Parliament AIIndependent · non-official

All sittings← 2015-05-282015-06-01 →

Friday, May 29, 2015 · sitting No. 220

Commons debates firearms licensing changes as economy shrinks

The House spent the largest share of its time on government orders debating Bill C-42, the Common Sense Firearms Licensing Act. Mrs. Maria Mourani said the bill would give the minister of public safety power over firearms classification and would change rules on licences, transport and marking of weapons. Mrs. Cathy McLeod said every imported firearm already carries unique identifiers and the United States has not ratified the arms trade treaty.

Question period featured repeated exchanges on the economy. Mr. David Christopherson noted first-quarter GDP shrank 0.6 per cent and asked when the government would present a plan to create jobs. Mr. Andrew Saxton said the government had created more than 1.2 million net new jobs since the recession and accused the Liberals of proposing a payroll-tax increase that would cost workers earning $60,000 an extra $1,000 a year.

NDP members pressed the government on addition-to-reserve delays and residential-school reconciliation. Ms. Niki Ashton asked why the minister had not signed treaty land entitlement orders for 15 Manitoba first nations and why the Prime Minister would not attend the final Truth and Reconciliation Commission event.

Decided that day

  • The Common Sense Firearms Licensing Act advanced in the House

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 · 2015-05-29

Government (Conservative)OppositionOver the day: government 50%, opposition 50% of the words spokenGovernment businessQuestion PeriodGovernment business▲ Government side held the floor▼ Opposition held the floorOpened 10:0511:0012:00Last speech 13:15Time of day, Ottawa · the House sat 3 h 10 min · each dot is a stretch of debate, placed at the minute it began
35One firearms bill inches forwardThe House spent most of its time on substantive topics and advanced the Common Sense Firearms Licensing Act one stage. Question period produced almost no direct answers.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

Transportation Safety

Mr. David Christopherson asked why Canada lagged behind the United States on Takata airbag recalls. Mr. Jeff Watson said Transport Canada had received no complaints and noted the government had passed recall-strengthening measures in 2014.

Read the exchange

Pensions

Ralph Goodale said three-quarters of private-sector workers lack a company pension and asked why the government would not work with the provinces on a real retirement-security plan. Mr. Andrew Saxton listed increases to the guaranteed income supplement and pension-income splitting.

Read the exchange

Science and Technology

Mr. Kennedy Stewart said a funding rule requiring old grants to expire before new ones begin was threatening research jobs at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute. Mike Lake said the government had increased funding to the granting councils by $5.4 billion since 2006.

Read the exchange

Infrastructure

Mr. Mike Sullivan said the rushed Canada 150 community infrastructure program left Ontario municipalities unable to match funds. Mr. Peter Braid said the program would preserve recreational facilities across the country.

Read the exchange

National Defence

Mr. Jack Harris asked whether the minister would consult Parliament before committing troops to the Baltics. Mr. Paul Calandra said the government had brought forward the practice of consulting Parliament on deployments.

Read the exchange

The Environment

John McKay asked what written commitments the minister had from provinces and industry to meet the 2030 emissions target. Leona Aglukkaq said the target aligned with those of other industrialized countries and would be met without a carbon tax.

