12645 OFFICIAL REPORT (HANSARD) House of Commons Debates VOLUME 147 NUMBER 194 2nd SESSION 41st PARLIAMENT Wednesday, April 1, 2015 Speaker: The Honourable Andrew Scheer HOUSE OF COMMONS CANADA (Table of Contents appears at back of this issue.) COMMONS DEBATES April 1, 2015 DEBATES Edited Hansard * Table of Contents * Number 194 (Official Version) Official Report * Table of Contents * Number 194 (Official Version) Compte rendu officiel * Table des matières * Numéro 194 (Version officielle) 147 194 01 04 2015 2015/04/01 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 Statements by Members (1405) [ English ] The Speaker : It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem, led by the hon. member for North Vancouver . [ Members sang the national anthem ] STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS Statements by Members [ English ] Employment Mr. Brent Rathgeber (Edmonton—St. Albert, Ind.) : Mr. Speaker, today is April 1, and it is no joke that thousands of temporary foreign workers are packing up and getting ready to leave Canada. In Alberta alone, an estimated 8,000 workers will be affected.

This is a loss not only for the Alberta employers who cannot find Canadian workers; it is a bigger loss for the hard-working, dedicated employees who come to Canada with the dream of making a better life for themselves. The government owns this problem. For years it was told that there was nothing temporary about employee shortages in specific industries, but rather than allowing these valuable employees to permanently immigrate, it relied on four-year temporary foreign work permits, thus creating a revolving door of TFWs.

Some serious but isolated abuses of the program have ruined it for the thousands of workers who love Canada and for the many employers who would love to keep them. It is time to take the “temporary” and the “foreign” out of TFWs. We owe hard workers prepared to take unskilled jobs that cannot otherwise be filled permanent residency and then citizenship. After four years in Canada, they deserve more than a deportation order.

Passover Mr. Mark Adler (York Centre, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, this Friday, beginning at sundown, Jews around the world will gather with family and friends to usher in the Shabbat and the holiday of Passover. The story of Passover as told during the seder reminds all of us of the importance of freedom. The seder ceremony is filled with the symbols of confinement and liberty, pain and joy and has served as a means of teaching each new generation the story of the liberation of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt.

Most important, it instructs us that it is the responsibility of each generation to teach their children that freedom is something we must always cherish. The lessons of Passover echo in every corner of the earth. They demonstrate to us that while we must be thankful for the freedom we have, we must also remember all those in the world who yearn to know its many gifts. This year, let us rededicate ourselves to extending the blessings of freedom, democracy, human rights, and liberty to all who seek it.

I want to offer to all celebrating Passover my heartfelt wish for a joyous chag filled with the warmth of family and friends. [ Member spoke in Hebrew as follows: ] Chag Pesach kasher v'sameach. Aboriginal Affairs Mr. Dennis Bevington (Northwest Territories, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, northerners are deeply concerned about the position of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development that the three territories are the same and that their environmental laws should be uniform.

In committee, the minister went on and on about how the government's plan is to have the same laws governing the land and water of all three territories. Any northerner would tell us that we cannot treat the territories the same. This paternalistic approach by the Conservatives is completely wrong. Each territory is unique, with different demographics, different geography, different cultures, and different relationships with aboriginal governments. We have fought for years to create our identities.

The minister and his Conservative colleagues instead tell northerners that that their uniqueness, issues, concerns, and political relationships are of no importance to them. Northerners are fighting back. The NWT' s Tlicho First Nation has won an injunction against the creation of the environmental super-board, and Yukon first nations are already preparing their court case to stop Bill S-6 . Conservative Members from the north, listen up, the opposition will be heard at the ballot box.

Small Business Mrs. Pat Perkins (Whitby—Oshawa, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to recognize the 35th year of business for a thriving fashion destination in Whitby. Starting with an idea between friends Judy Vipond and Connie Heron, Connie's Brooklin Village Shoppe was born and has maintained years of success. Today the shop provides international and Canadian fashions and merchandise where both locals and out-of-towners continue to visit, season after season. Connie's Brooklin Village Shoppe is one of the many examples of successful businesses that support, promote, and enhance their communities.

In fact, Canada has over one million small and medium-sized businesses that continue to serve their communities while providing local jobs. Congratulations to Connie and Judy on achieving this wonderful milestone.

Tartan Day Ms. Kirsty Duncan (Etobicoke North, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Tartan Day in Canada, which is celebrated on April 6 because it is the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, the Scottish declaration of independence. Tartan Day recognizes and celebrates the contributions of Scots and their descendants to the fabric of Canadian society. They played an important role in mapping the west and north, in running a railway across the country, in creating a system of national parks, and in establishing banks and universities.

Tartan Day gives Canadians a chance to enjoy Gaelic singing, highland dancing, piping, and other Scottish-themed events. If members enjoy Tartan Day celebrations, they should be sure to attend the Highland Games this summer in their areas. I'm especially looking forward to attending the Fergus Highland Games, which have been going strong since 1946 and which I have attended since the age of four. Ceud mille failte , or I00,000 welcomes!

(1410) World War II Veterans Mr. LaVar Payne (Medicine Hat, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I stand today to speak about local World War II veterans from the community of Bow Island in my constituency. In December, I had the great honour of presenting these veterans with certificates of recognition and commemorative pins noting their service for King and country. Veterans Jim Wallwork, Vic Selvig, Ivy Williams, Les Chambers, Peggy Haugen, Kathleen Foss, and Art Anderson were the recipients of the certificates and pins. It is a small way of remembering their brave actions all of those decades ago.

We thank these and countless other veterans who went to fight tyranny in Europe, Africa, and Asia to ensure our freedom. They fought for freedom, liberty, and the democratic values we believe in so strongly in our hearts and minds. All Canadians thank them for their service, and we know that without their commitment to our freedom, we would not live in the greatest country on Earth. We are so proud of them.

[ Translation ] 2015 Desjardins Cup Mr. Philip Toone (Gaspésie—Îles-de-la-Madeleine, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, our regional hockey championship, the Coupe Desjardins, gets under way officially tomorrow in the Magdalen Islands. I look forward to attending the 39th edition of the competition, which is chaired this year by Alexis Loiseau, a young Magdalen Islander who is also captain of the Rimouski Oceanic in the Quebec major junior hockey league. This major sporting event will bring together 225 players and 65 coaches from the Gaspé and the Magdalen Islands.

Over the next four days, 14 teams at the atom, peewee, bantam and midget levels will do their best to win the treasured cup. No fewer than 34 hockey games are scheduled during the tournament, which ends on Sunday. I would like to congratulate and thank all the players, coaches, fans and volunteers for making the 2015 Coupe Desjardins possible.

[ English ] Terry Fox Mr. Rick Dykstra (St. Catharines, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, today at the Canadian Museum of History, a special exhibit is opening. It is entitled “Terry Fox: Running to the Heart of Canada”. For 143 days in 1980, Canadians watched, marvelled at, idolized, mourned, and finally celebrated a nation's hero. Terry Fox's legacy began during that Marathon of Hope. Over the past 35 years, each and every year, in every community across our country, including my riding and home of St.

Catharines, supporters of the Terry Fox legacy continue the Marathon of Hope and together have raised over $700 million for cancer research. As Terry himself stated on August 2, 1980, day 113 of his Marathon of Hope, “There can be no reason for me to stop. No matter what pain I suffer, it is nothing compared to the pain of those who have cancer and of those who endure treatment, often with little hope of recovery”. Terry's legacy will be on display at our Canadian Museum of History from today, April 1, until September 20, 2015.

I would encourage all Canadians to come and walk through the exhibit on one of our nation's true heroes.

Pope John Paul II Day Mr. Wladyslaw Lizon (Mississauga East—Cooksville, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, on April 2, 2015, people from across Canada will be celebrating the first ever Pope John Paul II Day. Pope John Paul II's work transcended so many boundaries. He was a courageous champion of acceptance, religious freedom, and forgiveness. He promoted the values of peace and tolerance and a strong stand against human rights violations. These are the values that resonate deeply in our country and with Canadians. This was always the motivation behind my private member's bill, Bill C-266 .

I want to thank both Speakers, of the Senate and of the House, and the Canada-Poland Parliamentary Friendship Group for co-hosting a special reception today to celebrate Pope John Paul II Day with colleagues, international representatives, and faith leaders. I invite all Canadians to join me on April 2 in reflecting on Pope John Paul II and his never-ending message: do not be afraid. Happy Pope John Paul II Day, and may be peace with us.

(1415) The Environment Mr. Nathan Cullen (Skeena—Bulkley Valley, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, tonight Parliament will have an opportunity to vote on my bill,

an act to defend the north coast. This bill was born from a decade-long threat that has faced the northwest of British Columbia in the form of Enbridge northern gateway's pipeline. Yet within this crisis, we have found hope. In this conflict, we have found an opportunity. First nations and non-first nations people are standing shoulder to shoulder, community to community, against this threat and the threat posed by a Conservative government unwilling and unable to listen to the people of my province.

This bill is not just to oppose dangerous resource development; it is a bill that would finally put truth into community consultations and put an end to the rip and ship policies of the government. For the first time in our history, Parliament will have an opportunity to vote to protect B.C.'s coast from the danger of supertankers plying its waters. Tonight we will have an opportunity to see my Conservative colleagues from B.C. and who they actually stand and represent. Who is it they work for: the Prime Minister and his oil lobby or the people of British Columbia who sent them here?

Taxation Mr. John Carmichael (Don Valley West, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, it is painfully obvious to all Canadians that the high tax and high debt Liberals want higher taxes and bigger government. We know the Liberal leader has not met a tax he did not like. The member for Kings—Hants stated, “Liberals believe Canadians will not be bothered by being taxed more”. On top of that, the member for Toronto Centre stated, “amen to raising taxes”. On this side of the House, we have been clear about our low-tax plan for families and Canadians know what to expect from our Conservative government, lower taxes.

When it comes to families, our government will always do what is best and give money back to Canadian families.

[ Translation ] Status of Women Ms. Isabelle Morin (Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Lachine, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, I would like to talk about promoting female entrepreneurship and leadership. Every single day, I realize that this goal has become more essential and inescapable than ever. Many sectors, such as the business sector, are still having a hard time including women. Even now, women in that sector face serious and very real problems that stand in the way of them achieving their potential.

We have an incredible number of talented and visionary women who have so much hope to offer our country in terms of development and enrichment. Today I would like to thank TC Transcontinental's Montreal Island west branches, including Le Messager Lachine and The Chronicle , which did an amazing job of celebrating International Women's Day with a special insert and a women's networking activity with Ruth Vachon, CEO of the Réseau des femmes d'affaires du Québec.

Attendees were able to meet female comrades and talk about their successes and the difficulties and challenges they all face. [ English ] I also want to congratulate the group, Resilient Sisters of Lachine, which was formed two years ago and is made up of women who work hard to create and develop their own businesses. I encourage all Canadians to continue to actively pursue their dreams and live their passions to the fullest.

Veterans Affairs Mr. Rodney Weston (Saint John, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, thanks to the leadership of our Prime Minister and the Minister of Veterans Affairs , our government has announced new initiatives that are further proof of our commitment to treat veterans and their families with care, compassion and respect. Today we have officially expanded the eligibility criteria for the permanent impairment allowance, so more veterans are eligible for financial support each month.

