All sittings← 2016-01-282016-02-01 →
Friday, January 29, 2016 · sitting No. 12
Commons opens second reading of middle-class tax cut bill
Finance Minister Bill Morneau moved second reading of Bill C-2, an act to amend the Income Tax Act, the main business of the sitting that consumed 41 per cent of the day. The bill would enact tax reductions that took effect on January 1 for nine million Canadians. Morneau told the House the measure forms the first step in a plan to strengthen the middle class and grow the economy.
Question period featured repeated exchanges on energy projects and resource development. Conservative MP Andrew Scheer pressed the government on new review rules for pipelines and accused it of adding delays that would cost jobs. Morneau replied that the changes aim to restore public confidence so projects can proceed.
Other exchanges covered the trans-Pacific partnership, union transparency laws and the First Nations Financial Transparency Act.
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 · 2016-01-29
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 Trade
NDP MP Peter Julian said independent studies show the TPP will cost thousands of jobs and increase inequality, and he asked the government to justify signing the agreement without an economic-impact study. Liberal MP David Lametti said the government is holding the consultations it promised during the election campaign.
Read the exchangeLabour
Conservative MP Luc Berthold asked why the government moved immediately to repeal two union-transparency bills on secret-ballot voting and union-boss accountability. Employment Minister MaryAnn Mihychuk said the measures were political instruments to attack the labour movement and lacked proper consultation.
Read the exchangeIndigenous Affairs
Conservative MP Cathy McLeod said the government had removed compliance measures from the First Nations Financial Transparency Act, leaving band members without access to basic information. Indigenous Services Minister Yvonne Jones replied that accountability will be achieved through partnership rather than a top-down approach.
Read the exchangeFinance
Conservative MP Karen Vecchio cited a $1-billion federal surplus for April to November and asked the finance minister to admit the previous government left a healthy surplus. Morneau said the previous government had miscalculated and left a deficit position.
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
- deflectedNatural ResourcesMr. Andrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Bill Morneau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer pivots to financial stabilization aid without addressing the specific claims about pipeline policy or job protection.
I spoke yesterday with the Alberta Minister of Finance to see how we could work together.
- deflectedNatural ResourcesMr. Andrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Bill Morneau (Liberal). loaded question.The response defends a new review process but avoids confirming or denying the advisor's statements or the intent to block projects.
We need to have a new process, a process that would engage Canadians, because we understand that Canadians need to have confidence in any measures we take.
- deflectedNatural ResourcesMr. Andrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Ms. Kim Rudd (Liberal). loaded question.The answer emphasizes general economic growth and process confidence without addressing whether Liberal MPs can vote freely on the motion.
The only way resources will get to new markets is if Canadians have confidence in the review process.
- partly answeredNatural ResourcesMr. Jacques Gourde (Conservative) asked Ms. Kim Rudd (Liberal). substantive question.The answer outlines the interim approach and consultations but does not explicitly commit to working directly with worried workers on Energy East.
This will allow for further consultation with indigenous peoples, communities, and our provincial and municipal partners.
- deflectedNatural ResourcesMr. Jacques Gourde (Conservative) asked Bill Morneau (Liberal). loaded question.The response highlights tax cuts and benefits instead of addressing leadership on Energy East or economic competence.
We have reduced taxes on nine million Canadians.
- partly answeredInternational TradeMr. Peter Julian (NDP) asked Mr. David Lametti (Liberal). substantive question.The answer notes ongoing consultations but does not provide any economic impact study or justification for signing.
During the campaign, we promised to undertake consultations. That is exactly what we are doing.
- deflectedInternational TradeMr. Peter Julian (NDP) asked Mr. David Lametti (Liberal). loaded question.The response reiterates the plan to consult after signing but sidesteps job loss concerns and the comparison to prior deals.
This deal will be studied in this Parliament, in front of parliamentary committees, and we will continue to consult Canadians from coast to coast to coast.
- answeredHuman RightsMs. Hélène Laverdière (NDP) asked Ms. Pam Goldsmith-Jones (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly explains that no decision has been made and outlines the current review of options for human rights promotion.
