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Friday, November 18, 2011 · sitting No. 49

Grain marketing bill draws most debate as MPs move clause deletions

The House spent the largest share of its sitting on Government Orders for Bill C-18, the Marketing Freedom for Grain Farmers Act. NDP MP Pat Martin moved amendments to delete clauses 2, 3, 7, 9 and 12, while Green Party MP Elizabeth May moved to delete clause 6. Martin said the bill threatened the integrity of parliamentary institutions and reduced the Canadian Wheat Board board from 15 to five members. Liberal MP Wayne Easter said the government had already hurt parliamentary integrity by overriding section 47.1 of the existing act and removing farmers' right to a plebiscite.

Question Period featured repeated exchanges on justice and democracy. NDP MP Hélène Laverdière asked whether the government would amend Bill C-10 to emphasize rehabilitation, while Conservative MP Jason Kenney said the bill would protect Canadians from criminals. Liberal MP Marc Garneau accused the government of contempt for parliamentary democracy through repeated use of closure, and Kenney replied that Canadians had given the government a mandate to proceed with its agenda.

Other exchanges covered pay equity, pensions and border operations. NDP MP Françoise Boivin pressed the government on equal pay for work of equal value after the Supreme Court ruling on Canada Post workers, while Conservative MP Peter Van Loan said the previous system had been broken and fixed.

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 · 2011-11-18

Government (Conservative)OppositionOver the day: government 47%, opposition 53% of the words spokenGovernment businessQuestion PeriodGovernment business▲ Government side held the floor▼ Opposition held the floorOpened 10:0511:0012:0013:00Last speech 13:45Time of day, Ottawa · the House sat 3 h 40 min · each dot is a stretch of debate, placed at the minute it began
28Another sitting that went nowhereThe sitting focused heavily on the Marketing Freedom for Grain Farmers Act yet recorded no votes and advanced no bills. Most Question Period responses were deflected or misdirected.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

Border Crossings

NDP MP Pierre Jacob said reduced hours at three Quebec border crossings risked jobs and hurt farmers and emergency services, while Public Safety Minister Vic Toews replied that the NDP was destroying hundreds of thousands of Canadian jobs through its lobbying in the United States.

Read the exchange

National Defence

Liberal MP Joyce Murray said the Prime Minister had ordered a VIP aircraft repainted from military grey for vanity reasons, while Parliamentary Secretary Chris Alexander said any change would follow the regular maintenance cycle and remain cost neutral.

Read the exchange

National Flag of Canada Act

Conservative MP John Carmichael moved second reading of Bill C-288 to protect the right to display the national flag, and said he hoped committee study would produce amendments that created unity rather than division.

Read the exchange

Child Poverty

NDP MP Jean Crowder said one in ten children live in poverty while the government offered tax credits to the wealthy, while Conservative MP Kellie Leitch said the child poverty rate had fallen from 18.4 per cent to 9.5 per cent under the current government.

Read the exchange

Aboriginal Affairs

Liberal MP Carolyn Bennett said only 35 per cent of First Nations children graduate from high school and asked whether new drinking-water commitments would also fix unsafe school buildings, while Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan said the government had built or repaired 100 schools with more under way.

