OFFICIAL REPORT (HANSARD)

House of Commons Debates VOLUME 147 NUMBER 086 2nd SESSION 41st PARLIAMENT Wednesday, May 14, 2014 Speaker: The Honourable Andrew Scheer HOUSE OF COMMONS CANADA (Table of Contents appears at back of this issue.) COMMONS DEBATES May 14, 2014 DEBATES Edited Hansard * Table of Contents * Number 086 (Official Version) Official Report * Table of Contents * Number 086 (Official Version) Compte rendu officiel * Table des matières * Numéro 086 (Version officielle) 147 086 14 05 2014 2014/05/14 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 Scarborough—Guildwood . [ Members sang the national anthem. ] STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS Statements by Members [ English ] Trent-Severn Waterway Mr. Dean Del Mastro (Peterborough, Cons. Ind.) : Mr. Speaker, this weekend, the Trent-Severn Waterway will open for the season across its 386 kilometre span.

As a national historic site, the Trent-Severn Waterway is recognized as one of our nation's truly incredible accomplishments, and its value to our country cannot be overstated. After years of neglect, this government has committed record funding to repair and restore the Trent-Severn Waterway, and work completed to date is really beginning to show. It is with sincerity that I ask the Prime Minister to find a way to restore the 2012 operating hours to the entire system.

While I have presented many different alternatives and proposals to achieve this outcome, I would happily support any solution that would extend the operating hours, which support jobs and economic growth in my region. As a person privileged to have had the opportunity to grow up along the banks of the TSW and who now gazes at it from my living room, I encourage the government and the Prime Minister to do what is necessary to restore the operating hours of the entire Trent-Severn Waterway.

Jan Karski Mr. Ted Opitz (Etobicoke Centre, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, Jan Karski, an operative in Poland's Home Army during the Second World War, witnessed unspeakable horrors. Karski was dispatched to inform the Polish government in exile and western Allies of the Nazi terror in occupied Poland. He infiltrated Warsaw's Jewish ghetto and witnessed Nazi soldiers hunting Jewish children for sport and Jews being herded onto boxcars and sent to their deaths. Karski urgently described what he witnessed and appealed directly to Franklin D. Roosevelt for the world to acknowledge and to stop the Holocaust.

Astonishingly, he was not believed. Karski continued to speak out and documented what he saw in a book. His determination to tell the world about the Holocaust and other atrocities reminds us to never stay silent. Jan Karski stood courageously and defiantly in the face of the greatest evil this world has ever known, and we are inspired by his example. I invite all members to attend a reception hosted by His Excellency Marcin Bosacki, Poland's Ambassador, honouring Jan Karski tomorrow evening and to learn more about his extraordinary life.

[ Translation ] Foreurs de Val-d'Or Junior Hockey Team Mr. Romeo Saganash (Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, the Foreurs de Val-d'Or capped off their 21st season by winning the final match in a best-of-seven series against the Baie-Comeau Drakkar. Last night, they brought home their third President’s Cup. Congratulations. The players' courage and determination was a source of inspiration for the entire region of Abitibi-Témiscamingue and the people of Val-d'Or in particular.

I have a very special message for Samuel Henley, the team's captain, and Maxime Presseault: you have made your hometown proud. I would be remiss if I did not mention the work accomplished by the new owners of the Foreurs. These businessmen have done a wonderful job getting this team back on track in just two seasons. Again, congratulations to the Foreurs. Thank you for the wonderful memories you have given us, and good luck in the games ahead. We are the Foreurs. We want the Memorial Cup, and it will be ours.

[ English ] Win4Skin Hockey Tournament Mr. James Rajotte (Edmonton—Leduc, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to an event taking place in my riding on May 30-31, the Win4Skin hockey tournament. This fundraiser was started in 2009 following the unfortunate passing of Owen Schlosser, a young and vibrant University of Alberta athlete. The first ever Win4Skin three-on-three street hockey tournament was held in 2010 at the Brookside Community Hall. Teams registered for what was supposed to be a three-on-three ice hockey tournament, but changed course shortly before the event due to weather conditions.

From then on, it was a street hockey tournament. This year's event features some great hockey games as well as an incredible silent auction, delicious barbecue, and other activities. The money raised is shared between the Edmonton Community Foundation and the Alberta Cancer Foundation in support of the Owen Schlosser Endowment Fund for Underprivileged Athletes and the Mary Johnston Chair in Melanoma Research. For this year's fundraiser, organizers and Owen's family are hoping to continue with their success and are working to reach their goal of raising $500,000 for this worthwhile cause.

I would like to thank Owen’s family and friends for their outstanding efforts. I wish them best wishes for this year’s event.

ted northe Hon. Hedy Fry (Vancouver Centre, Lib.) : I rise to pay tribute to a man who, with Prime Minister Trudeau, was responsible for the passage of the historic Bill C-150, 45 years ago today, decriminalizing homosexuality. ted northe began his activism in 1958 when he stood on the steps of the Vancouver courthouse in full drag demanding rights for gays, and so began a lifetime devoted to human rights and charitable works. In 1971, he founded the Dogwood Monarchist Society, an organization that raised money for HIV-AIDS and for the vulnerable LGBT community.

His work on LGBT rights with Harvey Milk in the U.S. earned him the keys to the cities of San Francisco and Portland. Over his lifetime he helped raise over $50 million for charities and was honoured with the Canadian Red Cross Humanitarian and Distinguished Citizenship Award and the Governor General’s Special Service Medal for Distinguished Citizen and Humanitarian. ted northe passed away on March 30. His legacy proves that one person with dedication can change the world.

(1410) Citizen of the Year Mr. LaVar Payne (Medicine Hat, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege for me to rise today to tell Canadians about the winners of the Brooks Citizen of the Year awards in my riding. The award winners are picked annually by Grassland Family and Community Support Services to recognize folks who give countless hours of their time every year to organizations that need it. Vivian Wiebe, a long-time community activist and volunteer, won Citizen of the Year award for 2014, and I can think of no person more suited to receiving this wonderful award.

Vivian's volunteerism in our region goes all the way back to 1967, and she is still working tirelessly today for various local groups. I would also like to congratulate Gideon Mentie, winner of the 2014 Junior Citizen of the Year award. Gideon is a highly motivated young man from Brooks Composite High School. He volunteers in several organizations, including his church. He also commits some of his time to international aid organizations. Once again, congratulations to Vivian and Gideon.

[ Translation ] Mining Industry Ms. Ève Péclet (La Pointe-de-l'Île, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, Canadian mining companies are doing business in more and more developing countries. In many cases, the host countries where these companies do business do not have the political will or the ability to enforce adequate environmental and human rights protection measures. The list of cases of Canadian companies committing abuses is far too long. This is an especially important responsibility for Canada, which is a world leader in the mining sector because 75% of the world's mining companies are registered here in Canada.

To correct the situation, I introduced Bill C-584 , which would create an ombudsman for extractive sector responsibility. I introduced this bill because for a long time now, individuals and a number of organizations have been asking for it, and companies themselves signed on in 2006 in the report by the National Roundtables on Corporate Social Responsibility. Today, Development and Peace is on Parliament Hill to ask the government to pass this bill and take action on this issue. I applaud the work of Development and Peace, which, since 2006, has been giving a voice to those who, in too many cases, have none.

[ English ] Rosy Rhubarb Festival Mr. Joe Preston (Elgin—Middlesex—London, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, every year the village of Shedden, in my riding, comes together for the Rosy Rhubarb Festival, which celebrates the plant that put the village on the map. Twenty-two years ago, a small group of people gathered together with an idea to promote Shedden and to also raise some money for a new community complex. From that small group of people, the great traditional Rosy Rhubarb Festival was born.

As a result of that first festival and the hard work of many other groups working together, the Southwold Keystone Complex is now up and running. Rosy Rhubarb won an award for rural excellence in the category of outstanding volunteerism, and to date, the Rosy Rhubarb fund has raised over $322,000 for the community. Right now gardens are lush with ripe rhubarb. On June 6, 7, and 8, I encourage all to stop by and take

part in the fun. Browse the yard sales, participate in the rhubarb pie auction, and indulge in local baked goods and the famous ice cream with rhubarb sauce.

Bullying Awareness Hon. Ron Cannan (Kelowna—Lake Country, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, beginning in April 2014, in St. John's, Newfoundland, Ralph Morrison of Kelowna, British Columbia, began a cross-Canada road trip to raise awareness of the effects of bullying. It is my pleasure to welcome him to Parliament Hill today. At the age of 52, through his book, The Fear Inside , Ralph found the courage to tell his story about bullying and how he overcame his fear to speak out.

As he journeys across the country, Ralph is reaching out to communities, boys and girls clubs, and especially troubled teens in the hope that his experience will help those who suffer in silence to find the courage to speak out and begin to heal. On behalf of the constituents of Kelowna—Lake Country , I want to wish Ralph Morrison safe travels as he continues his journey to his destination of Victoria, British Columbia. We thank Ralph for his courage, for reaching out to young people to encourage them to stand up and to speak out against bullying, and for sharing the message that the fear inside can be healed.

[ Translation ] Zamudio Family Mr. Pierre Dionne Labelle (Rivière-du-Nord, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, the Zamudio family fled Mexico after receiving death threats from a drug cartel. Luz Maria Zamudio and her husband and two children are now facing the possibility of being deported from Canada. The Federal Court denied them refugee status, claiming that the family could live safely in another state where the cartel does not have a presence. The family has already been threatened and chased out of three different areas of Mexico where it was taking refuge before coming to Canada.

The Zamudios will never be safe in Mexico because all the cartels are part of a larger network and are in collusion with the police. The community of Saint-Jérôme says that it wants the family to stay. The Zamudios are a model family. They are productive and remarkably well integrated. What is more, they learned French in no time and they enjoy the unequivocal support of the community. The Zamudio family must be allowed to stay in Canada on humanitarian grounds, for the good of everyone.

(1415) [ English ] Cannes International Film Festival Ms. Lois Brown (Newmarket—Aurora, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, today marks the opening of the 67th annual Cannes International Film Festival. An impressive number of Canadian films have been selected to compete this year. In fact, this is a historic milestone for the Canadian film industry.

Out of 18 submissions vying for the Palme d'Or, three are Canadian: David Cronenberg for Maps to the Stars , Xavier Dolan for Mommy , and Atom Egoyan for Captives (The Captive) . [ Translation ] Three other films are nominated in other categories: Tu dors Nicole , Jutra , and Petit frère . [ English ] Our government is proud to support Canada's film industry. Every year, we invest more than $600 million in this sector, through Telefilm Canada, the National Film Board of Canada, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Canada Media Fund, and tax credits.

This important industry supports more than 127,000 jobs across the country. Our government wishes all the Canadian nominees the best of luck for the 67th Cannes International Film Festival.

[ Translation ] NDP Women's Caucus Ms. Mylène Freeman (Argenteuil—Papineau—Mirabel, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the fact that, following the 2011 election, 40% of my party's caucus is composed of women, which is the largest women's caucus in Parliament. As the re-elected chair of the NDP's women's caucus, I would like to remind members of the importance of working on fostering a supportive and positive environment for women in politics. [ English ] As women feminist politicians, we are proud to stand for issues that matter to and that empower Canadian women.

