saying is that it is not enough time and there is a risk of closures. If the government does not do it, it stands to lose more money than it will save. There are two options: Will the Prime Minister agree that businesses need more help or will he agree that it turns out Quebec should take its own money and manage its own economy independently?

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind the House that, during the pandemic, in Quebec and everywhere else in Canada, $8 out of $10 of assistance to Canadians came from the federal government. SMEs are the backbone of our economy. We were there for businesses during the pandemic and we will continue to be there for them as they recover. We have a fiscally responsible approach, but we also provide some leeway to those who wish to avail themselves of our loan forgiveness option.

[ English ] Foreign Affairs

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

Mr. Speaker, The Wall Street Journal revealed today that mere weeks before Hamas terrorists unleashed the worst attack on Jews since the Holocaust, they went to Iran to take training and direction from a terrorist group, the IRGC. Strangely, given that this group is probably the most dangerous terrorist outfit on earth, it is perfectly legal to raise money for it and organize and recruit for it right here in Canada. Will the Prime Minister ban the IRGC today?

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, for years, during the previous Conservative government's attacks and rhetoric against Iran, including the closing of the embassy, the Conservatives never moved forward on banning the IRGC and declaring it a terrorist organization. We know there is a rigorous process to do that. We are pursuing and looking at all options around it. What we did do is use rarely before used measures in the immigration department, which were used in the case of war crimes in Rwanda and elsewhere, to ban, for life, senior members of the IRGC from ever being able to come to and find solace in Canada. That is a strong measure, and we are always open to doing more.

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

Mr. Speaker, the same people he claims are banned are present in Canada today. They are terrorizing Persian Canadians. Many Jews feel that their safety is at risk knowing that there are people with links to the world's most dangerous and anti-Semitic terrorist organization legally operating on the ground here in Canada. The Prime Minister has the legal authority embedded in law today, with a stroke of a pen, to criminalize the IRGC. Will he do it, yes or no?

(1515) Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, if I start correcting the hon. Leader of the Opposition on the facts, we will be here all day. The fact of the matter is that the listing of an organization as a terrorist organization is actually a meticulous process led by intelligence and security agencies and carefully calibrated to do no harm to Canadians or Canadian military members serving overseas. We will continue to take all measures to hold the murderous regime in Iran to account. We will continue to stand with the community. We will stand against anyone who is attempting to harm or intimidate Canadians on Canadian soil. We are always open to doing more. That is what we are continuing to work on.

[ Translation ]

The Speaker :

Before giving the floor to the Leader of the Opposition, I would like to remind the hon. member for South Shore—St. Margarets to yield the floor to those who are entitled to speak during Oral Questions.

[ English ]

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

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has had plenty of time to go through that meticulous process. Under the anti-terror law adopted in the aftermath of 9/11, the public safety minister, who reports to the Prime Minister, has the ability to put groups on the list. There are dozens that have already been added, but the most dangerous terrorist group of all, the IRGC, can still legally fundraise, coordinate, organize and propagate its message here on Canadian soil at great risk to Canadian Jews and Persians. Will the Prime Minister put his intransigence and stubbornness aside, protect Canadians for once and ban the IRGC?

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, we have taken, and will continue to take, significant actions to hold the murderous regime in Tehran to account. We continue to recognize them as supporters of terrorism around the world. We continue to take more tools in terms of doing that. All options, as always, are on the table. We need to make sure we are doing it in a way that protects Canadians, including Canadians of Iranian descent, and also military members in CAF serving around the world. We will continue to do the right things to keep all Canadians safe and hold the Iranian regime to account.

[ Translation ] Seniors

Ms. Anju Dhillon (Dorval—Lachine—LaSalle, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, our seniors are feeling the effects of inflation.

Whereas the opposition is trying to cut all the services they depend on after making their lives a constant hardship during its time in power, can the Prime Minister explain to the seniors of my riding and across Canada how we have supported them and will continue to support them?

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Dorval—Lachine—LaSalle for her important question and for her work with seniors. When it comes to seniors, we are proud of our track record since 2015. Instead of raising the retirement age, we decided to keep it at 65. We increased the guaranteed income supplement. We enhanced the Canada pension plan. We increased old age security. Older Canadians remember the Harper years, and this is exactly where they would end up again under the Conservative Party. We cannot run that risk.

[ English ] Foreign Affairs

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

Mr. Speaker, the Americans banned the IRGC in 2019. President Biden reaffirmed that decision just last year. The Liberal caucus even voted in this House in favour of banning the IRGC, but the Prime Minister blocked that from happening. He has the legal authority to do it. This is the world's most dangerous terrorist group. It helped orchestrate the hideous attacks on the people of Israel just weeks ago. Will the Prime Minister finally do the right thing and ban the IRGC?

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, as the Leader of the Opposition should know, the Americans have a very different regime from us when it comes to banning various organizations. We continue to have all options on the table, as we have said. We continue to do everything necessary to hold this murderous Iranian regime to account. We will continue to move forward with measures to do just that.

(1520) Hon. Pierre Poilievre (Leader of the Opposition, CPC) :

Mr. Speaker, actually the regime is really not that different when it comes to listing. We both have the power of the executive branch to identify terrorist groups and put them on a list of banned entities, banning them from raising money, recruiting, coordinating and arranging attacks on other people around the world. That power exists in Canada. Because the Prime Minister has not been willing to exercise that power using his executive authority, Conservatives have a helpful private member's bill that would do it for him. Will the Prime Minister adopt the Conservative private member's bill to ban the IRGC?

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, we will continue to do everything we can to hold the Iranian regime accountable for its actions. Our actions have included having sanctioned hundreds, over 368, in fact, of Iranian individuals and entities, including the IRGC Quds Force, and we are listing the regime under the most powerful provision of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. We are, of course, working on a way to recognize the regime to continue to be what it is, which is a regime that spreads terror. We are working to find a way that does not unfairly affect those who may have an association with the IRGC through no choice of their own or puts at risk members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

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

Mr. Speaker, there are plenty of ways to protect people who are unintentionally forced to participate in terrorist groups. That is what we do with all the listed banned terrorist entities that are already on the list. Therefore, those tools already exist. The Prime Minister has had eight years. He is not worth the cost. He is not worth the risk to our safety. Will he adopt the common-sense Conservative proposal to criminalize the IRGC terrorist group today?