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
    JusticeMs. Hélène Laverdière (NDP) asked Jason Kenney (Conservative). substantive question.The answer offers to consider some amendments but pivots to attacking the NDP's past votes rather than confirming focus on rehabilitation.If the opposition parties have amendments to propose that will provide Canadians with stronger protection against criminals, the government will consider them.
  2. deflected
    JusticeMs. Hélène Laverdière (NDP) asked Jason Kenney (Conservative). substantive question.The answer lists existing spending but ignores the request to slow down and prioritize police over prisons.we have already added resources to hire more RCMP officers and provincial and municipal police officers.
  3. misdirected
    JusticeMs. Hélène Laverdière (NDP) asked Jason Kenney (Conservative). substantive question.The answer attacks the NDP's electoral support and agenda instead of addressing repeated use of closure.by the same strange math, over 80% of Canadians voted against the NDP.
  4. deflected
    JusticeMr. Jack Harris (NDP) asked Ms. Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay (Conservative). substantive question.The answer defends the mandate and past debate time but does not commit to amendments or slower process.Over the course of the past four years, the justice committee has had 67 days, which was 139 hours of discussions, 95 hours of debate, 261 speeches and 363 witness appearances.
  5. misdirected
    JusticeMr. Jack Harris (NDP) asked Ms. Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay (Conservative). substantive question.The answer accuses the asker of agreeing to time allocation and avoids committing to amendments or changing the agenda.I was in those same meetings yesterday and the hon. member was the one who moved the amendment to agree to time allocation to get this done by Wednesday at midnight, and we appreciate his co-operation.
  6. deflected
    DemocracyMr. Marc Garneau (Liberal) asked Jason Kenney (Conservative). substantive question.The answer cites debate hours already held but does not address contempt for democracy or plans to change.on two important bills—one on the budget and the other on crime—we had 152 hours of debate and 48 speeches.
  7. deflected
    DemocracyMr. Marc Garneau (Liberal) asked Jason Kenney (Conservative). substantive question.The answer highlights federal transfers and polling but sidesteps working with Quebec on Bill C-10 and the registry.Quebec has received a 60% increase in its federal transfers.
  8. misdirected
    DemocracyMr. Marc Garneau (Liberal) asked Jason Kenney (Conservative). loaded question.The answer attacks the Liberal Party's past record and reframes around victims of crime instead of addressing bullying or provincial relations.when will the Liberal Party finally learn the lesson of the last election.
  9. deflected
    PensionMs. Rosane Doré Lefebvre (NDP) asked Mrs. Shelly Glover (Conservative). substantive question.The answer promotes the government's plan and Quebec's role without addressing improving CPP or QPP.The Quebec government could follow the federal government's lead and put in place the conditions that would allow Quebec businesses to establish similar plans and encourage workers to make voluntary contributions to retirement savings plans.
  10. misdirected
    PensionMs. Rosane Doré Lefebvre (NDP) asked Mrs. Shelly Glover (Conservative). loaded question.The answer lists past actions and criticizes the NDP instead of addressing the stock market or new program concerns.But the NDP voted against that.
  11. deflected
    Pay EquityMs. Françoise Boivin (NDP) asked Peter Van Loan (Conservative). loaded question.The answer defends the system fix without addressing why the government excludes complaints or believes in equal pay for equal value.Our government fixed the system, so that unions can no longer negotiate away equal pay only then to force legal, costly and adversarial court battles.
  12. deflected
    Pay EquityMs. Françoise Boivin (NDP) asked Peter Van Loan (Conservative). loaded question.The answer repeats the system fix claim without addressing pay equity legislation or the wage gap.Our government fixed the system so that unions can no longer negotiate away equal pay and then provoke long and costly legal battles.
  13. partly answered
    Consumer ProtectionMr. Glenn Thibeault (NDP) asked Mrs. Shelly Glover (Conservative). substantive question.The answer outlines new regulatory steps but does not address the TD Bank withdrawal or G20 commitments directly.To better protect consumers, we are forcing banks to belong to government approved independent third party bodies.
  14. misdirected
    Consumer ProtectionMr. Glenn Thibeault (NDP) asked Mrs. Shelly Glover (Conservative). substantive question.The answer attacks the NDP's economic policies instead of addressing banks leaving OBSI or consumer protection.Why are they pushing a $10 billion tax hike on employers that would kill Canadian jobs?
  15. misdirected
    Natural ResourcesMr. Claude Gravelle (NDP) asked Mr. David Anderson (Conservative). loaded question.The answer defends oil development and attacks the NDP instead of addressing green economy or Keystone concerns.I do not know why it continues to denigrate our economy, and goes down to Washington trying to damage job creation in this country.
  16. misdirected
    Natural ResourcesMr. Claude Gravelle (NDP) asked Mr. David Anderson (Conservative). substantive question.The answer attacks the NDP's economic understanding instead of addressing oil sands emission regulations.They are disconnected from the real concerns and needs of Canadians.
  17. misdirected
    Natural ResourcesMs. Megan Leslie (NDP) asked Mr. David Anderson (Conservative). loaded question.The answer attacks the NDP's oil sands policies instead of addressing lobbyist meetings or government priorities.why do the NDP members not support this country in the development of the economy across the country?
  18. deflected
    Government ExpendituresMs. Joyce Murray (Liberal) asked Peter Van Loan (Conservative). loaded question.The answer lists government spending achievements but avoids the question on spending priorities and fiscal management.
  19. answered
