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Friday, October 18, 2013 · sitting No. 3

Commons debates bill on supervised injection sites

The House spent the largest share of its sitting on second reading of the Respect for Communities Act. Conservative MP Eve Adams told the House the bill would give communities a voice in decisions on supervised consumption sites and would follow the 2011 Supreme Court ruling. NDP MP Libby Davies said the measure was designed to block any new sites from opening.

Question period featured repeated exchanges on the Mike Duffy affair. NDP MP David Christopherson asked whether the Prime Minister had discussed expenses directly with the senator. Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre said the government had already answered those questions and was pursuing Senate reform.

Liberal MP Joyce Murray pressed for details on meetings recorded in Prime Minister's Office security logs. Poilievre replied that the government was focused on new expense rules and an Auditor General review.

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 · 2013-10-18

Government (Conservative)OppositionOver the day: government 49%, opposition 51% of the words spokenGovernment businessQuestion PeriodRoutine proceedingsGovernment 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
41Talk Heavy, Progress Light on the HillThe House spent most of its time debating the Respect for Communities Act and other topics, yet recorded no votes and advanced only one bill at introduction. Question Period produced few direct answers while the Speaker issued five calls to order.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

Aboriginal Affairs

NDP MP David Christopherson asked what the government was doing to calm tensions in Elsipogtog First Nation. Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre cited investments in water projects and schools.

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International Trade

NDP MP Guy Caron asked when the text of the Canada-European Union agreement would be released. Conservative MP Erin O'Toole said a sector-by-sector overview was already available and stakeholders were enthusiastic.

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Food Safety

NDP MP Ruth Ellen Brosseau said cuts to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency left it without resources for prevention. Conservative MP Eve Adams said the agency had seen a net increase of more than 750 inspectors since 2006.

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Justice

Liberal MP David McGuinty asked whether the government would refer the nomination of Justice Nadon to the Supreme Court. Conservative MP Robert Goguen said the government would defend the right of Federal Court judges from Quebec to sit on the top court.

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Rail Transportation

NDP MP Linda Duncan asked when the government would phase out DOT-111 tanker cars. Conservative MP Jeff Watson said Transport Canada had accepted the Transportation Safety Board's recommendation and new cars were being built to updated standards.

