9207 OFFICIAL REPORT (HANSARD) House of Commons Debates VOLUME 147 NUMBER 139 2nd SESSION 41st PARLIAMENT Wednesday, November 5, 2014 Speaker: The Honourable Andrew Scheer HOUSE OF COMMONS CANADA (Table of Contents appears at back of this issue.) COMMONS DEBATES November 5, 2014 DEBATES Edited Hansard * Table of Contents * Number 139 (Official Version) Official Report * Table of Contents * Number 139 (Official Version) Compte rendu officiel * Table des matières * Numéro 139 (Version officielle) 147 139 05 11 2014 2014/11/05 14:05:00 House of Commons Débats de la Chambre des communes House of Commons Debates 41 2 The House met at 2 p.m.

Prayers Staments 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 Honoré-Mercier . [ Members sang the national anthem ] STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS Statements by Members [ English ] Potash Industry Mr. Ray Boughen (Palliser, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, as the proud representative of the Palliser riding, I know first-hand the economic impact of the fertilizer industry in Saskatchewan and indeed across Canada.

Canada's potash sector accounts for 40% of the world's potash trade and contributes more than $6 billion annually to our economy. This sector delivers more than 25 million metric tonnes annually to feed our country and the world, in addition to employing 12,000 Canadians in high-skill, high-wage jobs. I am proud to relay that my riding boasts some of these jobs at agri-retailers like Avonlea's Wigmore Crop Production Products and at facilities for multinationals, like Yara and the Mosiac Company.

Our government is proud to support the fertilizer industry and will continue to contribute to this vital sector of our economy.

Blood Supply Mr. Bruce Hyer (Thunder Bay—Superior North, GP) : Mr. Speaker, in the 1980s, the worst preventable health crisis in Canada's history occurred when 30,000 Canadians were infected with HIV and hepatitis C. Thousands died, because profit took precedence over public health. The Krever Commission subsequently reported that blood is a public resource, and donors should never be paid. The Ontario government is poised to pass the voluntary blood donor act to prevent private companies from paying blood donors. However, the Conservative government is not taking action.

For example, in 2012, Thunder Bay lost the only stand-alone blood plasma clinic in Canada, and 30 skilled employees were fired. Now Canada may be forced to import plasma that has been paid for, outsourcing jobs and putting our blood supply at risk. I call on the government to promise Canadians that it will not license any private pharmaceutical company to pay for plasma or blood.

[ Translation ] Taxation Ms. Isabelle Morin (Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Lachine, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, the government chose to cut services to Canadians and use the resulting surplus to reduce taxes for wealthy families. Single-parent families will not benefit from income splitting. They are simply left out. According to the Agence de la santé et des services sociaux de Montréal, one-third of families on the island are single-parent families.

In my riding alone, 6,000 families will not benefit from this measure. [ English ] The Conservatives' proposal on income splitting will not help a single mom trying to make ends meet. Not just that, it will do nothing for the vast majority of middle-class Canadian families. In fact, 86% of families will not get a dime.

New Democrats have concrete proposals that would help millions of Canadians, such as a plan for affordable child care and a federal minimum wage. [ Translation ] Canadians can see which side of the House is really working to make life more affordable for their family, as we will demonstrate in 2015.

[ English ] Remembrance Day Mrs. Kelly Block (Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, yesterday morning Parliamentarians were privileged to attend a special ceremony at the National War Memorial to commemorate the commitment and sacrifice of our incredible men and women in uniform and to honour the memory of all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of Canada. Next week we will be back in our ridings to attend local Remembrance Day services.

This year I am honoured to be joining veterans, community leaders, and youth at a Remembrance Day ceremony in Saskatoon, where I will lay a wreath to honour those who have given their lives for our country. Saskatoon's Remembrance Day ceremony is one of the largest indoor Remembrance Day services in Canada. It provides an opportunity for the residents of Saskatoon and surrounding areas to commemorate the sacrifice of those who have died for our freedom. I encourage all residents of Saskatoon and surrounding areas to participate in our Remembrance Day ceremony to honour the fallen and commemorate the brave.

Municipal Elections Hon. Wayne Easter (Malpeque, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House to recognize all those who participated, in any number of ways, in the municipal elections held on Monday, November 3, in P.E.I. This, in fact, was the first time all incorporated municipalities held elections at the same time. I would especially like to congratulate all the candidates themselves. Whether they were successful in winning their wards or not, democracy is the victor. Running as a candidate at any level of government is both a challenging and rewarding experience.

My sincere thanks to all who ran for putting their names on the ballot, for putting their ideas forward in an open debate, and for trying to enhance and improve their communities. A high number of quality individuals put their names forward, and each and every one of them should be proud of their efforts to engage, contribute, serve, and better their communities. To conclude, I am sure I have the support of the House in wishing all candidates, new and re-elected members, all the best in their duties going forward.

(1410) Ukraine Mr. James Bezan (Selkirk—Interlake, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, just one week after the Ukrainian parliamentary elections, the Kremlin-backed terrorist groups of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics held pseudo-elections in eastern Ukraine that were illegal and illegitimate. Ballots were cast in the presence of armed men, and information was actively spread that those who did not come to vote would be deemed disloyal and judged according to martial law. Pensioners were told that to receive their pensions, they would have to come to voting precincts to confirm their residence.

The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine has said that the results of the election have no meaning. There were no official voters lists. Russian soldiers voted in Donetsk and Luhansk, and there was voting in Russia. The Security Service of Ukraine has said that these events in terrorist-controlled Donetsk and Luhansk were acts of violence against Ukrainian citizens. This election was a farce, conducted by coercion, at gunpoint, and was in violation of the expression of the people's true will.

Canada will never recognize this election and continues to call on President Putin to stop the illegal occupation and invasion of Ukraine.

Remembrance Day Mr. John Rafferty (Thunder Bay—Rainy River, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, like many families on Remembrance Day, we remember those who are serving, modern veterans, and those who went before them. My two grandfathers both served in the First World War. Just before 1914, my one grandfather lost both his wife and child in childbirth. He was among the first to join the war effort. He entered the war a private, and through battlefield commissions, ended the war a Lieutenant-Colonel.

My other grandfather, a minister, was a pacifist and refused to bear arms, but he believed in the war effort and spent much of the war as a stretcher-bearer on the front lines. The story of my grandfathers is the story of many Canadians. They were very different men, with very different beliefs, but both stepped forward in the service of our country, our people, and our values when they were threatened. On behalf of my constituents, from all different backgrounds and beliefs, I would like to thank our active personnel and veterans and their families for their service and their sacrifice. Lest we forget.

Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Program Mr. Peter Goldring (Edmonton East, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize 33 youthful delegates who have visited with us for the past seven weeks. They are here, in members' offices, to gain a valuable perspective on Canada's most important democratic institution: the Parliament of Canada. These young people, representing the Canada-Ukraine parliamentary program, embody the highest ideals of achievement and community service. They are the future leaders of Ukraine. They are young people like Mykhailo Oleksiienko, in my office.

Canada and Ukraine are inextricably linked forever by prior migration. Fully one in 30 Canadians are of Ukrainian descent, as are my wife, daughters, and granddaughters. Ukraine holds a special place in the hearts of Canadians. Canada was the first country in the western world to accord diplomatic recognition in 1991 to an independent Ukraine. As the young emissaries depart, we wish them well and say to them, Mnohaya Leeta .

World War II Veteran Mr. Brad Trost (Saskatoon—Humboldt, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, Mathew Bunko was born March 9, 1918, on the family farm near Humboldt, Saskatchewan. He purchased his own land in the fall of 1941. Then, on November 4 of that year, he was called to serve his country. After basic training in Winnipeg and Nanaimo as a private with the Rocky Mountain Rangers, he left for action to recapture Kiska Island, in the north Pacific, on August 15, 1943. After six months, he was sent overseas with the South Saskatchewan Regiment to England, Holland, and Germany, until his discharge on January 24, 1946.

He returned home to farm, and on October 10, 1948, he married Myrna Kaminski. Together they raised five children on their farm. Mathew and Myrna Bunko both reside at St. Mary's Villa, the long-term care facility in Humboldt. They recently celebrated their 66th anniversary. The Parliament and people of Canada thank Mr. Bunko for his service. We thank him for what he was willing to give, where he was willing to go, and what he was willing to do.

(1415) [ Translation ] Media Literacy Week Ms. Charmaine Borg (Terrebonne—Blainville, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, we are right in the middle of Media Literacy Week, an annual event led by MediaSmarts and the Canadian Teachers' Federation. Activities will take place across the country until Friday to help Canadian youth understand the importance of using social media well. We all know that digital platforms are powerful tools. They can promote worthy causes, but unfortunately, they can also be used for cyberbullying, cyber-misogyny and spreading hate messages.

To combat the negative aspects of online communication, Media Literacy Week invites all participants to explore the positive uses of social networking. This week, over 100 organizations across the country are working with young people to help them develop good media skills and make a positive contribution to progress in their community. As the digital issues critic, I hope that all of my colleagues will help draw attention to Media Literacy Week so that together, we can encourage young Canadians to make good use of digital technology.

[ English ] 1984 Anti-Sikh Attacks Mr. Parm Gill (Brampton—Springdale, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 30th anniversary of the tragic massacre of Sikhs in India in 1984. Thousands of Sikh men, women and children were tortured and brutally murdered in New Delhi and other parts of India. This massacre of Sikhs was a deliberate and calculated act by the perpetrators responsible.

In 2009, the New Delhi high court proclaimed: Even though we boast of being the world's largest democracy...the sheer mention of the incidents of 1984 anti-Sikh riots in general and the role played by Delhi Police and state machinery in particular makes our heads hang in shame... These were not just fundamental human rights issues. Sikhs around the world call for answers for this senseless killing and justice for the victims of this tragedy. I call on all members of this House to join me in condemning this atrocity and remembering the victims of 1984.

[ Translation ] West Island Women's Forum Ms. Lysane Blanchette-Lamothe (Pierrefonds—Dollard, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to invite the women of Pierrefonds—Dollard to the fifth edition of the West Island women's forum being held in my riding this Sunday, November 9.

This forum will provide the women of the West Island with an opportunity to exchange views on issues that matter to them, including access to work for women 50 and over, domestic violence and access to community services for West Island seniors. [ English ] It is now a tradition to conclude our women's forum with a delicious multicultural buffet prepared by the community kitchen of the Pierrefonds community project, the Hindu Mandir, WIBCA, and members of the Sikh community of Pierrefonds—Dollard.

I am grateful for their contribution. [ Translation ] I wish to thank my team, the volunteers and the community organizations, including the West Island Women’s Shelter, the West Island Community Resource Centre, the Arthritis West Island Self-Help Association, the West Island Women's Centre and Cloverdale Multi-Ressources. [ English ] I wish to thank the West Island Association for the Intellectually Handicapped. [ Translation ] I wish to thank all of them for their help in making the fifth women's forum possible.

I look forward to seeing everyone at the forum. [ English ] I am looking forward to seeing them this Sunday.