Even more, effective today, the earnings loss benefit is now calculated in the same way for reserve force veterans as it is for regular force veterans. This is about respect for reservists. These measures, and others in the support for veterans and their families act, are some of the ways our Conservative government is ensuring ill and injured veterans and their families have benefits that will span their entire lives.

World Autism Awareness Day Hon. Hedy Fry (Vancouver Centre, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, April 2 marks the second World Autism Awareness Day in Canada. Autism is one the most common developmental disabilities, affecting 1 in 100. Yet many of us are unaware of the extraordinary abilities of many with autism and the challenges they face. Many on the autism spectrum have above-average intellectual and artistic capabilities, while others have difficulties with motor skills, intellectual disability, sleep interruption, and verbal and math skills. Autism varies widely.

The quality of care and support families receive depends on the province in which one lives. Families struggle to meet the daily challenges of caring for a loved one. Federal leadership is needed to coordinate approaches to care, to share best practices and research, health, education, income support and caregiving. I know, having worked with many individuals and patients who have autism, that they are all extraordinary persons who contribute to their communities. In recognition of World Autism Awareness Day, many landmarks will be lit up in blue as part of the campaign.

Be aware and work to remove the stigma of autism.

(1420) [ Translation ] Taxation Mr. Jacques Gourde (Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, apparently the opposition parties never go grocery shopping or buy clothes for their families. There is no doubt that every Canadian family needs our tax benefits and our support. That is why our plan helps 100% of families with children, no matter how they choose to use that help. On the other hand, the NDP wants to impose a plan that would take support away from 90% of families in favour of an increasingly bureaucratic and pointless strategy that would benefit just a fraction of families.

As far as the Liberals are concerned, it is clear that they do not trust families to spend their money wisely. Our Conservative government is convinced that Canadian families know how to invest their money when it comes to taking care of their children. That is why Canadians support our plan, which allows 100% of Canadian families with children to keep more money in their pockets.

[ English ] The Senate Mr. Murray Rankin (Victoria, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, the unelectable, unaccountable, under investigation Senate is at it again. There is news today that at least 40 current and former senators have been asked by the Auditor General to account for questionable expenses. Sources have told the CTV that at least one Liberal senator has been unwilling to co-operate. Also, let us not forget about the growing investigation into Conservative Senator Pamela Wallin. The RCMP is now gathering information from the Canada Border Services Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security about her travels.

Canadians have become tired of the endless Liberal and Conservative scandals in the Senate. They do not believe that an unelected body from the 19th century should be part of Canadian democracy anymore. Now, more than ever, we need a comprehensive approach with the provinces to abolish Canada's Senate. We will get that later this year when we elect Canada's first NDP government.

World Autism Awareness Day Hon. Mike Lake (Edmonton—Mill Woods—Beaumont, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, tomorrow is World Autism Awareness Day, and now 17 years since my son, Jaden, was diagnosed. It is also almost 16 years since his incredible sister, Jenae, was born.

When she was just 13, in an interview with Steve Paikin, Jenae was asked a really tough question, “Do you ever sometimes wish that your brother was 'normal', like every other kid?” Jenae answered without hesitation, “Well, honestly, since Jaden was diagnosed with autism before I was born, I don't exactly know what a 'normal' brother is like, so Jaden kinda is my normal”. She continued, “If he didn't have autism anymore, he wouldn't be the same as Jaden is now”. Autism brings with it big challenges, varying significantly across the spectrum.

However, as we help him deal with his challenges, we would never want to lose the Jaden we have now. The more that a 'normal' life for Canadians includes people with autism, the more we can work together through the hard stuff, and allow our brothers, sisters, neighbours and friends with autism to thrive.

ORAL QUESTIONS Oral Questions [ Translation ] The Budget Hon. Thomas Mulcair (Leader of the Opposition, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, it may be April 1 but Canada still does not have a budget, and that is no joke. As usual, the Minister of Finance is just sitting there, not saying a word. Can the Prime Minister stop playing tricks on Canadians and finally tell them when the budget will be delivered? Right Hon. Stephen Harper (Prime Minister, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, the government continues to announce measures as part of its economic action plan.

Some measures were introduced recently to put money into the pockets of Canadian families, such as the doubling of the children's fitness tax credit, an increase in the child care expense deduction, the new family tax cut and the enhancement of the universal child care benefit. These measures are already before the House of Commons, and I encourage the NDP and all parties to support them for the good of the Canadian economy. (1425) [ English ] Hon. Thomas Mulcair (Leader of the Opposition, NDP) : Mr.

Speaker, a quarter of a million more unemployed today than when the crisis hit in 2008, the greatest inequality in Canadian history, a whole generation that, for the first time, will earn less than their parents and grandparents, that is the Conservatives' track record. The Minister of Finance claims he is holding off on the budget because of “economic uncertainty”, but the Bank of Canada moved ahead with stimulus just this January. The provinces, for their part, are moving ahead. They are presenting their budgets, one after the other. Why is the Prime Minister so singularly incapable of doing his job?

When will he present Canada's budget? Right Hon. Stephen Harper (Prime Minister, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, let us be clear what the record is on this side: 1.2 million net new jobs since the end of the recession; the lowest tax rates in the G7; the lowest debt levels in the G7; but by far, and far ahead of other countries, a balanced budget. That is why our country has good economic growth prospects for the long term. There are many measures before the House right now, including measures that put money into the pockets of families for child care and other expenses that will do so immediately this year.

I call on the NDP and others to drop their ideological belief in high taxes and support things for Canadian families. Hon. Thomas Mulcair (Leader of the Opposition, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Governor of the Bank of Canada had a one-word

summary for that track record, “atrocious”. [ Translation ] The Prime Minister is the one responsible for this mess. He is the one who gambled everything on oil, despite the NDP's warnings. We told him to be more careful, to diversify and to protect the manufacturing sector. We lost 400,000 good, high-paying jobs in that sector, not the unstable, part-time jobs he just mentioned. The inevitable happened. The Conservatives are panicking, but they are unable to deliver a budget. What is their excuse?

It has been over a generation since a government in power has not presented a budget at the beginning of a fiscal year. When will we have a budget? Right Hon. Stephen Harper (Prime Minister, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, the Bank of Canada and all the experts are predicting an increase in economic growth this year. The leader of the NDP mentioned the manufacturing sector. We have done a lot for the manufacturing sector despite opposition from the NDP. The NDP voted against cutting the corporate income tax rate for that sector. It voted against extending the accelerated capital cost allowance for that sector.

The NDP voted against the automotive innovation fund for the auto industry and against the national shipbuilding procurement strategy— The Speaker : The hon. Leader of the Opposition.

National Defence Hon. Thomas Mulcair (Leader of the Opposition, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, one thing is certain: when the Conservatives finally agree to table a budget, they will help themselves to $7.5 million of taxpayers' money for partisan advertising. That is the truth about their public spending. What we will not know on budget day is the cost of the Prime Minister 's war in Iraq, because he is going to hide that. If the Prime Minister is so proud of his war in Iraq, why does he intend to hide the true cost? Right Hon. Stephen Harper (Prime Minister, CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, the government has already announced the cost and the Minister of National Defence has already announced the cost. [ English ] When we talk about the budget, I can assure the hon. member that the government will not only bring forward a budget, but we will make sure Canadians are well aware of the contents of that budget and how those measures impact them. We will make sure they are aware of the doubling of the children's fitness tax credit, of the increase of the child care expense deduction, of the new family tax cut, and of the enhancement of the universal child care benefit.

I know that the NDP would like to take all those things away and raise people's taxes, but we will make sure they are aware of them and they benefit from them.

(1430) Hon. Thomas Mulcair (Leader of the Opposition, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, where the Prime Minister would take billions of dollars from the middle class to give it to the richest 15%, damn right we are going to reverse that. The Minister of National Defence is misleading Canadians about why our troops are there. The Chief of the Defence Staff is contradicting the minister's claim that Canada has to attack Syria because other countries do not have smart bombs. General Lawson has just confirmed that several of the countries bombing in Iraq and Syria actually do have the same weapons, and they have used them.

Why are Conservatives again misleading Canadians about this war? Right Hon. Stephen Harper (Prime Minister, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, let us be clear. The NDP would take money away from 100% of Canadian families and give it to bureaucrats, lobbyists, and advocates. That is not what this government supports. Canadians will not let them do it. In terms of the second question, the Chief of the Defence Staff has already addressed this particular issue. Let me be very clear about the government's position.

We will assist our partners around the world in making sure that the so-called Islamic State does not have a safe haven in either Iraq or Syria from which it can launch terrorist attacks against this country. We are committed to making sure that risk and threat to Canadians is degraded.

Employment Mr. Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, the middle class needs a plan for jobs and growth. As the economy struggles, the government has not delivered. Unemployment is stubbornly high, and 20,000 young people lost full-time jobs just last month. Why is the Prime Minister cutting $9 million from the youth employment strategy this year? Right Hon. Stephen Harper (Prime Minister, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, this government has an enviable employment record because we are pursuing a low-tax plan for jobs and growth. What they want to do on that side is raise taxes on Canadian families.

Somehow, they think that would help the middle class, that it would somehow help the middle class to take away the children's fitness tax credit, to take away income splitting from Canadian families and pensioners, and to take away the enhancement of the universal child care benefit. These are good measures for middle-class families. That is why the Canadian middle class, unlike the middle class in most countries, has had good growth over the past few years. We continue to be committed to moving forward.

Government Advertising Mr. Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister cut $9 million from programs that help young people find work, but he is spending $7.5 million on a new round of partisan government advertising. He has the wrong priorities. When will the Prime Minister understand that taxpayer funds should be used to help Canadians, not the Conservative Party? Right Hon. Stephen Harper (Prime Minister, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, is the Liberal Party actually asking me about taxpayer dollars? We are still trying to find 40 million of those dollars.

The right priority is to put money into the pockets of Canadians. The wrong priority is the Liberal Party's position against the family tax cut; its position against tax breaks for seniors; its position against the universal child care benefit; its position against the Canada job grant, against the Canada apprenticeship loan, against the apprenticeship grants, and against help for sectors. Those are the wrong priorities. Mr. Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Lib.) : Mr.

Speaker, we know the Prime Minister likes to control things, but he does not get to write the Liberal platform. [ Translation ] The Canadian economy needs growth— Some hon. members: Oh, oh! The Speaker : Order, please. The hon. member for Papineau has the floor. Mr. Justin Trudeau : Mr. Speaker, the Canadian economy needs growth, jobs and help for young people. The Conservative government's priority is to chop $9 million from the youth employment strategy in order to buy $7.5 million worth of partisan ads.

When will the Prime Minister finally understand that taxpayers' money is there to help Canadians, not the Conservative Party?

(1435) Right Hon. Stephen Harper (Prime Minister, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I can hardly believe that the Liberal Party is asking a question about advertising expenses after the theft of $40 million. [ English ] When it comes to the Liberal platform, I would just say that somebody has to write it. In all seriousness, when the Liberals do get around to writing a platform down there, they do not get to run away from their record; and their record against benefits for families and the middle class is crystal clear and Canadians are going to learn about it.