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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
    Aboriginal AffairsMr. David Christopherson (NDP) asked Pierre Poilievre (Conservative). substantive question.The answer lists general investments without addressing the duty to consult or the specific situation.We have invested in clean water projects. We have opened hundreds of brand new schools.
  2. deflected
    EthicsMr. David Christopherson (NDP) asked Pierre Poilievre (Conservative). substantive question.The answer references prior responses then shifts to unrelated Senate reform plans.The reality is that we are the only party with a credible plan to reform the Senate.
  3. misdirected
    International TradeMr. David Christopherson (NDP) asked Pierre Poilievre (Conservative). substantive question.The answer attacks the NDP's position instead of addressing the request to release the text.less than 24 hours since the deal was actually announced, the NDP has already succeeded in being on both sides of the issue.
  4. deflected
    International TradeMr. Guy Caron (NDP) asked Mr. Erin O'Toole (Conservative). substantive question.The answer promotes the deal and notes NDP opposition without committing to release the text.A sector-by-sector overview is being released, and Canadian stakeholders from coast to coast are excited.
  5. deflected
    International TradeMr. Guy Caron (NDP) asked Mr. Erin O'Toole (Conservative). substantive question.The answer claims openness but avoids specifics on compensation or immediate text release.All of the provinces have been consulted. All stakeholders have been consulted—
  6. misdirected
    EthicsMs. Joyce Murray (Liberal) asked Pierre Poilievre (Conservative). substantive question.The answer attacks the Liberal leader's Senate position instead of naming the meeting attendee.I am surprised to hear the Liberal Party, of all parties, ask about the Senate.
  7. deflected
    EthicsMs. Joyce Murray (Liberal) asked Pierre Poilievre (Conservative). substantive question.The answer reiterates Senate reform talking points without identifying the meeting participants.That is why the Prime Minister has asked the Supreme Court of Canada for a legal instruction manual on how we can reform the Senate
  8. misdirected
    EthicsMs. Joyce Murray (Liberal) asked Pierre Poilievre (Conservative). substantive question.The answer attacks the opposition's focus instead of answering who attended the meeting.three questions in a row, and absolutely nothing about the middle class, nothing about consumers, nothing about taxpayers, and nothing about families.
  9. deflected
    EthicsMr. Craig Scott (NDP) asked Mr. Paul Calandra (Conservative). substantive question.The answer avoids whether anyone in PMO was contacted by RCMP and instead repeats that Wright took responsibility.We will continue to work with all authorities to make sure that we get to the bottom of this matter.
  10. deflected
    EthicsMs. Élaine Michaud (NDP) asked Mr. Paul Calandra (Conservative). substantive question.The answer ignores the question on RCMP document requests and pivots to Senate reform.If the Senate cannot be reformed, we will shut it down.
  11. misdirected
    EthicsMs. Élaine Michaud (NDP) asked Mr. Paul Calandra (Conservative). substantive question.The answer claims Wright acted alone then attacks the NDP on Senate positions instead of naming others who knew.On the one hand, they want to get rid of the Senate, unless they can get their own members into the Senate.
  12. deflected
    Access to InformationMr. Murray Rankin (NDP) asked Mr. Dan Albas (Conservative). substantive question.The answer lists overall ATI statistics but does not address how many employees were transferred.government processed a record number of access to information requests, released a record number of materials, and had an improved turnaround time.
  13. deflected
    Access to InformationMr. Murray Rankin (NDP) asked Mr. Dan Albas (Conservative). substantive question.The answer rejects the premise and repeats ATI processing numbers without stating budget cuts to ATIP offices.I reject the premise of the question.
  14. partly answered
    Consumer ProtectionMr. Robert Chisholm (NDP) asked Mr. Andrew Saxton (Conservative). loaded question.The answer lists credit-card measures taken but does not address airline passenger rights or the 'afraid' accusation.That is why we have taken action to protect Canadians using credit cards by banning unsolicited credit card cheques
  15. partly answered
    Consumer ProtectionMs. Anne Minh-Thu Quach (NDP) asked Mr. Andrew Saxton (Conservative). loaded question.The answer defends the code of conduct but ignores tarmac waits, credit-card fees, and gas prices while attacking the NDP.However, the NDP voted against the code and against supporting small business and consumers.
  16. partly answered
    Food SafetyMs. Ruth Ellen Brosseau (NDP) asked Ms. Eve Adams (Conservative). substantive question.The answer states food safety is a priority and notes the CFIA move but offers no timeline or new measures.Bringing CFIA into the health portfolio family means that Canadians can be assured that not only will we insist on the safest food possible but we will also be focused on ensuring that Canadians are eating healthy food.
  17. deflected
    Food SafetyMs. Ruth Ellen Brosseau (NDP) asked Ms. Eve Adams (Conservative). substantive question.The answer cites past inspector increases but then shifts to an unrelated topic on healthy food choices instead of addressing current CFIA resources or recalls.The Speech from the Throne set out our commitment to start talking to and listening to Canadian parents about how to help them make healthy food choices for their families.
  18. misdirected
    EthicsMr. Kevin Lamoureux (Liberal) asked Mr. Paul Calandra (Conservative). substantive question.The answer attacks the Liberal Party's past scandals and pivots to Senate reform instead of addressing the request for documents on the $90,000 payment.it is utter gall to have a Liberal talk about honesty in government.
  19. misdirected
    EthicsMr. Kevin Lamoureux (Liberal) asked Mr. Paul Calandra (Conservative). substantive question.The answer ignores the question on Elections Canada resources and attacks on the member for Peterborough, instead listing Senate reform bills opposed by Liberals.on every count that matters to Canadians this government is getting the job done.
  20. answered
    JusticeMr. David McGuinty (Liberal) asked Mr. Robert Goguen (Conservative). substantive question.The answer directly states the government's position on defending the appointment and cites supporting legal opinions without evasion.we will defend the right of Quebeckers on the Federal Court bench to also sit in Canada's highest court.