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, no one in this House disagrees that the Iranian regime is murderous, is a sponsor of terror and is bloodthirsty against people around the world and, indeed, against its own citizens. I remember well having held in my arms families of the victims of PS752, broken-hearted because of what this murderous regime is capable of doing against its own citizens, let alone against citizens around the world. That is why we have continued to pursue every available means to hold the Iranian regime to account, to support people fighting for freedom in their country and to support Iranian Canadians. We will continue to do just that.

Some hon. members: Oh, oh!

The Speaker :

I would like to remind the member of Parliament for Cumberland—Colchester to please allow the question to be answered and the person who has the floor to answer the question without interruption. The hon. member for Davenport.

International Trade

Ms. Julie Dzerowicz (Davenport, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, the residents in my riding of Davenport are proud of Canada's unwavering support of Ukraine as it is fighting an illegal, brutal invasion by Russia. The opposition is questioning the need for the important Canada-Ukraine trade legislation that is currently before this House, calling it “woke legislation”. This puts into question its support toward Ukraine. Can the Prime Minister inform this House how we are committed to supporting Ukraine in its fight for freedom and why this trade legislation is so important?

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Davenport for her unflinching advocacy on this important issue. We have been steadfast in our support of Ukraine since day one of Russia's illegal invasion. The modernization of our trade deal with Ukraine is another important area of co-operation between our two countries, which is why it is so disappointing to hear the member the Speaker just called out, the member for Cumberland—Colchester , refer to the Canada-Ukraine free trade agreement as “woke legislation”. On this side of the House, our support for Ukraine has been unwavering. The leader of the Conservative Party cannot say the same.

Climate Change

Ms. Niki Ashton (Churchill—Keewatinook Aski, NDP) :

Mr. Speaker, as the Liberals fail on climate, first nations are leading the way. Today's transformative AFN report says first nations have begun taking matters into their own hands, unable to rely on other governments for robust climate action. What a sad state of affairs in a country as wealthy as Canada. The government insists on paying billions to big oil instead of investing in first nations, such as those here in Manitoba, on the front lines of the climate crisis. When will the government stop with the billions to big oil, show leadership and invest in the priorities of indigenous communities facing the climate crisis now?

(1525) Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, indigenous communities and indigenous leadership have been indispensable over the past years in our fight against climate change. They have been partners, they have been investors, they have been creators of the moral frame in which we will continue to advance in creating a stronger economy as responsible stewards of this planet.

We will continue to work with them and continue to move forward in groundbreaking ways, like, for example, the four indigenous partnerships on protected lands that we announced at COP in Montreal, where we demonstrated the kind of leadership that indigenous people can take in protecting our planet, protecting biodiversity and building a better future. They are essential partners and we are lucky to be working with them.

Foreign Affairs

Mr. Mike Morrice (Kitchener Centre, GP) :

Mr. Speaker, the Gaza Strip is currently being pounded by unprecedented air strikes: 400 yesterday alone. Nearly two-thirds of Gaza's hospitals are not functioning, with the remaining running out of power while needed fuel is blocked. In just two and a half weeks, almost 8,000 Israeli and Palestinian civilians have been killed, including more than 2,700 Palestinian kids. How many more children need to die before the government calls for a ceasefire?

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, we unequivocally condemn Hamas's terrorist attack against Israel and we support Israel's right to defend itself in accordance with international law. Of course, we are deeply concerned with the situation in Gaza. As I said, there are ongoing diplomatic conversations about consideration of humanitarian pauses, which is something that Canada supports. Desperately needed humanitarian aid must reach vulnerable Palestinian civilians at risk in Gaza. Canada is closely engaged with partners to build a humanitarian corridor. Hamas must release hostages, and we have to get foreign nationals, particularly Canadians, safely out of Gaza.

Mr. Garnett Genuis :

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. In light of the persuasive arguments raised by the leader of Canada's Conservatives, I hope you will find unanimous consent for the following motion: that, notwithstanding any Standing Order or usual practice of the House, Bill C-350 , the combatting torture and terrorism act, be deemed read a second time and referred to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs.

The Speaker :

All those opposed to the hon. member's moving the motion will please say nay.

An hon. member: Nay.

The Speaker: The hon. member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan is rising on another point of order.

Mr. Garnett Genuis :

Mr. Speaker, is it possible to identify the Liberal members who said nay in response to—

The Speaker :

The hon. member is an experienced member of the House. He knows that is not a point of order.

Private Members' Business Private Members' Business

(1530) [ English ] Child Health Protection Act Bill C-252. Third reading

The House resumed from October 18 consideration of the motion that Bill C-252,

An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (prohibition of food and beverage marketing directed at children) , be read the third time and passed.

The Speaker :

It being 3:28 p.m., the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion at third reading stage of Bill C-252 , under Private Members' Business. Call in the members.

(1540) [ Translation ]

(The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:)

(Division No. 429)

