Parliament AIIndependent · non-official

All sittings← 2007-12-062007-12-10 →

Friday, December 7, 2007 · sitting No. 33

Commons debates deletion of corporate tax cuts from budget bill

The House spent the largest share of its time on the Budget and Economic Statement Implementation Act 2007. NDP MP Paul Dewar moved to delete clause 181 and thereby remove the corporate tax reductions contained in the bill. Conservative minister Gordon O'Connor defended the reductions as necessary to keep Canada competitive within the G-7.

Question period opened with Liberal MP Michael Ignatieff pressing the government over isotope shortages after the Chalk River reactor shutdown. Conservative House leader Peter Van Loan said the matter rested with the independent Atomic Energy of Canada Limited and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. Later exchanges covered manufacturing job losses in Quebec and Ontario, support for older workers and residential-school compensation.

From the Hansard record of the sitting. Full Hansard

No CPAC Question Period upload is on file for this day. CPAC’s channel goes back to December 2019.

Who held the floor · 2007-12-07

Government (Conservative)OppositionOver the day: government 39%, opposition 61% of the words spokenGovernment businessQuestion PeriodGovernment business▲ Government side held the floor▼ Opposition held the floorOpened 10:0511:0012:0013:00Last speech 13:25Time of day, Ottawa · the House sat 3 h 20 min · each dot is a stretch of debate, placed at the minute it began
29Another sitting that went nowhereThe House spent nearly half its time on the budget bill and other topics but recorded no votes or bill progress. Question period produced mostly deflected answers amid otherwise orderly debate.AI-rated Score out of 100; the verdict and the answer ratings behind it are a model’s reading. How the AI rates this

AI-rated The sitting score and the rating of each answer come from a language model reading Hansard. How the AI rates this

Other moments

Points of Order

NDP MP Irene Mathyssen rose on a point of order to deliver an unqualified apology to Conservative MP James Moore for comments she had made about images on his computer screen.

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Health

Liberal MP Michael Ignatieff asked when the government first learned of the isotope shortage and why it waited 18 days to announce a response plan.

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Older Workers

Bloc Québécois MP Robert Bouchard urged the government to create an income-support program for workers over 50 affected by plant closures such as the Belgo mill in Shawinigan.

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Aboriginal Affairs

NDP MP Jean Crowder said survivor Lorna Standingready had been underpaid because officials could not confirm her residence at an Indian residential school.

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Airbus

Liberal MP Pablo Rodriguez asked whether the forthcoming public inquiry would examine the Bear Head project and other contracts linked to payments received by Brian Mulroney.

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Question Period, exchange by exchange

AI-rated Each answer’s rating (answered, partly answered, deflected, answered something else) is a model’s reading of the exchange. How the AI rates this