Taxation Mr. Jeff Watson (Essex, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, our government has announced four new measures: the family tax cut, an enhanced and expanded universal child care benefit and children's fitness tax credit, and an increase in the child care expense deduction. This is a family prosperity plan that will benefit 100% of families with children in Canada: low and medium-income families, one-earner and two-earner families, single parents, working parents. Each and every family with children will be better off, thanks to our new measures to reduce taxes for Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

Under our plan, Canadian families will receive an average benefit of more than $1,100. However, the Liberal leader has pledged to reverse our tax relief and force all families with children to pay more, and the Liberal leader's borrow and spend plan would only mean higher deficits and more taxes on Canadian families. Unlike the Liberal leader, who will raise taxes, our Conservative government is giving money where it belongs, back to hard-working Canadian families.

Family Doctors Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, next week is Family Doctor Week. I am proud to stand in the House to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of family doctors to the quality of life of Canadians. I would also like to take this opportunity to highlight the upcoming family medicine forum, which will take place in Quebec City from November 12 to 15, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

Family doctors understand the importance of patient-centred care and access to a family doctor defines the haves and the have-nots in our health care system. I would personally like to acknowledge the tremendous care provided to our family by our family doctors, Jean Marmoreo and Rae Lake. I encourage all Canadians to take time to recognize the dedication of their family doctors to their patients and the crucial role they play in access and advocacy for health and quality health care.

(1420) Human Rights Mr. David Sweet (Ancaster—Dundas—Flamborough—Westdale, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, yesterday Human Rights Watch released a disturbing report which suggests that the terrorist group ISIL abducted more than 150 children and systematically abused and tortured them over a period as long as six months. These children were forced to undergo intense religious indoctrination. Those who did not conform to this coercion were beaten with cables.

This is in addition to a video purporting to show a number of ISIL fighters discussing, in an all too familiar manner, a modem-day slave market where Yazidi girls are bought and sold as property. These are absolutely shocking developments, and further proof of the fact that ISIL is a depraved and barbaric organization that needs to be confronted with military force. This is precisely why the Canadian Armed Forces is involved in the fight against ISIL. Our CF-18s recently destroyed engineering equipment being used by ISIL to flood villages and roads near Baghdad.

Because of the efforts of our armed forces, ISIL's capability to further terrorize this area has been substantially degraded. We thank the men and women in uniform of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Regional Economic Development Mrs. Carol Hughes (Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, after years of inaction by federal and provincial governments, New Democrats are working to get the job done on the Ring of Fire. Today, the leader of the opposition announced the appointment of Howard Hampton as the NDP leader's special adviser on the project. This once-in-a-generation opportunity for northern Ontario should mean thousands of good jobs and economic development that will transform our region.

However, the Conservatives have not shown leadership, which means no new jobs, no investment, and a refusal to work with first nations communities. Almost all of the Conservatives' Ring of Fire announcements have failed to materialize. Northerners are fed up. There are important infrastructure challenges to address. Skills development and worker training are also vital. It is a good thing that the NDP understands the importance of this development, and Howard knows how to help get results, so that in 2015 an NDP government can finally get this job done.

Terrorism Mr. Devinder Shory (Calgary Northeast, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, Canadians were shocked by the horrific terrorist attacks that occurred on October 20 and October 22 near Montreal and in Ottawa which claimed the lives of two Canadian Armed Forces members. Canadians from coast to coast to coast came together, not only to mourn but to also deliver a message: “We will never be intimidated by these cowardly and despicable actions”. Our allies, such as the President of France and the U.S. Secretary of State, have stood by us, recognizing these heinous acts as terrorist attacks.

Canada has never and will never bow to aggressors who wish to change our way of life. Our Conservative government understands the seriousness terrorism poses to the world and within Canada. We will not be intimidated and we will continue to fight terrorism in all its forms.

ORAL QUESTIONS Oral Questions [ Translation ] Manufacturing Industry Ms. Megan Leslie (Halifax, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, the Governor of the Bank of Canada has just issued a scathing criticism of the Conservatives' performance. He notes that under the Conservatives, exports have slowed down in 500 categories. What is more, more than 400,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost since the Conservatives came to power. Worse yet, according to Governor Poloz, those losses are permanent. Why are the Conservatives abandoning the manufacturing sector? Hon. Joe Oliver (Minister of Finance, CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, the government is focusing on what is important to all Canadians: jobs and economic growth. More than 1.1 million net new jobs have been created since the recession. The IMF and the OECD both predict that Canada will be among the G7 economies with the strongest growth in the coming year. The economy is in good shape.

(1425) Employment Ms. Megan Leslie (Halifax, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, does the Minister of Finance agree with the Governor of the Bank of Canada, who says that young people should be prepared to work for free and live with their parents? Hon. Joe Oliver (Minister of Finance, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, Canada will remain one of the G7 countries with the lowest rate of youth unemployment. Since 2006, our government has helped six million young people acquire skills, training and employment. The economic action plan will help young people learn skills and help young entrepreneurs. [ English ] Ms.

Megan Leslie (Halifax, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, under this Prime Minister, the youth unemployment rate is now 14%. That is double the national average. Conservatives, side by side with Liberals, have watched while a generation of good middle-class jobs disappeared. They did nothing to help create the next generation of middle-class jobs. The job market is now so dire that the Governor of the Blank of Canada is telling young people that they may have to work for free. Is this really the best the Conservatives have to offer to a generation of young Canadians? Hon. Joe Oliver (Minister of Finance, CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, the NDP has been voting against every job creation measure for youth that we have put forward. They include: investing $330 million per year through the youth employment strategy; supporting more paid internships for our recent post-secondary graduates; helping young entrepreneurs, as I mentioned, by investing more in the Canadian Youth Business Foundation; and more. The opposition would introduce crippling new taxes, which would kill all the job prospects for youth and all Canadians.

Child Care Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, they are offering nothing and a generation of young Canadians are paying the price. Child care is another pressing economic issue. Families are now paying as much as $2,000 a month. Young people graduating into a dismal job market are worried about the cost of raising kids. The Conservative response is to borrow $3.1 billion to help wealthy families. Will Conservatives shelve the tax cuts for the few and finally deliver on their promise of 125,000 new child care spaces? Hon.

Jason Kenney (Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, we are doing a lot better than that. We created the universal child care benefit that is providing benefits to nearly 2 million Canadian families with kids. Now we are expanding it. We are expanding it to all children between the ages of 6 and 18. This means that under our plan, 4 million Canadian families with children would receive support for their child care choices.

That is 100% of families with kids under 18, unlike the multibillion dollar government-knows-best bureaucratic NDP daycare scheme that would benefit fewer than 10% of families with kids. Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, in 2006, the Prime Minister promised parents he would create precisely 125,000 child care spaces across Canada. Precisely how many of those child care spaces did Conservatives create? I would like to give the minister a hint. The answer begins with the letter zed. Hon. Candice Bergen (Minister of State (Social Development), CPC) : Mr. Speaker, here are the facts.

We have increased transfers to the provinces by 50%. They have created over 175,000 more child care spaces, which is in their jurisdiction. Here is what else we are doing. Every single parent in Canada with children under the age of 18 will receive a benefit from our universal child care benefit as well as our expanded family tax credit. We believe that parents know what is best for their children. We believe it is not a party or an ideology; it is mom and dad. That is who we trust.

(1430) Taxation Mr. Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, income splitting will not help 85% of Canadian households. Income splitting will not benefit 2.4 million two-parent families and it will not benefit any single-parent families. How can the minister pretend income splitting is all about families when he knows full well that the vast majority of parents will get absolutely nothing? Hon. Jason Kenney (Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, the premise of the question is absolute rubbish.

In fact, 1.7 million Canadian families with kids, that is nearly half of the families with kids under the age of 18, will benefit from income splitting and 100% of families, that is four million, will benefit from the total tax package and benefit package announced by the Prime Minister last week, which will deliver an average net benefit of nearly $1,200 for the average family with children. Two-thirds of those benefits will go to low- and modest-income families. We are going to give families tax relief.

We are going to help them with their kids as opposed to delivering that money through an expensive bureaucracy. Mr. Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, it is nice to see the jobs minister up, because the Prime Minister and the finance minister in the past week have not been able to say the words “income splitting” in the House. They are running from their own policy. They clearly do not want to draw attention to the fact that 85% of Canadian households get absolutely nothing from this plan. Will the minister acknowledge that his income splitting plan will only benefit a small minority of Canadians?

Hon. Jason Kenney (Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, it benefits an enormous number of those with children and they are who we are focused on. I want to remind the leader of the Liberal Party of his own finance critic's commitment, the member for Kings—Hants , who said in his 2003 leadership platform that the tax system that treats single incomes and dual incomes identically should be ended in order to stop penalizing Canadian single-income families. This is about fairness. This is about treating families as an economic unit.

This is about ending discrimination against some families who make sacrifices for their kids. We support the choices of Canadian parents. Mr. Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, back in 2003 our finance critic was misguided enough to be a Conservative. [ Translation ] It seems that the minister does not understand what I am asking— Some hon. members: Oh, oh! The Speaker : Order. The hon. member for Papineau . Mr. Justin Trudeau : Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives are spending $2 billion on an income-splitting proposal that does not apply to 85% of Canadian households.

Does the minister understand that his income-splitting plan is simply not a good idea for Canadian families? Hon. Jason Kenney (Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, as I said, two-thirds of the families who will benefit from these changes will be low and modest income families. The Liberal Party's policy is clear: it wants to take away all these tax cuts, advantages and benefits for children and families, just like it wants to take income splitting away from seniors. We are there to support Canadian families and their choice.

We do not do things the way the Liberal Party does.

Citizenship and Immigration Ms. Lysane Blanchette-Lamothe (Pierrefonds—Dollard, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, I would like to give the minister a chance to set the record straight, because there seems to be some confusion about his reaction to the decision, and more specifically about the changes made to the interim federal health program. The court of appeal ordered that the health program for refugee claimants be restored to what it was in 2012. Can the minister confirm that that is indeed what he has done?

(1435) Hon. Chris Alexander (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is unfortunately mistaken. We did what was necessary to comply with the court's decision, but we are disappointed and we will appeal. We have a question for the NDP: do the New Democrats understand the real meaning of refugee? Do they really think that someone whose refugee claim was rejected, who was found to be an illegitimate claimant and who is waiting to be removed from Canada is a refugee? This person is not a refugee. Not from a legal or moral standpoint.

Our government will continue to defend the interests of taxpayers. Ms. Lysane Blanchette-Lamothe (Pierrefonds—Dollard, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, it is hard to believe what we are hearing. The NDP is not the only one saying this. The court said that the changes made to refugee health care benefits are cruel and unusual. That is not insignificant. The court said it. It does not really matter whether the government agrees or not. We just want the government to uphold the court's ruling. Will the minister finally respect our courts?

Will he ensure that refugees, refugee protection claimants and their children will have access to proper health care? Hon. Chris Alexander (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, we will uphold the court's ruling, even if we do not agree with it. However, I have a question for the NDP. Do they respect Canadians? Twice yesterday and once again today, they said that we took health care benefits away from refugees. We did no such thing.