YEAS Members Aldag Alghabra Ali Anand Anandasangaree Angus Arseneault Arya Ashton Atwin Bachrach Badawey Bains Baker Barron Barsalou-Duval Battiste Beaulieu Beech Bendayan Bennett Bérubé Bibeau Bittle Blaikie Blair Blanchet Blanchette-Joncas Blaney Blois Boissonnault Boulerice Bradford Brière Brunelle-Duceppe Cannings Carr Casey Chabot Chagger Chahal Champagne Champoux Chatel Chen Chiang Collins (Hamilton East—Stoney Creek) Cormier Coteau Dabrusin Damoff Davies DeBellefeuille Desbiens Desilets Desjarlais Dhaliwal Dhillon Diab Dong Drouin Dubourg Duclos Duguid Dzerowicz Ehsassi El-Khoury Erskine-Smith Fillmore Fisher Fonseca Fortier Fortin Fragiskatos Fry Gaheer Gainey Garon Garrison Gaudreau Gazan Gerretsen Gill Gould Guilbeault Hajdu Hanley Hardie Hepfner Holland Housefather Hughes Hussen Hutchings Iacono Idlout Ien Jaczek Johns Jones Jowhari Julian Kayabaga Kelloway Khalid Khera Koutrakis Kusmierczyk Kwan Lalonde Lambropoulos Lametti Lamoureux Lapointe Lattanzio Lauzon LeBlanc Lebouthillier Lemire Lightbound Long Longfield Louis (Kitchener—Conestoga) MacAulay (Cardigan) MacDonald (Malpeque) MacGregor MacKinnon (Gatineau) Maloney Martinez Ferrada Masse May (Cambridge) May (Saanich—Gulf Islands) McDonald (Avalon) McKay McKinnon (Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam) McLeod McPherson Mendès Mendicino Miao Michaud Miller Morrice Morrissey Murray Naqvi Ng Noormohamed Normandin O'Connell Oliphant O'Regan Pauzé Perron Petitpas Taylor Plamondon Powlowski Qualtrough Robillard Rodriguez Rogers Romanado Rota Sahota Sajjan Saks Samson Sarai Savard-Tremblay Scarpaleggia Schiefke Serré Sgro Shanahan Sheehan Sidhu (Brampton East) Sidhu (Brampton South) Simard Sinclair-Desgagné Singh Sorbara Sousa Ste-Marie St-Onge Sudds Tassi Taylor Roy Thériault Therrien Thompson Trudeau Trudel Turnbull Valdez Van Bynen van Koeverden Vandal Vandenbeld Vignola Villemure Virani Vuong Weiler Wilkinson Yip Zahid Zarrillo Zuberi -- 208

NAYS Members Aboultaif Aitchison Albas Allison Arnold Baldinelli Barlow Barrett Berthold Bezan Block Bragdon Brassard Brock Calkins Caputo Carrie Chambers Chong Cooper Dalton Dancho Davidson Deltell d'Entremont Doherty Dowdall Dreeshen Duncan (Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry) Ellis Epp Falk (Battlefords—Lloydminster) Falk (Provencher) Fast Ferreri Findlay Gallant Généreux Genuis Gladu Godin Goodridge Gourde Gray Hallan Hoback Jeneroux Kelly Khanna Kitchen Kmiec Kram Kramp-Neuman Kurek Kusie Lake Lantsman Lawrence Lehoux Leslie Lewis (Essex) Lewis (Haldimand—Norfolk) Liepert Lloyd Lobb Maguire Majumdar Martel Mazier McCauley (Edmonton West) McLean Melillo Moore Morantz Morrison Motz Muys Nater Patzer Paul-Hus Perkins Poilievre Redekopp Reid Richards Roberts Rood Ruff Scheer Schmale Seeback Shields Shipley Small Soroka Steinley Stewart Strahl Stubbs Thomas Tochor Tolmie Uppal Van Popta Vecchio Vidal Vien Viersen Vis Wagantall Warkentin Waugh Webber Williams Williamson Zimmer -- 116

PAIRED Members Bergeron Fraser Joly Larouche McGuinty Rempel Garner -- 6

The Speaker :

I declare the motion carried. Motion agreed to (Bill read the third time and passed)

Financial Protection for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Farmers Act

The House resumed from October 19 consideration of the motion that Bill C‑280,

An Act to amend the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act and the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (deemed trust — perishable fruits and vegetables) , be read the third time and passed. Bill C‑280. Third reading

The Speaker :

The House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion at third reading stage of Bill C‑280 , under Private Members' Business.

(1555) (The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:)

(Division No. 430)

YEAS Members Aboultaif Aitchison Albas Aldag Alghabra Ali Allison Anand Anandasangaree Angus Arnold Arseneault Arya Ashton Atwin Bachrach Badawey Bains Baker Baldinelli Barlow Barrett Barron Barsalou-Duval Battiste Beaulieu Beech Bendayan Bennett Berthold Bérubé Bezan Bibeau Bittle Blaikie Blair Blanchet Blanchette-Joncas Blaney Block Blois Boissonnault Boulerice Bradford Bragdon Brassard Brière Brock Brunelle-Duceppe Calkins Cannings Caputo Carr Carrie Casey Chabot Chagger Chahal Chambers Champagne Champoux Chatel Chen Chiang Chong Collins (Hamilton East—Stoney Creek) Cooper Cormier Coteau Dabrusin Dalton Dancho Davidson Davies DeBellefeuille Deltell d'Entremont Desbiens Desilets Desjarlais Dhaliwal Dhillon Diab Doherty Dong Dowdall Dreeshen Drouin Dubourg Duclos Duguid Duncan (Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry) Dzerowicz Ehsassi El-Khoury Ellis Epp Erskine-Smith Falk (Battlefords—Lloydminster) Falk (Provencher) Fast Ferreri Fillmore Findlay Fisher Fonseca Fortier Fortin Fragiskatos Fry Gaheer Gainey Gallant Garon Garrison Gaudreau Gazan Généreux Genuis Gerretsen Gill Gladu Godin Goodridge Gould Gourde Gray Guilbeault Hajdu Hallan Hanley Hardie Hepfner Hoback Holland Housefather Hughes Hussen Hutchings Iacono Idlout Ien Jaczek Jeneroux Johns Jones Jowhari Julian Kayabaga Kelloway Kelly Khalid Khanna Khera Kitchen Kmiec Koutrakis Kram Kramp-Neuman Kurek Kusie Kusmierczyk Kwan Lake Lalonde Lambropoulos Lametti Lamoureux Lapointe Lattanzio Lauzon Lawrence LeBlanc Lebouthillier Lehoux Lemire Leslie Lewis (Essex) Lewis (Haldimand—Norfolk) Liepert Lloyd Lobb Long Longfield Louis (Kitchener—Conestoga) MacAulay (Cardigan) MacDonald (Malpeque) MacGregor MacKinnon (Gatineau) Maguire Majumdar Maloney Martel Martinez Ferrada Masse May (Cambridge) Mazier McCauley (Edmonton West) McDonald (Avalon) McKay McKinnon (Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam) McLean McLeod McPherson Melillo Mendès Mendicino Miao Michaud Miller Moore Morantz Morrice Morrison Morrissey Motz Murray Muys Naqvi Nater Ng Noormohamed Normandin O'Connell Oliphant O'Regan Patzer Paul-Hus Pauzé Perkins Perron Petitpas Taylor Plamondon Poilievre Powlowski Qualtrough Redekopp Reid Richards Roberts Robillard Rodriguez Rogers Romanado Rood Rota Ruff Sahota Sajjan Saks Samson Sarai Savard-Tremblay Scarpaleggia Scheer Schiefke Schmale Seeback Serré Sgro Shanahan Sheehan Shields Shipley Sidhu (Brampton East) Sidhu (Brampton South) Simard Sinclair-Desgagné Singh Small Sorbara Soroka Sousa Steinley Ste-Marie Stewart St-Onge Strahl Stubbs Sudds Tassi Taylor Roy Thériault Therrien Thomas Thompson Tochor Tolmie Trudeau Trudel Turnbull Uppal Valdez Van Bynen van Koeverden Van Popta Vandal Vandenbeld Vecchio Vidal Vien Viersen Vignola Villemure Virani Vis Vuong Wagantall Warkentin Waugh Webber Weiler Wilkinson Williams Williamson Yip Zahid Zarrillo Zimmer Zuberi -- 320