[ Translation ] Ethics Mr. Alexandre Boulerice (Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, that is kind of hard to follow. We recently learned that no fewer than 40 senators are now under investigation by the Auditor General. The Senate has essentially become an all-you-can-eat buffet where Liberal and Conservative cronies feast at taxpayers' expense. Conservative Pamela Wallin is accused of fraud with respect to her personal travel. Conservative Mike Duffy is accused of breach of trust and corruption, and Liberal Mac Harb is also accused of fraud. People are sick and tired of being taken for a ride.

When will the Senate be abolished? [ English ] Mr. Paul Calandra (Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Intergovernmental Affairs, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, the Senate invited the Auditor General in to audit all expenses of senators, and of course we hope that all senators are co-operating with him. The member mentioned 40 senators. I know there are some 67 NDP members of Parliament who have been found guilty of misusing House of Commons resources. I know the member over there actually owes the Canadian taxpayer $122,000 for illegal offices in parts of the country where the NDP has no members.

Some hon. members: Oh, oh! The Speaker : Order, please. Even for a Wednesday, this is getting quite loud. I will ask members to come to order. I am having great difficulty hearing the questions and the answers. The hon. member for Timmins—James Bay. Mr. Charlie Angus (Timmins—James Bay, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, we are not talking about a Conservative kangaroo court; we are talking about hand-picked Conservative senators facing real court. Now this is an important issue because the Auditor General has identified 40 more senators with dodgy expenses.

However, the Prime Minister 's lead hand in the Senate said it is going to be up to those 40 to decide whether or not they should reimburse the money; but with Duffy, Brazeau, and Wallin facing breach of trust and fraud, that does not cut it. Will the Prime Minister promise to turn the audit over to the RCMP, so we can determine if any other of these senators should be up on charges? Mr. Paul Calandra (Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Intergovernmental Affairs, CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, again, the Auditor General was actually invited in by the Senate, and of course we eagerly await the report he will be presenting. At the same time, we hope he assists us because, as we know, the Leader of the Opposition owes $400,000 to the taxpayers of Canada for illegal offices and for illegal mailings. The gentleman beside him owes $122,000, and 66 other members of that caucus owe the remaining $2.4 million. Hopefully they will get on top of that and repay the taxpayers the money they owe them.

Access to Information Mr. Charlie Angus (Timmins—James Bay, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, what day is this? Oh yes, it is April Fool's Day. Most of us face it once a year, but for others it is every time they get up to explain the inexplicable, in their defence of the corruption in the Senate. Now let us move from this culture of corruption to the culture of secrecy. Yesterday, the President of the Treasury Board tried to blow up the Information Commissioner's report by claiming he has released a record number of documents. The commissioner does not buy it.

Here is what she said about him: “The volume of pages disclosed...is not a sign of a transparent government”, particularly this government. When will the minister stop with the phony statistics and explain the culture of secrecy that has developed under his watch? Hon. Tony Clement (President of the Treasury Board, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I am dealing with facts; he is dealing with rhetoric. The facts of the matter are that there has been an increase of disposal of access to information requests in the affirmative by 36% over the term of our government. That is our record, six million pages.

He may dismiss that, but we are the most open and transparent government in the history of this country, and we are darn proud of it. (1440) [ Translation ] Ms. Ève Péclet (La Pointe-de-l'Île, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, in fact, what the minister refuses to say is that responses to information requests are of poor quality and very late. The Information Commissioner was clear: “Although the Act was intended to shine a light on government decisions, it has become a shield against transparency and has encouraged a culture of delay.” In 2006, the Conservatives promised Canadians more transparency and a reform of the act.

Is the minister not ashamed of breaking his own promises and maintaining a culture of delay? Hon. Tony Clement (President of the Treasury Board, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, our record is clear. In 2013-14, our government processed nearly 59,000 access to information requests, which represents a 9% increase over the previous year and a 36% increase over the previous two years. Our record is clear. We are proud of having a government that has made processing access to information requests a priority.

Citizenship and Immigration Mrs. Sadia Groguhé (Saint-Lambert, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, thousands of temporary foreign workers have to quit their jobs and leave the country because their work visas are expiring. Nobody knows how many workers will have to go back home. Nobody knows how many of them got a reprieve or why. Nobody has assessed the consequences of these departures for businesses. Will the minister finally do something about this and fix the countless serious problems that his government has caused? Mr. Costas Menegakis (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, the temporary foreign worker program is just that: temporary. Employers and foreign workers have been aware of the four-year limit since 2011, when this policy was announced. The real question is this: what is the NDP's position? Today it is saying we should keep the door wide open to a huge number of temporary foreign workers. A few weeks ago, however, it was saying that we did not introduce our reforms soon enough. The NDP's wishy-washiness on this issue and all immigration policies is worrisome. [ English ] Ms. Jinny Jogindera Sims (Newton—North Delta, NDP) : Mr.

Speaker, today thousands of people who came to this country looking for a better life are being kicked out, all because the government made a mess of the temporary foreign worker program. Many were on the verge of gaining permanent residency. Many were cheated out of their savings by unscrupulous consultants. Some will go underground, desperate to stay but denied any pathway to citizenship by the current government. Meanwhile, employers are losing employees. What are the Conservatives going to do to fix the mess they have made? Mr.

Costas Menegakis (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, the purpose of the temporary foreign worker program is to find employees where a Canadian cannot be found to fill that job. The member speaking today said this on April 24, 2014: The bottom line is, there are people living in Canada who are being laid off or having their hours cut to facilitate the use of foreign workers. Today, they are asking something completely different.

The incoherence on the part of the opposition and the member for Newton—North Delta on this file, and in fact on Canada's immigration policies more broadly, is startling.

[ Translation ] Child Care Mr. Guy Caron (Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, not only are the Conservatives incapable of delivering a budget, but they also seem to be unable to assess the budgetary impact of their promises. Although the Conservatives have promised an enhanced universal child care benefit, we hear that this will be more beneficial to families with no young children.

Yes, that is right; the enhancements to the universal child care benefit will be more beneficial to families that have no child care expenses We in the NDP have a real plan to ensure that every child has a spot in day care for no more than $15 a day. Why will the minister not model his plan on ours, in order to really and truly help Canadian families? [ English ] Hon. Candice Bergen (Minister of State (Social Development), CPC) : Mr. Speaker, that is not at all what the PBO report said. In fact, it said that all families would benefit from our plan.

That is what we have been saying, that all families with children will benefit from our expanded UCCB. Here is the insult that the opposition is giving to families. It is saying that unless they use a licensed daycare space, they are not actually providing child care for their child. Whether it is a parent at home, whether it is a parent using a private daycare, a family member or a neighbour, there are a host of options that families use. We respect that. We will not tell families how to care for their children, and we reject the opposition's—

(1445) The Speaker : Order, please. The hon. member for Skeena—Bulkley Valley.

The Economy Mr. Nathan Cullen (Skeena—Bulkley Valley, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, we have a question for the Minister of Finance today. I have a new idea. Maybe we should put a little sign out at the front of Parliament that says, “Lost: one finance minister. Reward: the ability to explain his circumstance to the Canadian public”. While he refuses to show up to work, thousands and thousands of Canadians are losing their jobs— The Speaker : Order, please. I just want to caution the hon. member. He is trying to— Some hon. members: Oh, oh! The Speaker: I know.

I am just cautioning him to not do indirectly what he is not allowed to do directly. I think he knows what I am talking about. The hon. member for Skeena—Bulkley Valley. Mr. Nathan Cullen : Mr. Speaker, under the finance minister 's watch the Canadian economy is actually shrinking. There has been 15 months of anemic job growth and the minister's only response is a new $7.5 million ad campaign for a budget that does not actually exist. I guess that is the going rate to actually spin out a program to spend $2 billion on the wealthiest 15% of Canadian families.

What is the Conservatives' solution to the thousands and thousands of Canadians who have lost their jobs? Where is their budget? Hon. Pierre Poilievre (Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Democratic Reform, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, our solution is to put dollars directly in the pockets of moms and dads so that they can meet the expenses that come with being a parent. Yesterday, the leader of the NDP made despicable and offensive comments about parents who do not necessarily use traditional institutional paid daycare.

He said that those parents have no child care expenses and therefore they should not get any money at all. This will come as news to the stay-at-home parents, to those who use a neighbour or a family member, and to the millions of others out there who make other decisions on how to raise their children. He should stand and apologize to them. Mr. Nathan Cullen (Skeena—Bulkley Valley, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, in the Conservatives' so-called child care plan there is nothing for single parents. Their so-called child care plan diverts 15% to the wealthiest people— Hon. Ed Fast : You're making this up.

The Speaker : Order, please. The government will have a chance to respond to the question when the member is finished putting it, not before then. Members need to come to order or we will have to make up the time somewhere else. The hon. member for Skeena—Bulkley Valley has the floor. Mr. Nathan Cullen : Mr. Speaker, the truth seems to have hit some kind of nerve over there. Here is the truth. To the loss of 400,000 manufacturing jobs, the Conservatives' response was a $7.5 million ad campaign.

There are 250,000 more Canadians out of work than before the recession, and their response is a $2-billion income-splitting scheme to help the wealthiest 15% of Canadians. The minister needs to check his facts before he does even further damage to our economy. When is he going to show up to work? When are we finally going to see a budget? Hon. Pierre Poilievre (Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Democratic Reform, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, there is still time for the NDP to apologize to parents like Trevor. I met Trevor over the weekend. He is from Osgoode. He has five kids.

All of them are too old to go to institutional daycare but he struggles every month to save for their future university education. He said that our new universal child care benefit for older children will go directly into their registered education savings plans so that they can have the dream of a university education. Maybe Trevor's plan is not good enough for the NDP leader but it is good enough for us. That is why we are supporting Trevor and millions of other Canadians. [ Translation ] Hon. Dominic LeBlanc (Beauséjour, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, job creation and the economy are in free fall.

Last year, 191,000 fewer jobs were created than just three years ago. To make matters worse, the economy shrank during three out of the past six months. Instead of doing something about it, the Conservatives keep singing the praises of the Minister of Finance , who keeps failing to show up for work. At a time when job creation is declining and the economy is moving backward, why is the Conservatives' solution to do nothing? Hon. Pierre Poilievre (Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Democratic Reform, CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, that is the type of question we hear from a party whose leader believes that the budget will balance itself. Canadians understand that budgets do not balance themselves. That is why they support the idea of improving the universal child care benefit, which gives them $2,000 for every child under 6 and $720 for every child 6 to 17, not to mention the tax cuts for families. The Liberals are against the idea and want to take away all these benefits and increase taxes for families. We will never let them do that. (1450) [ English ] Hon. Ralph Goodale (Wascana, Lib.) : Mr.

Speaker, there has been a drop in job creation of 191,000 jobs, and that is because there is no economic growth. We cannot lift the middle class and all those working so hard just to get there without greater growth. We cannot get balanced budgets without greater growth, but the government's growth record is actually the worst of any in 80 years. The Bank of Canada now calls it atrocious, and it is getting worse. All projections are downward. Why is the government somehow content being atrocious? Where is the plan to fend off another recession? Hon.

Pierre Poilievre (Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Democratic Reform, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, we have a low-tax plan, and it is working. Our approach to job creation is tax cuts, trade and training. So far, we have over a million net new jobs to show for this plan, 85% of them full time, two-thirds in high-wage sectors. The Liberals' only plan is to raise taxes and run deficits. Canadians understand the budget does not balance itself, even if the Liberal leader does not. Hon. Ralph Goodale (Wascana, Lib.) : Mr.

