OFFICIAL REPORT (HANSARD)

House of Commons Debates Volume 151 No. 258 1st SESSION 44th PARLIAMENT Wednesday, November 29, 2023 Speaker: The Honourable Greg Fergus HOUSE OF COMMONS CANADA (Table of Contents appears at back of this issue.) COMMONS DEBATES November 29, 2023 DEBATES No. 258 No. 258 N o 258 Volume 151 258 29 11 2023 2023/11/29 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) [ English ]

The Speaker :

It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem led by the hon. member for Sarnia—Lambton . [ Members sang the national anthem ]

Statements by Members Statements by Members

[ English ] International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

Mr. Patrick Weiler (West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, today is recognized by the United Nations as International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The horrific toll of the most recent Israel-Hamas war is yet another example of the ongoing cycle of violence and injustice that has tragically gripped the region for decades. This has highlighted the need for a comprehensive resolution that delivers a hopeful future for Palestinians and long-term stability for the region.

As is Canada's long-standing position, and as the UN declared by resolution in 1947, this means the creation of a viable Palestinian state living peacefully alongside an Israeli state. For too long, the Palestinian people have been victimized by occupation and blockades, as well as a governing regime that disregards the rights and safety of its own people. Today is a reminder of the work that Canada, as well as the entire international community, owes to the Palestinian people to ensure they have equal access to the rights and freedoms that we and so many others take for granted.

Jewish Refugee Day

Mr. Marty Morantz (Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley, CPC) :

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow is Jewish Refugee Day, marking the expulsion of more than 850,000 Jews from their homes in Iran and throughout the Middle East and North Africa. In the years leading up to the birth of the State of Israel in 1948, Jews were subjected to systemic anti-Semitism and evicted from their homes. They were subjected to arbitrary arrest, torture and murder. This forced migration was marked by religious persecution and even genocide. Many Jews and their families found safe harbour in Israel and here in Canada.

During this trying time for both the State of Israel and Jews here in Canada, it is vital that we do not forget that Jewish communities had existed in these regions for millennia, contributing enormously to the culture, growth and success of Arab nations. This year, B'nai Brith will again be commemorating these refugees. A virtual gathering will be held tomorrow at 4 p.m. I invite members to take part as we commemorate this important part of Jewish history.

International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

Mrs. Salma Zahid (Scarborough Centre, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, November 29 is International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people. Given the recent conflict in the region, which has resulted in the deaths of over 14,000 innocent Palestinian civilians, including over 6,000 children, this year’s event is particularly poignant. I continue to call for a permanent ceasefire, for a return of all hostages to their families and for badly needed humanitarian aid to reach all the people of Gaza. I pray that everyone can put their differences aside and work towards a just, equitable and peaceful two-state solution. Violence is never the answer.

I yearn for the day when two peoples can live side by side in peace and prosperity. Tonight, led by Palestinian, Arab and Muslim staffers, we will gather at the eternal flame on Parliament Hill in peace and solidarity with the Palestinian people. I hope all will join us.

[ Translation ] Ève‑Marie Lortie

Mr. Martin Champoux (Drummond, BQ) :

Mr. Speaker, one of the biggest cliffhangers in Quebec showbiz has finally been resolved. We now know who will take over from Gino Chouinard as host of TV's Salut Bonjour next year. I was very happy to hear that the new host is Ève‑Marie Lortie. I am pleased because, at last, a woman will be hosting a Quebec morning show, which still does not happen often enough for my taste. There are plenty of other great people who might have been offered those big shoes to fill, but no one could be as kind, caring, generous, talented and down-to-earth as Ève‑Marie.

I had the privilege of rubbing shoulders with her from time to time in another life. I even cooked with her when she appeared as my guest on Qu'est-ce qui mijote? , the cooking show I used to host. I had so much fun each time we met, and that is how everyone feels when they are lucky enough to cross paths with her. Ève‑Marie Lortie was the natural choice to helm Salut Bonjour . Once again, Quebeckers will have a warm and friendly presence to help them start their day, a bit like having a friend over for coffee. On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I would like to congratulate Ève‑Marie.

I never thought I would be looking forward to Gino's retirement.

(1410) [ English ] International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

Mr. Chandra Arya (Nepean, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, today is recognized by the United Nations as International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. For over 70 years, Palestinians have been living under occupation, robbed of their fundamental rights, with no regard for human dignity. This is the most terrible year, with thousands of Palestinians, including thousands of children, killed in front of our eyes. Western democracies have not taken any measures to prevent this.

Today, I and millions of Canadians are angry, frustrated and feeling helpless with our unsuccessful advocacy to get Canada to change its position and do what is just and right. I call on Canada to ask for a permanent ceasefire and take the right step forward, starting with the recognition of the sovereign state of Palestine, for a two-state solution.

Carson Cleland

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

Mr. Speaker, I am heartbroken and angry. I am angry that yet another family has lost a loved one to suicide. Carson Cleland was just like any other 12-year-old boy from Prince George. He was involved in sports; he was active in his community. However, he felt prey to a sadistic predator whose only motivation was to do harm. Ryan, Carson's dad, has urged us all to do better, to be better and to make sure parents talk to their kids, check their Internet history and have those tough conversations. From the predator's first point of contact with Carson to Carson's death, it took 12 hours.

That is an hour for each year of Carson's life. Carson's dad told me, “It happened so fast. Parents need to know just how fast this can happen.” His mom, Nicola, told me, “We need to have a safe place for children to grow and actually be children. We need to find these predators faster. When do we get closure?” We need to be more vigilant when we are protecting our kids. Since 2015, there has been an 825% increase in the making and distribution of child pornography. We have laws in place, and we need to enforce them.

We need to provide law enforcement with the tools and resources they need to bring these bastards to justice and to provide justice for the victims.

The Speaker :

I thank the hon. member for that statement. I would encourage all members to reflect on the language we use in this place, despite how heartfelt and sincere we feel about that issue. The hon. member from Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook.

No. 2 Construction Battalion

Mr. Darrell Samson (Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, last Friday, I was pleased to join the Minister of Veterans Affairs , the Minister of National Defence and our host, Russell Grosse, the executive director of the Black Cultural Centre in my riding in order to announce dedicated funding to commemorate the legacy of the No. 2 Construction Battalion. The event included a presentation of the first-ever No. 2 Construction Battalion camp flag to the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia for commemoration. The $2.25-million investment over five years will fund commemorative activities, educational materials and community war memorials.

The announcement follows up on last year's historic apology by the Prime Minister to the descendants of the battalion for the systemic anti-Black racism that those in the battalion experienced throughout and after the war. This fund will ensure that the legacy of the battalion lives on for future generations.

Carbon Tax

Mr. Rob Morrison (Kootenay—Columbia, CPC) :

Mr. Speaker, after eight years under the Prime Minister , housing costs have doubled, Canadians are close to a paycheque away from going broke and there has been a 52% increase in monthly visits to the food banks in Kootenay—Columbia alone. I will address a pressing issue impacting the hard-working farmers in my riding. The individuals who work tirelessly, cultivating crops and raising herds, are facing huge challenges with the rise of the carbon tax. The current fixed market rate at which they sell their products is not providing them with the flexibility to absorb the escalating costs imposed by this tax.

It is imperative that we recognize the plight of these farmers and work toward finding solutions that ensure their success. It is our duty to address the concerns of the hard-working people who toil day in and day out to put food on our tables. More taxes, fees and half measures are continually introduced by the NDP-Liberal government, but no issues are being solved. We all need to support our farmers and ranchers by supporting Bill C-234 .

(1415) [ Translation ] Sherbrooke Chocolate Factory

Mrs. Élisabeth Brière (Sherbrooke, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, in July, I had the opportunity to visit Chocolat Lamontagne's factory. This company has been in business for 45 years, and its chocolates are a must-try. I am never more proud than when I have the opportunity to acknowledge the success of a company that has been part of Sherbrooke's business landscape for so many years. Today, Chocolat Lamontagne is enjoying tremendous success, and the sky is the limit for its chocolates.

With $1.2 million in support from Canada Economic Development, this family business will be able to ramp up productivity and continue conquering new markets and taking on new challenges. Once again, congratulations to Danny Lamontagne and his entire team. I urge everyone to try their delicious chocolates.

[ English ] Ukraine

Mr. Adam van Koeverden (Milton, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, it is said that one truly realizes who one's friends are when one needs them most. The Conservatives made it abundantly clear last week that they cannot be trusted to support Ukraine, our friend and ally, when the chips are down. Last week, every Conservative voted against the Canada-Ukraine free trade agreement. It is a shocking new low for the Conservative Party of Canada. The leader of the Conservative Party is importing MAGA-brand, American-style politics into Canada, something that is not welcome in our country.

Now Conservatives are tying themselves into knots in a feeble attempt to try to justify their shameful vote against a bill that would help support the rebuilding of our friend and ally, Ukraine. Canada's support for Ukraine should have been unanimous in this House, but, just like Donald Trump, the leader of the Conservatives is cozying up to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress and President Zelenskyy asked Canadian MPs to support—

Some hon. members: Oh, oh!

The Speaker :

This week there have been a number of statements in which some members have called into question the allegiances of other members, which is, frankly, not acceptable. I will ask the hon. member to rise, do the honourable thing and withdraw that part of his statement. Then I will allow him to finish his statement. The hon. member for Milton.

Mr. Adam van Koeverden :

Mr. Speaker, I withdraw that remark. The Canada-Ukraine free trade agreement represents Canada's opportunity to assist in the rebuilding of Ukraine, and it is utterly disappointing to see the Conservatives stand opposed to that. Ukraine can continue to count on Canada on this side of the House.

(1420) Innovation, Science and Industry

Mr. Michael Barrett (Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, CPC) :

Mr. Speaker, after eight years of the NDP-Liberal Prime Minister , his billion-dollar green slush fund is engulfed in corruption. His hand-picked board chair was caught funnelling $220,000 to her own company and then paid herself $120,000. Then she and the CEO both resigned in disgrace. We learned yesterday that another board member funnelled millions of taxpayer dollars to not one, not two, not three, but four companies that she personally had an interest in. The Liberals knew about the corruption and ineligible payments and they did absolutely nothing.

One senior government official called it an ad scam-level payout. Meanwhile, whistle-blowers are afraid of professional and legal reprisals because the Liberals refused to offer them any protection. At every level of the Prime Minister 's green slush fund, there is corruption and more insiders getting paid. With an Auditor General investigation and an Ethics Commissioner investigation, it is clear that the Prime Minister just is not worth the cost. Conservatives will keep fighting to expose Liberal corruption and find out who got rich.

