Parliament AIIndependent · non-official

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Thursday, May 7, 2009 · sitting No. 53

House debates anti-spam bill and Cree-Naskapi amendments

The House devoted the largest share of its sitting to second reading of Bill C-27, the electronic commerce protection act. Conservative MP Mike Lake opened debate by outlining measures to reduce spam, protect consumer confidence and assign enforcement roles to the CRTC, the Competition Bureau and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner. NDP MP Charlie Angus questioned the bill's effect on the existing do-not-call registry while Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal pressed for resources to ensure aggressive enforcement.

The House also advanced Bill C-28, An Act to amend the Cree-Naskapi (of Quebec) Act, at second reading. Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl presented the legislation as a step toward a new relationship with the Cree of Eeyou Istchee and the Naskapi. Bloc Québécois MP Marc Lemay pledged support and urged swift committee study, while NDP MP John Rafferty sought assurance that further technical corrections would remain a priority.

In Question Period the main exchanges concerned employment insurance and the case of Abdelrazik. Liberal MP Ralph Goodale pressed Human Resources Minister Diane Finley on access rules while she defended recent expansions. Liberal MP Bob Rae questioned Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon on the government's refusal to repatriate Abdelrazik despite a UN official's statement that no legal barrier existed.

Decided that day

  • C-28 given second reading
  • C-30, C-381 and C-382 introduced
  • S-3 considered in the Senate

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 · 2009-05-07

Government (Conservative)OppositionOver the day: government 36%, opposition 64% of the words spokenGovernment businessQuestion PeriodGovernment businessPrivate members▲ Government side held the floor▼ Opposition held the floorOpened 10:0011:0012:0013:0014:0015:0016:0017:00Last speech 18:15Time of day, Ottawa · the House sat 8 h 15 min · each dot is a stretch of debate, placed at the minute it began
66Bills Advance, Answers Mostly EvadedThe House devoted the great majority of its time to substantive legislation, advancing the Electronic Commerce Protection Act and the Cree-Naskapi Act while moving several bills through early stages. Procedural disputes were few and no votes were held, though Question Period produced mostly deflected or incomplete replies.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

Pulp and Paper Industry

Bloc Québécois Leader Gilles Duceppe demanded action against a U.S. biofuels tax credit that he said gives American mills a $200-per-tonne advantage, citing the impending closure of the Fraser mill in Thurso. Natural Resources Minister Lisa Raitt replied that the government had written to U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu and was reviewing all options.

Read the exchange

Automotive Industry

NDP MP Malcolm Allen accused the government of forcing auto workers to bear the full cost of restructuring while sparing bondholders. Industry Minister Tony Clement answered that all parties, including unions, must accept reductions to keep production in Canada.

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RCMP

Liberal MP Mark Holland charged that the government had broken its promise of pay parity for RCMP officers and had appealed their right to choose collective bargaining. Public Safety Minister Vic Toews declined further comment because an appeal had been filed.

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Agriculture and Agri-Food

Bloc Québécois MP André Bellavance called on Agriculture Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn to revise the 98-per-cent Canadian-content rule that prevents Quebec poultry producers from using the Product of Canada label because of a 3-per-cent U.S. chick import quota. Blackburn said the rule resulted from industry consultations and that alternative labels remain available.