NAYS Members Damoff -- 1

PAIRED Members Bergeron Fraser Joly Larouche McGuinty Rempel Garner -- 6

The Speaker :

Motion agreed to I declare the motion carried. (Bill read the third time and passed)

National Strategy for Eye Care Act

The House resumed from October 20 consideration of the motion that Bill C‑284,

An Act to establish a national strategy for eye care , be read the third time and passed. Bill C‑284. Third reading

The Speaker :

The House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion at third reading stage of Bill C‑284 , under Private Members' Business.

(1605) (The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:)

(Division No. 431)

YEAS Members Aboultaif Aitchison Albas Aldag Alghabra Ali Allison Anand Anandasangaree Angus Arnold Arseneault Arya Ashton Atwin Bachrach Badawey Bains Baker Baldinelli Barlow Barrett Barron Barsalou-Duval Battiste Beaulieu Beech Bendayan Bennett Berthold Bérubé Bezan Bibeau Bittle Blaikie Blair Blanchet Blanchette-Joncas Blaney Block Blois Boissonnault Boulerice Bradford Bragdon Brassard Brière Brock Brunelle-Duceppe Calkins Cannings Caputo Carr Carrie Casey Chabot Chagger Chahal Chambers Champagne Champoux Chatel Chen Chiang Chong Collins (Hamilton East—Stoney Creek) Cooper Cormier Coteau Dabrusin Dalton Damoff Dancho Davidson Davies DeBellefeuille Deltell d'Entremont Desbiens Desilets Desjarlais Dhaliwal Dhillon Diab Doherty Dong Dowdall Dreeshen Drouin Dubourg Duclos Duguid Duncan (Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry) Dzerowicz Ehsassi El-Khoury Ellis Epp Erskine-Smith Falk (Battlefords—Lloydminster) Falk (Provencher) Fast Ferreri Fillmore Findlay Fisher Fonseca Fortier Fortin Fragiskatos Freeland Fry Gaheer Gainey Gallant Garon Garrison Gaudreau Gazan Généreux Genuis Gerretsen Gill Gladu Godin Goodridge Gould Gourde Gray Guilbeault Hajdu Hallan Hanley Hardie Hepfner Hoback Holland Housefather Hughes Hussen Hutchings Iacono Idlout Ien Jaczek Jeneroux Johns Jones Jowhari Julian Kayabaga Kelloway Kelly Khalid Khanna Khera Kitchen Kmiec Koutrakis Kram Kramp-Neuman Kurek Kusie Kusmierczyk Kwan Lake Lalonde Lambropoulos Lametti Lamoureux Lantsman Lapointe Lattanzio Lauzon Lawrence LeBlanc Lebouthillier Lehoux Lemire Leslie Lewis (Essex) Lewis (Haldimand—Norfolk) Liepert Lightbound Lloyd Lobb Long Longfield Louis (Kitchener—Conestoga) MacAulay (Cardigan) MacDonald (Malpeque) MacGregor MacKinnon (Gatineau) Maguire Majumdar Maloney Martel Martinez Ferrada Masse May (Cambridge) Mazier McCauley (Edmonton West) McDonald (Avalon) McKay McKinnon (Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam) McLean McLeod McPherson Melillo Mendès Mendicino Miao Michaud Miller Moore Morantz Morrice Morrison Morrissey Motz Murray Muys Naqvi Nater Ng Noormohamed Normandin O'Connell Oliphant O'Regan Patzer Paul-Hus Pauzé Perkins Perron Petitpas Taylor Plamondon Poilievre Powlowski Qualtrough Redekopp Reid Richards Roberts Robillard Rodriguez Rogers Romanado Rood Rota Ruff Sahota Sajjan Saks Samson Sarai Savard-Tremblay Scarpaleggia Scheer Schiefke Schmale Seeback Serré Sgro Shanahan Sheehan Shields Shipley Sidhu (Brampton East) Sidhu (Brampton South) Simard Sinclair-Desgagné Singh Small Sorbara Soroka Sousa Steinley Ste-Marie Stewart St-Onge Strahl Stubbs Sudds Tassi Taylor Roy Thériault Therrien Thomas Thompson Tochor Tolmie Trudeau Trudel Turnbull Uppal Valdez Van Bynen van Koeverden Van Popta Vandal Vandenbeld Vecchio Vidal Vien Viersen Vignola Villemure Virani Vis Vuong Wagantall Warkentin Waugh Webber Weiler Wilkinson Williams Williamson Yip Zahid Zarrillo Zimmer Zuberi -- 324

NAYS Nil

PAIRED Members Bergeron Fraser Joly Larouche McGuinty Rempel Garner -- 6

The Speaker :

Motion agreed to I declare the motion carried. (Bill read the third time and passed)

[ English ] Amendments to the Standing Orders

The House resumed from October 23 consideration of the motion and of the amendment. Motion

The Deputy Speaker :

The House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the amendment of the member for Windsor West to Motion No. 79, under Private Members' Business.