Root Cellar Food & Wellness Hub

Mr. Glen Motz (Medicine Hat—Cardston—Warner, CPC) :

Mr. Speaker, after eight years of the Prime Minister , he is not worth the cost as life has become so expensive that Canadians are having to choose between eating and other necessities. So far in 2023, more Canadians have gone to food banks than at any time in our recent history. Locally, in Medicine Hat, the Root Cellar Food & Wellness Hub, which is our food bank, has a brown bag lunch program that feeds 1,500 children every single day who come to school without lunch. The Root Cellar is feeding a total of 4% of our community and reports a 33% increase in food bank usage over the last two years alone.

These numbers continue to grow, with an average of 200 new clients each and every month, mostly two-income families, seniors and students. Food bank clients overwhelmingly state the reason for needing to access emergency food is the inflationary rise in the cost of living. These are real-life consequences to the economic crisis the government has inflicted on Canadians. It is time for the Prime Minister to do Canadians a favour and take a walk in the snow.

Automotive Industry

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

Mr. Speaker, confident countries invest in their workers. Confident countries invest in their future. We are confident in Canada. We are not only investing in Canadians, but we also continue to attract transformational investments. These include more than $40 billion in less than three years, and thousands of good-paying jobs now and for years to come with Volkswagen, Stellantis, Northvolt, GM and Umicore. The world is looking to Canada and choosing Canada. Conservatives have given up on Canada’s auto industry.

They are putting their partisan games and misinformation ahead of good middle-class jobs for Canadians. [ Translation ] Today, Canada is the only country in the western hemisphere with an end-to-end supply chain for electric vehicles. On this side of the House, we recognize that Canada has vast reserves of critical minerals, clean energy and the expertise to continue making the vehicles that Canadians want and that are better for the environment. [ English ] We will always stand by, and with, Canadian workers and our roaring Canadian auto industry.

Foreign Affairs

Ms. Jenny Kwan (Vancouver East, NDP) :

Mr. Speaker, more than two million innocent lives remain trapped in Israel's siege of Gaza, trying to survive amid the most horrific and inhumane conditions. Thousands of children have been killed. As a mother, my heart aches for those families. Survivors are being deprived of clean drinking water, food, medicine, sanitation, fuel and electricity. More than 1.7 million Palestinians are displaced from their homes in their ancestral homeland. Among them are people with disabilities, women, children, seniors and beloved family members of hundreds of people in Canada.

The Australian government has enacted special immigration measures, including a special visa program to prioritize visa assessment for those seeking to depart Gaza. Canada must do the same. I am calling on the Liberals to immediately enact special immigration measures to facilitate the evacuation of extended family members of Canadians and permanent residents of Gaza, and I renew my call for a permanent ceasefire.

[ Translation ] Marc‑André Fleury

Mrs. Marilène Gill (Manicouagan, BQ) :

Mr. Speaker, goaltender Marc‑André Fleury has won the Stanley Cup and the Vezina trophy, but he has just given us another reason to be proud of him. It was first nations heritage night at Friday's game in Minnesota. Since his wife Véronique is indigenous, this goalie from Sorel was planning to wear a special mask designed by Dakota artist Cole Redhorse Taylor. It was covered in a traditional Dakota floral motif, in honour of Fleury's name, and was to be sold to raise money for a project in support of indigenous families.

However, the National Hockey League threatened Fleury with a hefty fine if he wore the mask, since Commissioner Bettman does not allow players to show support for special causes. Nevertheless, when Marc‑André Fleury took to the ice that night, he proudly wore the mask. Knowing when to stand up is an important skill for a goaltender, but knowing when to stand up as a human is even more impressive. Bravo to Marc‑André Fleury.

(1425) [ English ] Carbon Tax

Mr. Eric Duncan (Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry, CPC) :

Mr. Speaker, Canadians are increasingly frustrated as they watch Liberal-appointed senators stall and delay our common-sense Conservative bill that would carve out a much needed carbon tax exemption for our Canadian farmers. Farm businesses are seeing their carbon taxes totalling over $100,000 per year just to use propane and natural gas to dry their crops. The worst

part is that the worst is yet to come, because the NDP-Liberal coalition will quadruple the carbon tax. That is enough with the delay and games. Canadian farmers are facing a $1 billion carbon tax bill from the Prime Minister that no one can afford. Food banks are at record use, with two million people per month. After eight years, Canadians know the Prime Minister is just not worth the cost, because as farmers feed cities, Canadians know the Prime Minister just wants to tax them all even more.

Métis Nation British Columbia

Mr. Randeep Sarai (Surrey Centre, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, Métis Nation British Columbia, MNBC, represents the

section 35 rights of over 24,000 Métis citizens, advocates for over 98,000 self-identified Métis and represents 39 Métis chartered communities across British Columbia. MNBC strives to promote a strong future for the Métis people in British Columbia, where the rich Métis culture, heritage and languages thrive. Métis communities achieve strong socio-economic outcomes and Métis rights as an indigenous people are recognized.

On April 13, 2017, the Prime Minister , Métis Nation president Chartier and the president of the MNBC governing members signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord during the first Crown-Métis Nation Summit in Ottawa, marking a significant step toward a renewed government-to-government relationship based on the recognition of rights, respect and partnership. I am pleased to have an organization like MNBC headquartered in my beautiful riding of Surrey Centre. Today, its members are here in this gallery advocating for their people.

Oral Questions Oral Questions

[ Translation ] Finance

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

Mr. Speaker, never has a Prime Minister been so ashamed to defend his own economic update, and we know why. Years after he said that there would be no consequences for doubling the national debt, we have learned that this Prime Minister is going to spend more next year on interest on the debt than he does on health care. Once again, why does the Prime Minister want to give more to bankers than to nurses?

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

Mr. Speaker, it would be more credible if the Leader of the Opposition had not spoken out against our historic $200‑billion health care agreements with the provinces over the next 10 years. We are there to invest in the health care system. We are there to invest so that we can deliver results for Canadians. The Conservative Party is only there for austerity and budget cuts. With respect to our economic statement, we have invested in housing and in making sure there is more competition to stabilize grocery prices. We are there to invest in good careers for years to come in industries across Canada. We will continue to be there in a responsible way for Canadians.

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

Mr. Speaker, Canadians' fridges are empty and they are being forced to turn to food banks. After eight years of this Prime Minister, they are already living with austerity in their daily lives. The Prime Minister wants to make their situation even worse by creating another deficit with $20 billion in inflationary spending and by increasing interest and inflation at Canadians' expense. Will he reverse his inflationary policies so that Canadians can put food on the table?

(1430) Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, the opposition leader is not being completely logical. He is right that Canadians are struggling because of high grocery prices, but he is proposing government austerity as a solution to help those families. It is completely ridiculous. We are here to help families with investments in housing and investments to lower and stabilize grocery prices. We are here to invest in careers and jobs for the future. Meanwhile, the Conservative Party is against dental care for seniors and against help for businesses that will increase the employment rate.

[ English ]

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

Mr. Speaker, never has a prime minister been so ashamed of his own economic update that he wants to avoid talking about it for the week that follows, and we can understand why. Next year, the Prime Minister wants to spend $53 billion on debt interest, a record-smashing amount that is higher than the amount we spend on health care. It works out to $3,000 for every Canadian family. According to the Bank of Nova Scotia, this is going to increase interest rates by two full percentage points, or $700 a year, directly attributable to the government's deficit spending. Will the Prime Minister get control of himself and his spending so Canadians can get control of their mortgage costs?

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

Mr. Speaker, I will admit openly to you and to others in the House that the media did not cover our fall economic statement as much as we would have liked last week because they were so busy talking about what a terrible week the Conservative Party had on Ukraine, on allegations of terrorism, and on attacking Stellantis and jobs in southern Ontario. Yes, the media were totally wrapped up in the Leader of the Opposition 's terrible week. We stay focused on investing in housing for Canadians, on stepping up, on more competition to help with grocery prices, and on moving forward and creating great jobs and careers for Canadians for decades to come.

Carbon Pricing

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

Mr. Speaker, maybe he should just give the media even more money to cover the news how he would like it, because we know he is so desperate to debate me on the carbon tax, a debate he has been losing badly. Canadians overwhelmingly want him to axe the tax. That is why he panicked and flip-flopped to take the tax off for a short time, and only for those people who are in a region where he is plummeting in the polls and his caucus is revolting. With two million Canadians forced to go to a food bank, will he stop thinking about buying himself better news coverage and start thinking about the Canadians who have to buy themselves better food?

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

Mr. Speaker, it is interesting to hear the Conservative leader again attacking the media, particularly on a day when we stood up and arranged a deal with Google to make sure that local journalism, independent journalism and the work that our news media is going to do will be able to stand the test of time through the transforming times we live in. The Leader of the Opposition continues to want to stand with big data and with internet giants, and to sidle up to his billionaire buddies down south. We are going to continue to stand up for local journalism, for the work that professionals do to support our democracy in small towns and communities right across the country.

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

Mr. Speaker, he does not want to debate on the carbon tax because he knows that Canadians know they cannot afford the cost of food as he intends to continue raising taxes, so instead, he tries to distract with media buyouts and by censoring views with which he disagrees. Will he have the courage to actually defend his carbon tax as two million people line up in breadlines like those we have not seen since the Great Depression, and will he support our common-sense bill to axe the tax on the farmers who feed us?

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

Mr. Speaker, Canadians right across the country, including and especially our hard-working farm families, are seeing the impacts of climate change increasingly, every single year. It has become glaringly obvious to everyone, except for certain MAGA Conservatives, that the fight against climate change is a fight for the future of our economy. We cannot separate fighting climate change from growing good jobs in a strong economy into the future, yet that is exactly what Conservatives continue to say. We put a price on pollution. We are putting more money back into the pockets of Canadians, and we are creating great jobs for the long term.

(1435) [ Translation ] Public Services and Procurement

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

Mr. Speaker, according to media reports, the government is still refusing to launch a competition for the replacement of the surveillance aircraft fleet. What is worse, it has no interest in finding out what the results of a competition would be. Instead, it is taking on that role itself and, based on its own analysis, it has chosen an American company. We have nothing against the Americans, but we want the process to be fair and equitable. Has the government actually ruled out a competition? Has it actually ruled out Bombardier? Has it actually ruled out Quebec?