New Democrats are committed to gender-inclusive politics and believe that we can make meaningful, progressive change to break down barriers, empowering all women to thrive in a Canadian society that values and respects our rights. [ Translation ] The NDP is the party that best represents women because of the diversity in our caucus and the party's strong positions on women's rights. Together, we continue to work for an inclusive Parliament that works for all Canadian men and women.

[ English ] Iran Accountability Week Mr. James Bezan (Selkirk—Interlake, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, as part of Iran Accountability Week, parliamentarians are highlighting the efforts of the global Iranian political prisoner advocacy project. Canadian parliamentarians are paired with Iranian political prisoners, on whose behalf they advocate. Last year I sponsored Hamid Ghassemi-Shall, who was released. This year I am paired with Ms. Reyhaneh Jabbari. Ms. Jabbari continues to be at risk of imminent execution for defending herself and killing her attacker, who was attempting to rape her.

She is only 26 years old and has been in Tehran’s Evin prison since 2007. On the day of her attack, she was abducted under the guise of a professional meeting, was poured a drink and told that she had no way of escaping. Ms. Jabbari tried to defend herself and, during the struggle, stabbed her attacker and fled. Her attacker later died. Lab analysis showed that the drinks contained sedatives. Ms. Jabbari was arrested and thrown in Evin prison. She was tortured until she confessed to the murder and was given the death penalty. This is just another travesty of justice in Iran, and a flagrant abuse of human rights.

I call on President Rouhani to exercise clemency, stay her execution, and suspend her sentence.

Democratic Reform Mr. Scott Simms (Bonavista—Gander—Grand Falls—Windsor, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, it is with a certain degree of disappointment that I must rise in the House today and challenge members of the government caucus for passing the unfair elections act at third reading. It is

an act widely panned as an attack on our democracy. It is a bill whose process was flawed, and there is more. It is a bill whose objectives has more to do with ensuring a Conservative advantage in 2015. Sheila Fraser put it best when she described the law as “clearly an infringement on the independence of the chief electoral officer”. The flaws in the reduced vouching system, the reduced independence of the officer, and the inability of the elections commissioner to compel witness testimony mean that the bill should be sent back to the drawing board, not sent to the Senate.

However, seeing as the bill is now in the Senate, I call upon our senators to show that they are indeed the house of sober second thought and take the time to carefully dissect and fix the significant flaws of this democracy-changing bill. The Conservatives have placed the health of our democracy in the hands of the Senate. Good luck.

(1420) Oil and Gas Industry Mr. Chris Warkentin (Peace River, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, 100 years ago Alberta's oil and gas industry was born, changing Alberta's economic future forever. In fact, the Turner Valley Oilfield in my home province became the largest producer of oil and gas in the British Empire. Today the oil and gas industry continues to play an integral role in the Canadian economy. Over 300,000 people are directly employed by the energy sector, which contributes over 10% of Canada's GDP.

Government revenues from the energy sector support important programs, including health care and education, and our government will continue to take action to ensure the success of this important job-creating industry. While the NDP thinks the oil sector is a disease and opposes its development, Canadians can be confident that our government will continue to focus on jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity for all Canadians.

[ Translation ] New Democratic Party of Canada Mr. Alexandre Boulerice (Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, in 2011 Quebeckers and Canadians gave the NDP the keys to the office of Her Majesty's loyal opposition. It was not so that the NDP could do the same thing as the old parties. When Jack Layton told Canadians that we were going to work together, that did not mean speaking to the same lobbyists and engaging in the same shenanigans as the old parties have been for 150 years. When people put their trust in us, they expected us to talk to them in person and to do things differently.

In Montreal, we hired employees that do an excellent job of going out and meeting with groups that the Conservatives refuse to listen to. We organized press conferences on rail safety in Lac-Mégantic, on cycling safety in Montreal, and on the marine rescue sub-centre in Quebec City. The Conservatives do not want to consult and the Liberals are more concerned about lobbyists than Canadians. That is their choice. We are being innovative. We will leave it up to the establishment to provide more of the same. The NDP does things differently, and we are going to bring real change to Ottawa.

Our staff in Montreal and I have one thing to say to everyone: go Habs, go!

[ English ] National Day of Honour Mr. Parm Gill (Brampton—Springdale, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, the National Day of Honour gave Canadians across our great nation the opportunity to recognize over 40,000 brave men and women who served in Afghanistan. I was honoured to participate in a ceremony held at the cenotaph in Ken Whillans Square at Brampton City Hall.

I was joined by many veterans and Bramptonians to honour the sacrifices of the wounded, and the special burden borne by families and, most importantly, to paid tribute to the 158 members of the Canadian Armed Forces, the 40 Americans under Canadian command, and the civilians who paid the ultimate sacrifice to better the lives of Afghan people. This was truly an occasion for all Canadians to look back on our contributions and achievements in Afghanistan with pride and appreciation. Lest we forget.

ORAL QUESTIONS Oral Questions [ Translation ] Health Hon. Thomas Mulcair (Leader of the Opposition, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, the World Health Organization announced today that the threat of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome has significantly increased. Can the Prime Minister tell the House and Canadians what the government is doing to combat this deadly virus? Right Hon. Stephen Harper (Prime Minister, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada and its agencies continue to work with the World Health Organization on such issues. I can assure the House that the government will do the same in this case.

Justice Hon. Thomas Mulcair (Leader of the Opposition, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, who in the Prime Minister's Office asked Marc Nadon to resign and rejoin the Barreau du Québec before being appointed to the Supreme Court? Could we have a clear answer for once? What is the Prime Minister afraid of? Right Hon. Stephen Harper (Prime Minister, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, our position is clear. I received legal and constitutional advice indicating that it is long-standing practice to appoint judges directly from the Federal Court to the Supreme Court. That is what I did in this case. [ English ] Hon.

Thomas Mulcair (Leader of the Opposition, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, 650 eminent lawyers and law professors from all across Canada are now asking the Prime Minister to apologize and to retract his personal attacks on the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada. Will the Prime Minister finally do the right thing and apologize to the Chief Justice of our Supreme Court?

(1425) Right Hon. Stephen Harper (Prime Minister, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, once again, I reject the premise of the question. The fact is this. A matter came before me that I thought was likely to come before the Supreme Court of Canada based on information that I had. For that reason, we completed our consultations with outside legal experts and later referred the matter to the court.

Rail Transportation Hon. Thomas Mulcair (Leader of the Opposition, NDP) : The Prime Minister can reject what he wants, Mr. Speaker, but he cannot reject the facts. Six hundred and fifty eminent lawyers and law professors are asking him to apologize. [ Translation ] Yesterday, the Prime Minister said that in the case of the Lac-Mégantic tragedy, the rules were not followed. There is still no financial penalty for companies that do not abide by the rules. The government should not wait until someone is killed before taking action.

In 2012, two years ago, Parliament gave the government the power to impose substantial financial penalties on railroad companies that endanger public safety. When will the Prime Minister finally do something about railway safety? Right Hon. Stephen Harper (Prime Minister, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, we need to look at the facts. In this situation, it is not a question of rail regulations. The truth is that the police determined that it was a case of criminal negligence. It is before the courts. As for regulatory reform, the NDP leader is correct.

The government is developing regulations and something will appear in the Canada Gazette shortly. [ English ] Hon. Thomas Mulcair (Leader of the Opposition, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, Parliament gave this power to the government in 2012. Nothing has been done. Lac-Mégantic will be one year at the beginning of July. Nothing has been done. Why has it taken the government so long to act when it asked for the power to impose substantial financial penalties on railroad companies that were breaking the law and endangering public safety? Why has the government done nothing? Right Hon.

Stephen Harper (Prime Minister, CPC) : That is untrue, Mr. Speaker. The government has brought in significant improvements and investments in railway safety. The fact is that this, as the police have determined, is not a matter of regulation; this is a matter of criminal negligence causing death. It is a very serious criminal matter that will now be before the courts, as well it should be. In terms of specific developments, in terms of regulations and fines, a process is under way and additional steps will be taken in the Canada Gazette in the near future.

Employment Mr. Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, we are told new fixes to the broken temporary foreign worker program are coming, but we have heard that before: failed changes in April 2011 were supposed to ensure “the integrity of the program”; last August, false assurances more employers would “hire Canadians”; last December, “Canadians are always first in line”. Could the Prime Minister please tell us what will be different this time? Right Hon. Stephen Harper (Prime Minister, CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, yesterday, in English, the leader of the Liberal Party asked us to restrict the number of foreign workers, and then, in French, he asked us to increase the number of foreign workers. The reality is this: the government has been progressively tightening the program to ensure that it is not used as a business model and that Canadians always have first crack at jobs. We will continue to do that while obviously ensuring that temporary foreign workers are available in those cases where they are genuinely needed. Mr. Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Lib.) : Mr.

Speaker, the Prime Minister 's years of neglecting Quebec have led to poorer French comprehension skills. Our plan starts with a reduction in temporary foreign worker intake and a boosting of pathways to citizenship. It demands real transparency and accountability, a requirement that job vacancies are made available to Canadians first, and tightens the labour market opinion process. Will the government adopt our reasonable plan to fix its mess? Right Hon. Stephen Harper (Prime Minister, CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, the Liberal Party has demanded a tightening of the program in some instances, and on other occasions, of course, it voted against a tightening of the program. It has also been regularly lobbying the government to increase the number of temporary foreign workers in various ridings. The last time I checked, these contradictions had been delivered in both English and French.

(1430) Mr. Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, if the Prime Minister is checking anything, I would like him to check the program that he has so mismanaged over the past years. [ Translation ] The temporary foreign worker program has been badly managed and is creating conflict across the country. I have been asking this question in the House for days now, and I am asking it again today. Will the Prime Minister finally agree to the reasonable ideas in our plan and put an end to the mismanagement of this program? Right Hon. Stephen Harper (Prime Minister, CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, once again, thanks to changes made by this government, we have reduced the number of applications for some streams of the temporary foreign worker program by 30%. However, the Liberal Party voted against our changes and asked for fewer temporary workers, then it asked the minister for more temporary workers for its ridings. Those contradictions were delivered in French and English.

[ English ] Veterans Affairs Mr. Peter Stoffer (Sackville—Eastern Shore, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, we have just learned that veterans affairs department found $100,000 to waste on tweets. This is a government that closes veterans offices and lays off over 1,500 people in the Department of Veterans Affairs. The $100,000 could bury 10 veterans and give them a dignified funeral. It could give 20 veterans a service dog. It could give 40 veterans the VIP service. Where does the government get off spending $100,000 on tweets, when that money could go to really help veterans?

Does the government honestly believe that tweeting away $100,000 is a wise expenditure of taxpayers' dollars? Hon. Julian Fantino (Minister of Veterans Affairs, CPC) : Honestly, Mr. Speaker, as more and more Canadians turn to social media, it is important they too learn about the great accomplishments of Canadian veterans overseas and here at home. However, the veterans I know would expect that if the NDP broke the rules, they take responsibility and repay taxpayers immediately.

If these reports are accurate, the NDP has misused House of Commons resources for partisan purposes, and that is the truth. [ Translation ] Mr. Sylvain Chicoine (Châteauguay—Saint-Constant, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives cut services for veterans, then managed to find $100,000 to promote their tweets on Twitter. That is just indecent. The tweets, mostly ministerial self-promotion, tend to be kind of ridiculous, barely relevant and written in dubious French.