The NDP wants to give better health care benefits than those Canadians receive to people whose refugee protection claims have been rejected or found to be fraudulent. That is shameful. [ English ] Mr. Andrew Cash (Davenport, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, that minister's disdain for some of the most vulnerable people in our society is on full view today and it is not a pretty sight. First, he refused to accept when the Federal Court ruled his actions were unconstitutional. Then he continued his attack by using the omnibus budget bill to sneak in changes that would take social assistance away from refugees.

Now he is refusing to fully respect the court's decision on refugee health care. What does the minister have against refugees? Hon. Chris Alexander (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, CPC) : There he goes again, Mr. Speaker. Does the member opposite have any respect either for Canadians or for the English language, because there is no case when refugees, those determined to be so by our independent Immigration and Refugee Board or by the UNHCR and then resettled to Canada, have failed to receive health care under this government, and refugees will continue to receive health care.

What New Democrats are asking for, and we really find it unbelievable, is that people whose claims were found to be false, people whose claims were found to be fraudulent, people waiting to be removed from Canada, should receive better health care than Canadians themselves. Mr. Andrew Cash (Davenport, NDP) : That is wrong, wrong and wrong, Mr. Speaker. The Federal Court and the Federal Court of Appeal could not have been more clear. Conservatives' treatment of refugees was deemed inequitable, unconstitutional, and yes, causing refugees harm.

However, instead of restoring the interim federal health program, the minister is playing politics, deciding some people get it and some people do not. Why will he not just respect the court's decision and restore health care to refugees? Hon. Chris Alexander (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, refugee health care has been in place all along. It remains in place. Even the member for Markham—Unionville gets that, as he said yesterday. The Federal Court gets that, if the hon. member would read its decision.

It understands that the issues it was pronouncing upon relate to claimants, not to those refugees whose claims have been found to be legitimate and have refugee status. The hon. member should stand in the House, acknowledge that he has been misleading Canadians and acknowledge that he is asking for better health care for fraudulent claimants, for failed claimants and for those who are about to leave Canada. We do not think that is appropriate.

[ Translation ] CBC/Radio-Canada Mr. Pierre Nantel (Longueuil—Pierre-Boucher, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, for weeks now, the Minister of Canadian Heritage has been trying to convince us that the decision to eliminate one in four jobs at CBC/Radio-Canada was made by the CBC's top executives. Seriously. How can the minister claim that CBC is independent when nine of the 12 board members are Conservative Party backers? People are not buying it. The minister's henchmen are just doing the government's dirty work. What is more, she and her predecessors are elbow-deep in the day-to-day management of CBC. How disgusting is that?

(1440) Hon. Shelly Glover (Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, as I said yesterday, CBC makes its own decisions independently of the government. Let us talk about the appointments our government made. They were made as part of a rigorous and transparent process. We try to find the most competent candidates to meet the requirements of these positions. Our government never interferes with the democratic rights of board members. It is false to suggest that we take away their votes and their right to make donations to any party they want. Mr.

Pierre Nantel (Longueuil—Pierre-Boucher, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, nine out of 12 is not bad. CBC/Radio-Canada is a cultural institution that is vital to Canada, and especially to Quebec. It would even be fair to say that Radio-Canada has been one of the key instruments to the affirmation of Quebeckers. The people running it should be aware of that heritage. Unfortunately, the Conservatives like appointing their cronies to that corporation.

Nine out of 12 members of the board of directors are thugs who have been placed there to dismantle our public broadcaster and who could not care less about the impact these cuts will have on our heritage. Will the minister ever acknowledge this reality? Her government is responsible for this mess. [ English ] Hon. Shelly Glover (Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I am absolutely ashamed of what was just said with regards to some of the members of that board.

These are volunteers who come forward to enter into a competition, which is based on merit, and they have the competencies that are required. In fact, I will cite the competencies of one of the board members from Quebec. Pierre Gingras was the mayor for Blainville from 1993 to 2005, and he brings a vast wealth of experience in both economic development and business administration. Shame on that member for insulting his competencies. [ Translation ] Mr. Peter Julian (Burnaby—New Westminster, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, what is shameful is what this government is doing.

CBC/Radio-Canada is the engine of television production in Montreal, and in many francophone minority communities, for instance in western Canada, it is the only news source. The minister and her predecessors have taken control of CBC/Radio-Canada by stacking its board of directors. The minister's henchmen have begun gutting our public broadcaster. One out of every four jobs will be cut. Why is the government attacking CBC/Radio-Canada and culture in Canada? Hon. Shelly Glover (Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, once again, CBC operates at arm's length from this government.

When it comes to respecting both official languages, as the president, Hubert Lacroix, said, that is clearly part of the public broadcaster's DNA. We will continue to make a significant investment—$1.1 billion—in CBC, which will have to prove that it is fulfilling its mandate under the Broadcasting Act.

Citizenship and Immigration Mr. Peter Julian (Burnaby—New Westminster, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, let us move on to another Canadian value. We cannot believe our ears when we hear the Minister of Immigration say that providing health care to the most vulnerable, such as children, is not a Canadian value In 1986, Canada received the United Nations Nansen award in recognition of the major contribution by the people of Canada to the cause of refugees. How does the minister explain that we have gone from being a model country to a country that attacks refugees because of this government? [ English ] Hon.

Chris Alexander (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, our government's commitment, Canada's commitment, to the most vulnerable remains clear. We continue to resettle one in ten refugees worldwide who find a new home every year. Our commitment to maternal, newborn and children's health, and the leadership of this Prime Minister is second to none, and second to none in history.

What remains scandalous is that the member's party, and it is only the NDP this week, is asking for generous health care, health care that goes beyond what Canadians receive, not to go to refugees, not to go to protected persons, not to go to successful claimants, but to go to those who betrayed Canada's trust, who betrayed the generosity of Canada.

(1445) Mr. Peter Julian (Burnaby—New Westminster, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, we are talking about children. Now the minister can protest all he likes, but he cannot change the basic facts. He cannot change the fact that it is a core value of Canadians to take care of one another. He cannot change the fact that Canadians believe children, families and all people should be treated equitably no matter where they come from. He cannot change the fact that the Federal Court ruled that these cuts were cruel and unusual, and caused harm to refugees.

Why will the minister not accept the facts and end his heartless attacks on refugees, and families and children? Hon. Chris Alexander (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, there is no attack on refugees. From this government, there has been unparalleled generosity to refugees and full health care every step of the way. What we have had from the other side, on the other hand, is disinformation.

What we are hearing from the member opposite is that a claimant who was not found to be a refugee, who was not persecuted, who is heading back to his or her country of origin should receive better health care than Canadians actually receive. That is not generosity, and that certainly does not uphold another vital Canadian value, which is the rule of law.

Taxation Ms. Chrystia Freeland (Toronto Centre, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, according to the Bank of Canada, 200,000 young Canadians cannot get work. The situation is so dire, economists are joking that our central bank is following a grim new indicator: the kids living in their parents' basements index. In fact, it is so hard to get a job today that young people are being advised to work for free. This is our lost generation. How can the government justify giving a tax break to wealthy boomers, while leaving Canada's young adults behind? Hon. Joe Oliver (Minister of Finance, CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, our plan for all four million Canadian families with kids will be tremendously beneficial. The bulk of the benefit will go to low and middle-income families, with 25% going to families earning less than $30,000. They will receive a benefit of $1,200. The opposition wants to take that $1,200 out of their pockets. This is a shameful thing. Our plans are progressive and we are proud of them. Hon. Scott Brison (Kings—Hants, Lib.) : Mr.

Speaker, the late Jim Flaherty said, “I think income-splitting needs a long, hard analytical look...to see who it affects...because I'm not sure that, overall, it benefits our society”. Perhaps Mr. Flaherty was thinking about the people in his riding. There are 5,700 single parent families in the riding of Whitby—Oshawa that will not get a dime from income splitting. Why are the Conservatives going ahead with this $2 billion regressive income splitting scheme that does nothing to benefit single parent families? Hon.

Jason Kenney (Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, the package that he critiqued at that time was a package with no limit. This has a $2,000 limit on the benefit of income splitting. It benefits nearly half of the families with kids, and the overall package benefits 100% of families with kids. Two-thirds of those benefits go to low and medium income families, an average benefit of nearly $1,200, which the Liberals would take away.

Let us not forget, that very member stood in this place and called for income splitting because he said that the current tax code was unfair to single income families. He should listen to his own advice. Hon. Scott Brison (Kings—Hants, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, I saw the light and I followed the guidance of my better angels who told me that income splitting would only benefit 15% of Canada's wealthiest families. When I learned that, I knew it was wrong, as did Jim Flaherty. Beyond that, in the riding of Yellowhead one out of every five families with children is a single parent family.

Why are the Conservatives taking away a $2 billion tax credit that actually helps single parent families to pay for a $2 billion income splitting scheme that leaves these vulnerable families behind?

(1450) Hon. Jason Kenney (Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, the opposite is true. In fact, the remarkable support for families announced by our Prime Minister last week will deliver $1,500 in benefits to a single parent on an income of $30,000 and will deliver $1,000 in benefits to a single parent with a $50,000 income. This is the only plan being proposed in this Parliament that benefits 100% of families with children, over four million Canadian families, with a focus on low and medium income families.

It is why we have now seen child poverty at its lowest level in Canadian history. The Liberals would take this back. They are wrong.

Citizenship and Immigration Ms. Hélène Laverdière (Laurier—Sainte-Marie, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, the World Health Organization has been clear that visa bans for West African countries do not work and can actually increase the spread of the disease. Now the WHO is demanding an explanation from Canada for its misguided policy, and it has received nothing. Why is the minister sidelining the WHO during a global health crisis? Hon. Chris Alexander (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, as the Minister of Health and all of us on this side have been saying, we will do whatever is required to protect public health in our country, and to protect the health and safety of Canadians. That is why many months ago we began discouraging Canadians from travelling to Ebola infected countries, because of the potential risk to them and to Canada. We are simply being consistent here. We are discouraging new travellers from coming from Ebola infected countries, and we will continue to take these precautionary measures to ensure the safety and health of Canadians. Ms.

Hélène Laverdière (Laurier—Sainte-Marie, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, the problem is that the policy just does not work. [ Translation ] If the government does not want to send doctors to West Africa to deal with the Ebola crisis, as it should, then could it not at least help people like Mr. Perras? This summer, Mr. Perras, a citizen of Longueuil, adopted a young girl in Sierra Leone. The girl's file is currently in the Conservatives' bureaucratic limbo. Mr. Perras is very concerned about the girl and wants to bring her here as soon as possible. Will the minister help Mr. Perras? Hon.

Chris Alexander (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I just provided some details about this case to my colleagues across the way. The legal process for completing an adoption is not over yet in this case. It has nothing to do with Ebola. Under the Privacy Act, I am prohibited from discussing this case in more detail.