Speaker, here is the government's record: the economy is shrinking, unemployment is up, TD Bank says it is getting worse, CIBC says job quality is at the lowest ebb in 25 years, BNN is reporting the most pessimistic business outlook since the last recession, and the Bank of Canada says only substantial monetary stimulus is keeping Canada from falling back into recession. When will the government stop undermining Governor Poloz? Where is the fiscal plan to recover the 191,000 jobs lost by the government in the last two years? Hon.

Pierre Poilievre (Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Democratic Reform, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, the Liberal Party has a one-point plan on jobs: raise taxes on families. We will not let it do that. We have a plan for tax cuts, training and trade, the three t's of job creation. It is working. There are over a million net new jobs, 85% of them full time and two-thirds in high-wage sectors. We are going to continue creating jobs. Our plan is working, and we are going to move forward.

[ Translation ] Public Safety Ms. Rosane Doré Lefebvre (Alfred-Pellan, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives did everything they could to limit debate on Bill C-51 . In the end they did what they wanted and only passed their own amendments. That is not going to solve the problems with Bill C-51, especially the issue of oversight. In its Report on Plans and Priorities, the Security Intelligence Review Committee states that at this time it is unable to review most of CSIS's activities. That is very serious. Why are the Conservatives refusing to face the truth and withdraw Bill C-51? Hon.

Steven Blaney (Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, what is dramatic and pathetic is to watch the NDP, day after day, week after week, month after month, oppose all the measures that our government puts in place to fight terrorism, which is the main threat to national security. We are working with our allies—the Americans, the French and the British. As you know, we also have a surveillance organization that is the envy of the world. The Supreme Court recognizes its ability to strike a balance between rights and privacy.

Furthermore, its director acknowledges that it has the necessary resources. We will continue to provide our support. [ English ] Mr. Randall Garrison (Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, with all this chaff, one thing is really clear: the minister just cannot admit he was wrong about Bill C-51 . Despite over 90% of witnesses calling for significant changes, yesterday in the public safety committee, the Conservatives refused over 100 reasonable amendments. On top of that, the Security Intelligence Review Committee has again been clear in its report on plans and priorities.

SIRC says it can only review “a small number of CSIS activities in any given year”. So much for strong oversight. SIRC understands the limits of its powers. Why does the minister not? Hon. Steven Blaney (Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, the president of the Council for Muslims Facing Tomorrow gets that we need legislation that is important to combat radicalization, that we need better tools to track jihadists who travel overseas, but we also have robust oversight in this country.

The Supreme Court said that our review body is a model of the Canadian legal system striking a better balance between the protection of sensitive information and the procedural rights of individuals. We have a great model, and I thank the member for reviewing the bill and getting it to third reading.

(1455) Mr. Randall Garrison (Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, this is more hot air for the minister. If only he cared as much about other public safety issues. The Canada Border Services Agency desperately needs a new lab to test potentially dangerous items that are coming into Canada. The Conservatives have been warned since 2006 that the 40-year-old lab is not up to modern standards, but instead of taking action the minister has failed to improve facilities while cutting the CBSA budget. Is this how the minister plans to keep Canadians safe? [ Translation ] Hon.

Steven Blaney (Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, obviously, our government is committed to protecting our borders. We are proud of the work the Canada Border Services Agency is doing and we are proud of having increased the number of border officers by 26%. We also have an arming program for these officers. With regard to facilities, despite the NDP's lack of support, we not only doubled but tripled the capital budget and we will continue to ensure that the agency has the resources it needs to keep our borders secure. Ms. Rosane Doré Lefebvre (Alfred-Pellan, NDP) : Mr.

Speaker, we are talking about real threats to Canada, such as explosives, radioactive material and smuggled weapons. The government was clearly warned. Since 2006, the ability of researchers to develop tools to counter new threats at the border has been seriously compromised by the lack of space and antiquated lab facilities. That seriously jeopardizes the health and safety of Canadians. How do the Conservatives justify this nickeling and diming at the expense of our security? Hon. Steven Blaney (Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, I am very grateful to the members of the Conservative government, who have made it possible to triple the capital budget of the Canada Border Services Agency since 2006. They are doing a great job. Yesterday, six more people were added to the CBSA's wanted list. As we know, the government increased the number of border officers by nearly 26%. When will the New Democrats support the measures that we are implementing to keep our borders secure?

[ English ] Rail Transportation Mr. Bryan Hayes (Sault Ste. Marie, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, for over a century Algoma Central Railway has played a significant

part in the northern Ontario transportation network, providing passenger train service to numerous people in this area. The ACR runs almost 500 km between Sault Ste. Marie and Hearst. In particular, it has served the canoeists, snowmobilers, cottagers and tourists who wish to travel within this beautiful region. Could the Minister of Transport please update the House on the latest action our government is taking on this important file? Hon. Lisa Raitt (Minister of Transport, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I want to point out to the House the great work that our colleague, the member for Sault Ste.

Marie , has been doing on this file. I also want to thank the Algoma Central Railway passenger service stakeholder working group for its extensive study on this issue. I am very pleased to inform the House that our government will be providing funding over the next three years to maintain the operation of the passenger rail service from Sault Ste. Marie to Hearst, Ontario.

[ Translation ] Food Safety Ms. Ruth Ellen Brosseau (Berthier—Maskinongé, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives are missing in action when it comes to protecting Canadians' health. Twenty-two people died from listeriosis in 2008 after having consumed contaminated meat. However, under the Conservatives, one-third of the food inspector positions at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency remain unfilled. These inspectors are responsible for overseeing the meat processing factories in northern Alberta. Why are the Conservatives putting Canadians' lives at risk with these completely irresponsible cuts? [ English ] Hon.

Rona Ambrose (Minister of Health, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, let me say what Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, who is a food safety expert from the University of Guelph said about these allegations from the union. He said that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency method is “the 'right way' to approach inspections”. Keith Warriner, who is also a director of food safety and quality assurance program, to these union allegations said that the suggestion that meat sold in Canada is unsafe is “...scare-mongering”. In fact The Conference Board of Canada rates our food safety system number one against 17 OECD countries, including the U.S.

The union's portrayal of this issue is inaccurate and it is irresponsible. Food safety is number one to CFIA.

(1500) Mr. Malcolm Allen (Welland, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, one of the key tasks of any government is to keep Canadians safe and yet the government has cut funding to priorities and planning. The book actually tells us that. It has left us with a two-tiered system. We had it once before and now it is back. It seems to be that meat that goes into the U.S. is inspected one way and meat that comes to Canadian tables is inspected a different way. In fact what we see in Alberta is 100% for American meat product going to the south and 60% for Canadian product.

Canadians need to know that the food is safe, so why has the minister created a two-tiered food inspection system for Canadians? Hon. Rona Ambrose (Minister of Health, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, let me again repeat that The Conference Board of Canada rates our food safety system in Canada as number one against 17 OECD countries, including the United States, which the union alleges is incorrect. In fact, the suggestion that meat sold in Canada is unsafe is “...a little bit of scare-mongering”, said the director of the food safety and quality assurance program at the University of Guelph.

Of course, the member knows full well, as does the union, that the differences in procedures for international products are trade-related, not safety-related.

Canadian Heritage Mr. Dan Harris (Scarborough Southwest, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, Remembrance Day is a chance to honour the sacrifices of all those who have served our great country, but not everyone can attend services. My bill, Bill C-597 , would give all Canadians the opportunity to attend Remembrance Day ceremonies. The bill was supported by all parties, but now Conservatives are using procedural tricks to try to kill this bill. They say they need another month just to study a bill with one clause. Will Conservatives abandon their delay tactic, respect our veterans, and stop blocking this bill? Hon.

Shelly Glover (Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, the suggestion just made by that member is absolute nonsense. We absolutely respect what veterans have to say about a number of things, including this bill. As the member well knows, this is a committee decision, and committees are masters of their own plans. While I am on my feet, as the granddaughter of three World War II veterans, please allow me to thank all veterans for their service in a number of areas. We are very proud as Canadians of all that they have done.

[ Translation ] Foreign Affairs Ms. Hélène Laverdière (Laurier—Sainte-Marie, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, in response to a unanimous motion at the Quebec National Assembly calling for Raif Badawi to be freed, Saudi Arabia wrote to elected officials in Quebec to complain about them standing up for human rights, claiming that they were interfering. Mr. Badawi was sentenced to 10 years in prison and 1,000 lashes for running a pro-democracy blog. Talk about intolerance. When will the Prime Minister push to have him freed, so that he can finally be reunited with his family here in Canada? [ English ] Hon.

Rob Nicholson (Minister of Foreign Affairs, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, we have been very clear that the punishment of Mr. Badawi is a violation of human dignity and we continue to call for clemency in his particular case. Our government has made representations to Saudi Arabia's ambassador here, and our ambassador in Saudi Arabia has met with senior Saudi officials. We have also personally registered our concern with the Government of Saudi Arabia.

Taxation Ms. Eve Adams (Mississauga—Brampton South, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, Canada's economy shrank again. It has now shrunk in three of the last six months, ripping billions out of the Canadian economy with thousands of jobs lost. While there are too many young adults without even the prospect of a job, the Minister of Finance has been in hiding and the budget is undelivered. Will the Minister of Finance back away from implementing his already broken campaign promise that gives a $2 billion tax break to the rich and does absolutely nothing for most Canadians? Hon.

Pierre Poilievre (Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Democratic Reform, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, no one said it better than in the following quote: “I’ll vote for the Conservative Family Tax Cut that will allow for income-splitting.” Who said that? It was the Liberal member who just asked the question. Ms. Eve Adams (Mississauga—Brampton South, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, who are they kidding? This income-splitting plan is not the plan any of them campaigned on. Where does that promise stand? The Conservatives also did not campaign on raising the pension age to 67.

At the doors I am hearing from students who cannot find work and parents who are taking on debt to help pay student bills. New documents show the Conservatives are cutting the youth employment strategy funding by more than $9 million, which is the equivalent of 3,000 summer jobs. Why are the Conservatives making it even harder for young Canadians to find work?

(1505) Hon. Pierre Poilievre (Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Democratic Reform, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, that member said that she would vote in favour of the Conservative family tax cut, which includes income splitting. Now she says our income splitting does not go far enough. That is interesting, because the Liberal leader wants to take it away altogether for families and for seniors. As for the OAS, the member was on this side when that change was implemented, and she voted in favour of it. I think there is some confusion over there.

Her Liberal leader thinks that the budget will balance itself. Canadians know better, and that is why they will always rely on us to deliver solid economic leadership.

Aboriginal Affairs Ms. Linda Duncan (Edmonton—Strathcona, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, yesterday Grand Chief Steve Courtoreille of Treaty 8 First Nations wrote to the Prime Minister . The letter speaks for itself: The behaviour and mannerisms displayed by your Minister during the [March 20] meeting in Calgary can only be described as rude, demeaning, blaming, and condescending. ... We cannot and will not work with someone who exhibits such blatant disregard for First Nation people. As such, we demand the immediate removal of [the minister].... Will the Prime Minister take responsibility for his minister's actions? Hon.

