Parliament AIIndependent · non-official

All sittings← 2009-01-292009-02-02 →

Friday, January 30, 2009 · sitting No. 5

Budget debate dominates Commons as Liberals place government on probation

Government Orders on the budget consumed 41 per cent of the sitting, the largest single item. Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal said the document was a more realistic response than the November fiscal update and credited opposition pressure for forcing the government to acknowledge the recession. He added that the Liberal caucus had placed the Prime Minister and the budget on probation after coast-to-coast consultations.

In Question Period, Liberal MP Ralph Goodale pressed the government on November economic figures showing a 0.7 per cent drop in real domestic product and accused Conservatives of issuing bogus surplus forecasts. Parliamentary secretary Ted Menzies replied that the fall economic statement had already recognized falling numbers and that legislation to expand Business Development Bank lending would soon be introduced.

Liberal MP David McGuinty questioned Natural Resources Minister Lisa Raitt on the timing and details of radioactive leaks at Chalk River known to her office on December 6. Parliamentary secretary David Anderson said officials and the Nuclear Safety Commission had been asked for a full report.

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 · 2009-01-30

Government (Conservative)OppositionOver the day: government 43%, opposition 57% of the words spokenGovernment businessQuestion PeriodGovernment business▲ Government side held the floor▼ Opposition held the floorOpened 10:0011:0012:0013:00Last speech 13:50Time of day, Ottawa · the House sat 3 h 50 min · each dot is a stretch of debate, placed at the minute it began
33Another sitting that went nowhereThe sitting focused almost entirely on the budget amid mostly deflected answers during Question Period. No bills advanced and no votes were recorded.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

Equalization Payments

Liberal MP Gerry Byrne asked whether the budget implementation bill would delete the 50 per cent exclusion option for non-renewable resources under the O'Brien formula. Parliamentary secretary Ted Menzies said offset payments to Newfoundland and Labrador would total $1.2 billion between 2009-10 and 2011-12.

Read the exchange

Genome Canada

Liberal MP Bernard Patry warned that Genome Canada faced a shortfall of up to $160 million and could not launch new projects. Minister of State Gary Goodyear replied that the organization had stated it was pleased with the budget and that no cuts had been made.

Read the exchange

Employment Insurance

Liberal MP Michael Savage said average weekly benefits of $331 showed the system was not lucrative and criticized the minister for suggesting enhancements would make it so. Parliamentary secretary Ed Komarnicki listed new investments of $1 billion for benefits and $1.5 billion for training.

Read the exchange

The Budget

Bloc Québécois MP Christiane Gagnon said the budget favoured Ontario and western Canada and ignored Quebec's call to end federal spending power. Parliamentary secretary Ted Menzies answered that health transfers would rise 6 per cent and social transfers 3 per cent for every province.

Read the exchange

Aboriginal Affairs

NDP MP Jean Crowder said infrastructure funds were routinely diverted to cover emergencies and underfunded programs. Parliamentary secretary John Duncan said the budget added $1.4 billion over three years for housing, water and other reserve priorities.