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

Mr. Speaker, in these uncertain times, we have two main priorities. First, we must ensure that our military and armed forces have the equipment they need to do their jobs. We also need to ensure that there are good jobs in the aerospace industry for Canadians across the country. Those are our two goals, and that is what we are going to continue working on. The ministers involved will make an announcement in due course.

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

Mr. Speaker, when we agree with something, it is always important to say so. We need security for military members and good jobs. However, why rule out Bombardier? The people at Bombardier are capable of doing this. They are capable of providing this. We could at least check with them. The government is ruling out a modern Quebec and Canadian company in favour of the American dinosaur, Boeing. We are not asking for special treatment. We are just asking for a fair and equitable competition process. Can the Prime Minister show some statesmanship, bring in a real competition process and tell us that what we read this morning is not true?

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

Mr. Speaker, our Canadian Armed Forces need the right equipment to keep us safe and to fulfill the responsibility that we share with our allies to keep the world more prosperous and safe. At the same time, we need investments that will generate good jobs and a bright future for our aerospace industry in Quebec and across Canada. We share those priorities, and we will stay on this path.

[ English ] Public Safety

Mr. Jagmeet Singh (Burnaby South, NDP) :

Mr. Speaker, in the last election, the Prime Minister promised to pass legislation within the first 100 days to protect Canadians from toxic online content and to hold platforms accountable. Last month, a 12-year-old boy in Prince George took his own life in response to online sextortion. It has been 764 days since the government was sworn in, and more of these incidents have been happening every year. When will the government introduce the online harm bill to protect kids?

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

Mr. Speaker, when it comes to protecting our kids, I think we all agree that we have to do everything we possibly can. That is why we have spent such a significant amount of time working with communities, including racialized communities, and working with experts, moving forward in the right way to keep our kids safe from online harms and to keep them safe in the virtual world, where more and more of us spend increasing amounts of time.

We need to make sure we get it right, both for the grand principles of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly that are so important in our democracies and also for communities that are all too often subject to discrimination and marginalization. That is what we are going to do.

Climate Change

Mr. Jagmeet Singh (Burnaby South, NDP) :

Mr. Speaker, government delay is causing harm to kids. We need action. [ Translation ] The COP28 president is looking to secure development agreements in Canada. The minister said they only talked about climate change, but his department is refusing to disclose who will be part of the Canadian delegation until the end of COP28. Is the Prime Minister sending the Minister of Environment to Dubai to eliminate fossil fuels or to sign new development deals?

(1440) [ English ]

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

Mr. Speaker, we need to be careful about associating a tragedy that happened in Prince George with the actions or inactions of any particular government. We understand how horrific this is for the family and for the community. We will continue to work to make sure that kids across this country are protected. That is why we are serious about moving forward in protecting them from online harms. [ Translation ] This is an extremely serious issue that we will always handle with the respect and responsibility it deserves. This issue should not serve as an excuse to lob veiled accusations. It is a tragedy that we all need to work on together.

Housing

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

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister likes to avoid responsibility for having doubled the cost of housing over the past eight years. He is not worth the cost of rent. According to the United States' Realtor.com website, October 2023 was the sixth consecutive month of rent decreases over a one-year period. According to the Rentals.ca website, “Canada's rents continued to reach new heights” for the sixth consecutive month. Why is the cost of rent falling in the United States and rising faster in Canada than at any other time in its history?

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

Mr. Speaker, we launched our housing accelerator this fall precisely to create more housing in Canada and lower rents for all Canadians. That is part of the actions we have taken since 2017, and even before that, to invest in housing in Canada. We know how much we have left to do. Our population is growing faster than that of the U.S., but I am sure that the Leader of the Opposition is not speaking out against immigration. We will continue to be there to build more housing and to grow our economy and our population at the same time.

[ English ]

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

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister loves to blame others for the fact that he has doubled housing costs in eight years. He is not worth the price of rent. Let me quote the organization realtor.com in the United States: “October 2023 marks the sixth month in a row of year-over-year rent decline”. Rentals.ca in Canada says, “For the sixth month in a row, asking rents in Canada hit a new high”. Why, after eight years of the Prime Minister, is rent going down in the States and up in Canada?

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

Mr. Speaker, since 2015, we have been investing in housing in this country to make up for the 10 years of lost time when the member, as the minister of housing in a previous government, got out of the business of building and supporting housing across this country. We have done an awful lot, and we recognize there is more to do, which is why part of our fall economic statement was about investing even more in creating homes and unlocking the potential of this country.

As for the difference between Canada and the United States, one of the differences is that our population is growing much faster than the population in the United States. I am certain the leader of the opposition was not about to suggest he was anti-immigration, because we all know immigration creates jobs and prosperity, and that is what we are all for.

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

Mr. Speaker, it is the Prime Minister who brought up immigration. I was about to point out that in Canada, according to his housing agency, home construction is down 32% year over year and in the United States it is up 5%. It is true that the Prime Minister has much more expensive federal government programs to build more government bureaucracy and fewer homes. Will he adopt our common-sense plan to build homes, not just bureaucracy?

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

Mr. Speaker, we all know the mistrust and distaste the Leader of the Opposition has for expert analysis and expert advice, particularly because the experts have roundly panned his approach on housing, as it is not going to create the housing that Canada needs. What are we doing? For example, concretely, we talked about 9,000 housing units in Hamilton, 7,000 housing units in London, 44,000 housing units in Vaughan, 9,000 housing units in Halifax and more to be created over the next few years. These are investments we are making that are delivering for Canadians right across the country, while he continues to propose cuts and austerity instead of the investments Canadians need.

(1445) Hon. Pierre Poilievre (Leader of the Opposition, CPC) :

Mr. Speaker, every time the Prime Minister gives homebuilding numbers, he is talking about promises that have not been realized. For example, he promised in 2015, eight years ago, that he would sell federal lands to build homes. Now, today, Radio-Canada reports that it takes 23 years for the government to dispose of lands and turn them into new homes. In fact, one project will not be done until 2038. How many generations of Canadians would have to survive long enough for the Prime Minister to realize any of the promises he makes?

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

Mr. Speaker, that underscores the importance of being able to work constructively with municipalities to build housing. Those numbers from the City of Ottawa are something we are concerned with, and we are going to be working to make sure they accelerate the construction of housing on federal lands. We are there for investing in more housing. We are there to release federal lands for the construction of housing. However, instead of doing what the Leader of the Opposition says and picking fights with municipalities, we will work with them to ensure they are building faster. That is what our housing accelerator is all about: unlocking hundreds of thousands of new homes over the coming years.

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

Mr. Speaker, what he has actually done is unlocked hundreds of new photo ops at the expense of Canadian taxpayers. For example, he has now given $15 billion to the renamed and recycled construction loan program. This is a program that has built fewer than half of its targeted promises, and the new money that he says will build homes will arrive in 2025 and the new homes in 2028. How many times would the Prime Minister have to be re-elected on his promises for housing for a new home to actually get built?

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

Mr. Speaker, the irony is that the Leader of the Opposition is attacking us for making announcements of thousands upon thousands of new units built across the country when he does not make any announcements at all because he has no plan. He is not sharing a plan to build more homes. He is not sharing a plan to invest in the economy. He is not sharing his approach on how to create more opportunities for Canadians while fighting climate change and while responding to the climate crisis.

He just stands there and makes personal attacks, and sneers at everything and says that it is all broken, instead of doing the hard work, rolling up his sleeves and delivering a real plan for the future of Canada.

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

Mr. Speaker, the problem with the Prime Minister is that the future never comes. It is a promise that is always just around the corner. For example, his $4-billion housing accelerator has completed exactly zero homes two years after it was announced, and here is why. The other day he announced a bunch of money in Halifax, and where did the money go according to the city? It went to hire 29 new bureaucrats, the same bureaucrats who are blocking housing construction in the first place. Why does he not accept my common-sense plan to require cities to boost housing completions by 15% in order to get federal money so that we build homes, not bureaucracy?

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

Mr. Speaker, I hate to break it to the Leader of the Opposition , but a TikTok video is not a plan. We are going to continue to work, roll up our sleeves and deliver for Canadians every step of the way. While the Conservatives are flip-flopping all over the place, refusing to stand with workers, refusing to stand with Ukraine and watching too much far right American TV, we are going to stay focused on delivering concretely for Canadians, with the lowest deficit in the G7, the best debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7 and the best AAA credit rating of all countries around the world except for the top three, of which we are a part. We are going to continue delivering for Canadians.

[ Translation ] Diversity and Inclusion

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

Mr. Speaker, a few years ago, the cover of Croc magazine stated, “Just because people laugh does not mean it is funny”. According to the Canadian Human Rights Commission, the simple act of celebrating Christmas with a tree, family, music and gifts is systemic racism. I wonder if good old Santa Claus is racist. I wonder if snow has become racist. Does the Prime Minister think that Christmas is racist?

(1450) The Speaker :

I have to say that I am not convinced that this has anything to do with government administration, but I see that the right hon. Prime Minister is on his feet. The hon. leader of the Bloc Québécois.

Mr. Yves-François Blanchet :

Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Human Rights Commission falls under the federal government's jurisdiction. I am therefore asking the Prime Minister of Canada to show some backbone and respond.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to rise to try to answer such a ridiculous question. Obviously, Christmas is not racist. Canada is a country of diversity, a country where we celebrate our personal and individual beliefs and where we also share and celebrate our neighbours' milestones and special occasions. That is a strength that enriches our country. Sharing our celebrations makes us a rich and diverse country, and we always will be. The Bloc Québécois is trying to pick a fight and is being ridiculous. It is unbelievable.

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

That was not so hard, Mr. Speaker. Perhaps we can almost agree. The creation of a national culture involves bringing people in and being welcoming. It does not involve excluding people or undermining the host society. A few dozen immigrant Quebeckers will be attending a Christmas celebration that I am hosting in my riding in a few days. Do I have to cancel that event because the Canadian Human Rights Commission thinks that celebrating Christmas is racist? That is my question for the Prime Minister.

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

No, Mr. Speaker. We should all celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah and all of the different festivals, holidays and celebrations that take place in our ridings and across the country. Our diversity is an incredible strength, and we will always celebrate it. I know that there are a lot of problems in the world today, but I think it is a good thing for us to take a moment to celebrate each other in the House.

[ English ] Carbon Pricing

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

Mr. Speaker, allow me to be the first of the season to wish everybody a merry Christmas. What a beautiful celebration. We love our great Canadian traditions, including Christmas. Unfortunately, after eight years, the Prime Minister promises nothing but a carbon tax lump of coal for Canadians. Will he get off the backs of Canadians so they can enjoy beautiful gifts and maybe even a turkey and warm meal around the Christmas table this season?