(1620) [ Translation ]

(The House divided on the amendment, which was negatived on the following division:)

(Division No. 432)

YEAS Members Angus Ashton Bachrach Barron Barsalou-Duval Beaulieu Bérubé Blaikie Blanchet Blanchette-Joncas Blaney Boulerice Brunelle-Duceppe Cannings Chabot Champoux Davies DeBellefeuille Desbiens Desilets Desjarlais Fortin Garon Garrison Gaudreau Gazan Gill Hughes Idlout Johns Julian Kwan Lemire MacGregor Masse McPherson Michaud Morrice Normandin Pauzé Perron Plamondon Savard-Tremblay Simard Sinclair-Desgagné Singh Ste-Marie Thériault Therrien Trudel Vignola Villemure Vuong Zarrillo -- 54

NAYS Members Aboultaif Aitchison Albas Aldag Alghabra Ali Allison Anand Anandasangaree Arnold Arseneault Arya Atwin Badawey Bains Baker Baldinelli Barlow Barrett Battiste Beech Bendayan Bennett Berthold Bezan Bibeau Bittle Blair Block Blois Boissonnault Bradford Bragdon Brassard Brière Brock Calkins Caputo Carr Carrie Casey Chagger Chahal Chambers Champagne Chatel Chen Chiang Chong Collins (Hamilton East—Stoney Creek) Cooper Cormier Coteau Dabrusin Dalton Damoff Dancho Davidson Deltell Dhaliwal Dhillon Diab Doherty Dong Dowdall Dreeshen Drouin Dubourg Duclos Duguid Duncan (Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry) Dzerowicz Ehsassi El-Khoury Ellis Epp Erskine-Smith Falk (Battlefords—Lloydminster) Falk (Provencher) Fast Ferreri Fillmore Findlay Fisher Fonseca Fortier Fragiskatos Freeland Fry Gaheer Gainey Gallant Généreux Genuis Gerretsen Gladu Godin Goodridge Gould Gourde Gray Guilbeault Hajdu Hallan Hanley Hardie Hepfner Hoback Holland Housefather Hussen Hutchings Iacono Ien Jaczek Jeneroux Jones Jowhari Kayabaga Kelloway Kelly Khalid Khanna Khera Kitchen Kmiec Koutrakis Kram Kramp-Neuman Kurek Kusie Kusmierczyk Lake Lalonde Lambropoulos Lametti Lamoureux Lantsman Lapointe Lattanzio Lauzon Lawrence LeBlanc Lebouthillier Lehoux Leslie Lewis (Essex) Lewis (Haldimand—Norfolk) Liepert Lightbound Lloyd Lobb Long Longfield Louis (Kitchener—Conestoga) MacAulay (Cardigan) MacDonald (Malpeque) MacKinnon (Gatineau) Maguire Majumdar Maloney Martel Martinez Ferrada May (Cambridge) Mazier McCauley (Edmonton West) McDonald (Avalon) McKay McKinnon (Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam) McLean McLeod Melillo Mendès Mendicino Miao Miller Moore Morantz Morrison Morrissey Motz Murray Muys Naqvi Nater Ng Noormohamed O'Connell Oliphant O'Regan Patzer Paul-Hus Perkins Petitpas Taylor Poilievre Powlowski Qualtrough Redekopp Reid Richards Roberts Robillard Rodriguez Rogers Romanado Rood Rota Ruff Sahota Sajjan Saks Samson Sarai Scarpaleggia Scheer Schiefke Schmale Seeback Serré Sgro Shanahan Sheehan Shields Shipley Sidhu (Brampton East) Sidhu (Brampton South) Small Sorbara Soroka Sousa Steinley Stewart St-Onge Strahl Stubbs Sudds Tassi Taylor Roy Thomas Thompson Tochor Tolmie Trudeau Turnbull Uppal Valdez Van Bynen van Koeverden Van Popta Vandal Vandenbeld Vecchio Vidal Vien Viersen Virani Vis Wagantall Warkentin Waugh Webber Weiler Wilkinson Williams Williamson Yip Zahid Zimmer Zuberi -- 269

PAIRED Members Bergeron Fraser Joly Larouche McGuinty Rempel Garner -- 6

The Deputy Speaker :

I declare the amendment lost. Amendment negatived The next question is on the main motion. If a member participating in person wishes that the motion be carried or carried on division, or if a member of a recognized party participating in person wishes to request a recorded division, I would invite them to rise and indicate it to the Chair.

[ English ]

Mr. Daniel Blaikie :

I would like to request a recorded division, hopefully with a different result.

(1630) [ Translation ]

(The House divided on the motion, which was negatived on the following division:)

(Division No. 433)

YEAS Members Angus Ashton Bachrach Barron Barsalou-Duval Beaulieu Bérubé Blaikie Blanchet Blanchette-Joncas Blaney Boulerice Brunelle-Duceppe Cannings Chabot Champoux Davies DeBellefeuille Desbiens Desilets Desjarlais Fortin Garon Garrison Gaudreau Gazan Gill Hughes Idlout Johns Julian Kwan Lemire MacGregor Masse May (Saanich—Gulf Islands) McPherson Michaud Morrice Normandin Pauzé Perron Plamondon Savard-Tremblay Simard Sinclair-Desgagné Singh Ste-Marie Thériault Therrien Trudel Vignola Villemure Vuong Zarrillo -- 55