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. answered
    Transportation SafetyMr. David Christopherson (NDP) asked Mr. Jeff Watson (Conservative). substantive question.The answer directly explains actions taken on recalls and notes no Canadian incidents.In 2014, we passed measures to strengthen Canada's recall system, measures which the member opposite and his party opposed.
  2. deflected
    The EconomyMr. David Christopherson (NDP) asked Mr. Andrew Saxton (Conservative). substantive question.The answer avoids the GDP question by attacking Liberals instead of addressing Conservative economic record.While we are focused on creating jobs, the Liberals are pushing a high-tax, high-debt agenda that will threaten jobs and set working families back.
  3. misdirected
    EmploymentMr. David Christopherson (NDP) asked Mr. Andrew Saxton (Conservative). substantive question.The answer denies the premise then pivots to attacking Liberals and NDP rather than addressing the minister's comments.the Minister of Finance said no such thing. He was talking about the situation in European countries like Greece and France where their liberal policies have resulted in out-of-control deficits and out-of-control spending.
  4. misdirected
    EmploymentMrs. Sadia Groguhé (NDP) asked Mr. Andrew Saxton (Conservative). substantive question.The answer denies the claim and shifts to criticizing opposition tax plans instead of addressing the minister's remarks.the Minister of Finance said no such thing. As I said, he was talking about the situation in European countries like Greece and France.
  5. deflected
    EmploymentMrs. Sadia Groguhé (NDP) asked Mr. Andrew Saxton (Conservative). substantive question.The answer acknowledges GDP drop but pivots to defending the low-tax plan and attacking Liberal proposals.this is a further indication of global economic uncertainty and how it is affecting Canada, which is why we must continue with our low-tax plan for jobs and growth, a plan that is working.
  6. deflected
    EmploymentJohn McCallum (Liberal) asked Mr. Andrew Saxton (Conservative). substantive question.The answer denies the minister's statement and redirects to global uncertainty and opposition tax plans.The GDP number is a further indication of global economic uncertainty, which is why we must continue with our low-tax plan for jobs and growth, a plan that is working.
  7. deflected
    EmploymentRalph Goodale (Liberal) asked Mr. Andrew Saxton (Conservative). substantive question.The answer ignores the GDP and job statistics cited and instead promotes government record while attacking Liberal tax ideas.Since coming to office, our government has had one of the best job creation records in the G7, and we are leading in economic growth.
  8. deflected
    PensionsRalph Goodale (Liberal) asked Mr. Andrew Saxton (Conservative). substantive question.The answer lists past Conservative measures for seniors but does not address the call for a new provincial plan on retirement security.it is our Conservative government that has fought for seniors. We have increased the GIS by the largest amount in a quarter century.
  9. deflected
    Aboriginal AffairsMs. Niki Ashton (NDP) asked Mr. Mark Strahl (Conservative). substantive question.The answer avoids the specific delay and signature request by pivoting to criticize NDP voting record.Every time we do, the NDP votes against it.
  10. partly answered
    Aboriginal AffairsMs. Niki Ashton (NDP) asked Mr. Mark Strahl (Conservative). substantive question.The answer addresses government representation at events but does not confirm Prime Minister attendance.the government will be represented at all TRC events.
  11. deflected
    Aboriginal AffairsMs. Niki Ashton (NDP) asked Mr. Mark Strahl (Conservative). loaded question.The answer restates the 2008 apology and general reconciliation without addressing funding disparities or second-class treatment claims.While we cannot undo the past, we can learn from it.
  12. misdirected
    Aboriginal AffairsMr. Jonathan Genest-Jourdain (NDP) asked Mr. Mark Strahl (Conservative). loaded question.The answer attacks the opposition's record instead of addressing whether the apology was sincere.Speaking of shoddy records, the opposition has a lot to answer for because every time we invest on reserve, if we try to give matrimonial property rights to women on reserve, if we try to bring up waste water and water standards on reserve, it is always there to oppose us.
  13. deflected
    Aboriginal AffairsMr. Romeo Saganash (NDP) asked Mr. Mark Strahl (Conservative). substantive question.The answer references the 2008 apology but does not confirm whether the Prime Minister will attend the closing events.the Prime Minister did make the first gesture of reconciliation on the floor of the House of Commons with his apology to residential school survivors, in 2008.
  14. deflected
    Science and TechnologyMs. Laurin Liu (NDP) asked Mike Lake (Conservative). substantive question.The answer highlights overall science funding but ignores the specific absurd funding conditions and muzzling claims.In fact, since 2006, we have provided more than $13 billion toward research, development, innovation, infrastructure, and Canadian talent, including $1.5 billion in economic action plan 2015 alone.
  15. deflected
    Science and TechnologyMr. Kennedy Stewart (NDP) asked Mike Lake (Conservative). substantive question.The answer lists funding increases but sidesteps the muzzling, cuts, and specific rule affecting the Toronto institute.Again, I ask the opposition parties to just once support us in these endeavours.
  16. misdirected
    InfrastructureMr. Mike Sullivan (NDP) asked Mr. Peter Braid (Conservative). loaded question.The answer dismisses the question as ridiculous and attacks the asker rather than addressing the rushed timeline or political motivation.
  17. deflected
    InfrastructureMs. Annick Papillon (NDP) asked Mr. Peter Braid (Conservative). rhetorical question.Answer compliments the question sarcastically then pivots to program benefits without addressing improvisation or deadlines.I know I speak on behalf of all members on this side of the House when I say we always appreciate the dramatic flare with which that member asks her questions.
  18. deflected