Aboriginal Affairs Mr. Romeo Saganash (Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, at present, 61% of aboriginal youth in their twenties have not completed high school, compared to only 13% for the rest of the population. Meanwhile, the minister sits back and blames everyone else for the failure of his ill-advised education bill. Will the minister acknowledge his failure, respond to the request by the Assembly of First Nations and reopen discussions to give first nations real control over their education? Hon. Bernard Valcourt (Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, our government was really disappointed that the Assembly of First Nations dropped the ball and did not honour the agreement it entered into with the government to reform elementary and secondary education. That said, there are many programs to improve primary and secondary education outcomes on reserves. As the most recent budget demonstrated, we are determined to continue working with first nations to improve the situation. [ English ] Ms. Jean Crowder (Nanaimo—Cowichan, NDP) : Mr.

Speaker, while the minister refuses to take responsibility for his failure, first nation schools continue to be woefully underfunded. Approximately 47% of first nations currently need a new school and 22% of those have been waiting for 10 to 15 years. That is simply unacceptable, yet the minister continues to ignore this situation. Why is the minister still refusing to provide first nation children the funding they desperately and deserve for a quality education?

(1455) Hon. Bernard Valcourt (Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, since 2006, our government has invested over $10 billion to support elementary and secondary education for about 118,000 first nation students. In addition, during that period, we have invested approximately $1.7 billion just for school infrastructure. We are on the right path, and we will continue in that direction.

National Defence Mr. Chris Warkentin (Peace River, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, according to Human Rights Watch, the terrorist group ISIL has abducted, tortured and abused more than 150 Kurdish children over the past six months. Captured children described being forced to undergo intense religious indoctrination and being beaten with cables if they did not comply. In recent videos, ISIL fighters seem to brag about buying and selling Yazidi girls on the open slave market. These atrocities cannot be allowed to continue.

Could the Minister of National Defence please update the House on Operation Impact and on Canada's contribution to the fight against these barbaric terrorists? Hon. Rob Nicholson (Minister of National Defence, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, it seems every day we hear new reports of the malicious and despicable acts that ISIL is committing across the Middle East. Recently, Canada's CF-18s attacked and destroyed engineering equipment that was being used by ISIL to divert the Euphrates River.

ISIL's intent was to flood roads and villages, and to divert traffic onto roads that it could then mine with improvised explosive devices. Depriving ISIL of the means to commit mass atrocities is exactly why the Canadian Armed Forces are involved with this fight. I again want to thank and commend our men and women in uniform for their efforts in this successful strike.

Poverty Ms. Jinny Jogindera Sims (Newton—North Delta, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, food banks report that almost half of food bank users are families with children. Child poverty will not be solved through what Food Banks Canada calls an “alphabet soup” of programs. It is time for federal leadership to eliminate child poverty. Canadian children deserve no less. Will the government finally listen and take a comprehensive approach to eliminating poverty for children and their families by supporting our Motion No. 534? Hon. Candice Bergen (Minister of State (Social Development), CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, since 2006, we have lifted over 225,000 children out of poverty. In fact, UNICEF recently reported that during the height of the recession, we lifted over 180,000 children out of poverty. How did we do that? It was through our tax measures and our benefits for families. Specifically cited was the universal tax benefit, which we are increasing and expanding to help every single family in Canada with children. I would expect the opposition to support that so that we can continue to help children who are experiencing poverty. [ Translation ] Ms. Francine Raynault (Joliette, NDP) : Mr.

Speaker, one million children are living in poverty. That is nothing to brag about. Every month, 840,000 people in Canada have to use a food bank. The most alarming thing of all is that one-third of those people are children. We proposed an affordable day care plan to give Canadian families a break. Why are the Conservatives refusing to help low-income families with children? [ English ] Hon. Candice Bergen (Minister of State (Social Development), CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, Canadian families are collectively shaking their heads at the NDP when we have a plan that UNICEF has said helped lift 225,000 children out of poverty by directly putting money into the pockets of Canadian families. The only plan that the NDP has is very expensive, and it would take money out of their pockets. Canadian families can trust this Prime Minister , this Minister of Finance , and this government to keep putting their money into their pockets, not into government coffers.

[ Translation ] Child Care Ms. Peggy Nash (Parkdale—High Park, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, a report from TD Bank shows that the female labour participation rate is at its lowest since 2002. This decrease could even jeopardize our economic growth. We proposed a plan for affordable day care, which would make it possible for thousands of women to return to the labour market. Why are the Conservatives introducing regressive measures like income splitting?

(1500) Hon. Jason Kenney (Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is implying that mothers and fathers who stay at home are not workers. We disagree. On the contrary, we know that fathers and mothers who work with their young children at home are important and productive workers who help future generations grow. That is why we fully support the parents of four million families with children with the large number of reforms we announced last week. [ English ] Ms. Peggy Nash (Parkdale—High Park, NDP) : Mr.

Speaker, the impact of child care on women's workforce participation is clear. Quebec's child care program allowed 70,000 women to return to the workforce, but the Conservatives' wasteful income-splitting plan would have the exact opposite effect and discourage women from working at a time when women's workforce participation is already sliding. Why put up more barriers? Why are they so opposed to policies like child care, which help women enter and remain in the workforce? Hon. Jason Kenney (Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism, CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, Canada has the highest rate of female participation in the labour force in the G20. What the member is suggesting really describes the NDP mentality. The NDP does not believe that dads and moms who spend some time at home with their young kids to raise them are in the workforce. We could not disagree more profoundly. They are working. They are working to raise their children and they are making sacrifices very often to do it. This is the problem with the NDP approach. It denigrates those families and their choices. It says that they are not working. It says that they do not deserve support.

It wants to attack those families and force them to take only one option, and it is wrong.

[ Translation ] Champlain Bridge Mr. Sean Casey (Charlottetown, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, can you imagine if the Americans decided to change the name of the George Washington Bridge to the Babe Ruth Bridge? Every Canadian admires Maurice Richard, who has Acadian roots. There are many ways to honour the Rocket but not by changing the name of the Champlain Bridge. Does the Prime Minister need to be reminded that Samuel de Champlain is a key figure in our history, that he was the founder of Canada and that, without him, Canada as we know it would not exist? Hon.

Denis Lebel (Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, our government would never jeopardize anyone's historical recognition. It is wrong to pit historical figures against each other, and our government would never do that. That being said, what we will do is build a bridge, a bridge that was not maintained while the Liberals were in power. We made that announcement on October 5, 2011. We will have the bridge built on time and it will be ready for the greater Montreal area in 2018.

[ English ] Co-operatives Hon. Mauril Bélanger (Ottawa—Vanier, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, in 2012, the government ended the $4 million co-operative development initiative, the only national program for co-ops. In January 2013, the government announced a $400 million venture capital action plan. To date, the investment funds that have received contributions under this program have not made any investments in co-ops. Also, Futurpreneur Canada receives $10 million annually to fund business ventures by young entrepreneurs; however, it cannot provide capital to young co-operators. Why is the playing field so uneven?

Why are these two federal programs not allowed to provide funds to help create co-operative businesses? Hon. Ed Holder (Minister of State (Science and Technology), CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge that member along with the member for Elgin—Middlesex—London for the strong work they have done over the years on co-operatives. I think that leadership was important. As that member would know very well, for 100 years co-operatives have been a fundamental part of communities across the country in creating jobs and promoting growth.

Let me say with regard to our action plan that our government has launched a four-point action plan to support the growth and innovation of co-operatives across Canada. That is a review of Industry Canada's programs to identify obstructions that any co-operative would have. We think that is great news for co-operatives and we would like to celebrate them.

[ Translation ] Champlain Bridge Mr. Hoang Mai (Brossard—La Prairie, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, the minister just said that he deplores the debate about the name of the Champlain Bridge, but the problem is that he is the one who started the debate. He is the one who wants to find a new name when all the government is doing is replacing the Champlain Bridge. Will the minister focus on his actual responsibilities—ensuring that the tendering process is transparent—and avoid bogging down greater Montreal with his toll?

(1505) Hon. Denis Lebel (Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, the premise of that question is false. The current Champlain Bridge is being properly maintained in partnership with The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated. The NDP voted against the hundreds of millions of dollars we are putting into maintaining the bridge, and then they say that Champlain is important to them. They have stood back and done nothing but complain.

We will continue our work on the new bridge over the St. Lawrence. Mr. Hoang Mai (Brossard—La Prairie, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, we forced the government to commit to replacing the Champlain Bridge, which is quite significant in and of itself. Everyone in Quebec agrees: as much as people love Maurice Richard, they think it is ridiculous to change the name of the Champlain Bridge. The minister should stop stirring up fake debates and get back to the topic at hand. Can he tell us if he will finally sit down with representatives of greater Montreal to talk about the toll that he plans on charging on the Champlain Bridge?

Hon. Denis Lebel (Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, on October 5, 2011, we announced that a new bridge would be built over the St. Lawrence. It is a new bridge, an expenditure, a construction investment of $3 billion to $5 billion. It will create 30,000 jobs in the Montreal area while it is being built. When we made the announcement, we also said that there would be a toll and public transit and that the bridge would be built through a public-private partnership.

We are following through on that.

[ English ] Employment Mr. Brad Trost (Saskatoon—Humboldt, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, yesterday Skills Canada launched National Skilled Trades and Technology Week. Now in its tenth year, this event creates awareness for young Canadians about good career opportunities in skilled trades and technologies across Canada. With a growing demand for workers in the skilled trades, would the Minister of Employment and Social Development update this House on what the government is doing to help young Canadians who want to pursue these careers? Hon.

Jason Kenney (Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, this government has made record investments in encouraging young Canadians to pursue great vocations in lifetime careers in the trades. That is why we created the apprenticeship incentive grant of $2,000 a year for those who enter the trades and the apprenticeship completion grant, which provides another $2,000 when they complete their training. We have provided these grants to thousands of young Canadians.

We have also provided the employer tax credit for hiring apprentices, the tool tax credit, and most recently, the Canada apprenticeship loan that provides interest-free financing to apprenticed students, because we believe that apprentices are worth every bit as much as— The Speaker : The hon. member for Lac-Saint-Louis.

Foreign Affairs Mr. Francis Scarpaleggia (Lac-Saint-Louis, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, this past August the UN Convention on the Law of the Non-navigational Uses of International Watercourses came into force after Vietnam ratified the convention. Why has Canada not ratified the convention? Why did Canada, a water nation, leave it to Vietnam to trigger the convention's coming into force? Canada should be an international leader on water issues. Why are we not? Hon. Deepak Obhrai (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and for International Human Rights, CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, Canada has always fulfilled its international obligations. We will continue to work with the United Nations and with other countries to ensure that we are a responsible world citizen. As to answering the member's question, I will get back to him in due course.

Taxation Mr. Murray Rankin (Victoria, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives are all talk and no action when it comes to tackling tax evasion. Most Canadians pay their fair share, but the Canada Revenue Agency acknowledged that last year alone it collected just 1% of the $220 million it lost to tax cheats. This comes amid reports that Canada is backing down on the commitment it made to the OECD to go after international corporations that avoid paying their fair share. Why does the minister show so little commitment to tackling international tax cheats? Hon. Kerry-Lynne D.

Findlay (Minister of National Revenue, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, through successive budgets we have continued to invest heavily in CRA's tax collection programs, including a $30 million investment made in budget 2013. From 2006 to March 31 of this year, CRA audited over 8,600 international tax cases. It identified, and is in the process of collecting, $5.6 billion of additional taxes. As a result of our aggressive action on this file, Canada now has one of the most extensive tax treaty networks in the world, with 92 tax treaties and 21 tax information exchange agreements.