Bernard Valcourt (Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, as I have said on many occasions in this House, the week before last, I did a tour of the prairies and met with several first nations and stakeholders to discuss a wide range of issues. While I do not disclose specifics of closed-door meetings, the discussions were productive, and our government will continue to work with first nations to address these issues and work on our shared priorities. Ms. Niki Ashton (Churchill, NDP) : Mr.

Speaker, it is clear that the meetings were anything but productive when we hear from the first nations leaders who met with this minister. Let us go back to the words of Grand Grand Chief Steve Courtoreille: [The Minister of Aboriginal Affairs'] responses and attitude strongly reflects the very same attitude that resulted in Indian residential schools. These are very strong words, words that must be acknowledged by the Prime Minister . Let me repeat the question. Will the Prime Minister take responsibility for the shameful actions that we have seen from this minister? Hon.

Bernard Valcourt (Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, it is strange to see this member make this kind of accusation when at every step of the measures we have taken and are taking to improve and reduce the gaps between aboriginal and non-aboriginal Canadians, this party, the NDP, votes against each and every measure. I am talking about matrimonial property rights. I am talking about water standards on reserves and a host of other measures, all of which they oppose.

Health Ms. Joan Crockatt (Calgary Centre, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, our government has introduced the respect for communities act, which gives local community residents as well as community leaders and police a say when drug injection houses want to open. This is needed and reasonable consideration that should be given, yet this bill continues to be opposed by Liberal MPs and senators. All the while, the Liberal leader is calling for more drug injection houses to open across the country. I would like the Minister of Health to please update this House on where this important bill is at. Hon.

Rona Ambrose (Minister of Health, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, this Conservative government has a strong record of keeping our streets and communities safe from dangerous and addictive drugs, and we will continue to support treatment and recovery programs that actually work to get addicts off drugs and help them recover drug-free lives. The Liberal leader's pledge to blindly open drug injection houses in neighbourhoods is a disturbing and a risky proposal, and as Minister of Health , I will make sure that communities are consulted before any of these open up.

The Economy Hon. Judy Sgro (York West, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, today is April 1, but with mounting job losses and deepening financial woes across the country, Canadians are not laughing. The government has mismanaged the economy, and now Canadians are paying the price for Conservative incompetence. Tens of thousands of retail sector jobs have either vanished or are evaporating, such as those at Future Shop, Target, Sony, Zellers, and Jacob, and I direct these to the minister in case he missed all of that. When will the Conservatives finally admit that their fiscal plan is more like an April Fool's joke than an economic strategy?

(1510) Hon. Pierre Poilievre (Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Democratic Reform, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, the only joke is when the Liberal leader says that budgets balance themselves, but Canadians who have to balance their family budget are not laughing at the Liberal plan for higher taxes. The Liberals would raise taxes on middle-class families by cancelling income splitting for both parents and seniors. They voted against the universal child care benefit, which would put $2,000 per preschooler in the pockets of 100% of families with small kids.

We are delivering benefits directly to families. The Liberals would take them away. That will kill jobs and hurt our economy. We will not let them do any of that.

Foreign Affairs Mr. Paul Dewar (Ottawa Centre, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, this just in: Canadian citizen and journalist Mohamed Fahmy has just received a letter from the government rejecting his request for a passport. The government is requesting a definitive signal from the court that a passport is needed, even though that has already been done. It requests proof that his previous passport is lost, even though that has been reported by the prosecutor in Egypt. Conservatives were incapable of getting Mr. Fahmy home here to Canada. Will the government at least provide him with a passport, yes or no? Hon.

Lynne Yelich (Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular), CPC) : Mr. Speaker, we have a travel document prepared for Mr. Fahmy when he is able to travel. Canada continues to ask for the full and immediate release of Mr. Fahmy, and consular services are being provided to ensure Mr. Fahmy's well-being.

Taxation Ms. Joyce Bateman (Winnipeg South Centre, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, Canadian families know that our Conservative government is the only one that trusts moms and dads to make the best decisions for their families. That is why we introduced the family tax cuts, which will save the average Canadian family nearly $1,200. Yesterday the PBO looked at this package and released a report on its benefits. Could the Minister of State for Social Development please tell us what the PBO report showed about our plan and the opposition's stance on supporting families? Hon.

Candice Bergen (Minister of State (Social Development), CPC) : Mr. Speaker, my colleague, the member for Winnipeg South Centre , took a look at the report and she is right. The report shows what we have been saying all along, and that is that every family in Canada with children will benefit from our universal child care benefit. What has also been seen is the insult that the opposition has given to families who are not using licensed day care. They are still incurring child care costs, and the opposition has completely insulted Canadian families by not acknowledging that and not recognizing it.

The value that these families are providing to their children is huge for our country. The opposition needs to apologize for this insult.

[ Translation ] Canada Post Mr. François Pilon (Laval—Les Îles, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, the City of Laval wants a moratorium on the installation of community mailboxes. Residents are outraged by the lack of public consultation, and the mayor of Laval deplores the one-way communications from Canada Post. Over 200 municipalities have now spoken out against Canada Post's attitude. Will the government honour the City of Laval's request or will it plough ahead with the installation of community boxes? [ English ] Hon. Lisa Raitt (Minister of Transport, CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities at its 2014 annual conference at Niagara Falls was very clear with respect to this issue of community mailboxes. It overwhelmingly rejected a resolution, on a vote of 311 to 185, that we not continue with the conversion to community mailboxes. I encourage the hon. member to speak to Canada Post on the particular issues that his town may be having with respect to the siting of the post office boxes. That is exactly what Canada Post should be doing.

[ Translation ] Intergovernmental Relations Mr. Louis Plamondon (Bas-Richelieu—Nicolet—Bécancour, BQ) : Mr. Speaker, the Quebec budget, which was presented last week, contains a

section on transfer payments that talks about the negative impact that Ottawa's unilateral decisions are having on Quebec's finances. In a letter I tabled in the House, the Bloc Québécois proposed some measures that would allow the federal government to create the flexibility it needs to reconsider some of its decisions. Will the Minister of Finance first acknowledge the negative impact of his unilateral decisions on Quebec's budget, and will he also pay back that money in the next budget, which he should be delivering any day now?

(1515) 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, I am very pleased to remind my colleague that federal transfers to Quebec have never in Canadian history been higher than they are today. In fact, the Government of Canada has transferred $19.4 billion to the Government of Quebec, including over $9.3 billion in equalization payments, all while respecting jurisdictions and working on the future. We also reduced the GST by 2%.

Of course, we are allowing the provinces to recover those points, and we continue to work with them. However, never has Quebec had more support from the federal government than under the leadership of this Prime Minister .

[ English ] Presence in Gallery The Speaker : I would like to draw to the attention of hon. members the presence in the gallery of Rolly, Fred, Darrell, and Judith Fox, father and siblings of Terry Fox. The exhibition “Running to the Heart of Canada” is opening tomorrow at the Canadian Museum of History. This exhibition, organized in partnership with the Terry Fox Centre, is marking the 35th anniversary of Terry Fox’s heroic Marathon of Hope, a 143-day, 5,300 kilometre journey from St. John’s, Newfoundland, to Thunder Bay, Ontario.

[ Translation ] Foreign Affairs Mr. Marc Garneau (Westmount—Ville-Marie, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, I believe that, if you seek it, you will find unanimous consent for the following motion: That the House denounce the reprehensible treatment of Raif Badawi and call on the Government of Saudi Arabia to cease his punishment and release him from prison immediately. Motion [ English ] The Speaker : Does the hon. member have the unanimous consent of the House to propose this motion? Some hon. members: Agreed. The Speaker: The House has heard the terms of the motion. Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? Some hon. members: Agreed. (Motion agreed to)

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

Interparliamentary Delegations Mr. David Tilson (Dufferin—Caledon, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 34(1) I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the report of the Canadian delegation of the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association respecting its participation at the first part of the 2015 ordinary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, held in Strasbourg, France, January 26 to 30, 2015.

Committees of the House Justice and Human Rights Mr. Mike Wallace (Burlington, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 17th report of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights in relation to Bill C-587,

An Act to amend the Criminal Code (increasing parole ineligibility) .

[ Translation ] Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Mr. Hoang Mai (Brossard—La Prairie, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the seventh report of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities in relation to Bill C-627,

An Act to amend the Railway Safety Act (safety of persons and property) .

[ English ] Petitions Agriculture Mr. Mike Wallace (Burlington, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I have one petition to present. The petition is with respect to small scale farming, and preserving, exchanging and using seeds.

Child Care Ms. Peggy Nash (Parkdale—High Park, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, I rise to present petitions from my constituents. The first petition is from 120 constituents, some of whom pay thousands of dollars each month for child care, if they can find it. The petitioners call on the House to work with the provinces and territories to create an affordable, quality child care program, so every child who needs a child care space across the country can get one.

(1520) Canada Post Ms. Peggy Nash (Parkdale—High Park, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, my second petition is signed by more than 100 constituents who call for a stop to the cuts to Canada Post. Many of my constituents, seniors and people with mobility problems, are very concerned that they will no longer get home delivery. They call on the government to stop the cuts to our postal service.

[ Translation ] Foreign Affairs Hon. Irwin Cotler (Mount Royal, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present two petitions in the House today. The first petition was signed by over 200 Canadians who are urging the Government of Canada to make immediate use of all diplomatic means necessary to ensure that Raif Badawi is released and reunited with his family, which has sought refuge in Sherbrooke, Quebec. Raif was sentenced to 10 years in jail and 1,000 lashes for having created an online forum in Saudi Arabia. The petitioners are joining parliamentarians who adopted a unanimous motion to the same end.

[ English ] Falun Gong Hon. Irwin Cotler (Mount Royal, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, the second petition is on behalf of Canadians who are concerned about the practice of forced organ harvesting by the Chinese regime on prisoners, including Falun Gong practitioners. The petitioners call on the government to take measures to end the Chinese regime's practice of killing Falun Gong practitioners for their organs, to amend Canadian legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, and to publicly call on China to end its persecution of Falun Gong. Having introduced Bill C-561 to this effect, I am pleased to stand in solidarity with these petitioners.

Agriculture Mr. Garry Breitkreuz (Yorkton—Melville, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure for me to present a number of petitions from my constituents in Yorkton—Melville and throughout Saskatchewan. The petitioners ask Parliament to adopt international aid policies that support small family farmers, especially women, and recognize their vital role in the fight against hunger and poverty, ensure that these policies and programs are developed in consultation with small family farmers and that they protect their rights in the global south to preserve, use and freely exchange these seeds. Ms.

Chris Charlton (Hamilton Mountain, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in the House today to table a petition with over a dozen pages of signatures from Most Blessed Sacrament parish in my riding of Hamilton Mountain. The petitioners join with thousands of others in endorsing the campaign of the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, entitled “So Much Love”. It is a global call to action to support small family farmers who are the guardians of the world's seed biodiversity. In a very real way, they are fighting to protect the future of food.

The petitioners ask the government to make two concrete commitments. The first is to adopt international aid policies that support small family farmers, especially women, and recognize their vital role in the fight against hunger and poverty. Second, they want the government to ensure that these policies and programs are developed in consultation with small family farmers and that they protect the rights of small family farmers in the global south to preserve, use and freely exchange seeds.