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to point out that we are the government phasing out coal, over the opposition of the Leader of the Opposition . We are going to continue to build a better and brighter future for all Canadians, and that includes fighting against climate change so we can ensure that we keep a stronger future for Canadian children to go sledding, but also so we can make sure they have better jobs in the future. The climate denialism of the Conservative Party of Canada is putting future white Christmases at risk. That is why, on this side of the House, we stand for Christmas.

(1455) Hon. Pierre Poilievre (Leader of the Opposition, CPC) :

Mr. Speaker, that has to be the angriest and most caustic Christmas message I have ever seen. This is a guy who has not phased out coal, despite his theatrics over there. What he is doing is phasing out food because Canadians cannot afford it now as he raises carbon taxes on the wonderful farmers who bring it to our table. Why will he not axe the tax on farmers so that Canadians can eat, heat and house themselves. Why does he not be a little less like Scrooge and a little more like Santa Claus?

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

Mr. Speaker, one of the issues we have is that, when the Leader of the Opposition talks about the impact of our price on pollution on farmers, he includes farmers in Ukraine and he includes farmers who are busy feeding us and feeding people around the world. He stood against the free trade deal that Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people want us to have because he pretends we are imposing a price on pollution on them, which of course we are not. That is the extent to which the Leader of the Opposition will spin to make a political attack when it is completely unfounded. We will be there to stand with Ukraine and with Christmas.

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

Mr. Speaker, we cannot even have a bit of fun in this place because, of course, once the Prime Minister is off script, he starts rambling all over the map, unable to stay on any subject. The question was about the cost of food. After he has forced Canadians to line up in breadlines that we have not seen since the Great Depression, with a record-smashing two million visits to a food bank, he now sees it as the time to quadruple the tax on the farmers who feed us. Will he stop blocking common-sense Conservative Bill C-234 to take the tax off the farmers so that Canadians can afford Christmas dinner?

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

Mr. Speaker, 97% of farm fuel emissions are already exempt from our price on pollution. That is what the Leader of the Opposition refuses to accept. There are many factors that go into the rise in food prices not just in Canada but around the world, and the war in Ukraine is certainly one factor. The fact that the Conservatives have not chosen to stand with Ukraine against Russia in this difficult time is very much relevant. No matter how much they try to dodge and spin out of it, they are not standing with Ukraine at this difficult time.

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

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister would like Canadians to think about anything other than their hungry stomachs, after eight years in office. He would like Canadians to forget that he has doubled the cost of rent, that he wants to quadruple the carbon tax and that he has given us the worst interest rate hikes in Canadian history. The least he could do is back off on his plan to quadruple the tax on our farmers. Will he stop blocking Bill C-234 , the common-sense Conservative bill to take the tax off our farmers, so that our Canadian people can afford to eat?

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

Mr. Speaker, that might have been a more credible question if it had not been for the fact that the Conservative Party delayed the implementation of our affordability act , which would bring in more competition on groceries. It is moving forward to stabilize grocery prices and support Canadians through this difficult time. The Conservatives have also stood against other initiatives we are supporting Canadians with, like dental care for young Canadians and for seniors, which is coming in the coming months. They have stood against supports like our grocery rebate.

They have stood against the investments we are busy making to support Canadians right across the country because they stand for austerity and cuts.

Housing

Ms. Jenny Kwan (Vancouver East, NDP) :

Mr. Speaker, this summer, Canadians saw refugees rendered homeless in the city of Toronto. With pressure, the federal government finally agreed to provide some support, but it is not enough. Tonight, another refugee family will be turned away from a shelter because it is full. As the nights get colder, things will only get worse. Mayor Olivia Chow negotiated a historic new deal with the Province of Ontario that calls on the federal government to deliver for refugees. Will the Prime Minister do his part so that refugees do not have to sleep on the streets and be rendered homeless this winter?

(1500) Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, over the past number of years, we have transferred hundreds of millions of dollars to cities across the country, including Toronto, to support them with the challenges they are facing with overburdened shelters, and with people seeking solace and places to sleep. We are going to continue to be there as partners to the City of Toronto. We are glad to see the Province of Ontario finally stepping up to do its part, but we need to continue to all work together. The province needs to do more to take on its responsibilities, and we will continue to be there as a partner in keeping Canadians, and all who come to this country, safe and warm.

Automotive Industry

Mr. Charlie Angus (Timmins—James Bay, NDP) :

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has given billions for EV battery plants, but he has no plan for supplying Canadian critical minerals to make these EV battery operations a Canadian success. There are metal deposits in Sudbury, Thompson and Timmins that are ready to go into operation, but they need a federal partner. Without a tax credit strategy, the auto industry is going to be getting its metal from China, Indonesia or Congo, all places with much lower standards in environmental rights, human rights and wages. Why is the Prime Minister continuing to botch a made-in-Canada solution that would allow us to be a true, clean energy leader?

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

Mr. Speaker, I was extremely pleased to welcome the presidents of the European Union and of the European Commission to Newfoundland and Labrador last week to talk about everything we are doing to invest in critical minerals across the country as a part of the supply chain the world needs. Canadian clean aluminum, Canadian clean steel and Canadian responsibly extracted and developed critical minerals are going to be an essential part of the supply chains of the future for our allies around the world. That is why we are stepping up with a critical mineral strategy. That is why we are investing in a strong and green mining future for Canada. We will be there for the future of jobs in Canada.

[ Translation ] News Media Industry

Ms. Viviane Lapointe (Sudbury, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, the vitality of rural media is of paramount importance, particularly in minority-language communities. Through its online news bill, the government has signalled its support for Canadian media. Can the Prime Minister inform the House of the progress made in implementing this bill?

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

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Sudbury for her question and hard work. I am pleased to say that we have reached an agreement with Google to ensure that this web giant pays its fair share for online news. In fact, Google will invest $100 million a year in our newsrooms. This landmark agreement demonstrates that our online news legislation is working. Despite the Conservative Party's ideological opposition, we have secured a sustainable, independent future for local news in Canada.

[ English ] Carbon Pricing

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

Mr. Speaker, everything the Prime Minister has said about his carbon tax has been proven to be false. Most recently, he said that farmers only pay a teeny carbon tax. Well, it turns out that that tax adds up to well over $100,000 a year for just one mushroom farm in my riding. The Prime Minister now wants to quadruple the carbon tax on those farmers. I have a very simple question from Carleton Mushroom Farms: How should it pay for the $400,000 in new taxes? Should it raise prices on consumers, or should it cut production, so we import more of our food from dirty, foreign economies?

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

Mr. Speaker, farmers across the country, including those in the member opposite's riding, know how important it is to fight climate change as well as protect their investments and future generations of farmers in this country. That is why we are stepping up with significant investments to support innovation in farming and agriculture and support direct investments to change the way we are doing things. It is so we can do them cleaner and greener, in ways that continue to support Canadians and build a stronger future for everyone. We know that farmers care deeply about the land and its future. We are working with them, not denying the reality they are facing.

(1505) Hon. Pierre Poilievre (Leader of the Opposition, CPC) :

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is denying the reality they are facing. I was asking specifically about Carleton Mushroom Farms. Let us do the math. It is paying over $100,000 today for the Prime Minister 's carbon tax. He wants to quadruple that to $400,000 a year. How will it pay for that $400,000? Will it raise prices on consumers who already cannot afford food, or will it just cut production so Canadians buy more expensive, foreign food from polluting countries? Which one will it be?

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

Mr. Speaker, these are the questions that producers and families right across the country are asking. They are facing an uncertain future with increased climate change and with increased challenges from global supply chains, including those related to Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, which the Conservatives seem to be on the wrong side of. We are going to continue to work with farmers and with agricultural producers across the country to invest and innovate while being able to continue to feed Canadians for decades to come, despite a changing climate.

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

Mr. Speaker, after I asked the question twice, he said, yes, these are the questions that Canadian farmers are asking. Finally, he has gotten that far. The Medeiros farm is paying $100,000 in carbon taxes. That is one farm. He wants to quadruple that to well over $400,000. I am asking him once again, how is that farm going to pay that tax? Is it going to raise prices on consumers or cut production so we buy more foreign food from polluting countries? Which one is it?

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

Mr. Speaker, we recognize this reality. That is why we are working with farmers and industries across this country to adapt to the reality of climate change and the challenges of global supply chains. I can say we will reach out to that farm community, and we will reach out to that farm, to talk to them about how they can meet the coming challenges in the coming years. We will follow up with them and ensure we are doing everything we can to support them into a changing future.

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

Mr. Speaker, this is even more progress. Now he says he is going to follow up with Carleton Mushroom Farms. This is a farm that pays $100,000 in carbon taxes. Now he wants to quadruple it to $400,000. It does not have any alternative sources. It either powers its operations with natural gas or propane, just like farmers have to dry their grains and heat their barns using those same fuel sources. There are no alternatives. When the Prime Minister follows up with Carleton Mushroom Farms, how is he going to advise it to pay the $400,000 carbon tax bill he is sending them? Is it by raising prices on consumers or by cutting food production so we buy foreign food from polluting countries?

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

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to hearing about the sustainable practices that Carleton Mushroom Farms is already putting into place, and working with it on how we can continue to move forward on supporting it into a brighter future. We recognize the reality of climate change on this side of the House at least, and we know that is going to bring challenges to families such as the Medeiros family. We are going to be there to support them, just like we are supporting farm families right across the country.

[ Translation ] Official Languages

Mr. Mario Beaulieu (La Pointe-de-l'Île, BQ) :

Mr. Speaker, $2 billion to boost English in Quebec since 1995: That is what the federal government has done for official languages in Quebec. That is not all, however; the Prime Minister is investing another $800 million in his action plan for official languages, and English is again reaping the benefits. How many times do we need to say it? French is the language in decline in Quebec. The anglicization of Quebec is alive and well. Will the Prime Minister do something for Quebec and redirect our tax money to supporting the French language?

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

Mr. Speaker, protecting our two official languages across the country is a major priority for this government. That is why we are investing in protecting our official languages minorities across the country. The fact is that we are doing a lot more to protect French, including sending hundreds of millions of dollars to Quebec every year to support francization. We will always be there to protect French across the country, including in Quebec. Our government is the first federal government to recognize the precariousness of French in Quebec and we are going to be there to support and defend it.