For example, in a tweet in which he meant to say how honoured and touched he was to pay tribute to the fallen at a Canadian war cemetery, the minister wrote, “Je suis honoré & touché pour rendre mes hommages au Cimetière de guerre canadien”. He actually wrote that he was paying tribute to the cemetery itself. When will the minister realize that veterans are more important than retweets, hashtags and whatnot? [ English ] Hon. Julian Fantino (Minister of Veterans Affairs, CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, our government spends a fraction of 1% on commemoration activities while allocating billions each year toward the services and benefits available for Canadian veterans. However, if the NDP broke the rules, it should take responsibility and repay taxpayers immediately. Moreover, people who operate out of tax-paid, bogus partisan offices should not be casting self-serving partisan stones. Ms. Irene Mathyssen (London—Fanshawe, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, Conservatives seem to want to spend money on everything they can, except actual services for veterans.

While the minister is tweeting away money, veterans are coming to Ottawa to plead with the government about the devastating impact that clawing back benefits is having on their lives. Does the minister really think veterans appreciate poorly formulated tweets asking for selfies instead of the respect and actual investments that they deserve?

(1435) Hon. Julian Fantino (Minister of Veterans Affairs, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, it is quite ironic, really, that the party that has consistently voted against every measure that we have undertaken to upload and improve the quality of life for our veterans and their families today can stand up and be critical. It is about bogus partisan offices using taxpayers' money, House of Commons funds, that they should be accountable for, not this nonsense.

Employment Ms. Jinny Jogindera Sims (Newton—North Delta, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Employment and Social Development claimed that postings on the job bank expire after six months. That would be nice were it true. Many of the postings are a year old, or even older. The labour market information system should be a valuable resource, but it is broken. Pages and pages of old and useless postings are not helping Canadians get any closer to a job. Why is the minister refusing to fix the problem so we can start helping Canadians get back to work? Hon.

Jason Kenney (Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism, CPC) : We are helping Canadians get back to work, Mr. Speaker. Indeed, since the global downturn, 1.1 million net new jobs have been created, overwhelmingly full-time in the private sector, good-paying jobs. The job bank is an important part of connecting employers with the unemployed. I understand that we have a lot of different partners in that job bank. One of them is Workopolis and I gather 2% of the postings that it made actually were there for longer than six months.

We are working with it to fix that technical glitch. However, the important thing is that we will be further improving that site as a really dynamic platform to connect the unemployed with the many available jobs in the Canadian economy. [ Translation ] Mrs. Sadia Groguhé (Saint-Lambert, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives use the job bank to assess labour market opinions, but their data are even less reliable than the numbers they got from Kijiji. The minister thought there were labour shortages because some job postings were left up for a year or more. The problem is that those jobs had already been filled.

Why has the minister still not authorized an independent review to remedy the situation and make this system work for Canadians? Hon. Jason Kenney (Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, over a million new jobs have been created in Canada since the global downturn. Most of those jobs are full-time in the private sector. Unfortunately, too many Canadians are still unemployed, and that is why the job bank exists. One of our partners is Workopolis, and it seems that 2% of the postings it made on the job bank were there for longer than six months.

We are working on fixing that technical glitch. Mrs. Sadia Groguhé (Saint-Lambert, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives cannot fly by the seat of their pants on this issue. It has a huge impact on jobs and the Canadian economy. They have done everything they can to have the most unreliable labour market information possible, and that has serious consequences. Canadians are being replaced by temporary foreign workers—who are paid less—in fields where that should not be happening, and it is happening with the government's approval.

Will the minister finally commit to conducting an independent review and getting this broken system back on track? Hon. Jason Kenney (Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, first of all, the government is conducting a fundamental review of the program. It began over a year ago. Second, Service Canada employees conduct independent audits. Third, the NDP's position is completely inconsistent. Two weeks ago, the New Democratic Party of British Columbia asked that the moratorium on the restaurant industry be lifted.

Here, the NDP is saying that it wants to extend the moratorium. The NDP's position is inconsistent. Mr. Guy Caron (Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, while the Conservatives are posting bogus job ads, employment remains a serious concern. Job growth has remained stagnant over the past year and is about half that of the United States. Over 30,000 full-time jobs were lost last month. The total number of hours worked is dropping, and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has said that 95% of the jobs created in 2013 were part-time.

What is the minister doing about this situation and why does he not restore the hiring credit for small businesses? (1440) [ English ] Mr. Andrew Saxton (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, monthly job numbers can be volatile and we sympathize with those who lost their jobs in April. We have said this before, Canada is not immune to the fragile state of the global economy. However, our jobs growth record has been strong. Since the depths of the recession, our economy has created over one million net new jobs, nearly 85% in the private sector and nearly 90% full-time jobs.

However, as long as there are Canadians still looking for work, there is more work to be done. That is why we encourage the opposition to get on board and support economic action plan 2014. Mr. Nathan Cullen (Skeena—Bulkley Valley, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives are entitled to their own opinion about the economy, but not their own facts. The facts are that the Bank of Canada has thrown cold water on their over-rosy pictures about how we are doing. The long-term unemployment rate is twice what it was before the recession; 95% of all jobs created last year went to part-time workers.

Millions spent on ads, and we just saw another one, will not help the Canadian economy. When are the Conservatives actually going to deal with the facts of our economy and start helping out Canadians who are looking for work? Mr. Andrew Saxton (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, here are the facts. Our government is focused on what matters to Canadians: jobs and economic growth. Even though the global economy remains fragile, especially in the U.S. and in Europe, our economic policies have helped protect Canada.

Over one million net new jobs were created since July 2009, among the best job creation records in the G7. Both the IMF and the OECD forecast Canada to be among the fastest-growing G7 economies in the years ahead. With a fragile global economy, we must stay the course with our low-tax plan for jobs and growth. Mr. Nathan Cullen (Skeena—Bulkley Valley, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, Conservatives talk about all these jobs. They do not mention that one-third of them went to temporary foreign workers and these guys are celebrating. How about a Canada jobs plan that actually worked for Canada for a change?

Nearly 1,000 jobs were lost last month. Almost the same number of Canadians stopped looking for work at all, having lost hope to find work in this weakened economy. The Bank of Canada and every major economist from every major bank have expressed concern over the trend in the Canadian economy. When are Conservatives going to drop their Kijiji economics and start to help out Canadian families for a change? Mr. Andrew Saxton (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, it is rich for the NDP to be criticizing our government's record on job creation.

New Democrats voted against every job creation measure our government has put forward including: freezing EI rates; providing certainty and flexibility to workers and employers; tax cuts for manufacturers to purchase new equipment and expand their operations; $70 billion in stable and predictable job-creating infrastructure over the next 10 years; and more. The NDP would introduce crippling new taxes Canadian businesses simply cannot afford that would kill thousands of jobs. Hon. John McCallum (Markham—Unionville, Lib.) : Mr.

Speaker, two years ago, the minister's own officials warned him that admissions of young temporary foreign workers had soared while youth unemployment remained at 14%. That same year, the minister went to Ireland to seek out more such workers to come to Canada. It is not just a few Aussies working in Whistler, we are talking 60,000 LMO-free young foreign workers. Why did the minister ignore his own department's concerns about high youth unemployment? Why did he go to Ireland to recruit the Irish? Hon. Jason Kenney (Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism, CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, as the Minister of Immigration, I went to over two dozen countries to promote Canada as a wonderful place to live and we welcome the talented people from all around the world. I do not know what the member's obsession is with Ireland. I guess for the Liberals the Irish need not apply yet again. What else happened two years ago? The Liberal leader wrote us a letter asking us to overturn a decision not to allow a foreign worker into one of his favourite restaurants.

Last week, the Liberals voted to expand the moratorium on all low-skilled workers, but yesterday, the leader of the Liberal Party asked us to lift the moratorium for Quebec. The Liberal leader is just not ready for prime time.

Housing Hon. Judy Sgro (York West, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, the Windward Co-op on Little Norway Crescent in Trinity—Spadina is home to more than 100 families. Despite this, the Conservatives are sitting back as operating agreements expire, leaving capital repairs and upgrades unfunded and units crumbling. When these agreements expire, the federal help that ensures low-income families can afford their rent comes to a crashing halt. Will the Conservatives reverse the course and commit to helping families like those in Windward, or are they intent on evicting low-income families in the GTA?

(1445) Hon. Candice Bergen (Minister of State (Social Development), CPC) : Mr. Speaker, the member should know, because it was the Liberals who ended agreements on social housing. These agreements are coming to an end over the next 30 years. Mortgages are paid off, and Canadians know that when the mortgage is paid off they do not keep paying the bank. I was before the housing committee for an hour with the president of CMHC. There was not one question on housing; so they do not care about affordable housing.

Committees of the House Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Winnipeg North, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the chair of the procedure and House affairs committee. Tomorrow's agenda deals with the NDP's inappropriate use of parliamentary resources. In order to prepare for tomorrow's agenda, the committee requested that the NDP provide the lease agreement for the Montreal satellite office. To date, I have not received this important document. Can the committee chair tell me if tomorrow's committee agenda will include a review of this lease agreement? Mr. Joe Preston (Elgin—Middlesex—London, CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, well, that is two days in a row; my life is complete. The agenda for the committee tomorrow is set from 11:00 until 1:00. We will be having the Leader of the Opposition before procedure and House affairs to explain the use of House funds for partisan purposes. Certain documents have been asked for from the House administration and from the NDP for this study. Some of the documents from the NDP are quite thin. The leader has suggested that he follows the rules. Let us hope that by 11:00 tomorrow morning, the New Democrats have followed the rules on the submission of the full lease.

Housing Ms. Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet (Hochelaga, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, fighting poverty begins with ensuring everyone has a roof over his or her head. Unfortunately, Conservatives, like the Liberals before them, cut funding to affordable housing and ended social housing programs. Over the last four years, 26,000 more social housing units saw their funding cut when long-term social housing agreements expired. By 2016, this number could soar to 100,000. When will the federal government agree to renew long-term investments in affordable housing? Hon. Candice Bergen (Minister of State (Social Development), CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, if that member had cared to ask me a question when I was before her committee for an hour, I would have told her about our renewal of investment in affordable housing. It seems as if this is a bit of a diversion, because the New Democrats have been trying to get affordable offices possibly. I am trying to suggest— Some hon. members: Oh, oh! The Speaker : Order, please. The hon. member for Hochelaga. [ Translation ] Ms. Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet (Hochelaga, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, we are talking about the numbers, but let us not forget that there are real people behind those numbers.

The end of the rent supplements is causing upheaval in the lives of many tenants in housing co-operatives and low-income housing. One such tenant is Carole Parent, who lives in the Odyssée co-operative in Hochelaga. Soon she will have to pay an extra $200 a month for her apartment. Some 44% of her budget will go to her rent. That does not leave a lot of room for paying bills or buying groceries. When will the government realize that access to housing is a right and renew the funding provided for in the social housing agreements? [ English ] Hon. Candice Bergen (Minister of State (Social Development), CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, I was very pleased to be in British Columbia recently where we renewed our investment in affordable housing, where they are using it for rent subsidies. Let us talk about subsidies for rent at the expense of the taxpayer to subsidize offices. With our investments, we have been clear on this side of the House about the money we are spending to help Canadians on housing. They need to be clear on what they are doing in trying to subsidize their offices.