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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
    Foreign AffairsBob Rae (Liberal) asked Lawrence Cannon (Conservative). substantive question.The answer avoids addressing the request for explanation by citing court proceedings instead.This individual is on that list and the issue is now before the courts.
  2. deflected
    Foreign AffairsBob Rae (Liberal) asked Lawrence Cannon (Conservative). substantive question.The answer avoids the question by reiterating the UN list and court proceedings without addressing the call for action.As I mentioned before, this case is before the courts and I will not make any more comments on this issue.
  3. deflected
    Foreign AffairsBob Rae (Liberal) asked Lawrence Cannon (Conservative). substantive question.The answer sidesteps the logical challenge by deferring to the courts and disputing the UN official's relevance.That being said, I want to make sure that everyone understands that this matter is currently before the courts.
  4. misdirected
    Employment InsuranceRalph Goodale (Liberal) asked Diane Finley (Conservative). substantive question.The answer attacks the opposition's past record rather than addressing why EI rules have not been updated.All the Liberals are expanding is rhetoric and taxes.
  5. misdirected
    Employment InsuranceRalph Goodale (Liberal) asked Diane Finley (Conservative). substantive question.The answer blames the Liberals and cites media quotes instead of explaining plans to fix EI.The Liberals voted for it without a single amendment.
  6. partly answered
    Pulp and Paper IndustryMr. Gilles Duceppe (Bloc) asked Denis Lebel (Conservative). substantive question.The answer acknowledges concern and states actions are under consideration but provides no timeline or specifics.We are looking into the matter and considering all possible solutions.
  7. deflected
    Pulp and Paper IndustryMr. Gilles Duceppe (Bloc) asked Denis Lebel (Conservative). substantive question.The answer shifts focus to market forces and a quote instead of addressing pressure on the US or subsidy removal.Our solutions have to address the real problem: the fact that nobody can buy our products because we are in the middle of a global recession.
  8. deflected
    Pulp and Paper IndustryMr. Mario Laframboise (Bloc) asked Denis Lebel (Conservative). substantive question.The answer refers to an ongoing task force without addressing the request for loan guarantees.it will be providing us with its findings by May 15.
  9. deflected
    Pulp and Paper IndustryMr. Mario Laframboise (Bloc) asked Denis Lebel (Conservative). loaded question.The answer quotes Lazar on safety nets instead of addressing loan guarantees or tax credits for credit access.Governments can provide a safety net that lessens the pain for displaced workers and prepares them for new jobs.
  10. deflected
    Foreign AffairsJack Layton (NDP) asked Lawrence Cannon (Conservative). substantive question.The answer avoids explaining the refusal by citing complexity and court proceedings without addressing the UN position.This case is currently the subject of testimony and representations before the courts, and I will refrain from commenting further on the matter.
  11. misdirected
    Foreign AffairsJack Layton (NDP) asked Lawrence Cannon (Conservative). loaded question.The answer attacks the asker and restates the list position rather than addressing the UN official's clarification.it does not make any difference what the leader of the NDP says in this House and whether he casts aspersions on myself and the government.
  12. deflected
    Foreign AffairsJack Layton (NDP) asked Lawrence Cannon (Conservative). substantive question.The answer pivots to general responsibilities and courts without addressing the timeline or charges option raised.The case is now being pleaded in front of the courts and we will wait for a decision on that.
  13. partly answered
    Employment InsuranceMarlene Jennings (Liberal) asked Diane Finley (Conservative). substantive question.The answer addresses EI improvements and work-sharing results but does not specify when or how EI will be treated as stimulus.We have taken action to improve access to EI, to improve the benefits for those who are unfortunate enough to lose their jobs.
  14. misdirected
    Employment InsuranceMarlene Jennings (Liberal) asked Diane Finley (Conservative). substantive question.The answer dismisses the question as rhetoric and quotes a Liberal instead of engaging the stimulus effectiveness argument.this is nothing but more rhetoric.
  15. partly answered
    Employment InsuranceHedy Fry (Liberal) asked Diane Finley (Conservative). substantive question.The answer explains current EI changes for B.C. but does not address introducing a uniform 360-hour requirement.the EI system is now allowing those people to qualify for EI with three weeks less work and they are collecting benefits for anywhere from nine to eleven weeks longer.
  16. deflected
    Employment InsuranceHedy Fry (Liberal) asked Diane Finley (Conservative). loaded question.The answer restates existing changes and mocks the asker instead of responding to updating policy for the recession.no matter how much the hon. member waves her hands, it is not a magic wand that will fix things, unfortunately.
  17. deflected
    Foreign AffairsMs. Francine Lalonde (Bloc) asked Lawrence Cannon (Conservative). substantive question.The answer discusses court proceedings and suspicions instead of addressing whether a request was made to the UN committee.this individual's case is going to be heard by the courts.
  18. deflected