Read the exchange

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
    The EconomyRalph Goodale (Liberal) asked Mr. Ted Menzies (Conservative). loaded question.The response explains prior actions without addressing the accusation of providing bogus numbers.in our fall economic statement, which was not the budget by the way, we presented to the House the situation that was presented to us that day.
  2. deflected
    The EconomyRalph Goodale (Liberal) asked Mr. Ted Menzies (Conservative). substantive question.The answer pivots to urging support for the budget rather than addressing the BDC loan issue in Saskatoon.this provides a great opportunity to encourage my hon. colleague and all members on the other side of the House to support the budget.
  3. answered
    TradeRalph Goodale (Liberal) asked Mr. Gerald Keddy (Conservative). loaded question.The response directly states expectations for US compliance with trade obligations and calls for calm discussions.we do expect the Americans to live up to their international trading obligations.
  4. deflected
    Nuclear EnergyMr. David McGuinty (Liberal) asked Mr. David Anderson (Conservative). substantive question.The answer refers to the minister's prior statement without providing the requested details on what was known December 6.yesterday the minister answered that question.
  5. deflected
    Nuclear EnergyMr. David McGuinty (Liberal) asked Mr. David Anderson (Conservative). loaded question.The response avoids the negligence or misleading claim and instead highlights isotope production and health priorities.Chalk River continues to produce isotopes for people around the world.
  6. partly answered
    The BudgetMs. Christiane Gagnon (Bloc) asked Mr. Ted Menzies (Conservative). loaded question.The answer addresses fiscal imbalance and equalization increases but does not engage the claim of favoring other regions over Quebec.Quebec's increase in equalization this year alone is 37% above where it was in 2005.
  7. deflected
    The BudgetMs. Christiane Gagnon (Bloc) asked Mr. Ted Menzies (Conservative). loaded question.The response restates equal treatment of provinces without addressing the broken promises or Quebec priorities.We will treat all provinces and territories equally.
  8. partly answered
    Electoral RepresentationMrs. Claude DeBellefeuille (Bloc) asked Steven Fletcher (Conservative). loaded question.The answer confirms Quebec's seat count but does not address the accusation of sacrificing Quebec's influence for electoral gain.the representation of Quebec will certainly not be less than the 75 seats that it currently enjoys.
  9. deflected
    Electoral RepresentationMrs. Claude DeBellefeuille (Bloc) asked Steven Fletcher (Conservative). substantive question.The answer avoids confirming any amendment favouring Ontario or ignoring Quebec.We will ensure that all Canadians, including Quebeckers, are well represented in this chamber.
  10. deflected
    The BudgetMs. Dawn Black (NDP) asked Mr. Dean Del Mastro (Conservative). substantive question.The answer discusses general reviews and arts funding but does not outline specific programs targeted for cuts.Our government believes that we should carefully review every dollar spent in Canada.
  11. deflected
    The BudgetMs. Dawn Black (NDP) asked Mr. Andrew Saxton (Conservative). loaded question.The answer promotes belt-tightening without addressing the alleged betrayal of the RCMP contract.It is critical, given our current economic circumstances, that we all tighten our belts.
  12. misdirected
    The BudgetMs. Dawn Black (NDP) asked John Baird (Conservative). loaded question.The answer blames the NDP for blocking the budget instead of addressing the Evergreen line funding promise.The one big hurdle in the Evergreen line getting funded is the NDP voting against our budget.
  13. deflected
    Genome CanadaMr. Bernard Patry (Liberal) asked Gary Goodyear (Conservative). loaded question.The answer cites Genome Canada's satisfaction with the budget but ignores the funding shortfall and job losses.Genome Canada is pleased with the federal government's 2009 budget
  14. deflected
    Genome CanadaMr. Bernard Patry (Liberal) asked Gary Goodyear (Conservative). loaded question.The answer lists science investments without reconciling the discrepancy raised about Genome Canada statements.This government is absolutely committed to the scientific community across this nation
  15. deflected
    Equalization PaymentsGerry Byrne (Liberal) asked Mr. Ted Menzies (Conservative). substantive question.The answer highlights Atlantic accord payments but does not confirm whether the O'Brien formula change is true.This government continues to respect the Atlantic accords.
  16. misdirected
    Equalization PaymentsGerry Byrne (Liberal) asked Mr. Ted Menzies (Conservative). substantive question.The answer apologizes for a place-name error then pivots to transfer payments without addressing the equalization formula change.my apologies to the hon. member.
  17. deflected
    Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of QuebecMr. Claude Guimond (Bloc) asked Mr. Jacques Gourde (Conservative). substantive question.The answer promotes a general plan without addressing the specific request to restore funding.the Minister of State (Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec) will work in partnership with all economic stakeholders from every Quebec region in order to implement a strategic plan to stimulate the Quebec economy.
  18. misdirected
    Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of QuebecMr. Claude Guimond (Bloc) asked Mr. Jacques Gourde (Conservative). substantive question.The answer avoids the question by attacking the Bloc members instead of addressing funding for Quebec regions.I urge Bloc members to adopt these values and to vote for this budget in order to put in place the stimuli to create employment as quickly as possible.
  19. partly answered
    Genome CanadaMr. Robert Vincent (Bloc) asked Gary Goodyear (Conservative). substantive question.The answer confirms no cuts but then shifts to attacking the member and their voting intentions.Absolutely, Mr. Speaker, I can confirm that there are no cuts to Genome Canada.
  20. deflected
