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Wednesday, February 25, 2015 · sitting No. 179

Commons advances bill to toughen penalties for child predators

The House spent the largest share of its sitting on third reading of Bill C-26, the tougher penalties for child predators act. Finance Minister Joe Oliver told the House the legislation denounces the grave nature of child sexual exploitation and forms part of the government's ongoing efforts to protect the most vulnerable. NDP justice critic Françoise Boivin noted that mandatory minimum sentences have formed part of several prior Conservative measures since 2006, while Liberal MP Sean Casey questioned their effectiveness in reducing victims.

In Question Period, NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair pressed Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney on time limits for committee study of Bill C-51 and on the bill's impact on lawful protest. Blaney replied that the committee would act diligently and that the legislation explicitly excludes lawful advocacy, protest and artistic expression. Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau asked the government for a clear plan on physician-assisted death following the Supreme Court ruling, and Natural Resources Minister Greg Rickford defended the government's approach to energy exports after the Keystone XL veto.

Decided that day

  • Tougher Penalties for Child Predators Act passed third reading
  • C-47 and C-22 received royal assent

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 · 2015-02-25

Government (Conservative)OppositionOver the day: government 49%, opposition 51% of the words spokenQuestion PeriodRoutine proceedingsGovernment businessPrivate members▲ Government side held the floor▼ Opposition held the floorOpened 14:0515:0016:0017:00Last speech 18:00Time of day, Ottawa · the House sat 3 h 55 min · each dot is a stretch of debate, placed at the minute it began
71Bills Advance Amid Routine ExchangesThe House devoted most of its time to substantive business and moved several bills forward, including two that received royal assent. One bill passed third reading on a recorded vote while points of order remained few.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

Quebec Bridge

NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair asked whether the Prime Minister would discuss the Quebec Bridge with Bill Gates during their meeting, and Transport Minister Lisa Raitt said the government had committed $75 million while seeking further funding from CN.

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Marine Transportation

NDP MP Ryan Cleary cited an 85 per cent cut to Marine Atlantic operating funds in the main estimates and asked whether services would be reduced, and Transport Minister Lisa Raitt said the figures were estimates and that the government had already invested heavily in the service.

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Aboriginal Affairs

NDP MP Carol Hughes urged the government to call a national inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women ahead of a national round table, and Status of Women Minister K. Kellie Leitch said more than 40 studies had already been completed and that action, not another inquiry, was required.

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Rail Transportation

Liberal MP Ralph Goodale cited new data showing railways supplied only 44 per cent of ordered grain cars and asked whether this met the standard of adequate accommodation, and Transport Minister Lisa Raitt said government data indicated the order in council was working.