While the rules of the House do not allow me to endorse a petition, I share wholeheartedly in the desire to build a more just and sustainable food system for our human family. Ms. Joyce Bateman (Winnipeg South Centre, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to present a petition to the House of Commons today requesting respect for the right of small-scale family farmers to preserve, exchange and use seeds.

I have hundreds of signatures from constituents in Winnipeg South Centre who are concerned that we adopt international aid policies that support small family farmers, especially women, and recognize their vital role in the fight against hunger and poverty.

[ Translation ] Consumer Protection Ms. Annick Papillon (Québec, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present the fruit of a national day of action and door-knocking to denounce the banks' unfair fees and schemes. Banking fees are too high considering the ever-growing household debt levels and social inequalities. I am pleased to present this petition signed by many people. The NDP proposed practical solutions to limit ATM user fees to a maximum of 50¢ per transaction, to improve access to low-interest credit cards, and of course to put a stop to collusion in setting the price of gas.

(1525) [ English ] Agriculture Mr. Brent Rathgeber (Edmonton—St. Albert, Ind.) : Mr. Speaker, I rise to present two petitions. The first petition is from 32 individuals in or near the riding of Edmonton—St. Albert. The petitioners call upon the House to refrain from making any changes that would compromise farmers' rights to add to their costs. They also call upon this Parliament to enshrine in legislation the inalienable rights of farmers and other Canadians to save, reuse, select, exchange and sell seeds. Similarly, I rise to table a petition from 205 members of the Edmonton—St. Albert constituency.

The petitioners call upon the House to adopt international aid policies that support small family farmers and to ensure that Canadian policies and programs are developed in consultation with small family farmers to use and freely exchange seeds.

Impaired Driving Mr. Mark Warawa (Langley, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I have two petitions to present. First, I am sad to present a petition today that informs the House that 11-year-old Gracie Wynen was tragically killed by a person who was drunk, who chose to drive while impaired. Gracie's family is devastated. Families for Justice is a group of Canadians who have had loved ones killed by an impaired driver. These Canadians believe that Canada's impaired driving laws are much too lenient. They want the crime called what it is: vehicular homicide. They also believe that the laws of Canada need to include mandatory sentencing for those who are convicted of vehicular homicide.

Sex Selection Mr. Mark Warawa (Langley, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, the second petition highlights, sadly, that in the world right now there over 200 million missing girls due to the practice of sex selection. “It's a girl” are the three deadliest words in the world. The petitioners call on Parliament to condemn this practice.

Natural Resources Mr. Matthew Kellway (Beaches—East York, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to present a petition with respect to the federal lands in Durham Region. The signatories to this petition note that these federal lands encompass class 1 farmland and the vital watersheds of the Oak Ridges Moraine. They further note that it has been the expressed intention of successive Liberal and Conservative governments to pave over these lands and build an airport.

The petitioners call upon the House to rescind all plans for an airport and non-agricultural uses of these federal lands, and to act instead to preserve the watersheds and the agricultural land of this irreplaceable natural resource for the long-term benefit of all Canadians.

[ Translation ] Agriculture Mr. Réjean Genest (Shefford, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present a petition calling on the government to respect the rights of small family farms to store, trade and use seed.

[ English ] Canada Post Mr. Scott Reid (Lanark—Frontenac—Lennox and Addington, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I have two petitions to present today. The first petition calls for the retention of door-to-door mail delivery.

Constituency Work Mr. Scott Reid (Lanark—Frontenac—Lennox and Addington, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, the second petition encourages members of Parliament to travel to all parts of large ridings. Those of us who represent large ridings will understand the reasons why constituents would like to see us travel to all parts of our ridings as much as possible.

Search and Rescue Hon. Hedy Fry (Vancouver Centre, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, I am tabling 539 signatures of people in my riding who are still concerned about the closure of the Kitsilano Coast Guard base. They are concerned about marine safety in Vancouver and all the way up to Salmon Arm. The petitioners ask that this closure be rescinded.

The Environment Ms. Elizabeth May (Saanich—Gulf Islands, GP) : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present two petitions on related issues. The first petition is from residents of Saanich—Gulf Islands. Over 400 people call on the House to develop a national climate strategy to ensure we get to 80% carbon reductions below 1990 levels by mid-century The second petition is from residents of my riding as well as from the Vancouver area. The petitioners call for a permanent legislated ban on supertankers on the B.C. coastline. Mr. Nathan Cullen (Skeena—Bulkley Valley, NDP) : Mr.

Speaker, several thousand petitioners from across British Columbia have written to me and to the House expressing their opposition to the Enbridge northern gateway pipeline. Consistently, over two-thirds of British Columbians have been opposed to this pipeline. It would threaten both our economy and our environment. The petitioners call on the House to enact a prescription very similar to the private member's bill we will be voting on tonight, and finally stand up for B.C.'s coast.

Points of Order Official Report Points of Order Hon. Jason Kenney (Minister of National Defence and Minister for Multiculturalism, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I believe on Monday in question period I quoted a letter from the Chief of the Defence Staff with respect to precision guided munitions used by other air forces in Syria. The Chief of the Defence Staff has subsequently issued a correction to part of that letter, which I would like to table. He expresses regret for the inaccurate information that was provided. As soon as new information became available, he corrected the record.

As the Minister of National Defence , I am ultimately responsible for all of the information provided by my department. Therefore, I regret this inaccurate information having been put in the public domain and would like to table this to correct the record.

(1530) The Speaker : I am sure the House appreciates the clarification.

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. 1031 and 1046 could be made orders for return, these returns would be tabled immediately. The Speaker: Is that agreed? Some hon. members: Agreed. [ Text ] Question No. 1031-- Mr. MacAulay (Cardigan) : With regard to government funding since April 1, 2011: (

a) how much has been allocated for (

i) the AgriFlexibility Fund, (ii) the AgriMarketing Program, (iii) the Agriculture Development Fund, (iv) the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program, (

v) the Canadian Wheat Board – Transition Costs Program, (vi) Apprenticeship Grants, (vii) the Canada Summer Job Program, (viii) the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, (ix) the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities, (

x) the Skills and Partnership Fund Aboriginal Skills and Employment Strategy, (xi) the Automotive Innovation Fund, (xii) the Automotive Partnership Canada, (xiii) Canada Excellence Research Chairs, (xiv) Canada Research Chairs, (xv) the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative, (xvi) the Building Canada Fund – Communities Component, (xvii) the Building Canada Fund – Major Infrastructure Component, (xviii) the Gas Tax Fund, (xix) the Green Infrastructure Fund, (xx) the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative, (xxi) the Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative, (xxii) the Fleet Operational Readiness Program, (xxiii) the Shore-Based Asset Readiness Program, (xxiv) the Small Craft Harbours Program; (

b) how much has been transferred to the intended recipients for each element mentioned in ( a ); (

c) how much has been lapsed for each element in ( a ); and (

d) how much has been spent on advertising and promotion for each element in ( a )? (Return tabled) Question No. 1046-- Mr. Cotler (Mount Royal) : With regard to the use of administrative segregation in Canadian federal prisons: (

a) how does the government define “administrative segregation”; (

b) how has the government’s definition of “administrative segregation” changed over the past ten years; (

c) with regard to the changes in ( b ), (

i) when were they made, (ii) who made them, (iii) for what reason were they made; (

d) what are the objectives of administrative segregation; (

e) over the last five years, how has the use of administrative segregation met the objectives in ( d ); (

f) over the last five years, what means of achieving the objectives in ( d ), other than administrative segregation, has the government (

i) considered, (ii) implemented; (

g) what are the costs of the means in ( f ); (

h) what factors are considered when determining (

i) whether to place an inmate in administrative segregation, (ii) the length of time an inmate spends in administrative segregation, (iii) whether to remove an inmate from administrative segregation, (iv) the conditions of an inmate’s administrative segregation; (

i) if any factors in (

h) have changed over the last 10 years, (

i) which factors changed, (ii) when did they change, (iii) who changed them, (iv) what was the objective of the change, (

v) in what way has the objective been met; (

j) who determines (

i) whether to place an inmate in administrative segregation, (ii) the length of time an inmate spends in administrative segregation, (iii) whether to remove an inmate from administrative segregation, (iv) the conditions of an inmate’s administrative segregation; (

k) in what ways does the government ensure that the use of administrative segregation in Canada complies with (

i) the United Nations Convention against Torture, (ii) the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, (iii) the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, (iv) other international laws and standards; (

l) over the last five years, what evaluations or studies of the use of administrative segregation has the government conducted, commissioned, or consulted; (

m) what are the conclusions of the evaluations and studies in ( l ); (

n) by what amount does placement in administrative detention increase or decrease the cost of housing an inmate; (

o) for the last five years, how many inmates were held in administrative segregation, broken down by (

i) year, (ii) facility; (

p) for the last five years, how many inmates were held in the general population, broken down by (

i) year, (ii) facility; (

q) of the inmates in ( o ), broken down by year and facility, how many were held in administrative segregation for (

i) less than two consecutive days, (ii) between two and seven consecutive days, (iii) between eight and 30 consecutive days, (iv) between 31 and consecutive 100 days, (

v) more than 100 consecutive days; (

r) of the inmates in ( o ), broken down by year and facility, how many were held in administrative segregation for a total of (

i) less than two days, (ii) between two and seven days, (iii) between eight and 30 days, (iv) between 30 and 100 days, (

v) over 100 days; (

s) of the inmates in ( o ), broken down by year and facility, how many were placed in administrative segregation at the their own request; (

t) of the inmates in (o), broken down by year and facility, how many were (

i) visible minorities, (ii) aboriginals; (

u) of the inmates in ( o ), broken down by year and facility, how many, at the time of their placement in administrative segregation, were (

i) under 20 years old, (ii) between 21 and 25 years old, (iii) between 26 and 35 years old, (iv) over 36 years old; (

v) of the inmates in ( o ), broken down by year and facility, how many had been sentenced to prison terms of (

i) less than two years, (ii) between two and five years, (iii) between five and 10 years, (iv) between 10 and 20 years, (

v) over 20 years; (

w) what procedures or guidelines are in place for assessing the mental health of inmates (

i) prior to their placement in administrative segregation, (ii) during their placement in administrative segregation, (iii) following their placement in administrative segregation; (

x) of the inmates in ( o ), broken down by year and facility, how many were diagnosed with a mental illness (

i) prior to their placement in administrative segregation, (ii) during their placement in administrative segregation, (iii) following their placement in administrative segregation; (

y) of the inmates in ( o ), broken down by year and facility, how many attempted suicide (

i) prior to their placement in administrative segregation, (ii) during their placement in administrative segregation, (iii) in the year following their placement in administrative segregation, (iv) more than a year after their placement in administrative segregation; (

z) of the inmates in ( o ), broken down by year and facility, how many committed suicide (

i) prior to their placement in administrative segregation, (ii) during their placement in administrative segregation, (iii) in the year following their placement in administrative segregation, (iv) more than a year after their placement in administrative segregation; ( aa ) of the inmates in ( o ), broken down by year and facility, how many committed acts of self-injury (

i) prior to their placement in administrative segregation, (ii) during their placement in administrative segregation, (iii) in the year following their placement in administrative segregation, (iv) more than a year after their placement in administrative segregation; ( bb ) of the inmates in ( o ), broken down by year and facility, how many committed acts of violence against other inmates (