  21. partly answered
    HealthMs. Libby Davies (NDP) asked Ms. Eve Adams (Conservative). substantive question.The answer addresses health funding transfers but does not engage with the failures on wait times, home care, pharmacare or the Speech from the Throne omission.we are providing tools to the provinces and territories to deliver health care in their jurisdictions.
  22. partly answered
    HealthMr. Dany Morin (NDP) asked Ms. Eve Adams (Conservative). substantive question.The answer discusses innovation and record transfers but avoids specifics on 2014 agreements, drug costs, shortages or caregiver support.we will hit a record $40 billion in transfers by the end of the decade.
  23. deflected
    JusticeMs. Françoise Boivin (NDP) asked Mr. Robert Goguen (Conservative). substantive question.The answer restates general appointment principles and expresses preference for a full bench without addressing the timeline or Quebec under-representation.we will continue to appoint Supreme Court of Canada justices on the basis of merit and regional representation.
  24. deflected
    JusticeMs. Françoise Boivin (NDP) asked Mr. Robert Goguen (Conservative). substantive question.The answer repeats merit-based appointments and notes the current bench's quality but offers no plan to resolve the vacancy or prevent recurrence.we will continue appointing judges to the Supreme Court of Canada based on merit and regional representation.
  25. partly answered
    Rail TransportationMs. Linda Duncan (NDP) asked Mr. Jeff Watson (Conservative). substantive question.The answer addresses DOT-111 standards but provides no timeline for phasing out existing cars.With respect to the DOT-111 cars, Transport Canada has already accepted the TSB's recommendation on DOT-111 railway cars, and as recommended by the TSB, new railway cars are being built to new standards.
  26. partly answered
    Rail TransportationMr. Matthew Kellway (NDP) asked Mr. Jeff Watson (Conservative). substantive question.The answer discusses dialogue and agreement on information sharing but does not commit to real-time data or a timeline.We further agreed that first responders should have information on the type of dangerous goods being transported through their communities.
  27. deflected
    Rail TransportationMr. François Lapointe (NDP) asked Mr. Jeff Watson (Conservative). substantive question.The answer avoids the yes/no question on speed limits and pivots to ongoing dialogue.the minister is engaged in a very important dialogue with municipalities and railway companies, specifically on the topic of the transportation of dangerous goods.
  28. deflected
    Consumer ProtectionMr. Philip Toone (NDP) asked Mr. Rick Dykstra (Conservative). loaded question.The answer ignores regional access complaints and instead defends CBC funding cuts.In fact, the president of the CBC has said they can continue to fulfill their mandate and implement their 2015 plan while participating in our government's deficit reduction action plan.
  29. misdirected
    Veterans AffairsJim Karygiannis (Liberal) asked Mr. Parm Gill (Conservative). substantive question.The answer lists spending then attacks opposition parties instead of addressing the timeline for PTSD resources.While our government is making improvements to veterans benefits, Liberals and the NDP have voted against new funding for mental health treatment, financial support and home care services.
  30. answered
    Veterans AffairsJim Karygiannis (Liberal) asked Mr. Parm Gill (Conservative). substantive question.The answer directly counters the claim of reduced service by describing expanded home visits and service points.A critically injured veteran no longer has to drive to a district office.
  31. partly answered
    Correctional Service of CanadaMr. Randall Garrison (NDP) asked Ms. Roxanne James (Conservative). substantive question.The answer affirms seriousness and lists actions taken but does not address the funding constraint raised.Our government takes the issue of mental health in prisons very seriously.
  32. deflected
    Correctional Service of CanadaMs. Rosane Doré Lefebvre (NDP) asked Ms. Roxanne James (Conservative). loaded question.The answer lists existing measures without addressing the commissioner's statement on inability to implement costly recommendations.Both access to treatment services for inmates and training for staff have improved as a result of our strong leadership of this Conservative government.
  33. deflected
    Search and RescueMs. Yvonne Jones (Liberal) asked Mr. James Bezan (Conservative). substantive question.The answer praises the existing system and mentions general reviews without addressing action on the specific northern inadequacies raised.Canadians can be assured that we have one of the most effective search and rescue systems in the world.
  34. partly answered
    Co-operativesMs. Hélène LeBlanc (NDP) asked Mike Lake (Conservative). substantive question.The answer recognizes co-op contributions but sidesteps the throne speech omission and any new commitments.during National Co-op Week, I would like to recognize the continuing contributions of Canadian co-operatives to our economic prosperity.
  35. misdirected
    Aboriginal AffairsMr. Jonathan Genest-Jourdain (NDP) asked Mr. Mark Strahl (Conservative). loaded question.The answer rejects the premise outright and attacks the opposition's voting record instead of addressing the throne speech or listed issues.of course we reject the premise of that question.
  36. answered
    International TradeMr. Jean-François Fortin (Bloc) asked Mr. Erin O'Toole (Conservative). substantive question.The answer directly confirms supply management protections, assesses impacts, and offers compensation if needed.We have consistently said that the three pillars of supply management will be maintained and they are.
  37. deflected
    Regional DevelopmentMr. Bruce Hyer (Independent) asked Mike Lake (Conservative). loaded question.The answer promotes FedNor generally without addressing the throne speech, specific cuts, or regional service losses mentioned.FedNor will continue to focus on community economic development, business growth, competitiveness and innovation that creates jobs and long-term prosperity across northern Ontario.
  38. deflected
    Points of OrderMs. Françoise Boivin (NDP) asked Mr. Royal Galipeau (Conservative). substantive question.The answer avoids clarifying the expression and instead references a procedural manual to avoid repeating it.I would have hoped that the hon. member for Gatineau would not make me repeat the words she used in the House.