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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
    Public SafetyThomas Mulcair (NDP) asked Steven Blaney (Conservative). substantive question.The minister expresses confidence in the committee but does not address whether more time will be given.I am confident that the committee will be diligent and professional in examining this bill, which is so important to Canadians, in order to protect them from the terrorist threat.
  2. misdirected
    Public SafetyThomas Mulcair (NDP) asked Steven Blaney (Conservative). loaded question.The answer accuses the opposition of attacking CSIS instead of addressing the question about scrutiny.Canadians deserve better than an opposition leader who attacks the credibility of those who are there to protect us.
  3. deflected
    Public SafetyThomas Mulcair (NDP) asked Steven Blaney (Conservative). loaded question.The answer points to the bill text rather than addressing the call for first nations input.For greater certainty, it does not include lawful advocacy, protest, dissent and artistic expression
  4. partly answered
    Quebec BridgeThomas Mulcair (NDP) asked Lisa Raitt (Conservative). substantive question.The answer discusses government funding commitments but does not confirm if the PM will speak to the shareholder.the government has committed to spending $75 million to repaint the Quebec Bridge.
  5. answered
    Marine TransportationThomas Mulcair (NDP) asked Lisa Raitt (Conservative). substantive question.The minister clarifies the funding change as a return to base after investments.It is returning to the base level of funding because this government has provided to it an incredible amount of funding for revitalization of Marine Atlantic.
  6. answered
    Physician-Assisted DeathMr. Justin Trudeau (Liberal) asked Mr. Robert Goguen (Conservative). substantive question.The answer outlines the government's plan for consultations on the issue.our plan is to engage all Canadians in a consultation process that will take into consideration the diverse viewpoints of all Canadians in order to reach a conclusion that is acceptable to everyone.
  7. deflected
    Natural ResourcesMr. Justin Trudeau (Liberal) asked Greg Rickford (Conservative). substantive question.The response focuses on Keystone XL and energy trade instead of addressing carbon pricing with provinces.Keystone XL would create jobs, strengthen energy security for North America, and the state department was clear that it can be environmentally, sustainably done through Keystone XL.
  8. deflected
    Natural ResourcesMr. Justin Trudeau (Liberal) asked Greg Rickford (Conservative). loaded question.The answer highlights cooperation and progress rather than addressing personal responsibility for Keystone veto.we have made significant progress in a number of key files related to energy.
  9. partly answered
    JusticeMs. Françoise Boivin (NDP) asked Steven Blaney (Conservative). substantive question.The answer affirms constitutionality but avoids confirming a specific legal opinion or commitment to submit it.the government makes sure that all the bills it introduces are constitutional.
  10. deflected
    JusticeMr. Randall Garrison (NDP) asked Steven Blaney (Conservative). substantive question.The answer restates general principles on security without addressing the record on unconstitutional bills or debate limits.on this side of the House we believe that security and liberty go hand in hand.
  11. answered
    PrivacyMr. Randall Garrison (NDP) asked Mr. James Bezan (Conservative). substantive question.The answer directly explains the data handling and oversight process for the emails in question.The only information that is used, retained or shared is information from malicious actors attempting to harm the Government of Canada network.
  12. misdirected
    Public SafetyMs. Rosane Doré Lefebvre (NDP) asked Steven Blaney (Conservative). substantive question.The answer turns to attacking the opposition's record instead of addressing the call for thorough committee review.What are the New Democrats afraid of?
  13. deflected
    Public SafetyMs. Rosane Doré Lefebvre (NDP) asked Steven Blaney (Conservative). substantive question.The answer lists past measures and attacks opposition rather than addressing budget cuts or diverted funds.Why do the New Democrats oppose the measures that we are putting in place to protect Canadians?
  14. misdirected
    Public SafetyMs. Megan Leslie (NDP) asked Steven Blaney (Conservative). substantive question.The answer attacks the premise and the member's understanding instead of addressing the adequacy of SIRC oversight funding.the premise of this question is false.
  15. deflected
    The EnvironmentMs. Megan Leslie (NDP) asked Leona Aglukkaq (Conservative). substantive question.The answer discusses general commitments without addressing the specific funding cuts mentioned.Our government will remain committed to strong environmental assessments.
  16. partly answered
    Marine TransportationMr. Ryan Cleary (NDP) asked Lisa Raitt (Conservative). substantive question.The answer addresses service continuity but avoids confirming whether cuts will lead to service reductions.We will continue to work with it in its budgeting to ensure that it provides the service that we have so well invested in, in the past five years.
  17. deflected
    Government ExpendituresMr. Nathan Cullen (NDP) asked Tony Clement (Conservative). rhetorical question.The answer dismisses the question as annual opposition indignation without addressing any listed cuts or priorities.Every year, this government tables the estimates and every year, we get the righteous indignation of the opposition party.
  18. partly answered
    National DefenceMs. Joyce Murray (Liberal) asked Mr. James Bezan (Conservative). substantive question.The answer addresses ongoing coverage and review but ignores past unreimbursed costs and a timeline for full compensation.While this review is going on, the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces are continuing to cover her medical costs and meet her medical needs related to her present condition.
  19. misdirected
    Natural ResourcesScott Brison (Liberal) asked Greg Rickford (Conservative). loaded question.The answer attacks the opposition's carbon tax stance and avoids the question on the Prime Minister's relationship-building failures.we will take no lessons from the party that talks about carbon taxes and energy magically getting to new markets, cherry-picking pipelines.