(1450) Mr. Mike Sullivan (York South—Weston, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, across Canada, municipalities are struggling to meet demand for affordable housing. Canadians are still suffering from— Some hon. members: Oh, oh! The Speaker : Order, please. This is getting quite tiresome. The hon. member for York South—Weston has the floor. I have asked members to come to order. The Chair would like to hear the question. The hon. member for York South—Weston . Mr. Mike Sullivan : Mr.

Speaker, Canadians are still suffering from the Liberals' devastating cuts to federal housing supports in the 1990s, and people are tired of paying for government inaction. Just yesterday, the president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities endorsed my motion to renew social housing funding. Will the minister do the same, support my motion, and do what the Liberals failed to do: finally put an end to this housing crisis? Hon. Candice Bergen (Minister of State (Social Development), CPC) : Mr. Speaker, we have been acting since we came into office.

In fact, our investments have helped almost a million families and individuals with their needs for social housing. The opposition voted against every one of our initiatives, including being against our Housing First initiative, which helps those who are most vulnerable and homeless. Again, this would appear to be a bit of a red herring when we are talking about affordability, whether it is regarding offices or houses. Mr. Matthew Kellway (Beaches—East York, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives are turning their backs on hundreds of thousands of Canadians who cannot afford the homes they live in.

In Toronto, while the affordable housing wait list sits at over 90,000 households, and growing, only 650 units are under construction. That is the legacy of the Liberals. They killed the national housing program, and the Conservatives have been burying it deeper and deeper ever since. Why will the minister not finally listen to Canadians, support our motion, and commit to a national housing strategy? Hon. Candice Bergen (Minister of State (Social Development), CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I would be pleased to talk for an hour about what we have been doing on housing, but unfortunately, I was asked no questions.

Neither was the president of CMHC. I have a question for that member. Was he part of the scheme? Did he contribute money to the scheme to have offices paid for at the taxpayers' expense? Was he part of that scheme?

Public Safety Mr. David Wilks (Kootenay—Columbia, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, today, the Supreme Court ruled in the case of Mohamed Harkat and upheld our Conservative government's security certificate system. This individual is linked to al Qaeda and allegedly assisted the terrorists who killed thousands of innocent people in the horrific attacks on September 11. The court also ruled that the security certificate against this individual was reasonable. Would the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness update this House on our government's position on this decision? Hon.

Steven Blaney (Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, our government is pleased with the decision of the Supreme Court since it recognized that Mr. Harkat benefited from a fair process and that the security certificates are constitutional. [ Translation ] Our government is pleased with the Supreme Court's decision. It ruled that the process in Mr. Harkat's case was fair and that the security certificates are constitutional. We will continue to defend and protect Canadians.

[ English ] Aboriginal Affairs Ms. Niki Ashton (Churchill, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Minister of Justice stood here and told this House that the root cause of violence against women is violence against women, as if that settles it, as if that means we do not need a national inquiry. What we do not need is pathetic answers from Conservative ministers. What we do need is what victims need, what families need, and what shattered communities need: answers and justice. There are 1,200 missing and murdered indigenous women. Is the minister telling us that nothing more can be done? Hon.

Peter MacKay (Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, what we do not need is haughty, condescending questions from the opposition. What we need is more actual, concrete, substantive, practical action, which is exactly what this government has been doing: 30 justice and public safety initiatives. We do not need more of the 40 inquiries. What we need is more criminal justice legislation, more programs designed specifically to help women in crisis on and off reserve.

We need more efforts to work collaboratively, to continue to work directly with first nations to address these problems. That is exactly what this government is doing. (1455) [ Translation ] Mr. Jonathan Genest-Jourdain (Manicouagan, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, while the minister gives us meaningless answers to the effect that the root cause of crimes against aboriginal women is criminals, thousands of aboriginal women are still missing or murdered and the victims' families are left without answers. The Minister of Justice keeps talking about studies.

Can he tell us what those studies indicate are the main socio-economic causes of the disappearances and murders and what specific measures his government has put in place to address those causes? [ English ] Hon. Peter MacKay (Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, he is the one talking about studies, he and members of the NDP. We are talking about the $25 million injected into the aboriginal justice strategy. We are talking about the creation of a National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains.

There are law enforcement enhancements, the victims fund, and support for aboriginal community-based awareness initiatives and safety plans. The time for talk is over. The time is now to continue these important action initiatives, not just talk about them. [ Translation ] Mr. Romeo Saganash (Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, in the meantime, the list of victims is getting longer. Inuit and first nations communities have been faced with a housing crisis for too long. There is not enough housing, people live in overcrowded conditions and the housing needs major renovations.

We need concrete action to resolve this crisis. Does the minister recognize that this is an urgent situation and will he vote in favour of our motion, implement our solutions and put an end to the chronic underfunding of housing? Hon. Bernard Valcourt (Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, as the member knows, we have created important programs especially for first nations, to build new housing as well as renovate thousands of housing units across the country. It is definitely a challenge that we must address together with the first nations.

We are continuing our efforts in this area. [ English ] Ms. Jean Crowder (Nanaimo—Cowichan, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, nowhere is the crisis in housing more apparent than in first nations, Inuit, and Metis communities. The Conservative-Liberal approach of trickling dollars out simply has not worked. We can do better. In 2005, Jack Layton forced the government to invest $1.6 billion in new affordable housing— Some hon. members: Oh, oh!

The Speaker : Order, please. Members of the parties in the chamber still have some opportunities to ask questions, but right now the member for Nanaimo—Cowichan has the floor, so I will ask them to wait until it is their turn. The hon. member for Nanaimo—Cowichan. Ms. Jean Crowder : Mr. Speaker, in 2005, Jack Layton forced the government to invest $1.6 billion in new affordable housing, with money set aside just for aboriginal housing providers. That is the NDP record: working with people, getting results. Why will the Conservatives not drop their miserly approach and support the NDP motion? Hon.

Bernard Valcourt (Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, our government recognizes indeed that housing is fundamental to a good quality of life. That is why we have taken concrete steps to support first nations in providing safe and warm shelter. Since 2006, our government supported, through my department, the construction of 11,000 new homes and the renovation of 21,000 existing homes in first nation communities. While we continue to work in collaboration to improve the first nation quality of life, the NDP continues voting against every measure.

The Environment Hon. John McKay (Scarborough—Guildwood, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Minister of the Environment seemed keen for us to know that she comes from the community of Gjoa Haven, but according to NASA and National Geographic , if polar ice melts continue as predicted, her community and vast stretches of the Arctic Ocean will be under water. Since she seems to be indifferent to the fate of the rest of us, has she at least convened a community meeting in her own community to discuss adaptation and mitigation measures before this dramatic rise in sea level? Hon.

Leona Aglukkaq (Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, our government is taking a leadership role in international climate change efforts. We have been clear that any international agreements must be fair and effective. That includes all commitments by all major emitters. Meanwhile, we have taken real actions domestically, and we are seeing progress.

Thanks to our actions, carbon emissions will go down by close to 130 megatonnes from what they would have been under the Liberals, and we have done that without introducing a carbon tax.

(1500) Veterans Affairs Mr. Frank Valeriote (Guelph, Lib.) : Well, Mr. Speaker, we have more Conservative waste on self-promotion. Yesterday we learned that the Department of Veterans Affairs spent over $100,000 on promoted tweets, including $88,000 alone for Remembrance Day tweets, over the same month it was closing nine Veterans Affairs offices. There are few veterans—or Canadians, for that matter—who need $88,000 in tweeted reminders for when Remembrance Day is. Can the minister answer why he is spending necessary funds looking good instead of spending money doing good for our veterans? Hon.

Julian Fantino (Minister of Veterans Affairs, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, our Conservative government is working to deliver the support our veterans deserve. They stood up for our country and we are standing up for them. We are in fact communicating clearly and in plain language so that veterans and their families can quickly and easily access information that is important to them and their quality of life.

Foreign Affairs Mr. Paul Dewar (Ottawa Centre, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, Canadians are deeply concerned about the kidnapping of hundreds of schoolgirls in Nigeria. We all want to make sure these girls are returned safely to their families. Canadians also want detailed information about the assistance our government is offering to the government of Nigeria. The U.S. has laid out its help in great detail. Will the minister please do the same and let Canadians know precisely what help our government is providing to rescue these young girls? Hon.

Deepak Obhrai (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and for International Human Rights, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, Canada is very much concerned, as the Prime Minister said yesterday, about this kidnapping. As the Prime Minister said yesterday, Canadians are already on the ground in Nigeria working with our U.K. and U.S. allies. Canadian personnel on the ground are there solely in a liaison and advisory capacity. [ Translation ] Ms. Hélène Laverdière (Laurier—Sainte-Marie, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, French president François Hollande is holding a summit on Boko Haram on Saturday.

Nigeria, neighbouring countries, the European Union, Great Britain and the United States will be participating. As a co-chair of the Sahel Working Group of the Global Counterterrorism Forum and a contributor to the current effort, Canada should take advantage of every opportunity to become involved. Was Canada invited to the meeting? [ English ] Hon. Deepak Obhrai (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and for International Human Rights, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I can tell the hon. member that Canada will attend and our representation will be determined very shortly.

The Environment Mr. Ryan Leef (Yukon, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, the Nááts'ihch'oh National Park Reserve in the Northwest Territories was intended to protect the habitat of mountain caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep, and mountain goats. The Minister of the Environment previously committed to creating a new park that would protect 86% of the entire south Nahanni watershed from development. I know many northerners have been concerned about when the minister would follow through on her commitment to take action. I wonder if the minister can update the House on where the government stands on this initiative. Hon.

Leona Aglukkaq (Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Yukon for that great question. I am very pleased to say that the Nááts'ihch'oh National Park Reserve act was just tabled in the Senate. The creation of this park has been years in the making, involving consultations with communities, aboriginal groups, industry, and the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Our government signed an agreement with the Sahtu Dene as well as the Northwest Territories Metis to ensure that northerners will benefit from the lasting economic, cultural, and social benefits while protecting the habitat. Tulita will be the gateway to the park, creating jobs, skills, and training for people in the community. I encourage everyone in the House— The Speaker : The hon. member for Saint-Maurice—Champlain.

[ Translation ] Forestry Industry Ms. Lise St-Denis (Saint-Maurice—Champlain, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, the small community of Parent, in the Mauricie region, is in limbo, as there are persistent rumours that the local sawmill it is hugely dependent on will shut down. Every week, the forestry industry is weakened by the government's mismanagement. Since this shutdown would have an effect on his riding and mine, does the minister responsible foresee that the federal government will get involved in consolidating the forestry industry? (1505) [ English ] Mrs.

Kelly Block (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, from Muskoka to the Manitoba border, our government will continue to focus on community economic development, business growth, competitiveness, and innovation that creates jobs and long-term prosperity.

We will continue to ensure that communities and businesses in northern Ontario have the tools they need to have a strong, diversified economy, working with all levels of government, including first nations and other stakeholders, to ensure we maximize the economic opportunities and long-term sustainability of northern Ontario and Quebec.