(1510) Mr. Mario Beaulieu (La Pointe-de-l'Île, BQ) :

Mr. Speaker, how many times do we need to say it? English is not a minority language. We are surrounded by 360 million anglophones in North America. Even Quebeckers speak English because bilingualism in Canada is a francophone thing. In Quebec, we are fighting tooth and nail to protect the French language and indigenous languages. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister is undoing everything we have done by handing out yet another $800 million for English in Quebec. When will he stop promoting the anglicization of Quebec?

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

Mr. Speaker, this is yet more nonsense from the Bloc Québécois, which is picking fights and trying to scare people. The fact is, we invest hundreds of millions of dollars in Quebec every year to support francization. We are here to protect both of our official languages everywhere in this country, which means that, even though the Bloc could not care less about francophones outside Quebec, we will continue to be there for them, and we will continue to protect our two official languages in minority situations no matter where they are in this country.

[ English ] Automotive Industry

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

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister announced $15 billion for one battery plant. For context, that works out to $1,000 in costs for every single Canadian family. When reports came out that the jobs were going to foreign replacement workers, he called it disinformation. The next day, his minister said that there was one. Then they said that there were a few, and then the company said that there would be 900. Yesterday, his Minister of Employment said that he is going to do an investigation and get to the bottom of it. What has Sherlock Holmes been able to find?

The Speaker :

I would like to remind all members to not engage, as much as possible, in using mock names for ministers. The right hon. Prime Minister has the floor.

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

Mr. Speaker, once again we see the extent to which the Leader of the Opposition will go to explain why he stands against investments that are going to create tens of thousands of great jobs across Windsor and St. Thomas, in Montérégie in Quebec with Northvolt, and right across the country in battery supply chains. He is opposed to investments that strengthen the future of our communities because he does not believe in climate change, but we know, and Canadians know, that these investments make a difference. In terms of jobs, there will be 2,300 local Canadian construction jobs and 2,500 permanent Canadian jobs just for the Stellantis investment.

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

Mr. Speaker, we would sign contracts that ensure Canadian tax dollars only ever go to Canadian workers. The only way to find out if anything the Prime Minister says on this $15-billion deal is true would be for him to release the contract. Yesterday, common-sense Conservatives put forward a motion to that effect. Liberals amended the motion to say that there should be “no notes”, “no...recording devices” and that all copies would be destroyed. What in this $15-billion contract is the Prime Minister so determined to hide?

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

Mr. Speaker, I know that the Leader of the Opposition has not had many jobs other than an MP for the past 19 years, but the reality is that there are commercial and competitive reasons to be careful about the—

Some hon. members: Oh, oh!

The Speaker :

Order, please. The right hon. Prime Minister has the floor.

Right Hon. Justin Trudeau :

Mr. Speaker, he has had 19 years as a member of Parliament. Perhaps we need to make sure that they understand commercial sensitivities to guarantee good jobs for Canadians. Our investments have been supported by labour unions and are supported by local leadership, which understands we are building jobs not only for right now but also for coming generations. Working hand in hand with companies to make those investments in Canada is what this government is focused on.

(1515) Hon. Pierre Poilievre (Leader of the Opposition, CPC) :

Mr. Speaker, what he is focused on is diverting Canadian tax dollars away from union workers in places such as Windsor to foreign replacement workers from South Korea. Canada's Building Trades Unions said that its members could do all the work the Prime Minister has chosen to outsource to foreign workers, and they will lose $300 million in wages as a result of the replacement workers the Prime Minister intends to bring in. If anything the Prime Minister is saying about this $15-billion contract is true, why is he so afraid to release the contract?

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

Mr. Speaker, training up an already world-class Canadian workforce in more innovative and highly specialized machinery is good for the thousands of long-term, quality jobs that Canadians are gaining with these investments. It is obvious that the Conservative leader is yet again looking for a slogan to justify his ideological opposition to investing in Canadians' futures. His crusade against facts shows us once again that he will do anything to advance his own personal political interests, even if that means ignoring the likes of Unifor and other unions and ripping up Canadian jobs.

International Trade

Mr. Yvan Baker (Etobicoke Centre, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Prime Minister with respect to Bill C-57 . This fall, as the Ukrainian people fight to defend themselves against Russia's genocidal invasion, the Canadian government has signed a historic, modernized Canada- Ukraine free trade agreement with the Government of Ukraine. It is important to remember that the Ukrainian people are not just fighting for their own freedom and survival; they are also fighting for us, and we need to be fighting for them. Most MPs voted in favour of the free trade agreement, but every single Conservative MP voted against it.

They voted unanimously against supporting Ukraine. My question for the Prime Minister is, will he share with Canadians why the Canada-Ukraine free trade agreement is so important to Canada and to Ukraine?

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

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Etobicoke Centre for his long-standing commitment to the Ukrainian people. While Ukrainians are fighting for freedom and their very right to exist, the Conservative leader is pandering to far right, Republican-style politics that are creeping into his party. By voting against a crucial bill for Ukraine, the leader is playing into the Kremlin's hands. On this side of the House, without question, we will never back down in our support of Ukraine.

Slava Ukraini .

Carbon Pricing

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

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister could not care less about Ukraine. He only cares about the fact that he is losing the carbon tax debate so badly that he would suggest that anyone who is against the carbon tax is against Ukraine. The exact opposite is true. He is not bringing in a free trade agreement with Ukraine; we already have a free trade agreement with Ukraine, which Conservatives initiated and he had no

part in. Will the Prime Minister stop trying to distract from his losing debate on the carbon tax and on the suffering Canadians here at home, and finally take responsibility for all the misery he is causing?

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

Mr. Speaker, not only does the Leader of the Opposition think he knows better than everyone else in the House, but he also thinks he knows better than Volodymyr Zelenskyy what Ukraine needs right now. President Zelenskyy and his government are asking us to pass the modernizing of the Canada-Ukraine free trade deal. The Leader of the Opposition is saying, “No, no, no. We don't support, because it would impose a carbon price on Ukrainians.” Of course, the fact that the Ukrainian embassy is pointing out that it would do no such thing and, that indeed, they have had a price on pollution for years now, is proof that he is just trying to make an ideological argument.

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

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister 's ideological argument is that he would block selling Canadian natural gas in order to force Europeans to buy Russian gas. He would give the money to the Kremlin rather than give it to Canadian workers. He exported a gigantic turbine to Putin to pump gas into Europe and fund the war over there. Meanwhile, he imposes a carbon tax here at home. He can try all he wants to impose the carbon tax through a trade agreement or by delaying the carbon tax election, but here are the facts: I will win the carbon tax election, and I will axe the tax. When will the Prime Minister get it through his head?

(1520) Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, on this side of the House, we recognize that even as the world is in a complicated place because of multiple global factors, like Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, we need to stay focused on being there for Canadians, both now and into the future. That is exactly what we are doing. Our recent fall economic statement delivers more housing for Canadians right across the country, delivers stability and competition in grocery prices and builds on the jobs and careers that Canadians are going to be able to benefit from in a net-zero world. The Conservative Party's climate denialism is not building a stronger economy for Canadians.

The Economy

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

Mr. Speaker, that got him to back down real quick, did it not? We know that the Prime Minister is ashamed of the hideous record he has of sending two million people to a food bank, of doubling the rent, of making it so that nine out of 10 young people cannot a afford home, and of a massive increase in the number of people who have jobs who have to resort to breadlines in order to eat. He does not talk anymore about the middle class and those working hard to join it. The Prime Minister is trying to distract Canadians every day and in every way from the misery he has caused at home. Why does he not take responsibility for that misery and finally do his job?

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

Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives look at Canadians who are struggling right now, who are hurting right now, and they have made the choice to amplify their fears, to exaggerate them and to gin them up; to make people angry about everything; and to point out that everything is broken in this country. I disagree both with the substance of the Conservative leader 's argument and the way he is going about it. I know what Canadians are doing.

They are rolling up their sleeves, leaning on each other and building a better future by fighting climate change, investing in their neighbours and being there to support each other. The Conservative leader might want to run on anger in a couple of years; we are going to run on a positive, ambitious vision for this country, which Canadians—

The Speaker :

The hon. member for Surrey—Newton.

Labour

Mr. Sukh Dhaliwal (Surrey—Newton, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, workers have built this country and they will build the Canada of tomorrow. Our government recently introduced important legislation that would ban replacement workers. While the opposition pretends to be for workers, it has stalled the passing of the legislation. Can the Prime Minister tell workers across the country why we have their backs?

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

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Surrey—Newton for his hard work. Members of the Canadian Labour Congress were in Ottawa this week to express their frustration with the Conservative leader 's silence on our government's replacement worker legislation. The last time that party stayed silent on a piece of legislation, it voted against Ukraine. For the 19 years the leader has been elected to the House, he has always voted against unions, including with Stephen Harper's Bill C-377 and Bill C- 525 , and it is increasingly obvious he will always stand against workers.

Housing

Ms. Lori Idlout (Nunavut, NDP) :

Uqaqtittiji , the federal housing advocate has reported that the government fails to protect Inuit's right to housing. Inuit have to take shifts to sleep because of overcrowding. In the fall economic statement, the government is spending more to settle historic injustices than it is to help indigenous peoples in housing. Liberals have to get this right: Invest in indigenous housing and end these injustices. When will the Prime Minister finally invest in what is needed? Will he wait until he is forced to by the courts?

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

Mr. Speaker, I know how important it is to continue to work with the governments of the territories and with indigenous partners, like ITK, to build more housing. We have made significant announcements and significant investments in creating more housing, but there is, as my hon. colleague has said, much more to do. We will continue to be there as partners for the north as we invest in housing and as we create more opportunities.

Health

Mr. Kevin Vuong (Spadina—Fort York, Ind.) :

Mr. Speaker, 35 doctors and addiction experts recently wrote to the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions , recommending significant reform or outright abolishment of the safe-supply strategy. Harm reduction without treatment does not break the cycle of addiction. In Toronto and across Canada, the strategy is not working and is wreaking havoc on communities. Without a federal exemption, injection sites would be illegal. Will the Prime Minister listen to the experts and either reform safe supply and provide funding to keep host neighbourhoods safe, or eliminate injection sites altogether?

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

Mr. Speaker, it is a scientific and proven evidentiary fact that safe supply and harm reduction save lives. We know that there is much more to do, and we will continue to do it, working with partners across the country, investing in more supports for communities and moving forward in a way that is grounded in science, to save lives and support people. Part of our $200-billion investment in health over the next 10 years is aimed at support for mental health and addictions. We are there, but we will remain grounded in science, not ideology.