i) prior to their placement in administrative segregation, (ii) during their placement in administrative segregation, (iii) in the year following their placement in administrative segregation, (iv) more than a year after their placement in administrative segregation; ( cc ) of the inmates in ( o ), broken down by year and facility, how many committed acts of violence against prison personnel (

i) prior to their placement in administrative segregation, (ii) during their placement in administrative segregation, (iii) in the year following their placement in administrative segregation, (iv) more than a year after their placement in administrative segregation; ( dd ) while an inmate is in administrative segregation, what measures are taken to prevent the inmate from committing acts of (

i) self-injury, (ii) violence against other inmates, (iii) violence against prison personnel; ( ee ) after an inmate is removed from administrative segregation, what measures are taken to prevent the inmate from committing acts of (

i) self-injury, (ii) violence against other inmates, (iii) violence against prison personnel; ( ff ) of the inmates in ( o ), how many developed health problems while in administrative segregation, broken down by (

i) year, (ii) facility; ( gg ) of the inmates in ( o ), how many died while in administrative segregation, broken down by (

i) year, (ii) facility; ( hh ) what review of policies and practices, if any, is the government undertaking or will the government undertake; ( ii ) who has conducted, is conducting, or will conduct the reviews in ( hh ); ( jj ) what are the objectives of the reviews in ( hh ); ( kk ) when will the reviews in ( hh ) be completed; ( ll ) when will the results of the reviews in ( hh ) be made public; and ( mm ) what is the cost of the reviews in ( hh )? (Return tabled) [ English ] Mr. Tom Lukiwski (Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, I ask that the remaining questions be allowed to stand. The Speaker: 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 Speaker: Is that agreed? Some hon. members: Agreed. The Speaker: The Chair has notice of a Question of Privilege from the hon. member for Nanaimo—Alberni and I will hear him now.

Privilege The Member for Nanaimo—Alberni Privilege Mr. James Lunney (Nanaimo—Alberni, Ind.) : Mr. Speaker, there is a concerted effort by various interests in Canada to undermine freedom of religion in Canada. The government has established the Office of Religious Freedom under the auspices of the Department of Foreign Affairs, with an excellent ambassador in Andrew Bennett at the helm. I have personally made the case for freedom of religion where developing democracies like the idea but struggle to implement the reality.

It is something I hope to contribute to in the next phase of my life through the newly formed International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief, founded in part through the efforts of the member for Cypress Hills—Grasslands . Last week, leaders of the faith community were here in Ottawa to express their alarm at increasing and unprecedented attempts to stifle freedom of religion, conscience, and expression in Canada. They identified deliberate attempts to suppress a Christian world view from professional and economic opportunity in law, medicine, and academia.

I share these concerns, and I believe there is a growing and malignant trend by what some would call cyber trolls to engage, entrap, belittle, and embarrass politicians of faith over false constructs of the word “evolution”. In the past month, there were a few words exchanged on social media, apparently inflammatory words: science, managing assumptions, and theory or fact related to macroevolution. My remarks were inflated by media, blended with other unrelated but alleged heretical statements, and became a top story on national media, creating a firestorm of criticism and condemnation.

My profession and two institutes of higher learning were subject to slander, and constituents I have represented for 15 years were insulted in the fashion that most would find astounding in a mature democracy. Two other politicians at the provincial level were accosted, and I see this as evidence of a developing phenomenon of crowd shaming on what some would call the dark side of the Internet.

After 15 years of serving among members, most of my colleagues would know that I announced more than a year ago that I would not be seeking re-election, so why not just slough it off, shrug it off, let it blow over, and ride off into the next

chapter of my life—why, indeed? Maybe it is because I have a background in science. My credentials, modest as they are, are superior on this file to those of many in the chamber and most of my critics. Maybe it is because I have Irish in me and I do not like to be bullied. Maybe it is because, in my time as an MP, I have been sued and exonerated by the courts over the use of the title “doctor”. Maybe it is because, when I started my practice 40 years ago in Kitchener and 15 years later on Vancouver Island, there were senior practitioners who spent time in jail, accused of practising medicine without a licence.

I admired them for their tenacity and clinical effectiveness, and I knew that I could improve my technical skills if I spent time with them, and in several cases I did. Maybe it is because I am tired of seeing my faith community mocked and belittled. To not respond is to validate my accusers and, worse yet, imply that I lack the courage of my convictions to stand up for what I believe. That is not a legacy I wish to leave behind. Many colleagues represent constituents beyond the ones who elected them.

I hope that no members of any faith community in Canada are compelled to defend the beliefs of their communities in the future. Freedom of religion and conscience are fundamental freedoms in Canada. Bigotry cloaked in defence of science is as intolerable and repugnant as bigotry from any other source. It is contrary to our multiracial, multicultural, and multi-faith character and the tolerance for diversity that defines us as Canadians. I know that members on all sides of the House are concerned about bullying in general and cyberbullying in particular.

The government has brought in new legislative measures to address some aspects of this brutal phenomenon, and there are many social actions that seek to shield the vulnerable, like the pink shirt initiative. We are living in an era where knowledge is increasing at an astounding pace. There are many technical advances, and it is hard to keep up with what we refer to in general as science. It has been parsed into more and more diverse pursuits of knowledge. I know that time in the House is precious and there are some constraints on time, but I have been in the House for 15 years and am known to most in the House.

With the support of my colleagues, I hope you will allow me, Mr. Speaker, the time to express my concerns to my colleagues here in the House, with the co-operation of my colleagues of course. The question I want to ask is this. Is prevailing science always right, therefore? I want to give an example from my own life experience and that of a brilliant Canadian scientist about how wrong and how long science can be wrong. Dr. Robert Salter, one of Canada's most distinguished medical men of science, is one of my personal heroes.

He pioneered innovative surgical procedures and left a legacy that has impacted millions around the world in the management of joint injuries. A tribute to this great man of science on the Hospital for Sick Children—SickKids—website said the following:

(1535) For 22 centuries, the traditionally accepted and enforced treatment for diseased and injured joints was immobilization. Robert Salter determined this strategy was doing immense harm to cartilage and joints. His pioneering work on continuous passive motion is now used in more than 15,000 hospitals in 50 countries. His textbook, Textbook of Disorders and Injuries of the Musculoskeletal System has been translated into six languages. Dr. Salter impacted my own life and practice in a remarkable way. It was 1986.

He gave a keynote address to 500 doctors of chiropractic gathered in Toronto at our annual convention. He summed up his work this way: There are three phases we go through when we introduce a model of care that does not fit the current medical thinking. The first is universal rejection: Who do we think we are? The second is equivocation: Well, maybe. The third is universal acceptance: Of course, it is obvious. He went on to say, “My work is now in the third phase. I'll leave it to you”— The Speaker : I see the hon. member for Burnaby—New Westminster rising on a point of order. I will let him make his point.

We are on a question of privilege, so I will ask him to be mindful of that. The hon. member for Burnaby—New Westminster . Mr. Peter Julian : Mr. Speaker, in O'Brien and Bosc, under which we are governed, there is an ability for a member to make a brief statement on matters of personal privilege.

As members know, on page 159 of O'Brien and Bosc, it says: Members have used this procedure to make personal explanations, to correct errors made in debate, to apologize to the House, to thank the House or acknowledge something done for the Member by the House, to announce a change in party affiliation, to announce a resignation.... I am not quite sure where the member is going on this. I think we all assumed that he was announcing his change in party affiliation or his change to becoming independent. I certainly do not see any point of privilege where he has been impeded in his duty as a member of Parliament.

The Speaker : I will say to the member for Nanaimo—Alberni that, if he does feel that his privileges have been breached, he make that point and bring that point to the Chair's attention. If he would like to seek the floor to make other points, there are other avenues to do so, but not as a question of privilege. As the member might know, he has to make a link between whatever may have happened or have been said and the effect it has on him as an individual to carry out his parliamentary duties. I will ask him to get to that part of his intervention as quickly as possible. I think the House would appreciate it.

The hon. member for Nanaimo—Alberni . Mr. James Lunney : Mr. Speaker, the experience that I went through recently with thousands of hateful communications is still going on, frankly, because of a few words that I spoke about science, managing assumptions, and the foundations of science in general. There are members in the House who engaged me on the controversy, as it were, and I would like to be able to answer their questions. I have no intention of attacking anyone rhetorically in the House.

My personal beliefs and those of many of my constituents and millions of Canadians have come under attack, and I would like the opportunity to express those views before my colleagues here. I hope that my colleagues would support me in that opportunity to clarify what I believe on behalf of myself, many of my constituents, and people across Canada. If I may proceed, Dr. Robert Salter began his career as a medical missionary with the Grenfell Mission in St. Anthony, Newfoundland. I note his—

(1540) The Speaker : Order, please. It seems that the member may wish to make points that are unrelated, as far as the Chair can tell to this point. I do not see where the link is being made to the member's privileges. He has alluded to the support of colleagues. Am I to infer from that, that he is seeking and asking consent to have the floor to make a statement? I see that the hon. member for Bonavista—Gander—Grand Falls—Windsor is rising on a point. Maybe I will hear him first. Mr. Scott Simms : Mr.

Speaker, very briefly, I think that you, being the master of the House, should extend the privilege to this gentleman. We always preach that, when we want to get up on a point of privilege, we have something to say that is profound. The gentleman has been here long enough that we should give him that right. I would like to seek consent for him to speak his mind, because I would like to hear it. Whether I agree or not is irrelevant. He does have that right, and we should stand up for it.

The Speaker : Members will know it is important that, when they seek the floor on their questions of privilege, they should make the point of where the perceived breach has been made and make the link clearly and early on. One can imagine, as the member for Burnaby—New Westminster has indicated, that one of the most precious commodities in the House is time. If we were all seeking to make points outside of normal hours of debate or course of debate, that could get very difficult for the Chair to manage.

The hon. member for Nanaimo—Alberni has had the floor for, I believe, just shy of 10 minutes, although it might be tough to say with the interventions. However, I think it has been gracious of the House to allow him to do so up to this point, as I have not yet heard anything that would indicate where his privileges have been breached. If he would like to make other points on other aspects of the debate that he is talking about, there may be other opportunities for him to do so.

I will give the hon. member the floor one more time, but I think at this point he really does need to quickly establish his points to his privileges as a member. Mr. James Lunney : Mr. Speaker, I think we are all concerned in this place about the phenomenon, a new phenomenon that probably did not exist when our esteemed reference, O'Brien and Bosc, was written. It is this phenomenon of crowd shaming.

It is when a member from the House here with 100,000 followers makes a comment and thousands of followers pound on somebody and insult the beliefs not only of this member but of millions of Canadians, and another member makes a simple comment and that makes thousands of other people begin to pound on religious faith in the country. Since leaders have been here expressing concerns about freedom of religion, I am asking the House to indulge me and give me the time to make my case on behalf of the community I represent.

The Speaker : The member seems to now be asking for unanimous consent to have the floor to make his statement. Does the House give its consent? Some hon. members: Agreed. Some hon. members: No. The Speaker: There is no consent.