[ Translation ] Champlain Bridge Mr. Hoang Mai (Brossard—La Prairie, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Infrastructure is maintaining his code of silence on the Champlain Bridge. Yesterday, at the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, his senior officials were unable to tell us whether Ottawa was in possession of any kind of study on how a Conservative toll would affect traffic in the greater Montreal area. We are tired of hearing the same old story from the minister. Can he tell us whether such a study exists? If so, when will he table it and make it public? 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, as we announced on October 5, 2011, we are moving ahead with our plan to build the new bridge over the St. Lawrence, and we will keep up maintenance on the existing bridge. I want to point out that this member and his party voted against a $380-million investment in maintaining the existing bridge. The request for qualification period finished on May 7. We are committed to moving forward with the requests for proposals.

We are going to build a bridge while they try to play politics.

[ English ] International Trade Ms. Joyce Bateman (Winnipeg South Centre, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, trade is a vital part of our economy. In Canada, one in five jobs are related to export. In fact, trade is very important in my riding, where food producers will benefit from Korean and European free trade. [ Translation ] Could the Minister of International Trade tell the House how our government is helping to create jobs through international trade, not only in my riding, but also across Canada? [ English ] Hon. Ed Fast (Minister of International Trade, CPC) : Mr.

Speaker, today I announced that we are placing 25 of Canada's best trade commissioners on the front lines to help increase exports by small and medium-sized businesses. We are embedding our trade commissioners within a variety of industry associations. This will help us better understand the specific export needs of those sectors of our economy. However, we are not stopping there. Next week I will lead my fifth trade mission to China and in June another trade mission to Africa. These are just some of the examples of how our Conservative government is promoting Canada's economic interests all around the world.

Public Safety Mr. Randall Garrison (Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, according to a report from Global News , public servants are being forced to decide in a matter of minutes whether someone getting on a plane is a security risk even though they are already on the no-fly list. Incredibly, if someone on the no-fly list shows up at an airport, the airline then has to contact Transport Canada, and a government official then makes a last-minute decision on whether or not to let that person board the plane. This is not a good way to keep Canadians safe.

Can the minister tell us when the no-fly list became the maybe-fly list? [ Translation ] Hon. Steven Blaney (Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. It is very important for us to make sure that everything is safe before a passenger boards a plane headed to Canada. That is why we put measures in place. We want to continue putting measures in place and hope the opposition will support us. [ English ] Mr. Brent Rathgeber (Edmonton—St. Albert, Ind.) : Mr.

Speaker, in February the RCMP made the unilateral decision to reclassify the Swiss Arms Classic Green carbine as a prohibited firearm. The Minister of Public Safety continues to blame this arbitrary decision on unelected bureaucrats; however, we now know that the RCMP had flagged issues to the minister's office regarding this firearm on numerous occasions, yet the minister failed to act and feigned outrage, insisting he had not been briefed. If the decision of the unelected bureaucrats is so unacceptable, why not draft legislation to limit their discretionary powers?

When will the minister stand up for law-abiding gun owners by tabling firearm legislation with clearer

definitions?

(1510) Hon. Steven Blaney (Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to sit with a party that has committed to correct the Liberal mistakes of the past and make sure that law-abiding citizens are being respected. That is what this government is committed to and it is what I am committed to, and that is why I have brought forward amnesty for those people who have been affected by this classification issue. That is why we are moving forward to make sure that law-abiding citizens who are gun owners are respected in this country.

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 10 petitions.

Supplementary Estimates (A), 2014–15 A message from His Excellency the Governor General transmitting supplementary estimates (

A) for the financial year ending March 31, 2015, was presented by the President of the Treasury Board and read by the Speaker to the House. Interparliamentary Delegations Ms. Irene Mathyssen (London—Fanshawe, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 34(1) I have the honour to present to the House, in both official languages, the report of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, respecting their participation at the 58th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, held in New York, New York, United States of America, March 11, 2014.

Committees of the House Official Languages Hon. Michael Chong (Wellington—Halton Hills, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the second report of the Standing Committee on Official Languages in relation to the study of the main estimates, 2014-15.

Holidays Act Mr. Dan Harris (Scarborough Southwest, NDP) Bill C-597. Introduction and first reading moved for leave to introduce Bill C-597,

An Act to amend the Holidays Act (Remembrance Day) . He said: Mr. Speaker, it is with pride and purpose that I rise today to introduce my private member's bill,

an act to make Remembrance Day a national statutory holiday. Similar versions of this bill have been introduced by the NDP member for Hamilton Mountain and by former Conservative MP Inky Mark. Petitions supporting this position have also been submitted by the member for Sarnia—Lambton . [ Translation ] Others were presented in 2010 and 2011 by the hon. member for Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel .

It is time to reaffirm our commitment to our veterans. [ English ] At a time when the number of veterans of past wars dwindle, we are faced with the changing face of veterans, and 40,000 brave young women and men who have earned our gratitude and thanks. It is time, on the 100th anniversary of the start of the war to end all wars, to rededicate ourselves to all those who have faithfully answered their country's call and come to help those in need. (Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)

(1515) Petitions Agriculture Mr. Dave MacKenzie (Oxford, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I have the privilege of presenting a petition today dealing with Bill C-18 .

Canada Post Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Winnipeg North, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, I stand today to present a petition in regard to Canada Post, signed by many residents of Winnipeg North. The essence of the petition is best said in the card that I received, explaining the petition: I want to let you know I am upset the...government approved Canada Post’s plan to end door-to-door mail delivery and drastically increase stamp prices. This decision will have a serious impact on me, my family, friends and community. It will also hurt people with disabilities and seniors.

This is a petition that I take great pleasure in tabling today. I would ask the Prime Minister and the government look at what Canada Post is doing, and reverse the decision.

Democratic Reform Hon. Michael Chong (Wellington—Halton Hills, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I present a petition from constituents in my riding of Wellington—Halton Hills. The petitioners call upon the House of Commons to undertake public consultations to consider alternative voting systems and, in particular, to consider a form of proportional representation.

Canada Post Mr. Scott Simms (Bonavista—Gander—Grand Falls—Windsor, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, this is a petition, once again, regarding Canada Post. Outrage has been displayed in many of the small communities in my riding regarding the downgrading of postal services. This one comes from the communities around Indian Bay. There are several signatures to show that they are highly dismayed with the reduced hours and diminished services of Canada Post in their community.

Agriculture Mr. Harold Albrecht (Kitchener—Conestoga, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I have the honour of presenting two petitions today. The first is from a group of Canadians calling on Parliament to refrain from making any changes to the Seeds Act or to the Plant Breeders' Rights Act through Bill C-18 .

Abortion Mr. Harold Albrecht (Kitchener—Conestoga, CPC) : In the second petition, Mr. Speaker, the petitioners point out that chemical abortions represent the unjust killing of innocent pre-born children. They call upon the federal Minister of Health to immediately intervene with Health Canada to ensure that the RU-486 application is definitively rejected.

Democratic Reform Ms. Elizabeth May (Saanich—Gulf Islands, GP) : Mr. Speaker, we know at this point that Bill C-23 has gone through the House, but I continue to receive petitions from people across Canada asking for the bill to be more substantially reworked in order to meet the purpose of a fair elections act. I table these petitions today from the residents of Nepean.

Questions on the Order Paper Mr. Tom Lukiwski (Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, the following questions will be answered today: Nos. 406, 410, 412, 419, 422 and 424. [ Text ]

Question No. 406--

Ms. Lise St-Denis :

With regard to contracts under $10,000 granted by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority since January 1, 2013: what are the (

a) vendors' names; (

b) contracts' reference numbers; (

c) dates of the contracts; (

d) descriptions of the services provided; (

e) delivery dates; (

f) original contracts' values; and (

g) final contracts' values if different from the original contracts' values?

Hon. Lisa Raitt (Minister of Transport, CPC) :

Mr. Speaker, given the large amount of information available solely in language of origin, it is not feasible for the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority to produce the documents requested in the time period required.

Question No. 410--

Mr. David McGuinty :

With regard to contracts under $10,000 granted by Transport Canada since January 1, 2013: what are the (

a) vendors' names; (

b) contracts' reference numbers; (

c) dates of the contracts; (

d) descriptions of the services provided; (

e) delivery dates; (

f) original contracts' values; and (

g) final contracts' values if different from the original contracts' values?

Hon. Lisa Raitt (Minister of Transport, CPC) :

Mr. Speaker, given the large amount of information available solely in language of origin, it is not feasible for Transport Canada to produce the documents requested in the time period required.

Question No. 412--

Mr. David McGuinty :

With regard to contracts under $10,000 granted by the National Capital Commission since January 1, 2013: what are the (

a) vendors' names; (

b) contracts' reference numbers; (

c) dates of the contracts; (

d) descriptions of the services provided; (

e) delivery dates; (

f) original contracts' values; and (

g) final contracts' values if different from the original contracts' values?

Hon. John Baird (Minister of Foreign Affairs, CPC) :

Mr. Speaker, the information regarding contracts under $10,000 granted by the National Capital Commission since January 1, 2013, was kept by the NCC only in the language in which the contract was issued.

Given that the information must be provided to Parliament in both official languages, and given the size of the information, it is still in the process of being translated. A supplementary response containing the information in both official languages will be tabled in Parliament by May 30, 2014.

Question No. 419--

Mr. Ted Hsu :

With regard to contracts under $10,000 granted by Correctional Services Canada for Southern Ontario since January 1, 2013: what are the (

a) vendors' names; (

b) contracts' reference numbers; (

c) dates of the contracts; (

d) descriptions of the services provided; (

e) delivery dates; (

f) original contracts' values; and (

g) final contracts' values if different from the original contracts' values?

Hon. Steven Blaney (Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, CPC) :

Mr. Speaker, within the timeframe provided, it would not be possible to manually verify the value of each of the contracts under $10,000 granted by CSC since January 1, 2013, given the volume of data. As a result, CSC is unable to provide a complete and accurate response to this written question.

Question No. 422--

Mr. Marc Garneau :

With regard to the International Arms Trade Treaty, what are the details, including date and location, of any meetings held between any official of a provincial or territorial government, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, any of the Minister’s staff members, or any officials of the department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development or its predecessor departments and agencies, since March 1, 2010?

Hon. John Baird (Minister of Foreign Affairs, CPC) :

Mr. Speaker, last year the Minister of Foreign Affairs asked officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, or DFATD, to consult with all provinces and territories on the Arms Trade Treaty, after already having consulted with non-governmental organizations, including such diverse groups as Oxfam Canada, Oxfam Quebec, Project Ploughshares, Amnesty International, and the Canadian Shooting Sports Association. Consultations between DFATD officials and provincial and territorial governments took place by telephone and/or email between December 9, 2013, and the end of January 2014.

As members of the House already know, Canada has some of the strongest export controls in the world, including through the Export and Import Permits Act and the Automatic Firearms Country Control List. In addition, Canada rigorously assesses all exports of military goods and technology on a case-by-case basis. In fact, Canada’s controls exceed those of the proposed ATT. It is important that any treaty should neither affect lawful and responsible firearms owners nor discourage the transfer of firearms for recreational uses such as sport shooting and hunting.

The government will ensure that any treaty it signs on to will be good for Canada and good for Canadians.