Presence in Gallery

The Speaker :

I wish to draw the attention of members to the presence in the gallery of the Hon. Jill Balser, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration for the great province of Nova Scotia.

Some hon. members: Hear, hear!

[ Translation ] Points of Order Oral Questions Points of Order

Mr. Alain Therrien (La Prairie, BQ) :

Mr. Speaker, you have previously stated in the House that questions must be related to government administration, that they must be relevant in order to be recognized by the House. Earlier, the leader of the Bloc Québécois put a question to the Prime Minister, and you were initially of the opinion that it was not related to government administration. I want to share what was said by the Canadian Human Rights Commission, which is part of the federal administration.

The Commission states that statutory holidays related to Christianity, including Christmas and Easter, are an obvious example of systemic religious discrimination and that this discrimination against religious minorities in Canada is “grounded in Canada’s history of colonialism”. Mr. Speaker, I am asking that you proceed more carefully in the future rulings you make on the relevance of questions because, in the case involving the leader of the Bloc Québécois, I do not think your decision was the correct one.

The Speaker :

I thank the member for La Prairie for his comments. From what the Chair heard during the first question, no reference was made to that document. I will review the blues. If that did in fact happen, then I would like to apologize to the member for Beloeil—Chambly. I will get back to the House with an answer for the member if needed. The hon. member for Sarnia‑Lambton on a point of order.

[ English ]

Ms. Marilyn Gladu (Sarnia—Lambton, CPC) :

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I think it is important that we are consistent in the way that we apply the rules in the House. During Statements by Members, one of the members opposite accused all of the Conservatives of being complicit with the Russians, which we know is not factual since we have all been banned from Russia. When one of our members had to withdraw a comment, he also had to apologize. I respect that you asked the member to withdraw the comment, but I did not hear the apology, and I would give the member opposite the chance to do it now.

(1530) The Speaker :

I thank the hon. member for raising this point of order. The Chair did ask the member to withdraw the comment. It was important to the Chair on a prima facie look at it to see a distinction between the two situations.

Mr. Garnett Genuis (Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, CPC) :

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. During the statement made by the member for Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes , the member for Mississauga—Erin Mills was making a number of very clearly unparliamentary statements. One of them is audible on the video at the 14:20:30 mark. I would prefer not to offer specifics if it is not necessary, provided the member is prepared to apologize and withdraw it, but I am happy to provide more specifics if necessary.

The Speaker :

I thank the member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan. I am going to review Hansard to take a look at that and will come back to this chamber if necessary.

Orders of the day Orders of the Day

[ Translation ] Committees of the House Foreign Affairs and International Development

Motion for concurrence The House resumed from November 22 consideration of the motion, and of the amendment.

The Speaker :

It being 3:32 p.m., the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the amendment of the member Dufferin—Caledon to the motion for concurrence in the 10th report of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development. Call in the members.

And the bells having rung:

[ English ]

The Deputy Speaker :

The question is as follows. May I dispense?

Some hon. members: No. [ Chair read text of amendment to House ]

(1545) (The House divided on the amendment, which was negatived on the following division:)

(Division No. 457)

YEAS Members Aboultaif Aitchison Albas Allison Arnold Baldinelli Barlow Barrett Berthold Bezan Block Bragdon Brassard Brock Calkins Caputo Carrie Chambers Chong Cooper Dalton Davidson Deltell Doherty Dowdall Dreeshen Duncan (Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry) Ellis Epp Falk (Battlefords—Lloydminster) Falk (Provencher) 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 Rempel Garner Richards Roberts Rood Ruff Scheer Schmale Seeback Shields Shipley Small Soroka Steinley Stewart Strahl Stubbs Thomas Tolmie Uppal Van Popta Vecchio Vidal Viersen Vis Vuong Wagantall Warkentin Waugh Webber Williams Williamson Zimmer -- 113

NAYS Members Aldag Alghabra Ali Anand Anandasangaree Angus Arseneault Arya Ashton Atwin Bachrach Badawey Bains Baker Barsalou-Duval Battiste Beaulieu Beech Bendayan Bennett Bergeron 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 DeBellefeuille Desbiens Desilets Desjarlais Dhaliwal Dhillon Diab Dong Drouin Dubourg Duclos Duguid Dzerowicz Ehsassi El-Khoury Erskine-Smith Fillmore Fisher Fonseca Fortier Fortin Fragiskatos Fraser Freeland Fry Gaheer Gainey Garrison Gaudreau Gazan Gerretsen Gill Gould Green Hajdu Hanley Hardie Hepfner Holland Housefather Hughes Hussen Hutchings Iacono Idlout Ien Jaczek Johns Jones Jowhari Julian Kayabaga Kelloway Khalid Koutrakis Kusmierczyk Kwan Lambropoulos Lametti Lamoureux Lapointe Larouche Lattanzio Lauzon LeBlanc Lebouthillier Lemire Lightbound Long Longfield Louis (Kitchener—Conestoga) MacAulay (Cardigan) MacDonald (Malpeque) MacGregor MacKinnon (Gatineau) Maloney Martinez Ferrada Masse Mathyssen May (Cambridge) May (Saanich—Gulf Islands) McDonald (Avalon) McGuinty McKay McKinnon (Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam) McLeod Mendès Mendicino Miao Michaud Miller Morrice Morrissey Murray Naqvi Noormohamed Normandin O'Connell O'Regan Pauzé Perron Petitpas Taylor Plamondon Powlowski Qualtrough Rayes 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 Turnbull Valdez Van Bynen van Koeverden Vandal Vandenbeld Vignola Villemure Virani Weiler Wilkinson Yip Zahid Zarrillo Zuberi -- 205

PAIRED Members Deltell Fast Garon Guilbeault Joly Lalonde Ng Oliphant Tochor Trudel -- 10

The Deputy Speaker :

Amendment negatived I declare the amendment defeated. The next question is on the main motion.

(1555) [ Translation ]

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

(Division No. 458)

YEAS Members Aboultaif Aitchison Albas Aldag Alghabra Ali Allison Anand Anandasangaree Angus Arnold Arseneault Arya Ashton Atwin Bachrach Badawey Bains Baker Baldinelli Barlow Barrett Barsalou-Duval Battiste Beaulieu Beech Bendayan Bennett Bergeron 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 Davidson DeBellefeuille Deltell Desbiens Desilets Desjarlais Dhaliwal Dhillon Diab Doherty Dong Dowdall Dreeshen Drouin Dubourg Duclos Duguid Dzerowicz Ehsassi El-Khoury Ellis Epp Erskine-Smith Falk (Battlefords—Lloydminster) Falk (Provencher) Ferreri Fillmore Findlay Fisher Fonseca Fortier Fortin Fragiskatos Fraser Freeland Fry Gaheer Gainey Gallant Garrison Gaudreau Gazan Généreux Genuis Gerretsen Gill Gladu Godin Goodridge Gould Gourde Gray Green 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 Kitchen Kmiec Koutrakis Kram Kramp-Neuman Kurek Kusie Kusmierczyk Kwan Lake Lambropoulos Lametti Lamoureux Lantsman Lapointe Larouche 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 Mathyssen May (Cambridge) May (Saanich—Gulf Islands) Mazier McCauley (Edmonton West) McDonald (Avalon) McGuinty McKay McKinnon (Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam) McLean McLeod Melillo Mendès Mendicino Miao Michaud Miller Moore Morantz Morrice Morrison Morrissey Motz Murray Muys Nater Noormohamed Normandin O'Connell O'Regan Patzer Paul-Hus Pauzé Perkins Perron Petitpas Taylor Plamondon Poilievre Powlowski Qualtrough Rayes Redekopp Reid Rempel Garner 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 Tolmie Trudeau Turnbull Uppal Valdez Van Bynen van Koeverden Van Popta Vandal Vandenbeld Vecchio Vidal Viersen Vignola Villemure Virani Vis Vuong Wagantall Warkentin Waugh Webber Weiler Wilkinson Williams Williamson Yip Zahid Zarrillo Zimmer Zuberi -- 316

NAYS Nil

PAIRED Members Deltell Fast Garon Guilbeault Joly Lalonde Ng Oliphant Tochor Trudel -- 10

The Deputy Speaker :

I declare the motion carried. Motion agreed to

(1600) [ English ] National Defence Motion for concurrence

The House resumed from November 27 consideration of the motion.

The Deputy Speaker :

The House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion to concur in the third report of the Standing Committee on National Defence. The hon. whip for the government.

[ Translation ]

Hon. Steven MacKinnon :

Mr. Speaker, I believe that if you seek it, you will find agreement to apply the results of the previous vote to this vote, with Liberal members voting in favour of the motion.

[ English ]

Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay :

Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives agree to apply the vote, with Conservatives voting yea.

[ Translation ]

Mrs. Claude DeBellefeuille :

Mr. Speaker, the Bloc Québécois agrees to apply the vote and will be voting in favour of the motion.

[ English ]

Ms. Rachel Blaney :

Mr. Speaker, the NDP also agrees to apply the vote and will be voting in favour.

Mr. Kevin Vuong :

Mr. Speaker, I agree to apply the results of the previous vote, voting in favour.

Ms. Elizabeth May :

Mr. Speaker, the Greens agree to apply the vote and will be voting no.

Mr. Han Dong :

Mr. Speaker, I agree to apply and will be voting yes.

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

(Division No. 459)

YEAS Members Aboultaif Aitchison Albas Aldag Alghabra Ali Allison Anand Anandasangaree Angus Arnold Arseneault Arya Ashton Atwin Bachrach Badawey Bains Baker Baldinelli Barlow Barrett Barsalou-Duval Battiste Beaulieu Beech Bendayan Bennett Bergeron 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 Davidson DeBellefeuille Deltell Desbiens Desilets Desjarlais Dhaliwal Dhillon Diab Doherty Dong Dowdall Dreeshen Drouin Dubourg Duclos Duguid Dzerowicz Ehsassi El-Khoury Ellis Epp Erskine-Smith Falk (Battlefords—Lloydminster) Falk (Provencher) Ferreri Fillmore Findlay Fisher Fonseca Fortier Fortin Fragiskatos Fraser Freeland Fry Gaheer Gainey Gallant Garrison Gaudreau Gazan Généreux Genuis Gerretsen Gill Gladu Godin Goodridge Gould Gourde Gray Green 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 Kitchen Kmiec Koutrakis Kram Kramp-Neuman Kurek Kusie Kusmierczyk Kwan Lake Lambropoulos Lametti Lamoureux Lantsman Lapointe Larouche 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 Mathyssen May (Cambridge) Mazier McCauley (Edmonton West) McDonald (Avalon) McGuinty McKay McKinnon (Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam) McLean McLeod Melillo Mendès Mendicino Miao Michaud Miller Moore Morantz Morrison Morrissey Motz Murray Muys Nater Noormohamed Normandin O'Connell O'Regan Patzer Paul-Hus Pauzé Perkins Perron Petitpas Taylor Plamondon Poilievre Powlowski Qualtrough Redekopp Reid Rempel Garner 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 Tolmie Trudeau Turnbull Uppal Valdez Van Bynen van Koeverden Van Popta Vandal Vandenbeld Vecchio Vidal Viersen Vignola Villemure Virani Vis Vuong Wagantall Warkentin Waugh Webber Weiler Wilkinson Williams Williamson Yip Zahid Zarrillo Zimmer Zuberi -- 313

NAYS Members May (Saanich—Gulf Islands) Morrice -- 2

PAIRED Members Deltell Fast Garon Guilbeault Joly Lalonde Ng Oliphant Tochor Trudel -- 10

The Deputy Speaker :

Motion agreed to I declare the motion carried.