(1510) Veterans Affairs Mr. Corneliu Chisu (Pickering—Scarborough East, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, today, in a fitting tribute to Remembrance Day, the Minister of Veterans Affairs and a representative from each party will make their Remembrance Day addresses in Parliament. Shortly thereafter, veterans and stakeholders will meet in Toronto for the annual True Patriot Love Foundation dinner. Will the Minister of Veterans Affairs take a moment to speak about this important organization and how it supports Canadian veterans? Hon. Julian Fantino (Minister of Veterans Affairs, CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, tonight I will join veterans and serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces and many leading Canadian corporations and other Canadians at the True Patriot Love Foundation event in Toronto. Started by Shaun Francis and our very own member of Parliament from Durham , the True Patriot Love Foundation has gone on to support veterans and their families through numerous efforts, including championing improved employment opportunities, research, and much more. On behalf of a grateful nation, we give our thanks. We will not forget.

[ Translation ] Canadian Heritage

Ms. Annick Papillon (Québec, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, as part of the celebration of the 150th anniversary of Confederation, Quebec City would like to host about 40 tall ships. This is a wonderful opportunity to promote tourism and highlight the beauty of the St. Lawrence. Quebec City submitted its proposal to the government in May 2013. If the Conservatives do not commit funding by February 2015, the event may not go ahead. When will the government get on board with this major tourism proposal and provide financial support to the Quebec City tall ships? We want a date. Hon.

Shelly Glover (Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, the 150th anniversary of Confederation is an event that will be celebrated across the country. We are still waiting for an announcement, and we encourage all municipalities and provinces, as well as all organizations, to plan their events in order to celebrate this occasion with tremendous pride. Since we are talking about this event, I should say that we are on our way to 2017. We are celebrating a number of events now.

[ English ] Foreign Affairs Ms. Elizabeth May (Saanich—Gulf Islands, GP) : Mr. Speaker, earlier today a number of us parliamentarians gathered to call on the Prime Minister in his upcoming visit to China to take action on the particularly distressing and indeed appalling case of Canadian citizen, and also Chinese citizen, Dr. Wang Bingzhang, who has been in solitary confinement for 12 years. He is a political activist and dissident, and he stands for democracy. He was illegally arrested in Vietnam and taken by force to the People's Republic of China.

There are thousands and thousands of cases that call out for action from the People's Republic of China, but could the Prime Minister assure us that in this instance he will do everything possible to obtain Dr. Wang's return to Canada? Hon. Deepak Obhrai (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and for International Human Rights, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, we are aware of the case. The promotion of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy. These issues have been raised in the context of our open and frank relationship with China.

Resignation of Member Mr. Dean Del Mastro (Peterborough, Cons. Ind.) : Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 20, I would like to rise on a point of personal privilege. I appreciate the opportunity to do so. To my colleagues here in the House, first and foremost, I want to say that I hold this place in the highest regard. Today, coming to this place and to this building, as I have many times, I have never once taken that for granted.

The trust, the honour, the distinction to serve in this House, this House of Parliament, in the nation that I hold out as the finest in the world is an honour that each and every one of us uniquely hold. It is something that we should never, ever take for granted. I am from Peterborough. I am Peterborough. I grew up picking stones in the fields of Peterborough County. I love that place. I love everything about it. The people of the riding of Peterborough have three times chosen me to be their representative in this House. What an honour. What an incredible honour.

I want to speak a little about the election in 2008. However, before I do that, I want to reinforce the fact that I have never been defeated in standing for election at any time. I first stood for the nomination in the Conservative Party as a relative unknown. The local papers called me a neophyte, asking “Who is this guy?” and “What business does he have to run for the nomination?” I did run. A lot of people came out. I was 34 years old, and had been in business for 10 years. I had created dozens of jobs in Peterborough, and I am proud of that.

I demonstrated to each and every one of them that I was a person of consequence, and that I would be a person of consequence, representing them if they gave me the honour. They did. After a 56-day campaign, I was the Conservative member of Parliament for Peterborough. I never wasted a day. I have not wasted a day since April 14, 1994, the day my father died. I fought for the people of Peterborough. In 2008, I sought re-election, but I sought re-election on a record that I was proud of, running for a government that I believed had done great things in a short period of time for this nation.

We continued to work hard after 2008. I can list the achievements, things I have gotten done since 2008. The people in Peterborough know them well. They know Peterborough today is a stronger city, a stronger region. It is more outward looking. If I was to speak to my achievements, I would start with the Peterborough Airport, a report that I wrote myself. So often in Parliament and in elected levels of government, at every level, we send away for reports. We commission reports to be completed. Not me.

I was always determined that I was going to be proactive, that I was going to force the issue, that I would be in every way working hard and making things happen for my region, because I thought that for years we had underachieved in Peterborough. Not anymore, not with me as their representative. In 2007, I wrote a report calling for an investment into the Peterborough Airport. I got buy-in from the Peterborough City Council. I got buy-in from the federal government. I got buy-in from the provincial government. Today, that airport is now a gateway to the world. It used to be a flying club.

It is not a flying club anymore. It is creating jobs each and every day. We had significant investments into our downtown, such as the Market Hall theatre. The Hunter Street Bridge is completely redone. We have new seniors centres, the Mapleridge seniors centre. We have the Peterborough Lawn Bowling Club; it is brand new. We have a renovated arena in Ennismore. We have a renovated curling club in Ennismore. We have a renovated arena in Lakefield.

(1515) We have new wastewater treatment facilities and new water treatment facilities across the riding, meaning that people in my riding are drinking safe water and my small communities can actually grow and build themselves. I worked hard for all of them. We have better roads and bridges, but we also have people who believe in our region and believe in our community and believe in our potential. When I went back to Peterborough in 1994 from university, most of my friends were leaving. I was the only one who went back. Almost my whole graduating class is somewhere else.

As a guy with a business who had gone through university as an accounting and finance major, I was told to go to Bay Street because that is where I would make money, but I was convinced that my place was in Peterborough, the place that I loved, the electric city. God bless it. I was re-elected in 2011, and people poured through those files. They poured through my election filings: 2006, 2008, 2011. I was re-elected in 2011, and I have not wasted a day since then either. In 2008, I set a record for the most votes ever garnered by a candidate in Peterborough.

In 2011, I broke that record and it is not because of me. I hope colleagues will agree with me that no one person wins an election. We do not do it on our own; we have so many volunteers. Ultimately, it is about the people, the individuals who go out and cast their ballots. They leave their homes in the morning and at some point in that day they put an X on a ballot. It is such an honour for the candidate who they decide that X should be for. That is how elections are won. I want to speak a bit about the case that is against me. Yesterday, I watched the debate. I was not here.

I had a new little girl born on Sunday. I still have the hospital bracelet on my wrist. She is a miracle I have waited a long time for. I think my wife is watching at home so I would ask her to give her a kiss for me. I want to be clear that the matter that was discussed here yesterday is very much still before the courts. It may well be there some time. I wish it was not. I wish it was not a distraction. I wish it was not something that I had to fight, but it is and I will fight. People in this House know one thing about me; they know I am no shrinking violet.

I have a big heart, but nobody should ever confuse that with any willingness on my part to ever back down. I often tell people that I have a distinct design flaw. It is that I was not built with a reverse gear. I only know how to go forward, and I will press forward. As I said yesterday, I did not feel that people were very judicious in their comments, and I regret that. I understand it. There is a lot of politics in this place. However, I did want to come out and make a number of comments in that regard.

To begin with, I want to make one thing clear, and I stand by this: I did not donate too much money to myself. I did not, and I stand by my filings in 2008. I also want to say something to the people at home who are listening, the more than 27,000 people who voted for me in 2008 and the almost 29,000 who voted for me in 2011. I want them to ask themselves a simple question, and not listen to the people on the blogs and the haters. There are lots of them out there. I wish there were not, but that is just the world we live in today.

However, those people who went out and cast a ballot for me in 2008 or in 2011, I ask them to ask themselves a question. Did they vote for me because somebody phoned them at some point and asked if they were going to vote for me? Or did they vote for me because they believed I was the best choice on the ballot, because they believed I was an advocate, because they liked what I had been doing, because they believed that I was the best hope for Peterborough and that the Conservative Party was the best hope for this country? I believe that is why they voted for me and nothing changes that.

When people say that I am guilty of fraud or whatever comments that were made the other day, they disrespect the more than 27,000 people in 2008 who voted for me and the almost 29,000 people who voted for me in 2011. Those voters would tell them, to a person, that it had nothing to do with how they cast their ballot.

(1520) If that position were true, then I would advise every person in the House to invest all their money in nothing but phone calls, which is the only sure way to be elected. That is what I heard here yesterday, that somehow this was a means of stealing an election. That is absolutely false. It is founded in absolutely nothing. The best way to be re-elected is to work hard, to be a person of conviction and consequence, and I say that for the people at home who are standing for election. It bothered me yesterday that a day in the life of the House was wasted on this issue.

I believe Parliament should be focused on attacking issues on behalf of Canadians, not attacking each other. Yesterday, that day was lost, and I will not see any more days lost on that. I spoke about my love for Peterborough county. I will not be a distraction in Peterborough. I have talked about how Peterborough is more outward looking, about how I believe its future is bright and the people who live there believe the future is bright. I will do nothing to distract from that.

It is important, I would argue, that the people of this place, the people in Peterborough and the people across the country understand that this institution, Parliament itself, is fixed and focused on the issues that matter to them. We may not all agree on the best way to serve our constituents at home, but one thing we should agree on is that this place should always be used to better their lives, to better their outcomes and to better this great nation, and yesterday that was not the case.

I told a number of my colleagues in the Conservative Party that I would never ever put them in a position where they had to vote with respect to my future, my position in this place or otherwise, and I will not do that. A number of them know they are like my brothers and sisters, but all of them know they are my political family. They are the greatest hope for this nation, in my view. I know others in the House disagree with me on that, but I believe it to my core. No united Conservative Party has ever been defeated since 1980. It has never happened. The members should stay united.

I will not be the one to divide them. I believe too much in what they do and what they stand for, and it is with that, with appreciation, humility and gratitude, I tender my resignation, effective immediately, in the House. I stand before the House as one of the most fortunate and blessed individuals that the good Lord has ever put breath into. Nothing will ever change that. I hope some day to be back in this place, but if I am not, always keep in mind it is a simple chair, but it represents the hopes, dreams and futures of the thousands who members represent, millions across the country.

Never take it for granted.

(1525) Vacancy Peterborough The Speaker : Mr. Del Mastro, member for the electoral district of Peterborough, having resigned, it is my duty to inform the House that a vacancy has occurred in the representation. Pursuant to paragraph 25(1)(

a) of the Parliament of Canada Act, I will address a warrant to the Chief Electoral Officer for the issue of a writ for the election of a member to fill this vacancy.

