All sittings← 2009-10-272009-10-29 →
Wednesday, October 28, 2009 · sitting No. 102
House debates NDP motion on Quebec nation and French for immigrants
The House devoted the largest share of its sitting to debate on an NDP motion affirming that recognition of the Québécois as a nation within Canada means Quebec has the right to ensure immigrants learn French first and foremost. NDP MP Thomas Mulcair moved the motion and argued that the Supreme Court of Canada decision on language of instruction requires Quebec to protect French through its integration model. Bloc Québécois MP Thierry St-Cyr and others supported the position that Canadian multiculturalism does not meet Quebec's needs.
In Question Period, Liberal MP Michael Ignatieff pressed the Prime Minister on why the government spent far more on promoting its economic plan than on H1N1 public health information. Prime Minister Stephen Harper replied that over half a billion dollars had been spent on influenza information and that vaccination was widely encouraged by federal and provincial health officers.
NDP MP Jack Layton urged immediate increases to the guaranteed income supplement to lift seniors above the poverty line and reform of the Bankruptcy Act to protect pensions ahead of creditors. Prime Minister Harper said the government would examine all suggestions while noting past NDP opposition to its pension and tax measures.
Decided that day
- Government should quickly implement a measure
- Bill referred to Finance committee after second reading
- S-212 passed second reading
- C-290 passed second reading
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 · 2009-10-28
65Bills advanced while questions mostly dodgedThe House spent most of its time on supply and legislation, advancing several bills through early stages and passing two recorded votes. Question Period produced few direct answers, yet points of order remained limited and substantive debate dominated the record.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
Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated
Bloc Québécois MP Gilles Duceppe alleged favouritism in the award of a Champlain Bridge study contract to a firm linked to Senator Housakos and questioned whether the Prime Minister agreed with his Quebec lieutenant that ethics rules were unimportant. Prime Minister Stephen Harper replied that the contract was awarded transparently and all rules were followed.
Read the exchangeThe Environment
Bloc Québécois MP Bernard Bigras accused the government of delaying greenhouse gas regulations and using stalled negotiations as an excuse to do nothing ahead of Copenhagen. Minister of the Environment Jim Prentice said the Bloc was serving as props in an NDP publicity stunt and sacrificing the environment for sovereignty.
Read the exchangeFirearms Registry
Conservative MP Candice Hoeppner said her private member's bill to end the long gun registry would be debated that night and voted on November 4, and she urged opposition members who claim to oppose the registry in their ridings to support it. Minister of Public Safety Peter Van Loan said the registry wastes money and harasses lawful owners while failing to stop illegal handguns.
Read the exchangeIran
Liberal MP Irwin Cotler asked whether Canada would seek sanctions against the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, implement obligations under the genocide convention and support an Interpol warrant against Iran's defence minister. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lawrence Cannon said Canada was leading efforts at the United Nations on Iran's human rights record.
Read the exchangeQuestion 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
- deflectedHealthMr. Michael Ignatieff (Liberal) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.The answer promotes vaccination spending without addressing the specific spending disparity raised.
this government has spent over half a billion dollars on the information campaign on influenza AH1N1.
- deflectedHealthMr. Michael Ignatieff (Liberal) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.The answer shifts to general information availability without justifying the spending choices.
there is no contradiction in informing the public about the economic action plan and also informing them about H1N1.
- misdirectedHealthMr. Michael Ignatieff (Liberal) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). loaded question.The response denies the premise and pivots to vaccine safety instead of addressing the jeering incident.
I did not see things that way and I was here.
- answeredHealthCarolyn Bennett (Liberal) asked Leona Aglukkaq (Conservative). substantive question.The minister directly states the safety assessment by health officials for pregnant women.
the Chief Public Health Officer and the chief medical officers of this country have stated that both adjuvanted and unadjuvanted vaccines are safe for pregnant women.
- answeredHealthCarolyn Bennett (Liberal) asked Leona Aglukkaq (Conservative). substantive question.The answer provides details on the communication efforts to counter the claim of confusion.
we have a comprehensive communication strategy and millions of H1N1 posters in public places across the country.
- deflectedJacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges IncorporatedMr. Gilles Duceppe (Bloc) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). loaded question.The response asserts rules were followed without addressing agreement with the lieutenant.
This contract was awarded in a transparent and open manner. All the rules were followed.
- deflectedJacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges IncorporatedMr. Gilles Duceppe (Bloc) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). loaded question.The answer focuses on donation limits instead of the favouritism allegation.
thanks to the changes our government has brought in, donations to political parties are very strictly limited, and those limits were respected in this case.
- misdirectedJacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges IncorporatedMrs. Carole Freeman (Bloc) asked John Baird (Conservative). loaded question.The response challenges the member to make allegations outside and boasts about ethical record instead of addressing the issue.
if the member wishes to bring forward allegations, she must submit them to the appropriate authorities and not to this House.
- deflectedJacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges IncorporatedMrs. Carole Freeman (Bloc) asked John Baird (Conservative). loaded question.Baird challenges Freeman to repeat claims outside the House instead of addressing the meeting or code violation.
If she has any specific facts or any specific allegations, I would encourage her to have the courage of her convictions and to repeat them outside of this place.
- partly answeredPensionsJack Layton (NDP) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.Harper acknowledges the NDP welcome but offers no commitment on GIS increase.
we continue to look at ways of improving the pension system in this country.
- deflectedPensionsJack Layton (NDP) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.Harper lists past measures and criticizes NDP voting record rather than addressing CPP doubling.
I would point out that in the past, the New Democratic Party has voted against virtually all of these measures
- deflectedPensionsJack Layton (NDP) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.Harper claims consultation stage and disputes the premise instead of committing to Bankruptcy Act reform.
It is inaccurate to say that millions of Canadians are not protected.
- deflectedGovernment AdvertisingMr. David McGuinty (Liberal) asked John Baird (Conservative). loaded question.Baird pivots to economic action plan and job creation without addressing the call for Auditor General review.
What we are focused on now though is the economy.
- misdirectedGovernment AdvertisingMr. David McGuinty (Liberal) asked John Baird (Conservative). loaded question.Baird attacks McGuinty as the new leader of the rat pack and accuses Liberals of throwing mud.
that is an interesting question from the new leader of the rat pack, Mr. Speaker.
- deflectedGovernment AdvertisingMr. Gerard Kennedy (Liberal) asked John Baird (Conservative). loaded question.Baird cites a councillor quote and provincial cooperation instead of addressing conflict-of-interest allegations.
The three levels of government are co-operating extremely well in our city, and I would like to personally thank the provincial minister and the local member of Parliament for Mississauga—Erindale on behalf of all residents of ward 6 for bringing us the largest single infusion of infrastructure money ever received in the city of Mississauga
- misdirectedGovernment AdvertisingMr. Gerard Kennedy (Liberal) asked John Baird (Conservative). loaded question.Baird attacks Kennedy's relationship with Dalton McGuinty rather than addressing the Auditor General request or G8 spending.
The member cannot even get along with Dalton McGuinty, and someone who cannot get along Dalton McGuinty is certainly no friend of mine.
- deflectedThe EnvironmentMr. Bernard Bigras (Bloc) asked Jay Hill (Conservative). loaded question.The answer sidesteps the policy and Copenhagen questions to quibble only with the 'big oil' label.
I have checked the portfolios of all my colleagues in cabinet and I cannot find a minister for big oil.
- misdirectedThe EnvironmentMr. Bernard Bigras (Bloc) asked Jim Prentice (Conservative). loaded question.The answer attacks the Bloc's motives and character instead of addressing the comparison to other countries' targets.
The Bloc is an outdated party that would sacrifice the environment for sovereignty.
- partly answeredForeign AffairsMs. Francine Lalonde (Bloc) asked Mr. Deepak Obhrai (Conservative). substantive question.The answer explains the legal and consular steps taken but does not address the domestic-dispute analogy or refusal to act.
Due to international law, Ms. Morin and her husband must resolve the custody before the children, who are all Saudi citizens, are able to return to Canada.
- partly answeredForeign AffairsMs. Francine Lalonde (Bloc) asked Mr. Deepak Obhrai (Conservative). substantive question.The answer repeats the legal explanation and consular contacts but ignores the $300,000 demand and the claim that no marriage occurred.
Consular officials have been in contact with Ms. Morin over 300 times.
- partly answeredPensionsJudy Sgro (Liberal) asked Jim Flaherty (Conservative). substantive question.The answer outlines prior work and future consultations but does not explain why only 10% of plans are covered or address the 90% abandonment claim.
We announced some solvency regulations earlier in the year to help with pension plans in some difficulty then, then long-term, broad consultations across the country
- misdirectedPensionsJudy Sgro (Liberal) asked Jim Flaherty (Conservative). loaded question.The answer pivots to praising the NDP and attacking the Liberals rather than defending the scope of the reforms.