NAYS Members Aboultaif Aitchison Albas Aldag Alghabra Ali Allison Anand Anandasangaree Arnold Arseneault Arya Atwin Badawey Bains Baker Baldinelli Barlow Barrett Battiste Beech Bendayan Bennett Berthold Bezan Bibeau Bittle Blair Block Blois Boissonnault Bradford Bragdon Brassard Brière Brock Calkins Caputo Carr Carrie Casey Chagger Chahal Chambers Champagne Chatel Chen Chiang Chong Collins (Hamilton East—Stoney Creek) Cooper Cormier Coteau Dabrusin Dalton Damoff Dancho Davidson Deltell Dhaliwal Dhillon Diab Doherty Dong Dowdall Dreeshen Drouin Dubourg Duclos Duguid Duncan (Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry) Dzerowicz Ehsassi El-Khoury Ellis Epp Erskine-Smith Falk (Battlefords—Lloydminster) Falk (Provencher) Fast Ferreri Fillmore Findlay Fisher Fonseca Fortier Fragiskatos Freeland Fry Gaheer Gainey Gallant Généreux Genuis Gerretsen Gladu Godin Goodridge Gould Gourde Gray Guilbeault Hajdu Hallan Hanley Hardie Hepfner Hoback Holland Housefather Hussen Hutchings Iacono Ien Jaczek Jeneroux Jones Jowhari Kayabaga Kelloway Kelly Khalid Khanna Khera Kitchen Kmiec Koutrakis Kram Kramp-Neuman Kurek Kusie Kusmierczyk Lake Lalonde Lambropoulos Lametti Lamoureux Lantsman Lapointe Lattanzio Lauzon Lawrence LeBlanc Lebouthillier Lehoux Leslie Lewis (Essex) Lewis (Haldimand—Norfolk) Liepert Lightbound Lloyd Lobb Long Longfield Louis (Kitchener—Conestoga) MacAulay (Cardigan) MacDonald (Malpeque) MacKinnon (Gatineau) Maguire Majumdar Maloney Martel Martinez Ferrada May (Cambridge) Mazier McCauley (Edmonton West) McDonald (Avalon) McKay McKinnon (Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam) McLean McLeod Melillo Mendès Mendicino Miao Miller Moore Morantz Morrison Morrissey Motz Murray Muys Naqvi Nater Ng Noormohamed O'Connell Oliphant O'Regan Patzer Paul-Hus Perkins Petitpas Taylor Poilievre Powlowski Qualtrough Redekopp Reid Richards Roberts Robillard Rodriguez Rogers Romanado Rood Rota Ruff Sahota Sajjan Saks Samson Sarai Scarpaleggia Scheer Schiefke Schmale Seeback Serré Sgro Shanahan Sheehan Shields Shipley Sidhu (Brampton East) Sidhu (Brampton South) Small Sorbara Soroka Sousa Steinley Stewart St-Onge Strahl Stubbs Sudds Tassi Taylor Roy Thomas Thompson Tochor Tolmie Trudeau Turnbull Uppal Valdez Van Bynen van Koeverden Van Popta Vandal Vandenbeld Vecchio Vidal Vien Viersen Virani Vis Wagantall Warkentin Waugh Webber Weiler Wilkinson Williams Williamson Yip Zahid Zimmer Zuberi -- 269

PAIRED Members Bergeron Fraser Joly Larouche McGuinty Rempel Garner -- 6

The Deputy Speaker :

I declare the motion lost. Motion negatived

[ English ] Prevention of Government-Imposed Vaccination Mandates Act

The House resumed from October 24 consideration of the motion that Bill C-278, Prevention of Government-imposed Vaccination Mandates Act , be read the second time and referred to a committee. Bill C-278. Second reading

The Deputy Speaker :

The House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion at second reading stage of Bill C-278 under Private Members' Business.

Before the Clerk announced the results of the vote:

(1645) [ Translation ]

Mrs. Claude DeBellefeuille :

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I would like to seek unanimous consent for the member for Beloeil—Chambly to record his vote as being against the motion because he was unable to use the app. It was not working.

The Deputy Speaker :

Is there unanimous consent to apply the vote of the hon. member for Beloeil—Chambly?

An hon. member: No.

[ English ]

(The House divided on the motion, which was negatived on the following division:)

(Division No. 434)

YEAS Members Aboultaif Aitchison Albas Allison Arnold Baldinelli Barlow Barrett Berthold Bezan Block Bragdon Brassard Brock Calkins Caputo Carrie Chambers Chong Cooper Dalton Dancho Davidson Deltell Doherty Dowdall Dreeshen Duncan (Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry) Ellis Epp Falk (Battlefords—Lloydminster) Falk (Provencher) Fast Ferreri Findlay Gallant Généreux Genuis Gladu Godin Goodridge Gourde Gray Hallan Hoback Jeneroux Kelly Khanna Kitchen Kmiec Kram Kramp-Neuman Kurek Kusie Lake Lantsman Lawrence Lehoux Leslie Lewis (Essex) Lewis (Haldimand—Norfolk) Lloyd Lobb Maguire Majumdar Martel Mazier McCauley (Edmonton West) McLean Melillo Moore Morantz Morrison Motz Muys Nater Patzer Paul-Hus Perkins Poilievre Redekopp Reid Richards Roberts Rood Ruff Scheer Schmale Seeback Shields Shipley Small Soroka Steinley Stewart Strahl Stubbs Thomas Tochor Tolmie Uppal Van Popta Vecchio Vidal Vien Viersen Vis Wagantall Warkentin Waugh Webber Williams Williamson Zimmer -- 114

NAYS Members Aldag Alghabra Ali Anand Anandasangaree Angus Arseneault Arya Ashton Atwin Bachrach Badawey Bains Baker Barron Barsalou-Duval Battiste Beaulieu Beech Bendayan Bennett Bérubé Bibeau Bittle Blaikie Blair Blanchette-Joncas Blaney Blois Boissonnault Boulerice Bradford Brière Brunelle-Duceppe Cannings Carr Casey Chabot Chagger Chahal Champagne Champoux Chatel Chen Chiang Collins (Hamilton East—Stoney Creek) Cormier Coteau Dabrusin Damoff Davies DeBellefeuille Desbiens Desilets Desjarlais Dhaliwal Dhillon Diab Dong Drouin Dubourg Duclos Duguid Dzerowicz Ehsassi El-Khoury Erskine-Smith Fillmore Fisher Fonseca Fortier Fortin Fragiskatos Freeland Fry Gaheer Gainey Garon Garrison Gaudreau Gazan Gerretsen Gill Gould Guilbeault Hajdu Hanley Hardie Hepfner Holland Housefather Hughes Hussen Hutchings Iacono Idlout Ien Jaczek Johns Jones Jowhari Julian Kayabaga Kelloway Khalid Khera Koutrakis Kusmierczyk Kwan Lalonde Lambropoulos Lametti Lamoureux Lapointe Lattanzio Lauzon LeBlanc Lebouthillier Lemire Long Longfield Louis (Kitchener—Conestoga) MacAulay (Cardigan) MacDonald (Malpeque) MacGregor MacKinnon (Gatineau) Maloney Martinez Ferrada Masse May (Cambridge) May (Saanich—Gulf Islands) McDonald (Avalon) McKay McKinnon (Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam) McLeod McPherson Mendès Mendicino Miao Michaud Miller Morrice Morrissey Murray Naqvi Ng Noormohamed Normandin O'Connell Oliphant O'Regan Pauzé Perron Petitpas Taylor Plamondon Powlowski Qualtrough Robillard Rodriguez Rogers Romanado Rota Sahota Sajjan Saks Samson Sarai Savard-Tremblay Scarpaleggia Schiefke Serré Sgro Shanahan Sheehan Sidhu (Brampton East) Sidhu (Brampton South) Simard Sinclair-Desgagné Singh Sorbara Sousa Ste-Marie St-Onge Sudds Tassi Taylor Roy Thériault Therrien Thompson Trudeau Trudel Turnbull Valdez Van Bynen van Koeverden Vandal Vandenbeld Vignola Villemure Virani Weiler Wilkinson Yip Zahid Zarrillo Zuberi -- 206