    National DefenceMs. Joyce Murray (Liberal) asked Mr. Chris Alexander (Conservative). loaded question.The answer directly refutes the premise about repainting the aircraft and explains the maintenance process.These changes would only happen in accordance with the regular maintenance cycle of National Defence and if they are cost neutral.
  20. partly answered
    Canada-U.S. RelationsWayne Easter (Liberal) asked Mr. Gerald Keddy (Conservative). substantive question.The answer confirms the WTO ruling but does not address entering negotiations for compensation.we will continue to work on behalf of Canadian producers to supply more Canadian jobs and more opportunity
  21. misdirected
    Border CrossingsMr. Pierre Jacob (NDP) asked Vic Toews (Conservative). substantive question.The answer ignores border crossing hours and instead attacks the NDP for destroying jobs.What I am very concerned about is not only the jobs at our border but the hundreds of thousands of jobs that member's party is destroying
  22. misdirected
    Border CrossingsMr. Pierre Jacob (NDP) asked Vic Toews (Conservative). substantive question.The answer shifts to unrelated NDP policies on industries instead of addressing border service reductions.It wants to shut down the seal industry, a vital and important economic activity in many communities.
  23. misdirected
    Border CrossingsMs. Anne Minh-Thu Quach (NDP) asked Vic Toews (Conservative). substantive question.The answer avoids the question on border efficiency and instead accuses the NDP of shutting down the economy.The New Democrats want to shut down not only the province of Quebec, they want to shut down industry right across Canada.
  24. misdirected
    Border CrossingsMs. Anne Minh-Thu Quach (NDP) asked Vic Toews (Conservative). loaded question.The answer defends hiring officers but pivots to attacking the NDP's job creation record rather than addressing border fees or crime.I would ask that member to work with me to ensure that her party, the NDP, works to create jobs and opportunity and works for a safe country.
  25. deflected
    Service CanadaMr. Ryan Cleary (NDP) asked Ms. Kellie Leitch (Conservative). substantive question.The answer attacks unions and restates no office closures without addressing EI processing delays.it is really unfortunate that union leaders, who have clearly convinced the opposition party, are selfishly attempting to ensure that the old, ineffective, labour-intensive method of processing EI claims is what we should be focused on.
  26. deflected
    Service CanadaMr. Ryan Cleary (NDP) asked Ms. Kellie Leitch (Conservative). substantive question.The answer repeats prior commitments on automation and no closures but ignores eligibility rates and call centre visits.Automation is important. Making sure we move forward to make sure more Canadians are served in a timely manner is important.
  27. partly answered
    Child PovertyMs. Jean Crowder (NDP) asked Ms. Kellie Leitch (Conservative). substantive question.The answer provides poverty rate statistics but ends by attacking the NDP instead of outlining a comprehensive strategy.Why does the NDP not support our initiatives that are working?
  28. deflected
    Child PovertyMrs. Anne-Marie Day (NDP) asked Ms. Kellie Leitch (Conservative). loaded question.The answer highlights tax savings and benefits but does not address the unchanged poverty numbers or the Broadbent motion.the average Canadian family now spends $3,000 less per year in taxes.
  29. partly answered
    Aboriginal AffairsCarolyn Bennett (Liberal) asked John Duncan (Conservative). substantive question.The answer addresses school construction and renovation but does not confirm whether drinking water commitments extend to schools.We built or repaired 100 schools and work is under way on over 100 more.
  30. deflected
    National DefenceDominic LeBlanc (Liberal) asked Mr. Chris Alexander (Conservative). loaded question.The answer defends the F-35 choice and jobs but ignores the question of who is in charge and plan B.The F-35 is the right aircraft for that mission in coming decades and we are glad that our allies are reminding their parliaments of the importance of this important technology that is creating jobs for Canadian companies across this country.
  31. misdirected
    Canadian Broadcasting CorporationMr. Pierre-Luc Dusseault (NDP) asked Mr. Dean Del Mastro (Conservative). substantive question.The answer pivots to attacking the NDP on accountability instead of addressing the Law Clerk advice or court process.When will the NDP understand that this is about fundamental accountability and transparency for each and every Canadian?
  32. misdirected
    Canadian Broadcasting CorporationMr. Pierre-Luc Dusseault (NDP) asked Mr. Dean Del Mastro (Conservative). substantive question.The answer again attacks the NDP and repeats the grocery cost line rather than addressing separation of powers.Do those members not believe that those hard-working families deserve transparency and accountability from the CBC?
  33. deflected
    InfrastructureMark Eyking (Liberal) asked Mr. Gerald Keddy (Conservative). loaded question.The answer lists general funding but ignores the specific rink request.Since 2006, over $160 million in funding has been dedicated toward 1,350 projects within Cape Breton and the Mulgrave area of Nova Scotia.
  34. partly answered
    VeteransMr. Réjean Genest (NDP) asked Ms. Eve Adams (Conservative). loaded question.The answer addresses care levels but sidesteps the 1,300 jobs claim.Under no circumstances will the level of care that we provide to our veterans ever be compromised.
  35. deflected
    Rail TransportationMr. Randall Garrison (NDP) asked Denis Lebel (Conservative). substantive question.The answer shifts to owners' responsibility without committing funds.as with all other important files, the owners of these businesses and organizations have a responsibility.
  36. misdirected
    JusticeMr. André Bellavance (Bloc) asked Ms. Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay (Conservative). loaded question.The answer attacks the opposition instead of addressing Quebec amendments.It is time for the opposition to end its grandstanding, support victims and support our measures on Bill C-10
  37. answered
    Points of OrderMauril Bélanger (Liberal) asked Mr. Gerald Keddy (Conservative). rhetorical question.The answer directly offers the text page as an alternative to tabling the iPad.it would be a bit incongruous to table the iPad, but I would certainly be happy to supply the page of text from which I was reading.