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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

Government (Liberal)OppositionOver the day: government 47%, opposition 53% of the words spokenQuestion PeriodSpeech from the Throne▲ Government side held the floor▼ Opposition held the floorOpened 14:0515:0016:0017:00Last speech 18:30Time of day, Ottawa · the House sat 4 h 25 min · each dot is a stretch of debate, placed at the minute it began
43Debate dominates, one address sails throughThe sitting devoted most time to resuming debate on the Address in Reply, with only a small share of words on substantive business and many Question Period answers deflected. One recorded vote passed the Address while a single bill was introduced.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

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 exchange

International 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 exchange

Canada 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 exchange

Indigenous 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 exchange

Employment 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 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
    The 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.
  2. deflected
    The 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.
  3. partly answered
    Foreign 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.
  4. partly answered
    Foreign 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.
  5. deflected
    Foreign 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.
  6. partly answered
    Canada 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.
  7. misdirected
    PensionsThomas 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.
  8. answered
    PensionsThomas 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.
  9. deflected
    PensionsThomas 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.
  10. misdirected
    Foreign 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?
  11. misdirected
    Foreign 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.
  12. partly answered
    Foreign 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.
  13. deflected
    Foreign 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?
  14. deflected
    Foreign 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.
  15. answered
    Foreign 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.
  16. answered
    Indigenous 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.
  17. deflected
    Government 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.
  18. deflected
    The 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.
  19. partly answered
    The 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.
  20. partly answered
    The 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.
  21. deflected
    The 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.
  22. partly answered
    Employment 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.
  23. partly answered
    Employment 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.
  24. deflected
    Public 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.
  25. answered
    Public 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
  26. partly answered
    Immigration, 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.
  27. answered
    Immigration, 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.
  28. partly answered
    HealthMs. 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.
  29. deflected
    HealthMs. 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
  30. deflected
    Government 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.
  31. deflected
    Government 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.
  32. deflected
    Natural 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.
  33. deflected
    Veterans 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.
  34. deflected
    Steel 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.
  35. deflected
    Democratic 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.
  36. deflected
    Agriculture 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.