    The BudgetMr. Luc Desnoyers (Bloc) asked Mr. Andrew Saxton (Conservative). substantive question.The answer gives a general statement on fairness without clarifying intentions about reopening collective agreements.it is the Treasury Board's intention to treat public service workers equally and fairly during these difficult times, with responsible collective bargaining.
  21. answered
    The BudgetMrs. Bonnie Crombie (Liberal) asked John Baird (Conservative). loaded question.The answer directly rejects the premise of the question about disguising a structural deficit.
  22. deflected
    The BudgetMrs. Bonnie Crombie (Liberal) asked John Baird (Conservative). loaded question.The answer denies the premise but pivots to unrelated cooperation with provinces instead of addressing spending or padding books.Absolutely not, Mr. Speaker. We are working constructively with the provinces, with the municipalities, on projects around this country.
  23. partly answered
    Employment InsuranceMr. Michael Savage (Liberal) asked Mr. Ed Komarnicki (Conservative). loaded question.The answer addresses support for workers but ignores the insult and meanspiritedness accusation.we are concerned for every job that there is a loss of or a layoff, and we are ensuring this House that we will look after the workers when we need to do that.
  24. deflected
    Employment InsuranceMr. Michael Savage (Liberal) asked Mr. Ed Komarnicki (Conservative). loaded question.The answer lists investments but avoids the question about whether the minister is out of touch or finds EI too lucrative.we realize that there will be more claims and we have done everything in our power to enhance our resources: hire more people, bring retirees in, and extend the hours of operation to ensure we can process the claims expeditiously.
  25. deflected
    Public WorksMr. Pat Martin (NDP) asked Mr. Ted Menzies (Conservative). loaded question.The answer justifies asset review and cites past Liberal precedent instead of addressing the PM's fire-sale promise or lack of business case.This government, for the first time in 15 years, has actually undertaken a review of whether or not all of the assets of this government need to be owned by government.
  26. misdirected
    Public WorksMr. Pat Martin (NDP) asked John Baird (Conservative). substantive question.The answer attacks the member's language and avoids any discussion of the business case or lease-back deals.I have known this member for many years and I am shocked at that kind of language.
  27. answered
    Immigration and Refugee BoardMr. Thierry St-Cyr (Bloc) asked Jason Kenney (Conservative). substantive question.The answer directly affirms language rights and commits to inquiring into the specific IRB case.I will enquire as to what is happening with this case.
  28. answered
    Foreign AffairsMs. Nicole Demers (Bloc) asked Mr. Deepak Obhrai (Conservative). substantive question.The answer explains the legal constraints and ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the specific case.With the assistance of Saudi officials, we are working to facilitate an agreement between Ms. Morin and her husband for a positive resolution to the case.
  29. deflected
    Status of WomenAnita Neville (Liberal) asked Mrs. Shelly Glover (Conservative). loaded question.The answer highlights funding increases without addressing the CEDAW report's specific criticisms or broken-promise claim.Our government increased the budget of the women's program by 42%.
  30. deflected
    Status of WomenAnita Neville (Liberal) asked Mrs. Shelly Glover (Conservative). substantive question.The answer restates the mandate of Status of Women Canada and ignores the report's listed concerns and budget critique.The original 1976 mandate of Status of Women Canada remains unchanged, and I quote, "to coordinate policy with respect to the status of women and administer related programs".
  31. partly answered
    Aboriginal AffairsMs. Jean Crowder (NDP) asked Mr. John Duncan (Conservative). substantive question.The answer cites new budget investments but does not address the diversion of infrastructure funds or commitment-keeping.budget 2009 invests an additional $1.4 billion over three years for aboriginal priority spending.
  32. partly answered
    Aboriginal AffairsMs. Jean Crowder (NDP) asked Mr. John Duncan (Conservative). substantive question.The answer describes the review's purpose but does not guarantee no new hoops or continued grants-based funding.The review we are doing was announced as part of budget 2008 and is to ensure that we are spending our money effectively to achieve the best possible results for aboriginal university and college students.
  33. partly answered
    InfrastructureMark Eyking (Liberal) asked John Baird (Conservative). loaded question.The answer offers to review the project under a new program but sidesteps the accusation of deliberate delay for political reasons.we would be very pleased to look into his project and give it fair consideration.
  34. deflected
    The EnvironmentMr. Mario Laframboise (Bloc) asked Mr. Laurie Hawn (Conservative). substantive question.The answer refuses to address the request for immediate funding by deferring to the courts and declining further comment.We believe that the best way to proceed is through the courts, not in the public arena.
  35. deflected
    Omar KhadrMr. Wayne Marston (NDP) asked Lawrence Cannon (Conservative). substantive question.The answer restates the unchanged position and defers to US actions without addressing whether Khadr will be brought home.We will wait and see until such time as decisions are made in that regard.
  36. deflected
    Pay EquityMrs. Michelle Simson (Liberal) asked Mr. Andrew Saxton (Conservative). loaded question.The answer promotes a collaborative approach and provincial examples but avoids any direct response on following US legislation.This is a natural extension of the employer's duty to bargain in good faith and a union's duty of fair representation to its members.
  37. deflected
    Nuclear EnergyMs. France Bonsant (Bloc) asked Mr. David Anderson (Conservative). substantive question.The answer emphasizes safety assurances and an ongoing review but provides no information on a supply plan for isotopes.That is why the minister has asked the officials in the department as well as the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission to get to the bottom of this issue and to make a report to her.