Member for Peterborough (On the order: Privilege) November 4, 2014—Motion on the member for Peterborough—Mr. Peter Julian The Speaker : In light of the statement of the member for Peterborough, any further proceedings on the motion standing in the name of the member for Burnaby—New Westminster are now unnecessary. Therefore, the order for consideration of the motion is dropped from the order paper. (Order discharged)

Routine Proceedings Routine Proceedings Supplementary Estimates (B), 2014-15

A message from His Excellency the Governor General transmitting supplementary estimates (

B) for the financial year ending March 31, 2015, was presented by the President of the Treasury Board and read by the Speaker to the House.

(1530) [ Translation ] Performance Reports 2013-14 Hon. Tony Clement (President of the Treasury Board, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, on behalf of 92 departments and agencies, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the departmental performance reports for the 2013-14 fiscal year. [ English ] I also invite members to access the performance reports at tbs-sct.gc.ca/dpr-rmr.

Government Response to Petitions Mr. Tom Lukiwski (Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8)(

b) I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's response to 51 petitions.

Veterans' Week Hon. Julian Fantino (Minister of Veterans Affairs, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, it was exactly two weeks ago today that we in this chamber shared a terrifying brush with a dangerous new reality spreading around the world. I know it deeply affected all of us, as have the deaths of two brave and dearly loved members of our Canadian Armed Forced family, Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo, who were targeted simply for wearing our nation's uniform in service to country.

What is more, if it were not for the heroic actions of our security and policemen and women serving on the front line, including our own Sergeant-at-Arms, the terrible loss of life both here and south of Montreal could have been much worse. We will be forever grateful for their dedication to duty. That is a sample of the troubling world that we now live in, and it makes Veterans' Week even more poignant and meaningful for all of us this year.

While the threats to our safety and freedom have changed over the years, Veterans' Week reminds us that brave men and women have been defending this great land, even before Canada was a country. That is why I consider it one of the finest honours in my life that I have been asked to serve as Canada's Minister of Veterans Affairs . Nothing unites Canadians like our profound pride and gratitude for those who have worn our nation's uniform and those who still do today. We saw it again through the outpouring of grief and sorrow across our country last month.

We saw it along the length of the Highway of Heroes and on the overpasses above, as Canadians waited hours to pay their final respect to a fallen hero. We understand, as a truly grateful nation, the enormous debt we owe to all those who have stood on guard for us, at home and abroad, on land, at sea and in the air, and who still do so today. We understand, as citizens of a strong, proud and free nation, that our debt continues today with those still serving in harm's way, including Iraq, and I ask all Canadians to keep them in our thoughts and prayers.

More than ever we pray for those who are serving in those places for their safe return home to their loved ones. We must never take for granted this amazing country that our are men and women in uniform helped to build. We must be vigilant in defending our shared values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and we must never take their sacrifices for granted. We must never forget that freedom is not free, that it has never been free.

So many of our allies can appreciate this at a personal level of appreciation, obviously, because they have lived with foreign armies occupying their countries, and they have never forgotten that Canada was there to help liberate them. I know that is true, because I have watched the awe, and with awe, as our veterans have been welcomed back as heroes from the north of France to the south of Italy, from Cyprus to South Korea.

I felt this same gratitude as I shook hands with the last Canadian soldiers returning from our Afghanistan mission in March, and when I broke bread with the families of the 158 fallen men and women on our National Day of Honour in May as well. I was proud to represent Canada when the world gathered in Belgium in August to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War, just as I was honoured to stand before two dozen Canadian veterans in Vancouver in September as we launched a new national tribute to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Canada's engagement in the Second World War.

That is why we have launched our world war commemoration period. Between now and 2020, we will encourage Canadians to join us in making the many milestone anniversaries from the country's extraordinary role in the allied victories of the two world wars as a significant passage of our history.

(1535) Later this month, more than two dozen veterans of the Italian campaign will return to Italy, where more than 93,000 Canadians served in one of the longest and fiercest struggles of the Second World War. It is imperative that we remember our proud military history and that we preserve it for future generations to discover, appreciate, and commemorate. That is why we today speak volumes about Veterans' Week, and that is what Veterans' Week is all about.

It is about paying tribute to the sacrifices, the contributions, and the achievements of our service men and women, past and present, and I would add, their distinguished families. It is about remembering their service and honouring their sacrifice. That is what stays with us after all these years. That is what defends us from bad people. It is what we stand for. It is what defines our men and women today. It defines who we are as a nation. Their sense of duty goes to the heart of what it means to be Canadian. It is who we are.

They reflect the very best in all of us, and they have earned their place among our nation's truest heroes. They represent in a truly honourable way the best Canada has to offer, and we will never forget them. We will remember them. Mr. Peter Stoffer (Sackville—Eastern Shore, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, I am honoured today to stand in the House to pay tribute to Canada's honoured veterans on behalf of the New Democratic Party, our leader, and in fact, Canadians across the country.

This year marks the commemoration of the 115th anniversary of the start of the Boer War, the 100th anniversary of World War I, and the 75th anniversary of World War II. I cannot help but think of some of the names of individuals who have served. Captain Paul Triquet earned the VC in Italy. Herb Peppard, part of the Devil's Brigade, from of Truro, Nova Scotia, served valiantly with the American allies as well. Tommy Prince, an aboriginal veteran, served not just in World War II in the Devil's Brigade but also in Korea.

Last night the minister and I were at a wonderful event for Helen Rapp, who has, unfortunately, passed on. She was a young woman who lied about her age so that she could serve her country in World War II. Last night the City of Ottawa and Mayor Jim Watson honoured her with a street named after her. I can assure you, Mr. Speaker, that if I had the money, I would buy a house on that street, because she really was an amazing dynamo of woman. There are other people. Jack Ford, of Newfoundland and Labrador, was the only allied person to survive the Nagasaki bombing in Japan during World War II.

He lived to be 90 years old, up in Newfoundland. There are people like Louise Richard, who served in the first Gulf War; Captain Nichola Goddard, the first woman to die for Canada in combat; Ed Carter-Edwards, of Ontario, who survived the Buchenwald concentration camp as an airman serving his country; and many other people. These are just some of the names of the people who were willing to give up their lives for the sanctity of Canada and the sanctity of the free world. I cannot tell members how proud I was when I woke up this morning and realized something I had not realized before.

My father once told me that we immigrated to Canada because after being liberated from a prisoner of war camp, he said, “If they have a military like that, imagine what kind of country they come from”. I stand in the House today as a representative of Nova Scotia. The Minister of Veterans Affairs is from a country that was liberated by Canadians. The official opposition critic is from a country that was liberated by Canadians and their allies. That is what Canada is all about. Canada is a beacon of hope. Canada is a beacon of light.

Right now, wherever our servicemen and women are when they are serving around the world, young people are looking up and saying, “I wonder what kind of country they come from”. It is truly an honour to be able to pay our respects to the men and women who have given their lives. There are over 117,000 Canadians, buried in over 72 countries around the world, who fought for peace, freedom, and democracy. If anyone ever wanted to know whether their sacrifice was worth it, I am here, so it was well worth it for my family to come to Canada in that regard, although the Conservatives may not think that.

Every day I wake up and see that Canadian flag, and when I am in Ottawa and I see the national cenotaph, and I think how honoured I am to be in this great country. Allow me to pay my respects to the great memory of Nathan Cirillo, a young man, 24 years old, with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Hamilton. No, he did not deserve to die. That man deserved to live a full and fruitful life, all the way into old age, and to look after his son. However, because of

an act of violence, which was uncalled for, this man standing sentry at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier gave his life for all of us. I know that everyone in the House of Commons, and all Canadians, will never ever forget that man's sacrifice. Nor will they forget Patrice Vincent, who was in a parking lot with his friend, when a madman killed him with his vehicle. He had 28 years of service in the military. He was a well-decorated veteran and a soldier. To give up his life like that is just unconscionable. We, as Canadians, thank them for their services.

We thank them for their sacrifices, as we do all their brothers and sisters who have also given up their lives. We also consider their families, the invisible force behind the force. Without the mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, aunts and uncles, and grandparents, they would not be able to do the job Canada asks them to do. I salute the men and women who serve our country. I salute every one of their families. I salute, on behalf of a grateful nation, the cadets who one day may become military people. They are our future heroes.

As they say in the Legion: At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

(1540) Mr. Frank Valeriote (Guelph, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, I thank the Minister of Veterans Affairs for his remarks and add an additional thanks to my hon. colleague in the official opposition for his comments. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to speak this Veterans' Week on behalf of the Liberal Party. In the shadow of the events of the past month, Remembrance Day takes on an extraordinarily special meaning this year.

In less than a week, thousands of Canadians will gather at the National War Memorial, just feet from where Corporal Nathan Cirillo stood when he was slain standing guard over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Hundreds of thousands more Canadians will join them at cenotaphs, Legion halls, and other memorials remembering his sacrifice and that of Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent. These two men were murdered just days apart by individuals who would have us be afraid. The words of my leader, the hon. member for Papineau , are particularly apt. He said: They want us to forget ourselves. Instead, we will remember.

We will remember who we are. We are a proud democracy, a welcoming and peaceful nation, and a country of open arms and open hearts. We are a nation of fairness, of justice, and of the rule of law. (1545) [ Translation ] Corporal Cirillo and Warrant Officer Vincent died for these values, as did tens of thousands more Canadians who served our country with courage and honour over the years. We remember them all. [ English ] From its beginning a century ago, 625,825 Canadians fought in the First World War. A total of 61,082 never returned home, and 154,361 were wounded.

In the Second World War, although the First World War was to be the war to end all wars, 1,086,343 served Canada; 42,042 died and 54,414 were wounded. In Korea, 27,751 Canadians served, and 516 gave the ultimate sacrifice, while 1,072 suffered injuries. [ Translation ] Hundreds of thousands of soldiers have served Canada as peacekeepers and have worn the blue beret, a lasting symbol of Canada's contribution to peace and order around the world. One hundred and twenty-one people have died for these values, and many more have been injured. [ English ] More than 40,000 Canadians served in Afghanistan.

Most of us watched as each of the 158 Canadians who died returned home. The thousands who were injured, with wounds both visible and invisible, are our neighbours, co-workers, friends, and family. Canada has never been reticent, when the call came to protect those vulnerable and in need, both at home and abroad, to say “Ready, Aye, Ready” and take up the cause for those values we hold dear. Even among us there are 13 members of this House who were ready to answer that call. I thank each of them for that service. I never served in the Canadian Armed Forces.

I remember Remembrance ceremonies at the Memorial Gardens while growing up in Guelph. They were always powerful but seemingly beyond comprehension. It was a reality far removed from my own. Then, when I was elected to the House of Commons, I had a couple of opportunities to spend time with our forces at CFB Wainwright and again on the HMCS Saint John . Both gave me a keener understanding of the lives of our forces and their resilience, skill, professionalism, and dedication.

However, it was not until I stood on Vimy Ridge this year, in the shadow of an immense monument to Canada's sacrifice in the First World War, that the enormity of the impact of war was made so clear. Before us stood a memorial, a testament to a conflict colossal in its overwhelming effect on the lives of all those who fought and died or returned and lived and tried to carry on in its wake.