We are currently looking at our options on how best to build on the good work that has been accomplished in this area, and enhance our efforts to champion peaceful pluralism, respect for diversity, and human rights as a whole.
- partly answeredForeign AffairsMs. Hélène Laverdière (NDP) asked Ms. Pam Goldsmith-Jones (Liberal). substantive question.The answer indicates intent to accede but avoids a specific timeline.
we are more than pleased to be acceding to the treaty in due course.
- deflectedNatural ResourcesMrs. Shannon Stubbs (Conservative) asked Ms. Kim Rudd (Liberal). loaded question.The response discusses general policy without addressing the specific claim about importing vs. Canadian oil.
if we are going to attract investments, we need to sustainably develop our energy resources.
- deflectedNatural ResourcesMrs. Shannon Stubbs (Conservative) asked Ms. Kim Rudd (Liberal). substantive question.Responds with broad commitments rather than a specific plan or timeline.
The only way we have a long-term solution to this is to grow the economy, and we will do exactly that.
- answeredLabourMr. Luc Berthold (Conservative) asked MaryAnn Mihychuk (Liberal). loaded question.Provides the rationale for the repeal in response to the transparency question.
the reason for the repealing of the bills is that they were originally not formulated in accordance with democratic principles of consultation and need.
- partly answeredEthicsMr. Luc Berthold (Conservative) asked MaryAnn Mihychuk (Liberal). substantive question.Addresses the reimbursement for the mentioned incident but not the total for all events.
As soon as it was recognized, we complied with the election laws and reimbursed the money in total.
- deflectedIndigenous AffairsMrs. Cathy McLeod (Conservative) asked Ms. Yvonne Jones (Liberal). loaded question.Shifts to discussing partnership approach instead of addressing the specific action on the Act.
We are going to achieve this through full partnership in working with first nations leadership and organizations.
- misdirectedIndigenous AffairsMrs. Cathy McLeod (Conservative) asked Ms. Yvonne Jones (Liberal). loaded question.Focuses on ongoing reporting without addressing the compliance or court issue.
first nations governments will continue their long-standing reporting of their audited consolidated financial statements
- partly answeredThe EnvironmentMs. Linda Duncan (NDP) asked Mr. Jonathan Wilkinson (Liberal). substantive question.Indicates plans are being worked on but does not detail concrete actions taken.
We are working on plans in that regard.
- deflectedThe EnvironmentMr. Daniel Blaikie (NDP) asked Ms. Kim Rudd (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses general modernization plans but avoids the question of deciding without evidence or addressing stakeholder concerns.
We have put in interim principles to address those projects already in process, and we will work with our other ministries, such as the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and others, to make sure that we have robust protection for Canadians.
- misdirectedFinanceMrs. Karen Vecchio (Conservative) asked Bill Morneau (Liberal). substantive question.The response attacks the prior government's record instead of addressing the reported November surplus figure.
we had the challenging situation of coming into office after the previous government did not steward our economy effectively.
- misdirectedFinanceMrs. Karen Vecchio (Conservative) asked Bill Morneau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer pivots to criticizing past debt and promoting new policies rather than admitting or refuting the surplus claim.
the previous government racked up $150 billion in debt for the country.
- deflectedFinanceMr. Bob Zimmer (Conservative) asked Bill Morneau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer promotes the new benefit but does not address when the last UCCB cheques will arrive.
It is actually going to focus on those Canadians with children who need help.
- deflectedThe EnvironmentMr. Bob Zimmer (Conservative) asked Mr. Jonathan Wilkinson (Liberal). loaded question.The answer explains interim principles without engaging the premise of disdain for resource development or the delay impact.
They essentially are about re-establishing the confidence Canadians have in the process such that we can actually get to the point where our products can be exported.
- partly answeredCanadian Coast GuardMs. Rachel Blaney (NDP) asked Hunter Tootoo (Liberal). substantive question.The answer addresses safety but does not commit to keeping the Comox centre open as asked.
Through modern technology, we have been able to ensure that no communication gaps will be in place and we will still maintain that safety.
- partly answeredCanadian Coast GuardMr. Gord Johns (NDP) asked Hunter Tootoo (Liberal). substantive question.The answer reiterates safety priorities but does not commit to reopening the Tofino centre.