  1. deflected
    HealthMr. Michael Ignatieff (Liberal) asked Peter Van Loan (Conservative). loaded question.The answer deflects blame onto arm's length agencies rather than addressing government responsibility for the crisis.These two organizations together have a difference of opinion on the operation of the reactor.
  2. deflected
    HealthMr. Michael Ignatieff (Liberal) asked Peter Van Loan (Conservative). substantive question.The answer partly addresses timing but deflects by shifting blame to the prior Liberal government and contingency plans.The previous Liberal government never had any kind of alternative process in place.
  3. partly answered
    HealthMr. Michael Ignatieff (Liberal) asked Peter Van Loan (Conservative). substantive question.The answer addresses the status of the reactor issues and resolution hopes but avoids specifics on timelines or department actions.We hope that the two will resolve that issue, bearing in mind the very strong public interest that comes to bear in this matter.
  4. partly answered
    HealthHedy Fry (Liberal) asked Mr. Steven Fletcher (Conservative). loaded question.The answer addresses actions on alternatives and coordination but avoids admitting incompetence or risk to lives.We are looking into alternative supplies from other countries.
  5. answered
    HealthHedy Fry (Liberal) asked Peter Van Loan (Conservative). substantive question.The answer directly addresses the funding question by stating it is not an issue of funding but timing and approvals.I do not think there is an issue of funding.
  6. partly answered
    Manufacturing and Forestry IndustriesMs. Monique Guay (Bloc) asked Mrs. Sylvie Boucher (Conservative). substantive question.The answer addresses specific measures taken but deflects from the lack of an overall emergency plan.These are real steps that the Bloc—
  7. deflected
    Manufacturing and Forestry IndustriesMs. Monique Guay (Bloc) asked Peter Van Loan (Conservative). substantive question.The answer lists general tax measures but deflects from introducing emergency measures for Quebec regions.we have taken steps to help manufacturing workers and the manufacturing sector.
  8. misdirected
    Older WorkersMr. Robert Bouchard (Bloc) asked Mrs. Sylvie Boucher (Conservative). substantive question.The answer attacks the Bloc instead of addressing compassion or a new program for older workers.the minister has always worked for the regions, unlike the Bloc, which has never been able to do anything.
  9. deflected
    Older WorkersMr. Robert Bouchard (Bloc) asked Mrs. Lynne Yelich (Conservative). substantive question.Answer lists existing programs but avoids explaining why the specific $60 million program is not pursued.We therefore have set up an expert panel for older workers.
  10. partly answered
    Aboriginal AffairsMs. Jean Crowder (NDP) asked Mr. Rod Bruinooge (Conservative). substantive question.Answer provides processing statistics but does not address the specific case of underpayment or confirmation issues.At this time, it has processed 34,000 of those 80,000 initial applications, totalling some $600 million.
  11. deflected
    Aboriginal AffairsMs. Jean Crowder (NDP) asked Mr. Rod Bruinooge (Conservative). substantive question.Answer refers to court-approved process without addressing eligibility for day students or delays for survivors like Lorna.There is a process which validates those claims.
  12. misdirected
    The EnvironmentMr. David McGuinty (Liberal) asked Mr. Mark Warawa (Conservative). loaded question.Question frames PM's position as copying Bush to isolate Canada; answer attacks Liberal record instead of addressing the quote or Bali.It was the deputy leader of the Liberal Party who asked his leader, "Why didn't we get it done?"
  13. misdirected
    The EnvironmentMr. David McGuinty (Liberal) asked Mr. Mark Warawa (Conservative). loaded question.Answer pivots to criticizing past Liberal inaction rather than explaining the tit-for-tat approach to developing nations.after 13 long years of a Liberal government doing absolutely nothing, we now have a government that has realistic, ambitious targets.
  14. misdirected
    The EnvironmentCarolyn Bennett (Liberal) asked Mr. Mark Warawa (Conservative). rhetorical question.Interjection is rhetorical attack; answer continues partisan quote without engaging the round table point.there can be no serious argument for Canada to make mandatory commitments, while exempting the giant emitters of the world such as China and India.
  15. misdirected
    Wireless IndustryScott Brison (Liberal) asked Mr. Colin Carrie (Conservative). loaded question.Answer attacks the asker's credibility and past actions instead of addressing contacts with Mulroney or PMO coordination.Who is [the member for Kings—Hants] to be slagging Quebecor and the Peladeaus?
  16. misdirected
    Wireless IndustryScott Brison (Liberal) asked Mr. Colin Carrie (Conservative). substantive question.Answer dismisses the question as speculation and pivots to a quote about the asker's past statements rather than confirming awareness of discussions.I cannot believe these speculations and allegations.
  17. deflected
    Guaranteed Income SupplementMr. Michel Guimond (Bloc) asked Mrs. Lynne Yelich (Conservative). substantive question.The answer promotes recent legislation instead of addressing the reimbursement request.Seniors can rest assured that this government listens and delivers for them.
  18. deflected
    Guaranteed Income SupplementMr. Michel Guimond (Bloc) asked Mrs. Lynne Yelich (Conservative). substantive question.The response lists initiatives without addressing the accusation of ignoring seniors.We take these issues very seriously because we consider seniors to be a very important part of our society.
  19. deflected
    The EnvironmentMr. Marcel Lussier (Bloc) asked Mr. Mark Warawa (Conservative). loaded question.The answer dismisses the question as nonsense and shifts to Canada's plan without confirming intentions.
  20. deflected
    The EnvironmentMr. Marcel Lussier (Bloc) asked Mr. Mark Warawa (Conservative). substantive question.The answer focuses on global participation rather than acknowledging differential efforts by industrialized nations.It is a global problem and we all need to do our part.