PAIRED Members Bergeron Fraser Joly Larouche McGuinty Rempel Garner -- 6

The Deputy Speaker :

I declare the motion defeated. Motion negatived I wish to inform the House that, because of the deferred recorded divisions, Government Orders will be extended by 76 minutes. It is my duty pursuant to Standing Order 38 to inform the House that the questions to be raised tonight at the time of adjournment are as follows: the hon. member for Calgary Rocky Ridge , Finance; the hon. member for Bow River , Carbon Pricing.

Routine Proceedings Routine Proceedings

[ English ] Petitions Public Safety

Mr. Dan Mazier (Dauphin—Swan River—Neepawa, CPC) :

Madam Speaker, I rise for the 18th time on behalf of the people of Swan River, Manitoba, to present a petition on the rising rate of crime. The people of Swan River are tired of the NDP-Liberal government's soft-on-crime policies, which allow violent repeat offenders to be out on the streets. Folks in this rural community do not recognize their once safe town. Instead of focusing on tomorrow's future, the people of Swan River are focused on yesterday's crimes. The petitioners are calling for action with jail, not bail, for these violent repeat offenders.

The people of Swan River demand that the Liberal government repeal its soft-on-crime policies, which directly threaten their livelihoods and community. I support the good people of Swan River.

Air Transportation

Mr. Mike Morrice (Kitchener Centre, GP) :

Madam Speaker, it is an honour to rise to present a petition on behalf of neighbours in Kitchener Centre. They note, first of all, that their quality of life is being negatively affected by a high frequency of air traffic occurring near residential areas, and this is related to stress and interrupted sleep. They note there is a need for greater co-operation on the part of airport management with citizens and federal authorities to reduce the negative impacts of aircraft noise.

The Region of Waterloo International Airport is home to one of the largest and busiest flight training schools in Canada, and its total air traffic, the petitioners note, has increased by over 1,400% between 2019 and 2022, making it now the sixth busiest in Canada. They note that the negative impacts for residents near this airport have worsened significantly over this time, given the fact that the airport, for example, does not have any nighttime flight restrictions or curfews in place, among a number of other items.

They also note that Canada's other busiest airports in residential areas, in places such as Edmonton, Hamilton, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, are all subject to heightened noise management requirements, and air traffic and runway restrictions.

In light of all of this, the petitioners are calling upon the Minister of Transport to first ensure that all Canadian airports near residential areas have established sufficient airport-specific noise-abatement procedures and control requirements to meet all of their obligations under the Canadian aviation regulations and, secondly, to assess whether any other Canadian airports near residential areas should be subjected to additional noise management requirements and restrictions, such as the requirement to develop a minister-approved noise management plan and report publicly on these plans, heightened noise-abatement procedures, and operating restrictions for designated noise-restricted runways.

(1650) Child Care

Ms. Leah Gazan (Winnipeg Centre, NDP) :

Madam Speaker, I am honoured to rise today to present a petition in the House. E-petition 4573 calls on the federal government to provide financial aid for all families and caregivers who were affected by Lanark County's sudden decision to terminate access to the Canada-wide early learning and child care funding for a particular child care provider. This petition, brought by Tyler Williams from Carleton Place, Ontario, gathered 541 signatures.

In addition to calling for funding intervention for families that were affected, it calls on the House of Commons to provide an explanation of the factors that led to this decision, support the call for an emergency council meeting with members of the public present to discuss the child care crisis facing Lanark County, and ensure that contingency plans for affected families, with appropriate timelines and procedures in place if funding for child care agencies is terminated, to ensure that no family is ever put in this position again.

I thank the petitioners for their advocacy, and I am proud to table this petition in the House today.

Climate Change

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to present a petition on behalf of Canadians who are calling to the attention of the government the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which has warned repeatedly that rising temperatures over the next two decades will bring widespread devastation and extreme weather. The petitioners go on to indicate that Canadians are certainly feeling the impacts of flooding, wildfires and extreme temperatures.

They recognize that addressing climate change requires a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C and indicated they are aware that the federal government committed in 2021 to cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector to achieve net zero by 2050. Therefore, the petitioners are calling on the Government of Canada to move forward immediately with bold emissions caps for the oil and gas sector that are comprehensive in scope and realistic for achieving the necessary targets that Canada has set to reduce emissions by 2030.

Child Support

Mr. Tom Kmiec (Calgary Shepard, CPC) :

Madam Speaker, I am tabling a petition on behalf of my constituents, who draw to the attention of the House that Canada now has the highest rate of common-law relationships among G7 countries, with the share of co-residing common-law couples increasing from 6% in 1981 to 23% in 2021. There are other statistics that they draw the attention of the House to, including the number of children living with a lone parent, step-parents, parents in a common-law relationship or other non-traditional unions.

The undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Minister of Justice to initiate a statutory review of the Divorce Act, specifically concerning the federal child support guidelines, which would take into account the evolving reality of blended families and the variance of incomes over time to better reflect the needs of children in shared custody situations.