    Foreign AffairsMs. Francine Lalonde (Bloc) asked Lawrence Cannon (Conservative). substantive question.Responds by reiterating the UN list and commitments without addressing repatriation timeline.We will respect our international commitments and we will state our views before the courts.
  19. partly answered
    Agriculture and Agri-FoodMr. André Bellavance (Bloc) asked Jean-Pierre Blackburn (Conservative). substantive question.Addresses the rule and consultations but does not commit to a review.We can always look at the situation.
  20. deflected
    Agriculture and Agri-FoodMr. André Bellavance (Bloc) asked Jean-Pierre Blackburn (Conservative). rhetorical question.Reiterates consultations and listening without admitting error or naming who.Our goal is still to let consumers know what they are getting and for this to be clear for everyone.
  21. partly answered
    Forestry IndustryGeoff Regan (Liberal) asked Lisa Raitt (Conservative). substantive question.Explains actions taken regarding the subsidy and offers to update.In fact I have written to the secretary of energy, Mr. Chu, on the issue.
  22. partly answered
    Forestry IndustryMr. Anthony Rota (Liberal) asked Lisa Raitt (Conservative). loaded question.Clarifies the nature of the US subsidy and actions taken without directly addressing abandonment.We have written the secretary about this, in the United States.
  23. deflected
    International TradeScott Brison (Liberal) asked Mr. Gerald Keddy (Conservative). loaded question.Denies the premise and states actions without specifics on understanding agreements.nothing could be further from the truth.
  24. deflected
    International TradeScott Brison (Liberal) asked Mr. Gerald Keddy (Conservative). substantive question.States communications but does not address working with provinces.The Prime Minister has spoken directly with President Obama.
  25. partly answered
    Automotive IndustryMr. Malcolm Allen (NDP) asked Tony Clement (Conservative). loaded question.The answer explains shared restructuring needs but avoids addressing hypocrisy or selective interference claims.There has to be a massive restructuring of the management, absolutely.
  26. deflected
    Automotive IndustryMr. Malcolm Allen (NDP) asked Tony Clement (Conservative). loaded question.The answer attacks the NDP and reframes as union obstruction rather than addressing bondholder or executive issues.What will not work is if the union heads do not want to be part of the solution.
  27. deflected
    Communications Security Establishment CanadaMr. Claude Bachand (Bloc) asked Peter MacKay (Conservative). substantive question.The answer pivots to general taxpayer value and partnerships without addressing sensitive information risks.Whether it is telecommunications, whether it is issues related to procurement, the Government of Canada is committed, of course, to being responsible with taxpayers' money
  28. misdirected
    Communications Security Establishment CanadaMr. Claude Bachand (Bloc) asked Peter MacKay (Conservative). substantive question.The answer insults the member and dismisses concerns instead of addressing privacy or misuse risks.It is incorrect to say that we need a Canadian silo to protect Canadian information.
  29. partly answered
    RCMPMr. Mark Holland (Liberal) asked Vic Toews (Conservative). loaded question.The answer notes appeal filing and taxpayer duties but does not address broken promises or morale impact.Having said that, I understand an appeal has been filed and I am not allowed to say anything further.
  30. misdirected
    RCMPMr. Mark Holland (Liberal) asked Vic Toews (Conservative). loaded question.The answer attacks the questioner's party record on crime instead of addressing RCMP pay or bargaining rights.That is a member who said that, in respect of issues of house arrest, arsonists could burn down houses and then go home and enjoy the comforts of their own house.
  31. deflected
    Employment InsuranceMs. Chris Charlton (NDP) asked Diane Finley (Conservative). substantive question.The answer lists general EI changes and attacks NDP voting record without addressing new moms' specific access issue.They really should learn to respect Canadians.
  32. deflected
    Employment InsuranceMr. Yvon Godin (NDP) asked Diane Finley (Conservative). substantive question.The answer repeats prior EI enhancements and notes NDP opposition without addressing waiting period or 360-hour eligibility.We are doing our utmost for the unemployed, for those who have lost their jobs, but the NDP has voted against each one of our efforts.
  33. answered
    Employment InsuranceJudy Sgro (Liberal) asked Diane Finley (Conservative). substantive question.The answer directly addresses the staffing issue by detailing new hires and call center expansions.That is why another 900 new people are working on getting the claims processed as quickly as possible.
  34. partly answered
    SportsMr. Pascal-Pierre Paillé (Bloc) asked Gary Lunn (Conservative). substantive question.It explains the funding decision and ongoing support but does not commit to the extra $25k specifically.There were $25,000 that were ineligible, but we are proudly working with it.
  35. misdirected
    Steel IndustryMr. Wayne Marston (NDP) asked Tony Clement (Conservative). substantive question.The response defends the timeline by invoking legal procedures but then attacks the NDP instead of fully engaging.The last thing we need is rhetoric from the NDP.
  36. answered
    Business of the HouseRalph Goodale (Liberal) asked Jay Hill (Conservative). substantive question.The answer provides the legislative agenda and addresses the specific request about Bill C-29.On Monday, we will begin debate at the second reading stage of Bill C-29 , the agricultural loans bill, to which the member just referred.