  20. deflected
    Natural ResourcesScott Brison (Liberal) asked James Moore (Conservative). loaded question.The answer shifts to LNG projects and tax policy in BC without addressing the Prime Minister's relationship failures or Keystone veto.That is why the Prime Minister was in British Columbia last week working with the Province of British Columbia, announcing accelerated capital cost allowances
  21. partly answered
    National DefenceMr. Jack Harris (NDP) asked Mr. James Bezan (Conservative). substantive question.The answer explains transition supports but does not commit to changing the universality of service policy itself.ill and severely injured personnel who are no longer able to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces are provided with up to three years to prepare for the transition to civilian life.
  22. deflected
    National DefenceMs. Élaine Michaud (NDP) asked Mr. James Bezan (Conservative). loaded question.The answer denies the premise outright and lists existing supports without addressing the 70% release statistic or policy change.Nothing is further from the truth, Mr. Speaker.
  23. partly answered
    Veterans AffairsMr. Sylvain Chicoine (NDP) asked Erin O'Toole (Conservative). substantive question.The answer defends the Life After Service Studies but does not commit to reinstating the client satisfaction survey.I am very proud to be part of a government that in 2010 worked with Statistics Canada to create the Life After Service Studies
  24. deflected
    National DefenceMr. Peter Stoffer (NDP) asked Mr. James Bezan (Conservative). substantive question.The answer offers sympathy and notes reimbursement process but refuses further discussion citing privacy and avoids committing to full benefits.Since this is a health-related matter, it would be a breach of patient confidentiality and the Privacy Act regulations to discuss this matter further.
  25. answered
    Aboriginal AffairsMrs. Carol Hughes (NDP) asked K. Kellie Leitch (Conservative). substantive question.The answer directly rejects the call for an inquiry and outlines the government's alternative actions.we do not support a national inquiry.
  26. partly answered
    Status of WomenMs. Mylène Freeman (NDP) asked K. Kellie Leitch (Conservative). substantive question.The response mentions attending the event but does not confirm reaffirmation of the Beijing commitment.Our intention is to attend the international event that is taking place, which celebrates all women and the opportunities they have in the future.
  27. answered
    TaxationMrs. Djaouida Sellah (NDP) asked Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay (Conservative). substantive question.The answer counters the premise with details on increased funding for the volunteer program.In fact, I was just in Brampton on Monday of this week announcing that CRA has put an additional $1 million into funding our volunteer program.
  28. answered
    InfrastructureMs. Peggy Nash (NDP) asked Denis Lebel (Conservative). loaded question.The answer explains the government's readiness and the need for provincial input on projects.we have been ready for business since April 1 of last year to receive projects from provinces and municipalities.
  29. partly answered
    Rail TransportationRalph Goodale (Liberal) asked Lisa Raitt (Conservative). substantive question.The response addresses performance using government data without confirming the external figures' accuracy.I cannot confirm someone else's data.
  30. deflected
    Marine TransportationMs. Judy Foote (Liberal) asked Lisa Raitt (Conservative). substantive question.The answer clarifies that estimates are preliminary rather than guaranteeing no fare increases or service cuts.The main estimates are really that. They are estimates and they do not reflect the total budget that will be allocated to any individual part of our department at any given time.
  31. deflected
    Northern DevelopmentMr. Dennis Bevington (NDP) asked Bernard Valcourt (Conservative). loaded question.The answer avoids the accusation of misleading and the query about missing funds by pointing to estimates and engagement.if the hon. member cares to look at the estimates, which are estimates, he will see that there is increased funding for nutrition north, as was announced earlier
  32. misdirected
    TaxationMr. Charlie Angus (NDP) asked Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay (Conservative). loaded question.The answer shifts to international tax evasion achievements instead of addressing HST on medical flights.as far as international tax evasion goes, we have zero tolerance for that in this government.
  33. deflected
    National DefenceMs. Yvonne Jones (Liberal) asked Mr. James Bezan (Conservative). loaded question.The answer lists unrelated equipment purchases instead of addressing the drone program delay or Goose Bay commitments.I would like to remind the member that it is our government that has been able to purchase a number of additional pieces of equipment, including new Leopard tanks, new C-17 tactical lift aircraft, and new Hercs.
  34. misdirected
    EmploymentMr. Jean Rousseau (NDP) asked Pierre Poilievre (Conservative). loaded question.The answer attacks the opposition's tax plans rather than explaining the subsidy delay for the specific enterprise.However, I can assure my hon. colleague that tax hike plans like those put forward by his party and the Liberal Party will hurt not only workers, but also the small and medium-sized businesses that hire them.
  35. deflected
    Fisheries and OceansMr. Robert Chisholm (NDP) asked Gail Shea (Conservative). loaded question.The answer claims increased oversight but avoids addressing the specific request to withdraw the regulatory changes.If the member had actually read the regulations, he would know that they would actually increase environmental oversight for this industry.
  36. partly answered
    Air TransportationMrs. Maria Mourani (Independent) asked Lisa Raitt (Conservative). substantive question.The answer references the transportation review covering airport governance but pivots to grain transport without addressing accountability mechanisms.As well, it will allow the chair of the committee to take a look at governance at our institutions, including airports in the country.