(1655) Impaired Driving

Hon. Bardish Chagger (Waterloo, Lib.) :

Madam Speaker, impaired driving kills hundreds of Canadians and injures thousands more every year. Shauna and David of the region of Waterloo know this all too well. Their 23-year-old son was stolen away from them and taken from this earth because of this. Hundreds of volunteers with MADD Canada, hundreds of citizens of Canada, are calling upon the Government of Canada to introduce legislation to require anti-impaired driving technology in new vehicles by 2026-27. This is something that has been done by the United States of America through the HALT Act, and they would like the Government of Canada to consider this for Canadians as well.

Float Homes

Hon. Bardish Chagger (Waterloo, Lib.) :

Madam Speaker, I also would like to present a second petition today as the president of the Gloucester Pool Cottagers' Association and founder of the Float Homes Not Vessels Coalition resides within the region of Waterloo. Members have been having conversations on ensuring structures are properly labelled, and in this case, that they be referred to as “float homes” and not vessels. These citizens of Canada, who are also residents of Ontario, are calling upon the Government of Canada, namely the Minister of Transport , to classify both existing and new float homes as float homes, not vessels.

This would be in a manner that is consistent with other provinces. Petitioners note the previous government changed this definition, and as a result, these structures are currently exempt from all forms of provincial and municipal oversight and regulations, including building code adherence, environmental protection, public safety, taxation and local management. They look forward to the Government of Canada providing a response as to what the appropriate next steps should be and hope to see this classification change sooner rather than later.

Firearms

Mr. Arnold Viersen (Peace River—Westlock, CPC) :

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to present a number of petitions in the House of Commons. The first petition seeks to support the health and safety of Canadian firearm owners. The petitioners recognize the importance of owning firearms, and they note this is a big part of Canadian heritage. They are concerned about the impacts to hearing loss, the damaging noise levels of firearms and the need for noise reduction. These petitioners acknowledge that sound moderators are the only universally accepted, recognized health and safety device that is criminally prohibited for ownership in Canada.

Moreover, the majority of G7 countries have recognized the health and safety benefits of sound moderators, allowing them to be used for hunting, sport shooting and reduced noise pollution. In many cases, such as in many countries in Europe, for example, these sound moderators are a requirement. Petitioners are calling on the Government of Canada to allow legal firearm owners the option to purchase and use sound moderators for all legal hunting and sport shooting activities.

(1700) Protection of Human Life

Mr. Arnold Viersen (Peace River—Westlock, CPC) :

Madam Speaker, the next petition is from Canadians from across the country who are concerned about our laws that do not reflect and protect all of human life. Petitioners want the Canadian government to respect human life from conception to natural death, and they ask the Government of Canada to support measures that would do so.

Pornography

Mr. Arnold Viersen (Peace River—Westlock, CPC) :

Madam Speaker, the next petition is from Canadians from across the country. They want to draw to the attention of the House of Commons there is no laws requiring makers, distributers or advertisers of commercial pornographic material to ascertain or document the consent or age of those depicted in the material.

They also want to highlight the ethics committee's report on MindGeek, which stated, “That the Government of Canada mandate that content-hosting platforms operating in Canada require affirmation from all persons depicted in pornographic content, before it can be uploaded, that they are 18 years old or older and that they consent to its distribution”. They want to offer their support to Bill C-270 , the stop Internet sexual exploitation act, which would add two offences to the Criminal Code.

These would be for creating pornographic material for commercial purpose without verifying the age or obtaining consent of the individual shown, and to distribute pornographic material without verifying the age and consent of those depicted, and also for not removing that material if, in writing, consent is withdrawn. Finally, they want to recognize the work of organizations such as Defend Dignity, the National Council of Women, the London Abused Women's Centre, the Montreal Council of Women, Parents Aware and the National Child Exploitation Crime Centre. They have all expressed their support for Bill C-270 .

Therefore, they call on the Government of Canada and the House of Commons to adopt Bill C-270 quickly and expeditiously. The next petition I have to present comes from Canadians from across the country who are concerned about the age verification that is not happening for those depicted in pornographic material. The petitioners are also calling for the Government of Canada to ensure that age verification and consent are confirmed prior to distribution. They are also calling on the Government of Canada to pass Bill C-270 quickly and expeditiously.

Ethiopia

Mr. Arnold Viersen (Peace River—Westlock, CPC) :

Madam Speaker, the next petition I have comes from Canadians from across the country who are concerned about the conflict that has engulfed Ethiopia in the last year. The petitioners are concerned that humanitarian actors have not been able to access certain regions. They are also concerned that both the Ethiopian and Eritrean armed forces may have inflicted war crimes on the Tigrayan people. As such, the petitioners are calling on the Government of Canada to call for maintaining peace in that region and to ensure that our international assistance aids in the peacekeeping there.

They are calling for an end to violence in Ethiopia and for all sides in the Tigray conflict to put down their arms. They are also calling on the Government of Canada to promote short-, medium- and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.

COVID-19 Mandates

Mr. Arnold Viersen (Peace River—Westlock, CPC) :

Madam Speaker, the next petition I have comes from Canadians from across the country. It is kind of timely, given the vote that we had today. The petitioners are calling for an end to all the COVID mandates that are still in place across the country. Currently the government has suspended only some of the mandates, and the folks who have signed this petition want them to be exhausted completely. The petitioners are calling on the Government of Canada to finally and permanently end all federally regulated COVID mandates and their restrictions.

Human Rights

Mr. Arnold Viersen (Peace River—Westlock, CPC) :

Madam Speaker, the next petition I have comes from Canadians from across the country who are concerned about the human rights protections in Turkey, Pakistan and Bahrain. The petitioners state that Turkish, Pakistani and Bahraini officials have committed gross human rights violations against thousands of Turks, including eight Turkish Canadians. The petitioners say that the Turkish officials have killed hundreds, including Gokhan Acikkollu. The petitioners say that Turkish officials have wrongfully detained over 300,000 people without any reason.

The petitioners state that multiple international human rights groups have confirmed these gross human rights violations in Turkey. The petitioners ask that the Canadian government closely monitor the human rights situation in Turkey, sanction Turkish officials who have committed gross crimes against these eight Canadians, and call on the Turkish, Pakistani and Bahraini governments to end all human rights violations in their respective countries.

Pornography