Question No. 424--

Ms. Chrystia Freeland :

With regard to the sale-leaseback of seven federal office properties announced by the government on October 31, 2007: for fiscal years 2008-2009, 2009-2010, 2010-2011, 2011-2012, and 2012-2013, what are the benefits and costs, expressed in dollar values, of the sale-leaseback transaction and the resulting accommodation arrangement for the government?

Hon. Diane Finley (Minister of Public Works and Government Services, CPC) :

Mr. Speaker, the sale-leaseback transaction is a 25-year initiative. While the benefits and costs cannot be analyzed on an annual basis, PWGSC’s 2007 analysis has concluded that the sale-leaseback of the seven buildings represents the lowest cost and best value to Canada over the term of the investment

In addition to providing accommodations to meet government program needs, this transaction transferred ownership risks to the private sector, and the proceeds from the sale of the buildings were used to fund other government programs and priorities.

[ English ] Questions Passed as Orders for Returns Mr. Tom Lukiwski (Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, if a supplementary response to Question No. 319, originally tabled on April 28, as well as Questions Nos. 393, 395, 397 to 399, 402 to 405, 407, 409, 413 to 416, 420, 421, 423, 425, 426, 428 and 435 could be made orders for returns, these returns would be tabled immediately. The Speaker : Is that agreed? Some hon. members: Agreed. [ Text ]

Question No. 319--

Mr. Matthew Kellway :

With regard to government procurement of garments and textiles since fiscal year 2010-2011: (

a) what percentage of these garments and textiles were manufactured, in whole or in part, outside of Canada; (

b) of the procured textiles and garments manufactured, in whole or in part, outside of Canada (

i) in what countries are these goods manufactured, (ii) what is the total value of these goods, broken down by country of manufacture, (iii) is the name and address of each factory where these goods are made documented; (

c) what is the exact nature or purpose of any garments or textiles that are procured by the government and its agencies which are manufactured, in whole or in part, in Bangladesh; (

d) what is the name and address of each factory in Bangladesh that produces garments or textiles, in whole or in part, that are procured by the government; (

e) what portion of all garments and textiles manufactured in whole or in

part in Bangladesh and procured by the government is contracted or sub-contracted by companies that are signatories to the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh; and (

f) what portion of all garments and textiles manufactured in whole or in

part in Bangladesh and procured by the government is contracted or sub-contracted by companies that are signatories to the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety?

(Return tabled)

Question No. 393--

Ms. Lysane Blanchette-Lamothe :

With regard to Citizenship and Immigration Canada: (

a) what was the budget for processing visa applications between 2005 and 2014, broken down by (

i) fiscal year, (ii) processing centre, (iii) international student visas, (iv) work permits, broken down in turn by temporary workers, live-in caregivers, business people, and students, (

v) temporary visas (broken down in turn by tourist, business, Super Visas, and transit visas); (

b) what was the budget for processing immigration applications between 2005 and 2014, broken down by (

i) fiscal year, (ii) processing centre, (iii) immigration class and sub-category; (

c) what was the number of full-time equivalent staff allocated to each processing centre between 2005 and 2014, broken down by (

i) fiscal year, (ii) processing centre, (iii) immigration class and sub-category, (iv) type of visa; (

d) what was the average wait time for processing of visa applications between 2005 and 2014, broken down by (

i) fiscal year, (ii) processing centre, (iii) international student visas, (iv) work permits (broken down in turn by temporary workers, live-in caregivers, business people, and students), (

v) temporary visas (broken down in turn by tourist, business, Super Visas, and transit visas); (

e) what was the average wait time for processing of immigration applications between 2005 and 2014, broken down by (

i) fiscal year, (ii) processing centre, (iii) immigration class and sub-category; (

f) what was the budget for processing private sponsorship of refugee applications between 2005 and 2014, broken down by (

i) fiscal year, (ii) processing centre; (

g) how many full-time equivalent staff were allocated to the processing of private sponsorship of refugee applications between 2005 and 2014, broken down by (

i) fiscal year, (ii) processing centre; (

h) what was the average wait time for processing of private sponsorship of refugee applications between 2005 and 2014, broken down by (

i) fiscal year, (ii) processing centre; and (

i) what was the budget for advertising between 2005 and 2014, broken down by (

i) fiscal year, (ii) program, (iii) subject?

(Return tabled)

Question No. 395--

Ms. Joyce Murray :

With regard to the use of the government-owned fleet of Challenger jets since April 1, 2011: for each use of the aircraft, (

a) what are the names and titles of the passengers present on the flight manifest; (

b) what were all the departure and arrival points of the aircraft; (

c) who requested access to the fleet; and (

d) who authorized the flight?

(Return tabled)

Question No. 397--

Mr. Peter Julian :

With regard to the tax revenues that the government receives from the oil and gas industry (“the industry“), from 2006 to the most recent figures available: (

a) broken down by fiscal year, what is the total amount of the government's corporate income tax revenue received from the industry; and (

b) what is the total amount of the government's royalty tax revenues from the industry?

(Return tabled)

Question No. 398--

Mr. Peter Julian :

With regard to government studies of Canada's oil and gas sector and renewable energy: for each study from 2006 to the present, what is (

i) the title, (ii) the date of release, (iii) the cost, (iv) name of outside firms hired, (

v) names of consultants hired?

(Return tabled)

Question No. 399--

Hon. Lawrence MacAulay :

With regard to contracts under $10,000 granted by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans for Southern Ontario since January 1, 2013: what are the (

a) vendors' names; (

b) contracts' reference numbers; (

c) dates of the contracts; (

d) descriptions of the services provided; (

e) delivery dates; (

f) original contracts' values; and (

g) final contracts' values if different from the original contracts' values?

(Return tabled)

Question No. 402--

Hon. Hedy Fry :

With regard to contracts under $10,000 granted by Health Canada since January 1, 2013: what are the (

a) vendors' names; (

b) contracts' reference numbers; (

c) dates of the contracts; (

d) descriptions of the services provided; (

e) delivery dates; (

f) original contracts' values; and (

g) final contracts' values if different from the original contracts' values?

(Return tabled)

Question No. 403--

Hon. Hedy Fry :

With regard to contracts under $10,000 granted by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited since January 1, 2013: what are the (

a) vendors' names; (

b) contracts' reference numbers; (

c) dates of the contracts; (

d) descriptions of the services provided; (

e) delivery dates; (

f) original contracts' values; and (

g) final contracts' values if different from the original contracts' values?

(Return tabled)

Question No. 404--

Hon. Hedy Fry :

With regard to contracts under $10,000 granted by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada since January 1, 2013: what are the (

a) vendors' names; (

b) contracts' reference numbers; (

c) dates of the contracts; (

d) descriptions of the services provided; (

e) delivery dates; (

f) original contracts' values; and (

g) final contracts' values if different from the original contracts' values?

(Return tabled)

Question No. 405--

Hon. Hedy Fry :

With regard to contracts under $10,000 granted by the Privy Council Office since January 1, 2013: what are the (

a) vendors' names; (

b) contracts' reference numbers; (

c) dates of the contracts; (

d) descriptions of the services provided; (

e) delivery dates; (

f) original contracts' values; and (

g) final contracts' values if different from the original contracts' values?

(Return tabled)

Question No. 407--

Ms. Lise St-Denis :

With regard to contracts under $10,000 granted by Canadian Heritage since January 1, 2013: what are the (

a) vendors' names; (

b) contracts' reference numbers; (

c) dates of the contracts; (

d) descriptions of the services provided; (

e) delivery dates; (

f) original contracts' values; and (

g) final contracts' values if different from the original contracts' values?

(Return tabled)

Question No. 409--

Ms. Lise St-Denis :

With regard to contracts under $10,000 granted by the Canadian Coast Guard since January 1, 2013: what are the (

a) vendors' names; (

b) contracts' reference numbers; (

c) dates of the contracts; (

d) descriptions of the services provided; (

e) delivery dates; (

f) original contracts' values; and (

g) final contracts' values if different from the original contracts' values?

(Return tabled)

Question No. 413--

Mr. Emmanuel Dubourg :

With regard to contracts under $10,000 granted by the Canada Economic Development Agency for Quebec Regions since January 1, 2013: what are the (

a) vendors' names; (

b) contracts' reference numbers; (

c) dates of the contracts; (

d) descriptions of the services provided; (

e) delivery dates; (

f) original contracts' values; and (

g) final contracts' values if different from the original contracts' values?

(Return tabled)

Question No. 414--

Mr. Emmanuel Dubourg :

With regard to contracts under $10,000 granted by the Canada Revenue Agency since January 1, 2013: what are the (

a) vendors' names; (

b) contracts' reference numbers; (

c) dates of the contracts; (

d) descriptions of the services provided; (

e) delivery dates; (

f) original contracts' values; and (

g) final contracts' values if different from the original contracts' values?

(Return tabled)

Question No. 415--

Mr. Emmanuel Dubourg :

With regard to contracts under $10,000 granted by the Canadian Space Agency since January 1, 2013: what are the (

a) vendors' names; (

b) contracts' reference numbers; (

c) dates of the contracts; (

d) descriptions of the services provided; (

e) delivery dates; (

f) original contracts' values; and (

g) final contracts' values if different from the original contracts' values?

(Return tabled)

Question No. 416--

Mr. Emmanuel Dubourg :

With regard to contracts under $10,000 granted by the Ministry of Finance since January 1, 2013: what are the (

a) vendors' names; (

b) contracts' reference numbers; (

c) dates of the contracts; (

d) descriptions of the services provided; (

e) delivery dates; (

f) original contracts' values; and (

g) final contracts' values if different from the original contracts' values?

(Return tabled)

Question No. 420--

Mr. Marc Garneau :

With regard to the government’s Road to 2017 commemoration project and military commemoration program: (

a) how much has been spent on these programs and projects since 2013, broken down by (

i) department, (ii) amount, (iii) specific pillar or event, (iv) year; (

b) how much does the government estimate will be spent on these programs and projects in total between 2013 and 2021, broken down by (

i) department, (ii) amount, (iii) specific pillar or event, (iv) year; and (

c) with regard to (

a) and ( b ), what program activity and sub-program activity will this funding be allocated from, broken down by (

i) department, (ii) amount, (iii) specific pillar or event, (iv) year?

(Return tabled)

Question No. 421--

Mr. Marc Garneau :

With regard to the ceremony and subsequent announcement on March 18, 2014 regarding the welcoming home of members of the Canadian Forces returning from the mission in Afghanistan: (

a) what were the costs to the government for holding this ceremony, broken down by (

i) department, (ii) program activity, (iii) sub-program activity; and (

b) if not captured in ( a ), what was the cost associated with the CF-18s that participated in this event?

(Return tabled)

Question No. 423--

Ms. Chrystia Freeland :

With regard to the use of the government-owned aircraft operated by the Department of National Defence or the Canadian Armed Forces, excluding the Challenger jet fleet since April 1, 2011: for each use of the aircraft by a Minister of the Crown, including the Prime Minister, or their exempt staff, (

a) what are the names and titles of the passengers present on the flight manifest; (

b) what were all the departure and arrival points of the aircraft; (

c) who requested access to the fleet; and (

d) who authorized the flight?

