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Wednesday, January 27, 2016 · sitting No. 10
House resumes throne speech debate as opposition presses on jobs and Iran
The House spent the largest share of its sitting on the resumption of debate on the Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne. Bloc Québécois MP Marilène Gill said the speech omitted the word region and failed to address the needs of remote communities such as her own in Manicouagan. Liberal MP Kevin Lamoureux replied that the government is investing more in infrastructure than any previous administration.
In Question Period Conservative Leader Rona Ambrose asked why the government remained out of touch with Alberta workers after Statistics Canada reported the largest annual job losses since 1982. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the coming budget would include historic infrastructure spending to support growth and the middle class. New Democratic Party Leader Thomas Mulcair pressed the Prime Minister to restore the age of eligibility for old age security to 65 as promised during the campaign.
Conservative MP Tony Clement questioned the decision to lift sanctions on Iran while allies reconsidered new measures over ballistic missile tests. Trudeau said responsible engagement with Iran would highlight human rights concerns and sponsorship of terrorism.
Decided that day
- The Address to the Governor General was passed
- Bill C-210 was introduced
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 · 2016-01-27
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
International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Conservative MP Garnett Genuis said many of his relatives were among the six million Jews killed by the Nazis and that his grandmother survived after losing grandparents and cousins.
Read the exchangeInternational Adoptions
Conservative MP Michael Cooper urged the Prime Minister to call the president of the Democratic Republic of Congo to secure exit visas for 16 children adopted by Canadian families.
Read the exchangeCanada Post
NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair asked whether the Prime Minister would repeat his campaign pledge to save home mail delivery or admit the promise was already broken.
Read the exchangeIndigenous Affairs
NDP MP Romeo Saganash asked Finance Minister Bill Morneau whether the budget would fund the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ruling that found systematic discrimination against Indigenous children.
Read the exchangeEmployment Insurance
NDP MP Guy Caron called for a universal 360-hour eligibility threshold after noting that 38 per cent of contributors cannot access benefits.
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
- deflectedThe EconomyRona Ambrose (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer acknowledges concern but pivots to general infrastructure plans without addressing the accusation of being out of touch.
We look forward to putting forward a historic plan to invest in infrastructure to create growth and to support the middle class in this country as will be presented by the finance minister in his upcoming budget.
- deflectedThe EconomyRona Ambrose (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer restates campaign promises and concern without explaining refusal to take specific action on jobs.
We will be there to help them and all Canadians with our upcoming budget.
- partly answeredForeign AffairsRona Ambrose (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer addresses engagement with Iran and allies but does not resolve the inconsistency on when allies matter.
We will continue to work alongside our allies to ensure security in the world and to engage with Iran in a responsible way that highlights both the human rights abuses at home and its sponsorship of terrorism abroad.
- partly answeredForeign AffairsTony Clement (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer explains responsible engagement but does not directly address why sanctions are being lifted despite human rights issues.
We know that responsible engagement is one way of keeping everyone safe and protected.
- deflectedForeign AffairsTony Clement (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer reiterates general engagement policy without addressing the discrepancy with France's reported new sanctions.
It is through responsible, firm engagement that Canada has always had an impact in the world, and that is what we will continue to do in a thoughtful and responsible way.
- partly answeredCanada PostThomas Mulcair (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer addresses the moratorium promise but does not repeat the exact commitment to save home mail delivery.
We are working with Canadians and we are going to work with Canada Post in a responsible manner to ensure that Canadians get the services they need and want.
- misdirectedPensionsThomas Mulcair (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer corrects a factual point about OAS but attacks the questioner's facts instead of stating when the promise will be kept.
- answeredPensionsThomas Mulcair (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly states the retirement age will stay at 65 as promised.
We will therefore keep the retirement age at 65 as promised.
- deflectedPensionsThomas Mulcair (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.Addresses ongoing CPP work but avoids the direct question on broken promise or communications with the Premier.
Our Minister of Finance sat down with all finance ministers across the country to talk exactly about enhancing the CPP, as we have made that commitment.
- misdirectedForeign AffairsMaxime Bernier (Conservative) asked Stéphane Dion (Liberal). substantive question.Ignores the question on secret talks and instead attacks the asker about working for Airbus.
Here is a question for my hon. colleague. Why is he working for Airbus rather than for Bombardier?
- misdirectedForeign AffairsMaxime Bernier (Conservative) asked Stéphane Dion (Liberal). substantive question.Avoids explaining the policy change and instead accuses Conservatives of working for foreign industries.
I would ask the Conservatives to stop working for European and American industries and start working for Canadian industry.
- partly answeredForeign AffairsMr. Dean Allison (Conservative) asked Stéphane Dion (Liberal). substantive question.States opposition to Russian actions but does not address why sanctions on Russia are being considered.
Our government will always be against, and criticize, the Russian invasion and interference in Ukraine, and we will communicate that very clearly to the Government of Russia.
- deflectedForeign AffairsMr. Dean Allison (Conservative) asked Stéphane Dion (Liberal). loaded question.Restates prior answer and poses a counter-question instead of explaining the approach to Russia.
Would he say that all these countries are letting Ukraine down?
- deflectedForeign AffairsPeter Kent (Conservative) asked Stéphane Dion (Liberal). substantive question.Discusses general policy shift but does not confirm or deny intent to drop sanctions on Russia.
Canada is certainly able to keep the pressure on Russia and to engage Russia when it is in our common interest.
- answeredForeign AffairsPeter Kent (Conservative) asked Stéphane Dion (Liberal). substantive question.Directly corrects the misinterpretation and reaffirms condemnation of violence.
I said that we condemned the violence against Israeli people.