  21. deflected
    AirbusMr. Pablo Rodriguez (Liberal) asked Mr. Rob Moore (Conservative). substantive question.The response emphasizes allowing the inquiry process without confirming specific examination of Bear Head.I wish the hon. member, and he knows this full well, would allow Professor Johnston to do that work.
  22. deflected
    AirbusMr. Pablo Rodriguez (Liberal) asked Mr. Rob Moore (Conservative). substantive question.Reiterates that Johnston will make recommendations on mandate.Professor Johnston will make recommendations as to the appropriate mandate for a public inquiry into any allegations that were made, including specific issues that warrant examination.
  23. deflected
    AirbusMr. Mark Holland (Liberal) asked Mr. Rob Moore (Conservative). substantive question.The answer mocks the opposition while deferring to Johnston.this is a little ironic, because those junior Matlocks on the other side are calling for a public inquiry
  24. deflected
    AirbusMr. Mark Holland (Liberal) asked Mr. Rob Moore (Conservative). substantive question.Defers to Johnston without committing to specific inclusions.Professor Johnston is going to be making recommendations as to the appropriate mandate.
  25. misdirected
    Manufacturing IndustryMr. Wayne Marston (NDP) asked Mr. Colin Carrie (Conservative). substantive question.Answer attacks the NDP voting record instead of addressing the call for a manufacturing plan.I do not know where this NDP member has been, but last year the industry committee did an unprecedented report which came up with 22 recommendations that his critic actually supported.
  26. misdirected
    Manufacturing IndustryMr. Wayne Marston (NDP) asked Mr. Colin Carrie (Conservative). substantive question.Answer mocks the NDP and restates prior actions rather than committing to new investments for workers.I hear they even strategize on whether or not to shave off their leader's moustache.
  27. partly answered
    Art and Art ExhibitsMauril Bélanger (Liberal) asked Jim Abbott (Conservative). substantive question.Answer briefly references labour issues as the cause but provides no further detail on reversal.The government is continuing to work on this issue.
  28. deflected
    Art and Art ExhibitsMauril Bélanger (Liberal) asked Jim Abbott (Conservative). loaded question.Answer defends overall spending and questions the asker instead of addressing broken promises on museum funding.I do not understand what his problem is.
  29. deflected
    Canada Pension PlanCarolyn Bennett (Liberal) asked Mrs. Lynne Yelich (Conservative). substantive question.Answer lists general seniors programs without addressing the 55,000 eligible seniors not receiving benefits.I do not know where the member gets her statistics from, but we are investing heavily in seniors' issues.
  30. deflected
    Guaranteed Income SupplementCarolyn Bennett (Liberal) asked Mrs. Lynne Yelich (Conservative). substantive question.Answer repeats prior investments and criticizes opposition votes rather than committing to direct outreach for GIS recipients.We also invested $39 billion for social programs that the opposition parties continue to vote against.
  31. answered
    Firearms RegistryMr. Serge Ménard (Bloc) asked Mr. James Moore (Conservative). substantive question.Answer directly clarifies the payment was for work performed and not a settlement.The $10 million was not a settlement with CGI.
  32. deflected
    Firearms RegistryMr. Serge Ménard (Bloc) asked Mr. James Moore (Conservative). loaded question.Answer rejects the premise of a hidden plan but does not explain the lack of public announcement.I do not agree with the way my colleague presents the information as fact, when it is not.
  33. deflected
    International TradeNavdeep Bains (Liberal) asked Helena Guergis (Conservative). loaded question.The answer discusses general principles on trade and rights without addressing the question of independent Canadian policy versus US influence.I am sure the hon. member will agree that trade and human rights are mutually reinforcing objectives.
  34. deflected
    Shanker's Bend Hydroelectric ProjectMr. Alex Atamanenko (NDP) asked Mr. Mark Warawa (Conservative). substantive question.The answer mentions consultations but pivots to unrelated environmental announcements instead of concrete steps on the dam project.we announced the creation of a new national park on the east arm of Great Slave Lake.
  35. partly answered
    Shanker's Bend Hydroelectric ProjectMr. Alex Atamanenko (NDP) asked Mr. Mark Warawa (Conservative). substantive question.The answer directly affirms working with counterparts on the project but provides no specifics on stopping it.Yes, Mr. Speaker, our government is working very closely with our counterparts in the province of British Columbia and also in Washington State.
  36. deflected
    InfrastructureMr. Mario Silva (Liberal) asked Lawrence Cannon (Conservative). loaded question.The answer shifts to past Liberal records and attacks a colleague rather than addressing current infrastructure shortfalls or respect for cities.The Liberal Party is going to have to stop listening to the member for Wascana who continues to--
  37. deflected
    JusticeMr. Réal Ménard (Bloc) asked Mr. Rob Moore (Conservative). loaded question.The answer defends the government's justice agenda without explaining why it follows a US approach rejected by several states.We are restoring the principles to the Youth Criminal Justice Act of deterrents and denunciation of criminal activity.
  38. deflected
    The EnvironmentMr. Dennis Bevington (NDP) asked Mr. Mark Warawa (Conservative). substantive question.The answer blames prior Liberals and lists general funds without committing to specific actions on oil sands pollution.After 13 long years of Liberal inaction, we now have a $1.5 billion fund to work with the provinces.
  39. deflected
    Forest IndustryMr. Ken Boshcoff (Liberal) asked Mr. Colin Carrie (Conservative). substantive question.The answer claims strong action and commitment but offers no new plan or details on addressing the recent layoffs.Since we took office, we have taken strong action to support the forestry workers and the industry, and we will continue to do so.