Government Orders Business of Supply

[ English ] Business of Supply Opposition Motion—Passage of Bill C-234 by the Senate Motion

The House resumed from November 28 consideration of the motion.

The Deputy Speaker :

The House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion of the member for Carleton relating to the business of supply. The question is as follows. Shall I dispense?

Some hon. members: No. [ Chair read text of motion to House ]

(1610) (The House divided on the motion, which was negatived on the following division:)

(Division No. 460)

YEAS Members Aboultaif Aitchison Albas Allison Angus Arnold Ashton Bachrach Baldinelli Barlow Barrett Berthold Bezan Blaikie Blaney Block Boulerice Bragdon Brassard Brock Calkins Cannings Caputo Carrie Chambers Chong Cooper Dalton Davidson Deltell Desjarlais Doherty Dowdall Dreeshen Duncan (Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry) Ellis Epp Falk (Battlefords—Lloydminster) Falk (Provencher) Ferreri Findlay Gallant Garrison Gazan Généreux Genuis Gladu Godin Goodridge Gourde Gray Green Hallan Hoback Hughes Idlout Jeneroux Johns Julian Kelly Khanna Kitchen Kmiec Kram Kramp-Neuman Kurek Kusie Kwan Lake Lantsman Lawrence Lehoux Leslie Lewis (Essex) Lewis (Haldimand—Norfolk) Liepert Lloyd Lobb MacGregor Maguire Majumdar Martel Masse Mathyssen Mazier McCauley (Edmonton West) McLean Melillo Moore Morantz Morrison Motz Muys Nater Patzer Paul-Hus Perkins Poilievre Rayes Redekopp Reid Rempel Garner Richards Roberts Rood Ruff Scheer Schmale Seeback Shields Shipley Singh Small Soroka Steinley Stewart Strahl Stubbs Thomas Tolmie Uppal Van Popta Vecchio Vidal Viersen Vis Vuong Wagantall Warkentin Waugh Webber Williams Williamson Zarrillo Zimmer -- 135

NAYS Members Aldag Alghabra Ali Anand Anandasangaree Arseneault Arya Atwin Badawey Bains Baker Barsalou-Duval Battiste Beaulieu Beech Bendayan Bennett Bergeron Bérubé Bibeau Bittle Blair Blanchet Blanchette-Joncas Boissonnault Bradford Brière Brunelle-Duceppe Carr Casey Chabot Chagger Chahal Champagne Champoux Chatel Chen Chiang Collins (Hamilton East—Stoney Creek) Cormier Coteau Dabrusin Damoff DeBellefeuille Desbiens Desilets Dhaliwal Dhillon Diab Dong Drouin Dubourg Duclos Duguid Dzerowicz Ehsassi El-Khoury Erskine-Smith Fillmore Fisher Fonseca Fortier Fortin Fragiskatos Fraser Freeland Fry Gaheer Gainey Gaudreau Gerretsen Gill Gould Hajdu Hanley Hardie Hepfner Holland Housefather Hussen Hutchings Iacono Ien Jaczek Jones Jowhari Kayabaga Kelloway Khalid Koutrakis Kusmierczyk Lambropoulos Lametti Lamoureux Lapointe Larouche Lattanzio Lauzon LeBlanc Lebouthillier Lemire Lightbound Longfield Louis (Kitchener—Conestoga) MacAulay (Cardigan) MacKinnon (Gatineau) Maloney Martinez Ferrada May (Cambridge) May (Saanich—Gulf Islands) McGuinty McKay McKinnon (Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam) McLeod Mendès Mendicino Miao Michaud Miller Morrice Murray Naqvi Noormohamed Normandin O'Connell 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 Sorbara Sousa Ste-Marie St-Onge Sudds Tassi Taylor Roy Thériault Therrien Thompson Trudeau Turnbull Valdez Van Bynen van Koeverden Vandal Vandenbeld Vignola Villemure Virani Weiler Wilkinson Yip Zahid Zuberi -- 178

PAIRED Members Deltell Fast Garon Guilbeault Joly Lalonde Ng Oliphant Tochor Trudel -- 10

The Deputy Speaker :

Motion negatived I declare the motion defeated.

Private Members' Business Private Members' Business

(1615) [ Translation ] Health of Animals Act Bill C-275. Third reading

The House resumed from November 22 consideration of the motion that Bill C-275,

An Act to amend the Health of Animals Act (biosecurity on farms) , be read the third time and passed.

The Deputy Speaker :

The House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion at third reading stage of Bill C-275 , under Private Members' Business.

(1625) [ English ]

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

(Division No. 461)

YEAS Members Aboultaif Aitchison Aldag Alghabra Ali Allison Anand Anandasangaree Arnold Arseneault Arya Badawey Bains Baker Baldinelli Barlow Barrett Barsalou-Duval Battiste Beaulieu Beech Bennett Bergeron Berthold Bérubé Bezan Bibeau Bittle Blair Blanchet Blanchette-Joncas Block Blois Boissonnault Bradford Bragdon Brassard Brière Brock Brunelle-Duceppe Calkins Caputo Carrie Casey Chabot Chahal Chambers Champagne Champoux Chatel Chen Chiang Chong Collins (Hamilton East—Stoney Creek) Cooper Cormier Coteau Dalton Davidson DeBellefeuille Deltell Desbiens Desilets Dhaliwal Dhillon Diab Doherty Dong Dowdall Dreeshen Drouin Dubourg Duclos Duguid Duncan (Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry) El-Khoury Ellis Epp Falk (Battlefords—Lloydminster) Falk (Provencher) Ferreri Fillmore Findlay Fisher Fonseca Fortier Fortin Fragiskatos Fraser Freeland Fry Gaheer Gainey Gallant Gaudreau Généreux Genuis Gerretsen Gill Gladu Godin Goodridge Gould Gourde Gray Hajdu Hallan Hanley Hardie Hepfner Hoback Holland Housefather Hussen Hutchings Iacono Ien Jaczek Jeneroux Jones Jowhari Kayabaga Kelloway Kelly Khalid Khanna Kitchen Kmiec Koutrakis Kram Kramp-Neuman Kurek Kusie Kusmierczyk Lake Lametti Lamoureux Lantsman Lapointe Larouche 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) MacKinnon (Gatineau) Maguire Majumdar Maloney Martel Martinez Ferrada May (Cambridge) Mazier McCauley (Edmonton West) McDonald (Avalon) McGuinty McKay McKinnon (Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam) McLean McLeod Melillo Mendès Mendicino Miao Michaud Miller Moore Morantz Morrison Morrissey Motz Muys Naqvi Nater Noormohamed Normandin O'Connell O'Regan Patzer Paul-Hus Pauzé Perkins Perron Petitpas Taylor Plamondon Poilievre Powlowski Qualtrough Rayes Redekopp Reid Rempel Garner Richards Roberts Robillard Rodriguez Rogers Romanado Rood Rota Ruff Sahota Sajjan Saks Samson Sarai Savard-Tremblay Scheer Schiefke Schmale Seeback Serré Sgro Shanahan Sheehan Shields Shipley Sidhu (Brampton East) Sidhu (Brampton South) Simard Sinclair-Desgagné Small Sorbara Soroka Sousa Steinley Ste-Marie Stewart St-Onge Strahl Stubbs Sudds Tassi Thériault Therrien Thomas Thompson Tolmie Trudeau Turnbull Uppal Valdez Van Bynen Van Popta Vandal Vecchio Vidal Vien Viersen Vignola Villemure Virani Vis Vuong Wagantall Warkentin Waugh Webber Wilkinson Williams Williamson Yip Zimmer Zuberi -- 278

NAYS Members Angus Ashton Atwin Bachrach Bendayan Blaikie Blaney Boulerice Cannings Carr Dabrusin Damoff Desjarlais Dzerowicz Ehsassi Erskine-Smith Garrison Gazan Green Hughes Idlout Johns Julian Kwan Lambropoulos MacGregor Masse Mathyssen May (Saanich—Gulf Islands) Morrice Scarpaleggia Singh Taylor Roy Weiler Zahid Zarrillo -- 36

PAIRED Members Deltell Fast Garon Guilbeault Joly Lalonde Ng Oliphant Tochor Trudel -- 10

The Deputy Speaker :

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

The Deputy Speaker :

I wish to inform the House that because of the deferred recorded divisions, Government Orders will be extended by 51 minutes.

Points of Order Ways and Means Motion No. 19—Speaker's Ruling Speaker's Ruling

The Speaker :

Yesterday, the House leader of the official opposition raised a point of order regarding Ways and Means Motion No. 19, arguing that under the rule of anticipation, the ways and means motion was out of order. He quoted extensively from House of Commons Procedure and Practice , third edition, in that regard. [ Translation ] After his intervention, other members indicated that they would return to the House to offer their own observations on this complex point of order.

Given that we have seen the matter of similar bills being raised several times over the past few years, the Chair believes the current situation would benefit from a thorough explanation and a comprehensive ruling. [ English ] However, I do not believe there are sufficient grounds at the moment to prevent the House from considering the ways and means motion, the purpose of which is to allow taxation legislation to be brought in. Until such time as I can return to the House with a more detailed ruling, I will allow proceedings on Ways and Means Motion No. 19 to continue.

If the motion is concurred in, I will allow the bill based thereon to subsequently be brought in and for debate to begin on it. I intend to return to the House on the matter of the similarity between bills as soon as possible. I thank members for their attention.