- answeredIndigenous AffairsMr. Romeo Saganash (NDP) asked Carolyn Bennett (Liberal). substantive question.Directly confirms that funding will be included in the budget to address the discrimination.
Yes, we will make significant investments in the future budget to try to rectify this injustice.
- deflectedGovernment AppointmentsMr. Charlie Angus (NDP) asked Carolyn Bennett (Liberal). loaded question.The answer ignores the specific criticism of Wernick's appointment and record and pivots to general statements about public service loyalty.
There is a new government here and the Clerk of the Privy Council is empowered to deliver the work that we promised in the past election, and he will do it.
- deflectedThe EconomyMr. John Barlow (Conservative) asked Jim Carr (Liberal). loaded question.The answer discusses job losses and sustainability but never addresses the claim that the minister only cares about his own job.
We can no longer talk about the economy without environmental sustainability.
- partly answeredThe EconomyMrs. Shannon Stubbs (Conservative) asked Bill Morneau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer acknowledges the impact on Alberta and outlines general measures but does not address whether the minister thinks Albertans are happy or refreshed.
we recognize that the change in oil prices has had a significant impact on Alberta.
- partly answeredThe EconomyMr. Blaine Calkins (Conservative) asked Bill Morneau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer recognizes job losses and challenges but does not respond to the accusation that the minister called the situation refreshing.
We recognize this is an extremely challenging situation.
- deflectedThe EconomyMrs. Kelly Block (Conservative) asked Bill Morneau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer focuses on general economic plans and does not address the call for the member to stand up for western jobs or break silence.
we are focused on how we can help Canadians across the country within a challenged global economy.
- partly answeredEmployment InsuranceMr. Guy Caron (NDP) asked MaryAnn Mihychuk (Liberal). substantive question.The answer acknowledges EI barriers and promises action but provides no timeline or commitment to the 360-hour threshold.
There are inherent barriers in the EI system that we promised to take care of and address immediately, and that will happen very soon.
- partly answeredEmployment InsuranceMs. Niki Ashton (NDP) asked MaryAnn Mihychuk (Liberal). substantive question.The answer states an intention to review EI unfairness but offers no immediate action or timeline for the 360-hour threshold.
It is our intention, as promised, to address it as soon as possible.
- deflectedPublic SafetyMichelle Rempel (Conservative) asked Ralph Goodale (Liberal). substantive question.The answer asserts transparency in the House but does not explain why government representatives declined the U.S. Senate hearing invitation.
This is the Parliament of Canada and this is where we respond to the questions, like Canadian security.
- answeredPublic SafetyMichelle Rempel (Conservative) asked Ralph Goodale (Liberal). loaded question.Directly refutes premise of hiding information and details security process.
there is absolutely nothing to hide because we have completely briefed the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- partly answeredImmigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMr. Bob Saroya (Conservative) asked John McCallum (Liberal). loaded question.Addresses housing concerns but ignores demand for apology.
Yes, in the course of accepting thousands of new Canadians everything will not be perfect at every instant and there are some issues in hotels, with which we are dealing.
- answeredImmigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMr. Bob Saroya (Conservative) asked John McCallum (Liberal). substantive question.Confirms policy and explains housing timeline as normal.
Yes, they are spending some time in hotels. That is normal for the process.
- partly answeredHealthMs. Sheri Benson (NDP) asked Jane Philpott (Liberal). substantive question.Affirms commitment to act but avoids yes/no on specific enforcement.
We will do all that is in our power to uphold that act.
- deflectedHealthMs. Brigitte Sansoucy (NDP) asked Jane Philpott (Liberal). substantive question.Emphasizes relationships over any concrete planned actions.
I will continue working with the health ministers across the country, including the health minister from Quebec
- deflectedGovernment AppointmentsMr. Chris Warkentin (Conservative) asked Lawrence MacAulay (Liberal). substantive question.Praises staff but sidesteps confirmation of clearances.
She is following the guidelines laid out by the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner and will fully comply with any advice provided by the non-partisan commissioner.
- deflectedGovernment AppointmentsMr. Chris Warkentin (Conservative) asked Lawrence MacAulay (Liberal). substantive question.Refers to public website instead of addressing charges directly.
As all members know, all appropriate information will be publicly available on the Ethics Commissioner's website.
- deflectedNatural ResourcesMr. Alexander Nuttall (Conservative) asked Jim Carr (Liberal). loaded question.Restates positive mandate without engaging accusation of opposition.
we realize that a very strong natural resource sector is important to the future of the Canadian economy.
- deflectedVeterans AffairsMr. Alupa Clarke (Conservative) asked Kent Hehr (Liberal). substantive question.The answer lists commitments without addressing deficits or long-term viability.
We have 15 different commitments that we have made to veterans to see them get the care, compassion, and respect they deserve for serving our country, whether that is through more opportunities in the workforce, more opportunities for education, or more opportunities for their families to succeed.
- deflectedSteel IndustryMr. Scott Duvall (NDP) asked Mr. Greg Fergus (Liberal). substantive question.The answer states only that the decision is being studied without committing to release the deal.
We are taking our time to study the decision, and we will be happy to follow the recommendations of the court.
- deflectedDemocratic ReformMr. Scott Reid (Conservative) asked Maryam Monsef (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses forming a committee but avoids the yes-or-no question on a referendum.
I will be working hard with my colleague, the government House leader, to convene a parliamentary committee to examine a wide range of electoral reform options, and it is not wise to predetermine the outcome of that consultation process.
- deflectedAgriculture and Agri-foodMr. Simon Marcil (Bloc) asked Lawrence MacAulay (Liberal). substantive question.The answer notes support for supply management but does not address rising milk protein imports.
I can assure my hon. colleague and the House that this government fully supports supply management.