    InfrastructureStéphane Dion (Liberal) asked Mr. Peter Braid (Conservative). loaded question.Answer highlights interest and past G7 stats but ignores the claim of an election-timed rush and lack of consultation.Under the leadership of this Prime Minister , Canada has led all G7 countries with respect to investments in infrastructure as a percentage of GDP.
  19. misdirected
    InfrastructureMr. Adam Vaughan (Liberal) asked Mr. Peter Braid (Conservative). loaded question.Answer attacks the member's prior statements on speed instead of addressing inconsistent rules or lack of consultation.For months that member has been standing in his place, claiming that this government has not been moving quickly enough with respect to our infrastructure programs, and today, apparently, we are moving too quickly.
  20. deflected
    InfrastructureMr. Adam Vaughan (Liberal) asked Mr. Peter Braid (Conservative). loaded question.Answer restates program goals and dismisses the member rather than addressing the short deadline or pork-barrelling allegation.If that member wishes to forego both of those opportunities, that is his prerogative.
  21. deflected
    National DefenceMr. Jack Harris (NDP) asked Mr. Paul Calandra (Conservative). substantive question.Answer claims prior consultations occurred but avoids confirming whether Parliament was consulted first on the Baltics deployment.It is this government that, for the first time, brought forward the responsibility to consult Parliament with respect to military deployments, and we have done that on a number of occasions.
  22. misdirected
    National DefenceMs. Élaine Michaud (NDP) asked Mr. Paul Calandra (Conservative). loaded question.Answer shifts to ISIL debate and opposition voting record instead of addressing the promise to debate deployments in the House first.We know that both opposition parties voted against that deployment.
  23. misdirected
    Public Works and Government ServicesMs. Élaine Michaud (NDP) asked Diane Finley (Conservative). loaded question.Answer corrects alleged facts and lists equipment delivered while attacking the member's votes, without addressing the new committee or ship delays.Sadly, one thing that is consistent is that the member and her party voted against every one of these acquisitions.
  24. deflected
    Science and TechnologyMr. Guy Caron (NDP) asked Mike Lake (Conservative). substantive question.Answer ignores muzzling and cuts, pivots to budget praise and member's vote.I want to know why the hon. member voted against that.
  25. deflected
    Canada PostMr. Matthew Dubé (NDP) asked Mr. Jeff Watson (Conservative). substantive question.Answer avoids moratorium and consultation, shifts to mail volume and attacks NDP plan.In the meantime, the NDP plan for Canada Post will cost taxpayers half a billion dollars a year
  26. partly answered
    Canada PostMs. Rosane Doré Lefebvre (NDP) asked Mr. Jeff Watson (Conservative). substantive question.Answer notes consultations in five-point plan but does not address moratorium or sitting down with officials.It has a five-point plan to address that, which includes consultations with those whose postal delivery would be affected.
  27. deflected
    Canada PostMs. Charmaine Borg (NDP) asked Mr. Jeff Watson (Conservative). substantive question.Answer repeats pension figures and five-point plan, ignores moratorium request entirely.Canada Post needs to continue with its five-point plan.
  28. partly answered
    The EnvironmentJohn McKay (Liberal) asked Leona Aglukkaq (Conservative). loaded question.Answer states the target and approach but provides no written commitments or oil-sands offset details.We plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% below 2005 levels by 2030, which is a reduction of 225 megatonnes
  29. deflected
    Citizenship and ImmigrationMauril Bélanger (Liberal) asked Mr. Costas Menegakis (Conservative). substantive question.Answer refers to officials and offers private discussion instead of addressing deportation or temporary halt.I believe if the member feels strongly about this, he could speak to me for further details after question period.
  30. deflected
    TelecommunicationsMr. Mathieu Ravignat (NDP) asked Mike Lake (Conservative). substantive question.Answer highlights national program success but does not address connectivity failure in Chelsea.Last week the minister was pleased to announce that our government has exceeded the targets of the Connecting Canadians program.
  31. deflected
    EmploymentMr. Pierre Nantel (NDP) asked Mr. Andrew Saxton (Conservative). substantive question.Answer sympathizes then pivots to national job record and attacks opposition policies.Our Conservative government is focused on what matters to Canadians: jobs and economic growth.
  32. deflected
    HousingMs. Lise St-Denis (Liberal) asked Mike Lake (Conservative). substantive question.The answer states the issue is provincial and points elsewhere without addressing any federal plan.this member knows well that the pyrrhotite issue falls under provincial jurisdiction.
  33. deflected
    Citizenship and ImmigrationMrs. Sana Hassainia (Independent) asked Mr. Costas Menegakis (Conservative). substantive question.The answer explains immigration streams but ignores the voter list and tightening questions entirely.People have an opportunity to apply for the permanent residence cards through Canadian immigration streams.
  34. deflected
    HealthMs. Manon Perreault (Independent) asked Mrs. Cathy McLeod (Conservative). substantive question.The answer describes the settlement benefits but avoids naming who decided on the reduced amount or why.It is important to note that, as was announced just last week, there will be tax-free yearly payments based on need and that over 75% of the people will receive $75,000 to $100,000 tax free.
  35. deflected
    TaxationMr. Massimo Pacetti (Independent) asked Peter Van Loan (Conservative). substantive question.The answer highlights past tax measures but does not address future tariff reductions or a timeline.More importantly for Canadians is the fact that we have, in the most recent budget, doubled the sports and fitness tax credit, which we originally introduced.
  36. deflected
    TaxationMr. Massimo Pacetti (Independent) asked Peter Van Loan (Conservative). substantive question.The answer lists prior tariff cuts but does not explain the absence of new ones in budget 2015.Partly we have done it, of course, as part of our process of entering into free trade agreements, at an unprecedented level compared with any other government in Canadian history