If that member wants to talk about not caring and feeble, then let us talk about the position of the Liberal Party of Canada
- misdirectedPensionsMr. Jean-Claude D'Amours (Liberal) asked Jim Flaherty (Conservative). substantive question.The answer attacks the Liberals for lacking policy instead of answering when real help for most pensioners will arrive.
unlike the Liberal Party that admits it has absolutely no policy at all on pension reform.
- deflectedPensionsMr. Jean-Claude D'Amours (Liberal) asked Jim Flaherty (Conservative). substantive question.The answer claims the member has not read the reforms and lists details without addressing the timeline or Nortel/forestry concerns.
it is very difficult for the members opposite in the Liberal Party to understand because clearly the member opposite has not read the comprehensive reforms that we announced yesterday.
- deflectedThe EnvironmentMs. Linda Duncan (NDP) asked Lisa Raitt (Conservative). substantive question.Answer highlights past spending and future consultations but ignores the claim of no new renewable commitments and Canada's unique G8 position.
Now we are embarking upon four round tables, speaking to Canadian industry, academia and Canadians in general about how they would like to see eco-energy renewable power facilitated in the future.
- partly answeredThe EnvironmentMs. Linda Duncan (NDP) asked Jim Prentice (Conservative). substantive question.Answer directly rejects bringing back Bill C-311 but then shifts to general Copenhagen caution and continental plans without addressing the economic benefits of renewables.
- deflectedSupply ManagementMr. André Bellavance (Bloc) asked Stockwell Day (Conservative). substantive question.Answer reports negotiation progress and timelines but does not address the contradiction of negotiating supply management while claiming it is unwanted.
Both sides expect negotiations to progress swiftly.
- deflectedSupply ManagementMr. André Bellavance (Bloc) asked Stockwell Day (Conservative). substantive question.Answer reiterates that supply management is off the table but accuses the asker of scare tactics and factual errors instead of confirming protective action.
it is disappointing to see those members following other scare tactics, quite frankly, that they try to use on other issues.
- misdirectedPort of MontrealMr. Marcel Proulx (Liberal) asked John Baird (Conservative). substantive question.Answer defends the appointment and invites allegations outside the House rather than explaining any pressure by Dimitri Soudas on the Port of Montreal.
e has any allegations he would like to make, I would also encourage him to make them outside of this place.
- misdirectedPolitical Party FundingMr. Marcel Proulx (Liberal) asked John Baird (Conservative). substantive question.Answer dismisses the question as a fishing expedition and pivots to Liberal research tactics without confirming or denying the Prime Minister's attendance at the Onyx restaurant meeting.
The member opposite is clearly on a fishing expedition.
- partly answeredVale IncoMr. Claude Gravelle (NDP) asked Tony Clement (Conservative). substantive question.Answer acknowledges the layoffs and states a review occurred but does not confirm whether Vale Inco met the no-layoff commitment tied to the takeover approval.
We have reviewed the matter quite diligently to ensure that Vale Inco is meeting its commitments to Canada and to Canadians.
- misdirectedForeign TakeoversMr. Charlie Angus (NDP) asked Tony Clement (Conservative). substantive question.Answer offers a conditional review but immediately diverts to questioning the asker's stance on the long-gun registry instead of addressing the Grant Forest Products takeover review.
While I have the floor, though, I would like to ask the hon. member whether he is going to vote for or against the continuation of the long gun registry.
- deflectedIranIrwin Cotler (Liberal) asked Lawrence Cannon (Conservative). substantive question.The answer restates general UN actions without addressing any of the three specific requests.
We hope that that side of the House supports our actions against Iran.
- partly answeredAfghanistanMr. Claude Bachand (Bloc) asked Lawrence Cannon (Conservative). substantive question.The answer addresses client-solicitor privilege but does not confirm whether the lawyer must disclose names to receive payment.
at no time did I say that the defence would have to disclose any type of information that would breach client-solicitor privilege.
- deflectedFisheriesMr. Nathan Cullen (NDP) asked Gail Shea (Conservative). substantive question.The answer notes provincial jurisdiction and an investigation but does not address enforcement or fines by the federal minister.
While the provincial government does maintain jurisdiction over escape from fish farms, the provincial authorities will conduct an investigation along with my department.
- answeredPOINTS OF ORDERJohn McCallum (Liberal) asked Jim Flaherty (Conservative). substantive question.The answer directly offers to verify the quote via recording.
I will be happy to check with CBC, our national broadcaster.
- misdirectedPrivilegeMs. Olivia Chow (NDP) asked Mr. Dean Del Mastro (Conservative). substantive question.The answer ignores the listed incidents and instead attacks the NDP for heckling and hypocrisy.
The NDP does not even hold up to its own rhetoric.