(Return tabled)

Question No. 425--

Ms. Chrystia Freeland :

With regard to full-time equivalent (FTE) federal civil service and Crown corporation positions eliminated since January 1, 2012: what is the number of positions eliminated, broken down by the location of the former position, namely (

i) the National Capital Region, (ii) each province or territory, including figures for Quebec and Ontario outside of the National Capital Region, (iii) outside of Canada?

(Return tabled)

Question No. 426--

Ms. Chrystia Freeland :

With regard to the Prime Minister’s “24 Seven” video initiative: (

a) have any reports, notes, memoranda, or other documents been prepared concerning any of the videos individually, or the initiative generally; and (

b) if so, what are their (

i) titles, (ii) dates, (iii) file numbers?

(Return tabled)

Question No. 428--

Hon. Stéphane Dion :

With regard to contracts under $10,000 granted by Library and Archives Canada since January 1, 2013: what are the (

a) vendors' names; (

b) contracts' reference numbers; (

c) dates of the contracts; (

d) descriptions of the services provided; (

e) delivery dates; (

f) original contracts' values; and (

g) final contracts' values if different from the original contracts' values?

(Return tabled)

Question No. 435--

Hon. Wayne Easter :

With regard to contracts under $10,000 granted by Public Safety Canada since January 1, 2013: what are the (

a) vendors' names; (

b) contracts' reference numbers; (

c) dates of the contracts; (

d) descriptions of the services provided; (

e) delivery dates; (

f) original contracts' values; and (

g) final contracts' values if different from the original contracts' values?

(Return tabled)

[ English ] Mr. Tom Lukiwski : 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.

Government Orders Government Orders (1520) [ English ] Business of Supply Opposition Motion—Affordable housing Business of Supply Mr. Mike Sullivan (York South—Weston, NDP) moved: Motion That the House recognize that Canadians are faced with a housing crunch of rising costs and growing waiting lists due to chronic underfunding of affordable housing from 1993 to the present, and call on the government to work with the provinces, territories, municipalities, and with First Nations, Inuit, and Metis, to immediately renew long-term social housing funding and reinvest in the development of affordable housing units.

He said: Mr. Speaker, I wish to note that I will be sharing my time with the member for Hochelaga . Canada's affordable housing crunch has been growing, and it has been growing for at least 21 years, since the Liberal government broke its promise and shunned federal responsibility for housing. Canada is the only G8 country in the world without a national housing strategy, thanks to the Liberals, who downloaded the responsibility for housing to the provinces. Today, three million Canadians live in housing insecurity due to irresponsible housing policies from successive Liberal and Conservative governments.

With a growing number of homeless people and long delays in obtaining access to safe and affordable housing, the government must stop ignoring the problem. The Conservatives' blatant disregard for social housing is creating a critical situation where the need for social housing is increasing at the same time as the quantity of affordable housing is declining. In 1993, the federal Liberals took the position that they would not act on the task force that they had so gallantly put forward in 1990.

In fact, it is a classic example of the Liberals indicating that they are going to go in one direction and actually going in the exact opposite direction. They took that task force, co-chaired by the esteemed Joe Fontana, and made the suggestion that the Conservatives, who were in power at the time, were cutting social housing and it should be stopped. In fact, they said that more money should have been spent on social housing and affordable housing. However, their first budget cut was $128 million from CMHC's budget, most of which was allocated to affordable housing programs. That was in 1995.

In 1996, the Liberals downloaded the responsibility for social housing to the provinces and territories, effectively ending Canada's national affordable housing program. Canada is the only major industrialized country to not have a national housing strategy. The Liberals also slashed transfers to the provinces and territories at the same time that they expected them to take on responsibility for this all important program for social and affordable housing.

In 1999, the Liberals announced a bit of money for homelessness programs, but as Michael Shapcott of the Wellesly Institute said, “The federal homelessness funding will make homeless more comfortable, but it won't make them any less homeless”. Some more money was added in 2002 and 2004, but those agreements and that money did not have any accountability programs. Therefore, the accountability issue regarding the housing money that was being spent meant that although Ontario claimed to have created 46,000 units, after research of the audit was done, only 63 homes had actually been built.

There was no accountability for whatever was being spent by the federal government. In 2005, when the Liberals proposed giving huge tax breaks to corporations, Jack Layton and his NDP colleagues helped to rewrite that budget and divert $4.6 billion in corporate giveaways to important priorities, like affordable housing, training and public transit. It included $1.6 billion for affordable housing construction, including aboriginal housing. This was the first time any real commitment to affordable housing had been made in well over a decade.

Then the Liberals were defeated due to corruption before the funding was fully implemented, but the Conservatives implemented most of that funding. Although the Conservatives voted against it at one point, we still have some of that funding in our supply. Meanwhile, the Conservatives, for their part, have now announced they will not be renewing the long-term social housing operating agreements or continuing to invest that funding in affordable housing. Essentially, they see this as a budget line item that they can strike out of the budget, and take $1.7 billion out of affordable housing in our country.

That $1.7 billion is currently earmarked for assistance to individuals to meet their rent obligations. When that money disappears, those individuals will effectively become homeless. The Conservatives do not seem to care that those individuals will become homeless as a result of their actions. About 620,000 households were supported by that $1.7 billion, and as many as 200,000 housing units will be lost due to the loss of operating funds or insufficient capital for much-needed renovations.

(1525) Despite what the minister said earlier, these are not all mortgage subsidies. Some of these buildings are leased from other organizations, and when the subsidies end, so ends the rental accommodation support that has been going to seniors and other individuals who really need the support.

An example of this lack of strategy is no more evident than in my home city of Toronto, and in particular in my riding of York South—Weston, where as a result of the lack of investment in social housing over more than two decades, and as a result of the fact that when the federal government downloaded the social housing units to the City of Toronto, they inherited a three-quarters of a billion-dollar fix-it bill for those units. That fix-it bill is now being paid for by the City of Toronto by selling social housing units.

They do not have the capital to fix these units, and the government is not forthcoming with money, so it is having to get rid of social housing units to be able to meet the demands for the repairs that are necessary in these units. It is like eating our own seed potatoes, as is said in the Maritimes. The city of Toronto is a great example of what the lack of funding for social housing construction really means. There has been virtually no new social housing constructed in the city of Toronto in the past 20 years.

As more and more people find it impossible to afford the ever-growing rents and the ever-growing cost of buying a home in Toronto, they are faced with the prospect of seeking social assistance and seeking to be in Toronto community housing buildings. The wait-list has over 90,000 applications on it. That is 170,000 people who are looking for accommodation and support. There are only 90,000 units in the first place, so there are as many people on the wait-list as there are units. The wait-lists in some circumstances are 10 and 12 years long.

Individuals have to survive somehow, and they survive by moving into overcrowded units, by moving into units that are poorly maintained, and by moving into units they cannot afford. There are individuals in my riding who are paying 70% and 80% of their income for shelter, because the minimum wage in Ontario is so low. It is $10.25. If people who make minimum wage on a full-time basis have to pay rent at today's market rates in Toronto for a two-bedroom apartment, it is 70% of their earnings, and for a three-bedroom apartment, it is 90%. The 90% figure is completely unaffordable.

People could not eat or possibly raise a family spending 90% of their income on housing, yet that is what people face when they are on a waiting list for supported housing that cannot possibly be met. It will be 10 or more years before they ever reach the top of that waiting list. There was a recent study by the University of Toronto, partly in my riding, that determined that 90% of the individuals who currently live in apartment blocks in Toronto that were built between the fifties and the eighties face homelessness in some measure.

One-third of those people, which is thousands upon thousands of people, have a critical risk of homelessness. Those individuals could be homeless almost immediately. What does “homeless” mean to people like that? It means finding a shelter, but there are no shelters. It means finding a friend, relative, or neighbour they can bunk with for as long as it takes to find another place to live, but that means they are now in overcrowded housing. That means they are now in housing that is not designed to support as many people as are expected to live in it. That is another example of why this is a crisis.

It is a national crisis. It is not limited to Toronto. All over Canada we have a growing need for affordable housing that we are just unable to meet. Today the Federation of Canadian Municipalities said it supports the motion and our continued focus on fixing Canada's housing crunch. The president, Claude Dauphin, said he supports my motion and supports our moving forward to ease the burden by immediately renewing long-term social housing funding, reinvesting in the development of affordable housing units, and reinforcing the role of municipalities as key stakeholders in the process.

(1530) Hon. Candice Bergen (Minister of State (Social Development), CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I disagree with my hon. colleague on a number of things he asserted, one of them being about the work we have been doing to help the homeless, such as our homelessness partnering strategy with the focus on Housing First, and the major investments we have made, which I will expand on when I speak shortly. Here is what I am really wondering. I was before the committee that deals with housing. Mr. Evan Siddall, the president of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, was with me. We were there for a full hour.

I did not receive one question from any opposition members on housing. There were no questions about affordable housing, social housing, aboriginal housing, or the FCM's position. I was there for an hour. They could have asked me questions, as well as Mr. Siddall. Could the member please explain to me why the opposition members absolutely ignored the issue of affordable housing? Mr. Mike Sullivan : Mr. Speaker, I was not at that committee, so I cannot speak to what happened. I do know that to the many questions we have asked the government, we get glib answers.

The government tells us that it is helping a bunch of people. The problem is that we are not helping enough people. The problem is growing. It is getting worse every year. There were 60,000 people on the waiting list in Toronto when the Conservatives took office. There are now 90,000 people on the waiting list in Toronto. The Conservatives seem to ignore that. They seem to think it is not their problem. Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Winnipeg North, Lib.) : Mr. Speaker, there is absolutely no doubt that we have to deal with a housing strategy across Canada.

For decades, the Liberals put in millions of dollars and developed thousands of non-profit housing units, including subsidized housing, infill housing, housing co-ops, and lease-to-own programs. The Liberal Party did an immense amount of work building our housing stock from coast to coast to coast. We had a housing strategy in place. The Kelowna accord was even in place. New Democrats defeated that. How can the member say that he wants to see a housing strategy, yet when the NDP had the opportunity to support a housing strategy, that party defeated the Paul Martin government, thereby defeating the strategy? Mr.

Mike Sullivan : We did not defeat the strategy, Mr. Speaker. We just defeated a corrupt government. The Liberal government of 2005 agreed with Jack Layton that more money should be spent on housing, but it was the first time that had been done by the Liberal government, which was in a majority position for 13 years. All it did was cut social housing. The Liberals downloaded the entire responsibility onto the provinces, territories, and municipalities. [ Translation ] Ms. Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet (Hochelaga, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, it is becoming quite obvious that there is a housing crisis in Canada.

My colleague spoke at length about certain aspects of that crisis. There is one aspect in particular that he did not mention, and he and I spoke about it. It is related to the economic boom that certain regions are experiencing. I would like him to talk about our discussion, to show the other members of the House that there is another side to Canada's housing crisis. [ English ] Mr. Mike Sullivan : Mr. Speaker, when I was in Fort McMurray some years ago, when the boom was on, and it is still on, housing was a huge problem.

Representatives of the United Way met with me and told me just how difficult it was for individuals who were living on less than the enormous wages that were being paid in the oil patch to have a place to live. They told me about an individual who was making $18 an hour working at Tim Hortons, but all he could afford was to rent someone's couch for eight hours a day. He did not even have a place to hang his clothes. He rented a couch for $600 a month and could only have access to it between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. each day, because he worked the night shift at Tim Hortons.