If the member is now just looking to make a statement on some aspects of things he believes in, without diminishing the importance it may have to him and other members, I do have to go back to what I said: there are many things that we all feel are very important and about which we have very passionate beliefs; however, if 307 members, minus the Speaker, try to do so under questions of privilege, it would be very difficult for the Chair to manage. I see the member for Saanich—Gulf Islands rising and then the member for Lanark—Frontenac—Lennox and Addington as well. The member for Saanich—Gulf Islands. Ms.

Elizabeth May : Mr. Speaker, I appreciate that so many members are prepared to hear a member say things that we can only anticipate and expect that we may disagree with. However, the right of free speech is important, and without putting words in the mouth of my friend for Nanaimo—Alberni , he is sitting in a different place today from where he was sitting yesterday. Something has occurred that has affected his freedom of speech. I would like to know what it is, and I would like to respect his opportunity, after such a momentous change as leaving from sitting there and moving to sit here.

I wonder if he will cast light on that. Perhaps that was what affected his privileges. Mr. Scott Reid : Mr. Speaker, I am not sure whether the member is addressing the House articulately or not. Perhaps he could have expressed his point of view more cogently in his first words. However, we do not know what he is going to say until he says it. I think we ought to give him the same benefit of the doubt that we have, on other occasions, extended to other members who have been trying to express points of privilege. Let us find out whether or not this is genuinely a point of privilege by letting him speak.

(1545) Mr. Mark Warawa : Mr. Speaker, I think you have already made a ruling as far as the issue of a point of privilege is concerned. My question, Mr. Speaker, is this. If we are speaking right now at this point on a point of order, would the member have an opportunity to speak to this point of order that is on the floor right now? The Speaker : I suppose there are two aspects to the question of privilege.

One is when a member alleges that his privileges have been impeded or affected, or the collective privileges of the House; the other, as the member for Burnaby—New Westminster has already read out, is a brief statement when a member changes party affiliations. The job of the Speaker then is to interpret what a brief statement might look like. As I said, the hon. member has had the floor for just shy of 10 minutes. If the House is going to indulge in a few more minutes for the hon. member for Nanaimo—Alberni, I suppose I can interpret “brief” a little more generously.

However, the member for Nanaimo—Alberni has to realize that if every member took the time to get up on a question of privilege every time he or she felt moved to do so, it would be very difficult for the House to manage. The member for Saanich—Gulf Islands is right. Freedom of speech is important, and we manage that freedom of speech when we speak to various bills and motions under various rubrics throughout the day. The Chair's job is to ensure that aspect of freedom of speech is incorporated into the usual practices of the House.

However, I think the hon. member for Nanaimo—Alberni can get a sense of where the chamber is at. I hope he will bear that in mind and bring his remarks to a conclusion rapidly or establish that link to where his privileges have been affected. The hon. member for Nanaimo—Alberni. Mr. James Lunney : Mr. Speaker, the issue I am addressing here involves people being gagged, and it is not by party leaders necessarily. No party wants to be embroiled in controversy at the provincial level or the federal level. However, there are issues that affect many Canadians.

Scientists are gagged over a false construct related to the theory of evolution, which is bogged down at the cell. It is something I know something about. We are made up of 80 trillion to 100 trillion of them. They cannot explain where the first cell came from. Scientists are gagged and educators who disagree are gagged. Academic freedom is imperiled. In fact, anyone who dares make the slightest remark related to this has an inability to speak. A member of the Alberta provincial legislature, the new education minister, was trapped by this issue. I have taken the time to prepare to explain a controversial issue.

It has cost me something to cross to this seat so that I can address this without appending it to my party. Colleagues, who I care very much about, are dedicated to what they are trying to do. Mr. Speaker, I am asking if you would give me the time to represent my constituents and millions of Canadians across the country who are increasingly frustrated about their freedoms being eroded. I hope members would give me the time to allow me to express myself on these issues. One of the issues people are concerned about, like the faith leaders who were here, is freedom of expression and conscience for doctors.

They are concerned about the freedom of law graduates who are under unprecedented attack from banks and corporations seeking to prevent a faith-based organization from graduating law students. Doctors are imperiled by changes to conscience provisions. Registrars from the medical colleges across the country are talking about eliminating conscience provisions. The president of the CMA has stated that eliminating conscience provisions is not acceptable. I hope that everyone in the chamber would support him on that. I wanted to address the member, because he engaged me during this discussion, on social media.

He is the former science critic for the Liberal Party of Canada. He is an hon. member with impeccable science credentials himself. The false construct that a person of faith cannot participate in science is what I am hoping to address here. The member for Westmount—Ville-Marie has a distinguished place in Canadian history as the first Canadian in space. He also has a colleague from NASA who is the fourth-longest serving person in space, Colonel Jeffrey Williams. He spent nearly six months in space, nearly one year combined. When he came back, he wrote a book about his experience and faith.

Should that person's science be trashed because he is a person of faith? Mr. Speaker, I am asking that you give me the time, with the consent of members, to carry on.

(1550) The Speaker : I think the House has already denied that request, so I am not sure if it is fruitful to put it to the House again. I do want to say to the hon. member for Nanaimo—Alberni that I understand that this a matter that is obviously very important to him. It has obviously affected his decision on where to sit in the House, and I am not unsympathetic to that. There may be aspects that he feels he has grievances on, but he must understand the position the Speaker is in, and that other members of the House are in, when it comes to people making decisions like this.

He has had the floor for over 10 minutes, which is more than the normal allotted time we give for most speeches at second and third reading of debate. I think in any

interpretation of the word “brief”, when it comes to a brief statement, I would be on thin ground if I gave much more than I already have. I feel bad that I have to do this, but I will have to stop him there, as he may not be surprised to hear. I do not think there is anything in there for the Chair to rule on. I have not heard anything that would indicate that his privileges have been affected. He may have made a decision, but on his ability to fulfill his parliamentary duties, to me there has been no demonstration that that has been affected by the incidents he is articulating. From there, we will move on to orders of the day. The hon. government House leader.

GOVERNMENT ORDERS Government Orders [ English ] Common Sense Firearms Licensing Act Bill C-42—Time Allocation Motion Hon. Peter Van Loan (Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, CPC) Motion moved: That, in relation to Bill C-42,

An Act to amend the Firearms Act and the Criminal Code and to make a related amendment and a consequential amendment to other Acts , not more than two further sitting days shall be allotted to the consideration at second reading stage of the Bill; and That, 15 minutes before the expiry of the time provided for Government Orders on the second day allotted to the consideration at second reading stage of the said Bill, any proceedings before the House shall be interrupted, if required for the purpose of this Order, and, in turn, every question necessary for the disposal of the said stage of the Bill shall be put forthwith and successively, without further debate or amendment.

The Speaker : We will now have a 30-minute question period. I would ask members to keep their questions to around one minute and government responses to a similar length of time. The hon. member for Burnaby—New Westminster. [ Translation ] Mr. Peter Julian (Burnaby—New Westminster, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, this is the 93rd time in this Parliament that the government moved a time allocation motion to impose closure. [ English ] The government tosses it around like it is candy, but there are serious ramifications.

First, on this bill, Bill C-42 , only two members of the opposition have even been able to speak to it, because the government basically sat on it for four months, and now the government is imposing time allocation, closure, just like that. The other problem, as members know, is that the government has the worst track record of any Canadian government in history in terms of having rejected pieces of legislation. It brings legislation in, it does not subject it to proper debate, it does not allow committees to actually scrutinize the legislation, and it then goes to the courts.

In the last year, half a dozen pieces of legislation have been thrown out by the courts, because the legislation was so badly written that the courts could simply not stand for it. The question is very simple. After two members of the opposition have spoken to this bill, the government is invoking closure. Why is the government so intolerant of debate, and why has it brought forward legislation that is rejected so consistently by the courts? (1555) [ Translation ] Hon. Steven Blaney (Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from British Columbia for his question. I will go straight to the crux of the matter. During the debate we just had, my colleague spoke about the importance of time management for parliamentary work. I would humbly reply to my colleague that we already know the position of the main political parties on the common sense firearms licensing act. Therefore, we must now move to the next step, the in-depth study of the bill by a committee of parliamentarians.

They will have the opportunity to call all the witnesses they want and proceed with the vote at first reading in order to thoroughly study this bill, while taking into account the reality that there are only a few weeks left in the session. Thus, we must strike a balance between the opportunity for all parties to have their say and the opportunity to study the bill more thoroughly in committee. [ English ] Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Winnipeg North, Lib.) : Mr.

Speaker, all Canadians should be concerned about the majority Conservative government's attitude in terms of process and the way the government has made the determination to process legislation through the House of Commons. Time allocation is something that should be used periodically if, in fact, there is a need and a justification for it. We have seen the government abuse time allocation, for whatever reason. The bottom line is that the government has failed to properly manage the legislative agenda of the House of Commons and as a direct result has become completely dependent on time allocation.

That is not healthy for a democracy in Canada. My question to the government House leader is this: How does he justify any sense of democracy and respect for the House when he continues to bring in time allocation only to get the government agenda across? At the end of the day, it is denying Canadians the ability to have their voices heard through their members of Parliament, who are duly elected and have been charged with the responsibility of holding government accountable for the legislation it introduces in the chamber. Hon. Steven Blaney : Mr. Speaker, I have the utmost respect for the parliamentary process.

We already know the position of the parties. This bill is about a safe and sensible firearms policy. That is what this bill is all about. It includes measures that will increase the safety of our country, such as mandatory training for anyone who wants to acquire or possess a firearm. That is the kind of measure that is in the bill. It is important that we have a thorough review of the bill, clause by clause, and that we listen to witnesses. In our parliamentary process, that is not done in this House.

We need to send this bill to committee, where all parties will be represented, where there can be discussions, where they can look at the bill in depth, and frankly speaking, where there is sometimes a less partisan environment than there is here in this House of Commons. These are good reasons. While we already know that the Liberals and NDP members oppose common-sense firearms licensing, we should move this bill into committee. I am ready to respond to any questions.

(1600) Mr. Randall Garrison (Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, I have heard this speech before about going to committee and hearing from everyone who wants to appear. That was on Bill C-51 . We saw what happened with that. There is a peculiar thing about this bill. The government rushed in here with this bill, and then we had a sudden delay. Suddenly it was not on the order paper. I wondered if perhaps the minister was actually listening to some of the critics of this bill out there. Then a peculiar thing happened, and I want to ask the minister a very specific question about it.

The National Firearms Association was supposed to appear before the public safety committee on Bill C-51 . It was going to appear to speak against that bill. Suddenly, at the very last hour, it withdrew as a witness. Is placing this bill back on the order paper and using time allocation part of a deal the minister cut with the National Firearms Association so that it would not testify against Bill C-51 , and the minister agreed, therefore, to bring this forward expeditiously, use time allocation, and pass it through the House? If so, it is not a deal I would want to stand up and talk about. Hon.

Steven Blaney : Mr. Speaker, it looks like it is April Fool's Day. I can tell by the member's question. Some people take the issue of counterterrorism and anti-terrorism measures very seriously. That is why the public safety and national security committee heard more than 40 witnesses, most of whom were in support of this important legislation. Let me get back to the core of the reason we are now debating this, which is the importance of increasing safety and security while streamlining the process for law-abiding gun owners. There are many. There are many in Bellechasse, in my riding, which means “nice hunt