Routine Proceedings Routine Proceedings

[ English ] Certificates of Nomination

Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to subsection 4(5) of the Public Service Employment Act and Standing Order 111.1, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, a certificate of nomination and biographical notes for the proposed appointment of Marie-Chantal Girard to the position of president of the Public Service Commission of Canada for a term of seven years. I request that the nomination and biographical notes be referred to the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates.

Government Response to Petitions

Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8)(a), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's response to 14 petitions. These returns will be tabled in an electronic format.

Committees of the House Canada-People's Republic of China Relationship

Mr. Ken Hardie (Fleetwood—Port Kells, Lib.) :

Madam Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the fourth interim report of the Special Committee on the Canada-People's Republic of China Relationship, entitled “The Chinese Communist Party's Overseas Police Service Stations”. Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to this report.

(1630) Fisheries and Oceans

Mr. Ken McDonald (Avalon, Lib.) :

Madam Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 11th report of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans, entitled “Restoring Full Accountability for Resources and Governance of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission”. Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to this report.

Mr. Mel Arnold (North Okanagan—Shuswap, CPC) :

Madam Speaker, Conservative members of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans submitted our supplemental report on the study of allocation of resources to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission because we are concerned about the persisting conflicts of interest and dysfunction caused by Canada's machinery of government structure for the commission. The conflicts of interest have resulted in the Government of Canada failing to fully deliver Canada's contributions for the commission's essential work of protecting and conserving the waters and fisheries of the Great Lakes.

This debacle is a national embarrassment and could have been dealt with back in April 2022 when the Prime Minister was sent a briefing note seeking a decision that could have fixed the machinery of government misalignment and resulting conflicts of interest. Conservatives call on the Prime Minister to fix the machinery of government, eliminate the conflicts of interest, reaffirm Canada's commitment to the commission and ensure the Great Lakes are protected for future generations.

International Trade

Hon. Judy A. Sgro (Humber River—Black Creek, Lib.) :

Madam Speaker, it is truly a great honour for me to present, in both official languages, the 13th report of the Standing Committee on International Trade in relation to Bill C-57 ,

an act to implement the 2023 free trade agreement between Canada and Ukraine. The committee has studied the bill and has decided to report the bill back to the House with amendments.

Agriculture and Agri-Food

Mr. John Barlow (Foothills, CPC) :

Motion for concurrence Madam Speaker, I move that the first report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, presented to the House on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, be concurred in. I will be splitting my time with the hon. member for Lambton—Kent—Middlesex . I want to concur in the report from the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food on food security that looked at processing capacity in Canada with a particular focus on food security.

I believe there is some very pertinent information in the report, which I would encourage all members of the House to take the opportunity to read if they have not done so. There are a couple of things in this report that I found interesting on how things change quickly. For example, in the government response to our report, there is a line that says, “The Government recognizes that the Report focuses on ensuring that a secure supply of food will be available to Canadians”.

Budget 2019 states that “one in eight Canadian households currently experience food insecurity, meaning that they are without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food.” Now, that was in 2019, here we are in 2023, and that number is no longer one in eight, that number is now one in five. One in five Canadians are skipping meals because they cannot afford to put nutritious and healthy Canadian-produced food on their table.

I think that is a statistic for all of us in the House that shows the devastating impact that Liberal government policies have had on everyday Canadians who are just trying to feed their families and make ends meet, pay their bills and carry on with their lives. The focus of this report, and why I want to highlight it today, is about food security or, more specifically, food insecurity. I cannot help but go back to the debate we had yesterday on Bill C-234 , which was a common-sense Conservative legislation that would enhance food security for Canadians.

It would be making farming more affordable for Canadians, which was a critical element of this study. However, what was not included in the study, and I want to highlight that as well, is that, at the time, we did not have definitive data on the impact the carbon tax was having on Canadian agriculture. For example, the Parliamentary Budget Officer reported that Bill C-234 would save Canadian farmers close to $1 billion by 2030. We have a report here talking about food security.

These elements would have been a very welcome part of the analysis and recommendations, as well as the impact that the carbon tax policy is having on Canadian farms and harming their ability to ensure that Canadians have nutritious and affordable food on their tables. The report highlighted the importance of innovation and technology to ensure that modern Canadian agriculture could meet demand and meet its responsibilities.

Again, with Bill C-234 , we are highlighting the fact that there are no commercially available and viable alternatives for Canadian farmers across the country who are heating and cooling their barns and drying their grain, other than natural gas and propane. When I talk about the Parliamentary Budget Officer report and the fact that Bill C-234 would save Canadian farmers close to $1 billion on a carbon tax exemption, that is only on natural gas and propane.

Ironically, gas and diesel already have an exemption and so really, with Bill C-234 , what we are trying to highlight is correcting an oversight, which I believe the Liberal government inadvertently made on its initial price on pollution climate change policy when it made an exemption on gas and diesel but did not include an exemption on natural gas and propane.

I believe that when the Liberals developed their price on pollution legislation, or carbon tax, they did not include natural gas and propane because I think they just did not have a clear understanding of what agriculture is and the energy sources that the agriculture sector relies on every single day.

(1635) This report highlighted the importance of technology and innovation. Farmers are doing that every single day by ensuring that their farm buildings and barns are as energy efficient and state of the art as possible. In fact, one of the farm families who were here last week, who met with members of Parliament and actually participated in a bit of a rally on the Hill and at the Senate, just built a new state-of-the-art chicken barn in southern Alberta, at a cost of more than $3 million, but it is powered by natural gas because there is no other alternative in rural Alberta.

Despite using a very clean-burning fuel, they paid $180,000 this past year just to heat and cool that barn. When the Prime Minister quadruples his carbon tax, they will be paying $480,000 a year just to heat and cool that barn. I have that study here in my hand where the government provided its responses on the importance of food security. I guess I would ask if perhaps we should be updating this study because I am not sure how we can even talk about food security when farmers cannot remain in business. This particular farmer, who built a new poultry barn, told me that he could not afford these higher taxes.

He really only has two choices. One choice is to somehow pass on those additional costs to the consumer. Again, the question arises about food security when Canadians are already facing record-high food inflation. That is only going to get higher as the carbon tax increases. His other choice is to shut down, to close up his farm and his agriculture operation, which again would impact food prices because that means less product on the store shelves and higher prices. Another interesting fact about this study is that it talked about a concern of Dr.

Charlebois, a professor of food and supply chains at Dalhousie University. He mentioned that we are seeing a number of Canadian agriculture and agri-food businesses stop their investments in Canada and Canadian operations. He said, “They're now leaving the country because they can't capitalize any projects as a result of...increasing fees.

The competitive environment here in Canada is not...attractive.” As a result of the carbon taxes, red tape and bureaucracy highlighted in this study, we are seeing Canadian farms declare bankruptcy or shut down, but also that agri-food businesses are picking up and leaving to more friendly entrepreneurial and business jurisdictions. The result of that, again, as we were talking about in Bill C-234 , is that they are carbon taxing Canadian farms out of business, but then they are forcing Canadian consumers to purchase food imported from foreign jurisdictions. That causes two problems.

One, it has a significant carbon footprint through moving, for example, tomatoes or mushrooms all the way from Mexico into southern Ontario, or fruit and vegetables from California into Quebec, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Two, it is a problem when we use foreign-grown products that do not have the same environmental standards we have here in Canada. There is a real significant problem when those food products are cheaper to import from Mexico, Brazil or Venezuela, when we should be able to produce them right here in Canada.

I wanted to share some of those facts that are highlighted in this report and just how much it is apropos to what is going on with our discussion yesterday about Bill C-234 . When this study was published, one in eight Canadians were facing food insecurity. Four years later, it is now one in five.

(1640) Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Lib.) :

Madam Speaker, I will get the chance shortly to provide my comments with regard to the issue that the member is raising. However, my question to him is specifically with respect to a strategy that has been developed by the Conservative Party of Canada, where it uses concurrence reports to prevent government legislation from being debated. We saw that extensively on the Canada-Ukraine trade agreement where the Conservatives ultimately ended up unanimously voting no to a Canada-Ukraine trade agreement.

They used the same tactic where they would bring in concurrence reports in order to prevent government legislation from being debated and ultimately voted on unless there is time allocation. Why is the Conservative Party taking this day to once again use a stalling tactic to prevent government legislation from being debated?

Mr. John Barlow :

Madam Speaker, I would encourage the member opposite to see what is going on across Canada. Last week, we had rallies from farmers in just about every province in the country, asking the government to understand the impact their policies are having on Canadian farmers and their ability to ensure that Canadians have affordable food on the table. These are pertinent issues that are front of mind for Canadian farmers across the country.

As an elected representative of a very agricultural, rural riding, I am just doing my job to ensure that the voices and the concerns of my constituents are being heard here on the floor of the House of Commons. If the member opposite, who has a majority government with a Liberal-NDP coalition, cannot manage the daily organization of the House, I think they have some concerns within their own party. They have control of the House, and they should be able to manage their affairs.

[ Translation ]

Mr. Yves Perron (Berthier—Maskinongé, BQ) :

Madam Speaker, in his speech, my colleague talked a great deal about Bill C‑234 and the carbon tax. I would like to talk about another issue, namely, the effects of climate change on farm products. We can speak out against measures intended to mitigate climate change, but we still need to be aware of these changes. For example, I would like to draw his attention to the market gardening situation, especially in Quebec. I think the situation is the same in other parts of the country. This summer we had torrential rains that set all-time records. Last year, it was something else; it was aphids.

In the past, aphids never got this far north, but with climate change, they are reaching areas further north and causing terrible damage. The year before that, there was a drought. The effects are significant. Does my colleague agree that the government should urgently review insurance programs and the way that risk is shared for these farmers?

(1645) [ English ]

Mr. John Barlow :

Madam Speaker, I enjoy working with my very respected colleague on the agriculture committee. There is no question that Canadian farmers understand the changes in climate more than just about any Canadian, as they are certainly at the front lines of that. However, my argument today, in highlighting some of the issues in this report, and yesterday with Bill C-234 , is that I do not believe that a carbon tax on Canadian agriculture and Canadian farmers is going to resolve issues when we are talking about the environment and climate change. I have talked to many farmers.

Paying hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in carbon tax does not allow them to invest in the new innovation and technology that will help reduce their carbon footprint and emissions. I think we should be incentivizing farmers to do those things, not punishing them with a carbon tax.

Mr. Alistair MacGregor (Cowichan—Malahat—Langford