The contrast of something so beautiful serving as a reminder of the horror and cost of war was made even more stark by the sheep quietly grazing off to the side in areas still unsafe because of the unexploded munitions that lie dormant in the ground. Early one morning as the trip drew to a close, I stood alone at the Essex Farm Cemetery on the outskirts of Ypres. This was where Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, a Guelph native, performed his work as a field surgeon in the Canadian artillery. It was here that McCrae's friend and student, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer died from wounds sustained in battle.

It was here that he composed In Flanders Fields , a poem we all know. I had heard the words hundreds of times, worn the poppy every Remembrance Day and now stood between those crosses. Suddenly, I was aware of a small group of Canadian high school students on a similar pilgrimage of the remembrance trails of the first world war. They sat quietly, pondering the carnage upon the surrounding fields 100 years earlier and the transformation of those events into words written by McCrae. I listened as they recited the poem, each of three stanzas recited one by one. It was as if I was hearing it for the very first time.

Everything was still as the last student recited: If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. In that single moment, I understood the fundamental truth of our sacred covenant to our veterans. Our solemn obligation, which we affirm every year at this time, cries out that we must not break faith with those who died.

Therein lies our sacred obligation, that our commitment to their well-being, their families and all who return home to tell their story, is bound forever by the sacrifice made by those who lived and died on those fields and elsewhere. (1550) [ Translation ] Therein lies our sacred obligation.

Our commitment to their well-being, their families and all who return home to tell their story is bound forever by the sacrifices of those who lived and died on those battlefields and elsewhere. [ English ] At Vimy, on Juno Beach, at Kapyong, Kandahar province, in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, and at the National War Memorial, they call out to us to honour that covenant through their sacrifice. During this Veteran's Week, on Remembrance Day and every day, we must remember them. Lest we forget. [ Translation ] We will remember them. [ English ] The Speaker : Is the hon. member for Saanich—Gulf Islands rising as well?

Does the hon. member for Saanich—Gulf Islands have unanimous consent of the House to respond to the ministerial statement? Some hon. members: Agreed. [ Translation ] Ms. Elizabeth May (Saanich—Gulf Islands, GP) : Mr. Speaker, it is always a great honour for me to speak here, but even more so today, since all my colleagues and I are paying tribute to Canada's veterans. [ English ] It is always an honour to speak here, but never as much as when we turn our attention to the sacrifices of so many who have put on the uniform of the Canadian Armed Forces and left our safe shores to protect us in hostile places.

I spoke last year of how I know so many veterans within my own family and my circle of friends who always remember the sacrifices, the people they lost, the friends they lost, the carnage of war, the inhumanity of war, and come back home as veterans, seeking nothing more than that we strive harder for peace. We need to remember the sacrifices of veterans without glorifying war. We need to remember that those who put on that uniform did so at such a cost, but in the hopes of a durable peace. Canada has stood for peace for a very long time. Our former prime minister, Lester B.

Pearson, received the Nobel peace prize for creating peacekeepers. When I am in my hometown of Sidney, British Columbia, I am always honoured when the veterans who served with UN peacekeeping forces ask me to ride with them on Canada Day. Our veterans put on many different shades of uniforms, but as they come home, regardless of where they served, how they served, where they fought, or if they just put themselves in a position to be ready to be called, we owe them. We owe it to them to take care of them when they are injured and provide the services they need.

When we say, “Lest we forget”, we remember that those words are hollow if we do not attend to the needs of all of our veterans. [ Translation ] Today is an incredibly sad day. Everyone here has suffered a great deal over the last few weeks. A young man, Nathan Cirillo, lost his life. Everyone now knows so much about him and he remains close to our hearts.

To his loved ones and his family, everyone here is paying tribute to Nathan Cirillo and Patrick Vincent. (1555) [ English ] We have lost a lot the last few weeks, but let us remember that Canada's traditions and the hopes, and indeed, to honour veterans who served to protect the peace that we must do the same. The Acting Speaker (Mr. Barry Devolin) : Following discussions among representatives of all parties in the House, I understand that there is agreement to observe a moment of silence for those veterans who gave their lives for our country. I now invite hon. members to rise. [ A moment of silence observed ]

Interparliamentary Delegations Mr. Joe Preston (Elgin—Middlesex—London, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 34(1), I have the honour to present to the House, in both official languages, the report of the Canadian delegation of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association respecting its participation in the bilateral visit to London, United Kingdom, from March 8 to March 13, 2014. Mr. Don Davies (Vancouver Kingsway, NDP) : Mr.

Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 34(1), I have the honour to present to the House, in both official languages, the report of the Canadian delegation of the Canada-China Legislative Association respecting its participation at the Co-Chairs' Annual Visit held in Shanghai, Beijing, Urumqi, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China, May 11 to May 15, 2013.

Committees of the House Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities Mr. Phil McColeman (Brant, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the seventh report of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development on the Status of Persons with Disabilities in relation to Bill C-247,

an act to expand the mandate of Service Canada in respect of the death of a Canadian citizen or Canadian resident . The committee has studied the bill and has decided to report the bill back to the House, with amendments.

Procedure and House Affairs Mr. Joe Preston (Elgin—Middlesex—London, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 23rd report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, entitled “Bill C-518,

An Act to amend the Members of Parliament Retiring Allowances Act (withdrawal allowance)”. The committee has studied the bill and decided to report the bill back to the House, with amendments.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Mr. Bev Shipley (Lambton—Kent—Middlesex, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the fifth report of the Standing Committee of Agriculture and Agri-Food in relation to Bill C-18,

An Act to amend certain Acts relating to agriculture and agri-food . The committee has studied the bill and has decided to report this bill back to the House, with amendments.

(1600) Natural Resources Mr. Peter Julian (Burnaby—New Westminster, NDP) Motion for Concurrence moved that the first report of the Standing Committee on Natural Resources presented on Thursday, November 28, 2013, be concurred in. The Acting Speaker (Mr. Barry Devolin) : Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? Some hon. members: Agreed. An hon. member: On division. (Motion agreed to) Mr. Joe Preston : Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order.

If the House gives its consent, I would like to move that the 18th report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, presented to the House on September 30, be concurred in. The Acting Speaker (Mr. Barry Devolin) : Does the member have the unanimous consent of the House? Some hon. members: Agreed. Some hon. members: No.

Petitions Pensions Mrs. Carol Hughes (Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in the House today and table two petitions. The first petition is from people from Elliot Lake, which happens to be a retirement community regarding the CPP and QPP. The petitioners have noticed that the Conservatives have cut old age security. This would mean that it would slash $11 billion from seniors' retirement income. They recognize that the CPP Investment Board is one of Canada's most successful investment funds.

They also recognize that pension experts, labour unions, provincial governments and seniors organizations all support increasing the CPP. The petitioners call on the government to work with the provinces to expand CPP as well as to reinstate the retirement age to 65.

Canada Post Mrs. Carol Hughes (Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, the second petition is with respect to the cuts to Canada Post. It is also signed by residents of Elliot Lake who will be drastically affected by these cuts. The petitioners recognize that postal service is a vital communication link. They also recognize that there will be a loss of 8,000 good paying jobs. They do not understand the increase in postal rates given the fact that Canada Post is looking at reducing services. The petitioners call on the government to reverse the devastating cuts to postal service.

Impaired Driving Mr. Wladyslaw Lizon (Mississauga East—Cooksville, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise in the House to present a petition on behalf of Canadians. The petitioners are asking for the current impaired driving laws to be changed and made tougher. They are asking for the implementation of new mandatory minimum sentences for those persons convicted of impaired driving causing death. They are also asking that the Criminal Code of Canada be changed to redefine the offence of impaired driving causing death to vehicular manslaughter.

Canada Post Ms. Yvonne Jones (Labrador, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition on behalf of my constituents regarding the cuts to Canada Post. This petition is signed by a number of people in the small rural region of Lodge Bay, Labrador. This is just one community of many across my riding and other places across Canada that has been adding its voice to this issue. The petitioners are not happy with the cuts that are being made at this time. They feel that rural postal service has been under attack, and that the cuts will have a tremendous impact on them and the regions in which they live.

Child Care Mr. Matthew Kellway (Beaches—East York, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present a petition today with respect to affordable child care. The signatories to this petition draw the attention of the House to the fact that after nine years of Conservative government, child care costs continue to soar and nearly one million kids with working parents have no regulated child care space available. The petitioners point out that quality child care and early learning offer children a head start in life while also easing poverty. The petitioners call upon the House of Commons to work with the provinces and territories to implement the NDP's plan for affordable child care across Canada.

Impaired Driving Mr. Randy Kamp (Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge—Mission, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to present a petition signed by individuals who live in the lower mainland of British Columbia. The petitioners believe that the current impaired driving laws are too lenient. They want to see tougher laws and the implementation of new mandatory minimum sentences for those convicted of impaired driving causing death. They would like to see the Criminal Code definition changed to vehicular manslaughter.

(1605) [ Translation ] Canada Post Ms. Anne Minh-Thu Quach (Beauharnois—Salaberry, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition signed by about 400 people who are denouncing the cuts and the elimination of Canada Post's postal service to roughly 5 million homes. The petitioners are calling on the Government of Canada to reject Canada Post's planned cuts, which will also mean the loss of excellent jobs and will reduce an essential public service. It is very important to me to present this petition today.

[ English ] Questions on the Order Paper Mr. Tom Lukiwski (Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, Question No. 671 will be answered today. [ Text ] Question No. 671-- Ms. Peggy Nash : With regard to the Advanced Manufacturing Fund for fiscal years 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 (year-to-date): (

a) how many companies have applied for funding; (

b) what is the total amount of funding that has been given out, broken down by (

i) fiscal year, (ii) electoral riding, (iii) applications submitted by for-profit businesses, (iv) applications submitted by not-for-profit businesses; (

c) how many companies have been rejected for funding, broken down by (

i) fiscal year, (ii) electoral riding, (iii) applications submitted by for-profit businesses, (iv) applications submitted by not-for-profit businesses; (

d) what is the success rate of funding applications, broken down by (

i) fiscal year, (ii) electoral riding, (iii) applications submitted by for-profit businesses, (iv) applications submitted by not-for-profit businesses; and (

e) what is the average amount of funding granted, broken down by (

i) fiscal year, (ii) electoral riding, (iii) applications submitted by for-profit businesses, (iv) applications submitted by not-for-profit businesses? Hon. Gary Goodyear (Minister of State (Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario), CPC) : Mr. Speaker, the first intake for the advanced manufacturing fund opened on December 9, 2013, and closed on October 1, 2014. Applications undergo a rigorous review and due diligence process. Applications are still under review and no contribution agreements have been executed for the advanced manufacturing fund.