That is the kind of housing crunch that exists even in boom places. The price of a home in Fort McMurray is upwards of $900,000. That is unaffordable. The rental crisis has gone crazy with it. The government has made no effort to address these issues. (1535) [ Translation ] Ms. Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet (Hochelaga, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, as the official opposition housing critic, I am extremely honoured to support this motion and speak today about a topic that is very important to me.

The people in my riding of Hochelaga often talk to me about this issue, and it should concern every single elected official in the country. I often say this, but I will say it again: the NDP believes that housing is a right. However, if we are having to debate this motion today, it means that our opinion is not shared by the Conservatives or the Liberals, no matter what they say. This motion acknowledges the poor decisions made one after the other by previous governments, since 1993 in particular. Of course, I am talking about the Liberals and the Conservatives.

These poor decisions resulted in a major housing crisis in Canada, one that is unprecedented. This motion also proposes a possible solution by calling on the various levels of government to come together and agree on how to renew long-term social housing funding and reinvest in new housing projects as soon as possible. This is a balanced, pragmatic approach that does not require any new money. It would use existing funding. In the medium and long terms, it would save Canadian taxpayers a lot of money in health care, public safety and emergency services for homeless people.

Regardless of what the Conservatives and the Liberals think, housing in Canada should not be considered an expense that can be eliminated in order to balance a budget. Housing is an investment. Unfortunately, that is not how the two old parties see it. Their actions now and in the past prove it. At least we know what to expect from the Conservatives. When we asked them to support the Canadian housing strategy bill introduced by my colleague from Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot , they were faithful to their ideology and all voted against it. That was so predictable.

With the Liberals, we never know which way the wind will blow. Their position depends on the poll of the week, and, as my leader would say, they tend to signal left and turn right. When the Liberals came to power in 1993, they cut off federal investment in new social housing projects. In 1996, the Liberal government announced the end of the national affordable housing program. From then on, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's only purpose was to manage the federal government's real estate holdings.

Eventually, it became just another government cash cow, effectively turning its back on years of investment in social and affordable housing. In the late 1990s, when the budget was balanced and people were busy comparing themselves favourably to other countries, they somehow forgot to mention that they balanced the budget by creating a major housing shortage, a decision that would have serious long-term repercussions on people, repercussions that we are feeling to this day.

The irony is that the person who would become the finance minister under Jean Chrétien and would succeed him in 2003, Paul Martin, had previously co-chaired the Liberal Task Force on Housing. The task force produced a report that was published on May 14, 1990, entitled, “Finding Room: Housing Solutions for the Future”. The report accused Mulroney's Conservative government of abandoning its responsibilities for dealing with the housing problems and the crisis at the time. The report included statistics on the housing situation and homelessness in Canada.

It denounced the then federal government for its inaction and for abandoning its responsibilities for housing. It argued that the federal government should be a leader on housing in Canada. It listed no less than 25 recommendations. Honestly, after going through this document, I agreed with most of the recommendations in the report. The problem is that we cannot trust the Liberals. When they are in opposition they will say just about anything to win votes. However, when they are in power, they drop all the plans they presented to the public.

That is called electioneering. (1540) [ English ] The Liberals can talk the talk pretty well when they are in the opposition, but when they come to power, they never walk the walk. [ Translation ] That is exactly what my leader means when he says that the Liberals signal left and turn right. Canada is still having problems and more than three million Canadians are still looking for affordable housing that will not cost more than 30% of their income for a roof over their heads because the Conservatives, who replaced the Liberals in 2006, are not any better when it comes to housing.

Unfortunately, as political tradition would have it in Canada, the Conservatives also say one thing and do another. I would say that the Conservatives do not signal at all and simply turn right. In a press release dated January 12, 2006, just 11 days before the election that brought them to power, the Conservatives criticized the Liberals for precisely what I was just talking about: [ English ] The irony is that before becoming Minister of Finance, Paul Martin had called for an increased federal role in supporting affordable housing.

He co-authored Finding Room: Housing Solutions for the Future (1990), the report of the National Liberal Task Force on Housing. The Martin report argued that the housing crisis was growing at an alarming rate while the government sat and did nothing, that the federal government should be a partner working with other levels of government, and private and public housing groups, and that leadership must come from one source and required national direction. [ Translation ] How ironic, indeed. When you are in unfamiliar territory, it may be better to say nothing than to preach.

The Conservatives also broke their promises. Everything that was thrown in place was just smoke and mirrors. Today, one out of four Canadian households spends more than 30% of its income on housing, which is the definition for affordable housing. That is more than 3 million families. Even worse, 37% of households that live in subsidized rental housing, the poorest families in Canada, live in housing that is not affordable. That figure increases to 40% for market rental housing. What is the response from the other side of the House? It cuts and cuts some more.

The long-term agreements signed by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation with suppliers of social housing between 1970 and 1993 have begun to expire. Thus, $1.7 billion of 85% of the CMHC annual budget is slowly being eroded. The Conservatives say that they are not cutting the budget, but their refusal to renew funding upon the expiry of these agreements translates into reductions.

They can play with words, but the people affected, those who could see their rent increase by $200 to $500 a month or more because they have lost their rent subsidy, know exactly what is going to happen and are desperately pleading with the government, which continues to turn a deaf ear. The figures are clear. They are in previous budgets. A total of $65.2 million was cut in just the past three years: $20.2 million in 2011-12, $21.7 million in 2012-13, and $23.3 million in 2013-14. Furthermore, 18,400 households lost their rent subsidy, and the worst is yet to come.

By 2040, there will be nothing left of the $1.7 billion a year formerly invested in social housing. Nothing. Zero. In Canada, one household in three lives in rental housing. Over the past 15 years, rental housing has accounted for only 10% of new housing stock. The Conservatives' lack of action on social housing has created this crisis situation. While the demand for social housing is increasing—as demonstrated by long waiting lists—the supply of affordable housing is diminishing. We are still waiting for the government to come up with a plan to deal with this increasingly serious situation.

The NDP proposed a plan, a real national housing strategy. Canada is the only G8 country that does not have a such a strategy. The Conservatives collectively rejected this strategy. They are doing nothing and the situation is growing worse. Given the increasing number of homeless people and the longer and longer wait times for safe, adequate, affordable housing, the federal government needs to stop hiding its head in the sand and ignoring the problem. We have seen that we cannot count on the Liberals or the Conservatives to do anything about housing. Housing is a priority for the NDP.

Social housing is not just an expense; it is an investment. A roof is a right. I urge everyone who is watching today to visit my “A Roof, A Right” campaign website and sign the petition. (1545) [ English ] Mr. Brad Butt (Mississauga—Streetsville, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I was at the human resources committee just two weeks ago when the minister of state and the president of CMHC both appeared to speak on the main estimates. I think all members of the House know what main estimates are. They are the spending projections for the next year.

I noticed that neither opposition party asked the minister or the president of CMHC one single question about housing, not a single one. What is even worse, both opposition parties voted against the most recent budget that renewed the affordable housing initiative for another five years and renewed the homelessness partnering strategy for another five years at the same levels of money as had been invested previously. Why did the NDP vote against the five-year renewal of those two extremely important housing initiatives? [ Translation ] Ms. Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet : Mr.

Speaker, I am pleased to answer my colleague's question. The member for Mississauga—Streetsville was also a member of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities a year ago when the former human resources minister was there. He will certainly remember that I asked a number of questions about the renewal of housing agreements. However, I did not get any answers about a committee that is supposed to exist and that is supposed to be looking at the situation to determine which projects are feasible and which are not.

We still have not seen a report on this. We do not know anything about it. With regard to affordable housing, the current minister spends her time saying that this budget should be used to subsidize social housing. That is not what this budget is for. There should be two separate budgets, one for social housing and one for affordable housing, because there is also a lack of affordable housing. That is why we vote against mammoth budget bills that deal with many different issues and cannot be divided. That is my answer. [ English ] Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Winnipeg North, Lib.) : Mr.

Speaker, the member needs to realize that on the one hand she is saying that Jack Layton should take the credit for creating additional monies, $480 million, in the Paul Martin government. On the other hand, shortly after former prime minister Paul Martin put in that $480 million, what did the NDP do? It voted against it, in favour of an election that killed not only the $480 million, but the Kelowna accord. Does she not see some hypocrisy or conflict in some of the statements she is making? [ Translation ] Ms. Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet : Mr.

Speaker, first of all, the money would never have been in Paul Martin's budget if Jack Layton had not had the courage to do what he did. Second of all, it was not the NDP that destroyed the Liberals. Canadians decided that the Liberals were too crooked and that they had had enough. After the sponsorship scandal, Canadians decided to show them the door. Mrs. Carol Hughes (Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing, NDP) : Mr. Speaker, I know that my colleague is familiar with the first nations housing situation. The government is not taking action. That is obvious.

On Monday, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples confirmed that no changes had been made to address the housing gap between aboriginal Canadians and non-aboriginal Canadians since the last UN report. In 10 years, no progress has been made on this issue under both Conservative and Liberal governments. Does the member agree that this is a shameful situation and that the NDP will work with the first nations to fix the housing problem? Ms. Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet : Mr. Speaker, the NDP is already working with the first nations, and I am as well.

We consult them to find out what they truly need. We saw that the situation in Attawapiskat was atrocious. We see this on reserves but also in cities. For example, in Sudbury, two families lost their social housing at the end of October 2013 because their housing subsidy came to an end. Their rent went from under $400 to over $900 a month. The families did not have the means to pay that. It was impossible. As a result, the families had to live elsewhere, and those two housing units must now be rented to someone else at market price. They may have to be sold, which means that we will lose two social housing units.

We are losing social housing, and on top of that, people such as aboriginal Canadians are poorly housed. (1550) [ English ] Hon. Candice Bergen (Minister of State (Social Development), CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to rise today to address the House on the motion that has been presented by the member for York South—Weston .

I will be sharing my time with the member for Brant and I just want to commend the member for Brant for the great leadership role that he has taken on the housing file and talking about innovative ideas on how we can address affordable housing issues and the good things that our government is already doing. I want to congratulate him on that. I want to state right from the outset that the premise of this motion is wrong. I so appreciate the opportunity to address some of the misunderstanding, perhaps, on behalf of the opposition, in terms of what we are doing for affordable housing.

As I have already stated, quite clearly, I did appear before the committee. I was looking forward to some really thoughtful questions. I was looking forward to talking about our investment in affordable housing and how provinces can use it in the ways they deem appropriate and meet their priorities. I know Mr. Siddall was looking forward to that. However, we never had the opportunity because, again, the opposition did not ask us any questions. I think that is very telling, I will say, especially given today and the pressure and the scrutiny that the opposition is under with its inappropriate office expenditures.

I think, it is a bit telling that it is, all of a sudden, out of the blue, talking about affordable housing. Again, I am really happy that I can talk about what we are doing, in terms of helping those who are most vulnerable and those who need assistance with housing. Since 2006, we have invested more than $16.5 billion in housing. This year alone, we will spend about $2 billion, through a range of programs, to help Canadians in housing need. These federal investments have helped—and this is staggering—almost one million Canadian families and individuals over the past eight years, just since we took government