The technology we have included in the new system guarantees that safety, and it will always be there.
- partly answeredNational DefenceMr. Randy Hoback (Conservative) asked Harjit S. Sajjan (Liberal). substantive question.The answer notes ongoing training support but does not address providing additional defensive military equipment.
There are currently 200 of our great men and women working alongside the Ukrainian forces in a training role.
- partly answeredForeign AffairsMr. Randy Hoback (Conservative) asked Ms. Pam Goldsmith-Jones (Liberal). substantive question.The answer affirms support for Ukraine and caution on Russia but does not explicitly confirm sanctions enforcement.
With regard to Russia, until it demonstrates full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbours, then we are extremely cautious and completely aligned with the Ukraine.
- deflectedFinanceMr. Pat Kelly (Conservative) asked Bill Morneau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer addresses housing risks but ignores the spending comparison in the question.
I am pleased to say that we took action in December to deal with what we saw as pockets of risk in the Canadian housing market.
- deflectedIntergovernmental RelationsMr. Dan Albas (Conservative) asked Mr. Greg Fergus (Liberal). substantive question.The answer states priority without addressing any plan or mandate letter omission.
let me make it clear to the hon. member that interprovincial trade is an important priority for this government.
- partly answeredLabourMs. Sheri Benson (NDP) asked Scott Brison (Liberal). substantive question.The answer commits to good faith bargaining but does not specify restoring sick days or health provisions.
We will respect the bargaining process and negotiate in good faith.
- partly answeredOfficial LanguagesMr. François Choquette (NDP) asked Mr. Randy Boissonnault (Liberal). substantive question.The answer mentions a new roadmap and consultations but does not address specific listed issues like forms or tests.
Our government takes our country's official languages very seriously.
- misdirectedThe SenateMr. Scott Reid (Conservative) asked Mr. Mark Holland (Liberal). substantive question.The answer attacks past government record instead of addressing transparency or constitutional convention.
For 10 years, we saw broken promises, inaction, and incredible disappointment when it came from the Senate.
- misdirectedThe SenateMr. Scott Reid (Conservative) asked Mr. Mark Holland (Liberal). substantive question.The answer mocks the analogy and avoids the secrecy or Prime Minister control issue.
I find the comparison between an executive search for the greatest Canadians, many of whom are in sensitive jobs and in precarious situations to explore new forms of employment, to Hollywood movies, which obviously love promotion and love the fact that they are put out there.
- deflectedDemocratic ReformMr. Scott Reid (Conservative) asked Mr. Mark Holland (Liberal). loaded question.The answer highlights past failures and engagement plans but does not address the referendum or cynicism point.
The reality is that for over a decade we heard about transformation of our electoral system, or transformation of the Senate, yet we saw only great disappointment and broken promises.
- deflectedVeterans AffairsMrs. Cathay Wagantall (Conservative) asked Mrs. Karen McCrimmon (Liberal). loaded question.The answer reframes the card change as positive without addressing the claimed loss of existing veteran ID cards.
It will give them more options and it will provide more service.
- answeredForestry IndustryMr. Todd Doherty (Conservative) asked Mr. David Lametti (Liberal). substantive question.The response directly outlines actions taken on the softwood lumber file.
the softwood lumber dispute between Canada and the United States is a priority for our government.
- deflectedOfficial LanguagesMr. Mario Beaulieu (Bloc) asked Mr. Randy Boissonnault (Liberal). loaded question.The answer shifts focus to general bilingualism praise and prior government blame rather than the specific Quebec impact raised.
Our government is extremely proud of Canada's international reputation when it comes to official bilingualism.
- answeredOfficial LanguagesMr. Mario Beaulieu (Bloc) asked Mr. Randy Boissonnault (Liberal). loaded question.The response addresses the question by stating that bilingual status decisions rest with municipal governments.
The mayor and councillors of a city are the ones who decide on its bilingual status.
- deflectedSecuritiesMr. Xavier Barsalou-Duval (Bloc) asked Bill Morneau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer sidesteps the stripping accusation by emphasizing provincial choice and legal compliance.
We will respect the rights of all provinces to decide whether or not they would like to be part of a national securities regulator.