[ English ] Questions Passed as Orders for Returns Mr. Tom Lukiwski (Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, if Questions Nos. 672 to 677 and 679 to 683 could be made orders for returns, these returns would be tabled immediately. The Acting Speaker (Mr. Barry Devolin): Is that agreed? Some hon. members: Agreed. [ Text ] Question No. 672-- Mr. Rodger Cuzner : With regard to materials prepared for ministers or their staff, from June 4, 2014 to the present: for every briefing document prepared, what is (

i) the date on the document, (ii) the title or subject matter of the document, (iii) the department's internal tracking number? (Return tabled) Question No. 673-- Mr. Rodger Cuzner : With regard to government communications: for each announcement made by a Minister or Parliamentary Secretary in the National Capital Region between January 1, 2007 and October 15, 2013, both dates inclusive, in a location other than the parliamentary precinct or the National Press Theatre, what was the (

a) date; (

b) location; (

c) purpose or subject matter; (

d) name and portfolio of the Minister or Parliamentary Secretary; and (

e) what were the amounts and details of all expenses related to making each such announcement? (Return tabled) Question No. 674-- Hon. John McKay : With regard to government communications since May 30, 2014: (

a) for each press release containing the phrase “Harper government” issued by any government department, agency, office, Crown corporation, or other government body, what is the (

i) headline or subject line, (ii) date, (iii) file or code number, (iv) subject matter; (

b) for each such press release, was it distributed (

i) on the web site of the issuing department, agency, office, Crown corporation, or other government body, (ii) on Marketwire, (iii) on Canada Newswire, (iv) on any other commercial wire or distribution service, specifying which service; and (

c) for each press release distributed by a commercial wire or distribution service mentioned in (b)(ii) through (iv), what was the cost of using the service? (Return tabled) Question No. 675-- Mr. Massimo Pacetti : With regard to materials prepared for deputy heads or their staff from June 4, 2014 to the present: for every briefing document prepared, what is (

i) the date on the document, (ii) the title or subject matter of the document, (iii) the department’s internal tracking number? (Return tabled) Question No. 676-- Mr. Massimo Pacetti : With regard to materials prepared for Assistant Deputy Ministers from June 4, 2014 to the present: for every briefing document prepared, what is (

i) the date on the document, (ii) the title or subject matter of the document, (iii) the department’s internal tracking number? (Return tabled) Question No. 677-- Mr. Massimo Pacetti : With respect to government advertising: for each television advertisement which has been aired during the 2014 “Fédération Internationale de Football Association” (FIFA) World Cup, what is the (

a) identification number, name or ADV number; (

b) number of times each advertisement has aired during such a broadcast, specifying the total number of times and the total length of time (seconds or minutes), broken down by date and match for each advertisement; (

c) total cost to air each advertisement, broken down by date and match; (

d) criteria used to select each of the advertisement placements; (

e) media outlet used to air each advertisement, broken down by date and match; and (

f) total amount spent per outlet, broken down by date and match? (Return tabled) Question No. 679-- Ms. Kirsty Duncan : With respect to Canada’s response to the international Ebola outbreak in West Africa: (

a) how is Canada working with other countries to address the outbreak, (

i) through the Global Health Security Action Group and the Global Health Security Agenda, (ii) in other ways; (

b) what specific departments are involved in the Canadian response and what is the lead agency in each of (

i) preparedness, (ii) response, (iii) recovery related to the outbreak in West Africa; (

c) what specific actions is each of the departments listed in (

b) undertaking; (

d) what is the government doing to ensure the safety of Canadians who are travelling to West Africa to undertake activities including, but not limited to, (

i) humanitarian work, (ii) commerce and trade, (iii) safeguard the well-being of those who are there now and in areas where Ebola is spreading; (

e) what guidance is being provided to Canadians traveling to West Africa (

i) before they leave, (ii) while in areas in which Ebola has been reported, (iii) if they think they have symptoms consistent with Ebola, (iv) for after their return to Canada; (

f) how specifically was the April 18, 2014, funding of $1,285,000 to address the outbreak spent, broken down by item and amount spent on each item; (

g) how many specialists, and in what disciplines, did Canada send to work with the World Health Organization (WHO), or to West Africa to help; (

h) how specifically was the August 8, 2014, funding of $5 million to address the outbreak spent, broken down by item and amount spent on each item; (

i) what specific plans were put in place to monitor the health of the three-person mobile team from Winnipeg’s National Microbiology Laboratory as they were brought home from Sierra Leone and afterward kept in voluntary isolation; (

j) for how long will the persons mentioned in (

i) be in isolation; (

k) does the government plan to respond to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s “international rescue call” and the WHO’s $600 million request for funding; and (

l) is the government ready to isolate and care for someone if affected with Ebola within Canada; (

m) does the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) have a public awareness plan to help Canadians understand the prevention, transmission, and signs and symptoms of the disease; and (

n) does PHAC have a communication link with all provinces and territories? (Return tabled) Question No. 680-- Mr. Hoang Mai : With regard to the transshipment of an endangered fin whale from Iceland to Japan through Canada: (

a) is the government committed to stand against the illegal trade of endangered wildlife; (

b) when were the following departments first notified of this transshipment, (

i) Canada Border Services Agency, (ii) Fisheries and Oceans Canada, (iii) Environment Canada, (iv) Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada, (

v) Canadian Food Inspection Agency; (

c) what actions did the following departments undertake after being notified, (

i) Canada Border Services Agency, (ii) Fisheries and Oceans Canada, (iii) Environment Canada, (iv) Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada, (

v) Canadian Food Inspection Agency; (

d) what steps is the government taking to ensure that this transshipment of endangered species across Canada does not happen again; (

e) did Environment Canada’s Wildlife Enforcement Directorate raise any concerns regarding this shipment, (

i) if so, what were they, (ii) if not, why not; (

f) has the government examined the appropriateness of this shipment in light of the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act; and (

g) has the government considered following the example put forward by the United States by banning the transit of meat from endangered fin whales or any endangered species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora? (Return tabled) Question No. 681-- Mr. Arnold Chan : With regard to Service Canada: (

a) what products and services does it offer and when did these products and services begin to be offered; (

b) what is the service standard for all on line products and what is the current average wait time for these products; (

c) what is the service standard for in-person wait times and what is the wait time at each in-person site; (

d) what is the cost per transaction for each of the services offered, broken down by different delivery channel; (

e) what is the transaction volume of each Service Canada centre and what year did that centre open; and (

f) what is the number of full time equivalency positions for each centre and for the other divisions of the Department, from 2008 to the present? (Return tabled) Question No. 682-- Mr. Arnold Chan : With regard to announcements by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario after August 1, 2009: (

a) what were the costs of each project announced and what was the final cost when the project was completed, including (

i) the year, (ii) the program the project fell under, (iii) the organization receiving the funds; (

b) when was each project announced, including multiple dates if the project announcements were for milestones or other changes; (

c) what were the costs of these announcements including the cost for (

i) room or facility rental, (ii) staff travel, including the number of staff that attended, (iii) exempt staff travel, (iv) Minister travel, (

v) media staging company, (vi) outside consultants, including what service they provided; and (

d) what were the costs associated with any canceled events, including the reason for canceling the event? (Return tabled) Question No. 683-- Mr. Arnold Chan : With regard to announcements by the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario after April 1, 2006: (

a) what were the costs of each project announced, and what was the final cost when the project was completed, including (

i) the year, (ii) the program the project fell under, (iii) the organization receiving the funds; (

b) when was this project announced, including multiple dates if the project announcements were for milestones or other changes; (

c) what were the costs of these announcements, listing the (

i) room or facility rental, (ii) staff travel, including the number of staff that attended, (iii) exempt staff travel, (iv) Minister travel, (

v) media staging company, (vi) outside consultants, including what service they provided; and (

d) what were the costs associated with any canceled events including the reason for canceling the event? (Return tabled) [ English ] Mr. Tom Lukiwski : Mr. Speaker, I ask that the remaining questions be allowed to stand. The Acting Speaker (Mr. Barry Devolin): Is that agreed? Some hon. members: Agreed.

Motions for Papers

Mr. Tom Lukiwski (Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I ask that all notices of motions for the production of papers be allowed to stand. The Acting Speaker (Mr. Barry Devolin): Is that agreed? Some hon. members: Agreed.

Message from the Senate The Acting Speaker (Mr. Barry Devolin) : I have the honour to inform the House that a message has been received from the Senate informing this House that the Senate has passed the following: Bill C-501,

An Act respecting a National Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Heritage Day .

GOVERNMENT ORDERS Government Orders [ English ] Protection of Canada from Terrorists Act The House resumed from November 4 consideration of the motion that Bill C-44,

an act to amend the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act and other acts , be read the second time and referred to a committee. Bill C-44. Second reading The Acting Speaker (Mr. Barry Devolin) : Before we resume debate, I wish to inform the House that because of ministerial statements, government orders will be extended by 23 minutes today. When this matter was last before the House, the hon. member for Timmins—James Bay had the floor. He had completed his comments. Consequently, resuming debate, the hon. member for Etobicoke Centre . Mr. Ted Opitz (Etobicoke Centre, CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, I am pleased to rise in this House to debate Bill C-44 , the protection of Canada from terrorists act. I am confident that in the bill before us we have effective legislation that will go a long way toward improving our national security. This bill contains two separate elements. Let me turn to the first part of the bill, which deals with the changes to the CSIS Act. This act is the legislation that governs CSIS's activities. It was introduced three decades ago when CSIS was first established, and the act itself has not changed.

Given what has occurred in the last few weeks, I would submit that it is certainly time. When this was done 30 years ago, it was the era of the rotary phone. The Internet was just in the experimental stage. Social media did not exist, so social media were not applied toward the recruitment and radicalization of people across the world. Therefore, as all Canadians can appreciate, the nature of the environment in which CSIS must operate has changed. As an example, the terrorist threat has evolved considerably.

All the way from the Cold War, we expected a peace dividend, but threats are more dangerous now, and with Mr. Putin and others threatening global borders, we have to be vigilant. Mr. Speaker, please let me state that I am also splitting my time today with the great member for Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound . Canada has had some notable successes in this country in detecting and disrupting terrorist plots, but the reality is that Canada is not immune to violent extremism.

This is especially clear now that it has touched us on our very own soil, including on the very day and in the very place that we had planned to introduce this carefully considered legislation in this House. While it is true that we have always been vigilant about the threat of terrorism, in recent months we have become particularly seized with the task of moving beyond vigilance to decisive action. This is something that we have an obligation to do for all Canadians.

As parliamentarians, we can and we must take action to ensure that our security and intelligence agencies have the tools they need to protect Canada. Our government has been clear about its commitment to doing that. With keen awareness of the challenges that CSIS faces in investigating threats to Canada, we have proposed measured yet critical amendments to the CSIS Act. It is evident to us, as I hope it will be to members on all sides of this House, that CSIS must have clear authority to investigate security threats to this country, whether they originate here or they originate abroad.

How would this bill allow for that? First of all, the bill would allow confirm CSIS's authority to carry out investigations outside of Canada. Specifically, it would amend the CSIS Act to state, for greater certainty, that CSIS has the authority to perform its duties within or outside of Canada for the purposes of investigating threats to the security of Canada or conducting security assessments.

Another important change would see to it that the Federal Court need only consider relevant Canadian laws, such as the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the CSIS Act, when issuing warrants authorizing CSIS to undertake certain intrusive activities in order to investigate a threat to the security of Canada outside of Canada. In addition, the bill would address a shortcoming in the act as it stands with respect to the disclosure of human sources in court proceedings. At the prese