All sittings← 2016-02-032016-02-05 →
Thursday, February 4, 2016 · sitting No. 16
Conservatives move supply motion affirming fiscal surplus
The House spent most of the sitting on a Conservative opposition motion under government orders that thanks Finance Department officials for their work and notes the $1-billion surplus recorded in the April-to-November 2015 period. Lisa Raitt moved the motion and argued the previous government had managed the economy prudently. Scott Brison replied that the Conservatives had inherited and then squandered a larger surplus, while Peter Julian said both major parties had poor records on deficits.
Question period featured repeated exchanges on energy projects and the National Energy Board process. Rona Ambrose asked whether the Liberal cabinet would approve projects that clear the new review, and Bill Morneau said the government would focus on getting resources to tidewater.
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 · 2016-02-04
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
Port of Québec
Rona Ambrose pressed for a decision on ferry and walkway projects at the Port of Québec, and Marc Garneau said a decision would come soon.
Read the exchangeJustice
Thomas Mulcair said the Justice Department had denied claims by thousands of residential school survivors on a technicality, and Jody Wilson-Raybould said officials had been instructed to ensure the settlement is implemented fairly.
Read the exchangeInternational Trade
Thomas Mulcair asked whether Ottawa would compensate provinces for higher public drug plan costs under the TPP, and David Lametti said Parliament would study the agreement before any ratification decision.
Read the exchangeForeign Investment
Alexandre Boulerice called for release of the net-benefit review of the Rona takeover, and Navdeep Bains said the Investment Canada Act process would be followed.
Read the exchangeHealth
Harold Albrecht asked when the federal framework on suicide prevention would be released, and Jane Philpott said an almost final version was ready.
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
- partly answeredPort of QuébecRona Ambrose (Conservative) asked Marc Garneau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer acknowledges the port's importance but only states they are examining the request without providing the requested assurance.
We are examining this request and will make a decision in the near future.
- deflectedNatural ResourcesRona Ambrose (Conservative) asked Bill Morneau (Liberal). substantive question.The response criticizes the previous government's record instead of answering the yes or no question about future approvals.
we find it pretty ironic that members on the opposite side, who were not able to get resources to tidewater over nine years, are talking about what we are trying to do.
- deflectedNatural ResourcesRona Ambrose (Conservative) asked Bill Morneau (Liberal). substantive question.The response again attacks the prior government's record rather than answering the yes or no question on project approvals.
The real problem is that the Conservatives were not able to do anything over nine years getting resources to market.
- partly answeredRegional Economic DevelopmentMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Navdeep Bains (Liberal). substantive question.Provides assurance of a timely response but does not confirm a positive decision or meet the March 31 deadline specifically.
we will provide it with a timely response in regard to funding.
- deflectedRegional Economic DevelopmentMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Navdeep Bains (Liberal). substantive question.The answer lists broad economic priorities without addressing the specific funding commitments or timeline for Quebec City institutions.
our number one priority is the economy.
- partly answeredJusticeThomas Mulcair (NDP) asked Jody Wilson-Raybould (Liberal). substantive question.Commits to finding options to remedy but does not address the request for an apology or immediate compensation.
I have instructed my hard-working and dedicated officials to come up with options to remedy this situation
- deflectedInternational TradeThomas Mulcair (NDP) asked Mr. David Lametti (Liberal). substantive question.Discusses the study and consultation process without answering whether compensation will be provided.
We will certainly examine the impact on various sectors, and we will look not only at the challenges, but also at the solutions should we decide to ratify the agreement.
- partly answeredInternational TradeThomas Mulcair (NDP) asked Mr. David Lametti (Liberal). substantive question.Explains the ratification process and ongoing study but does not justify the signing or address the specific concerns about jobs and innovation.
The important thing is whether we ratify the agreement. Signing it does not mean much; ratifying it does.
- deflectedInternational TradeThomas Mulcair (NDP) asked Mr. David Lametti (Liberal). loaded question.The answer addresses secret negotiation but avoids the core question on signing away changes by shifting to the asker's prior actions.
it is true that the previous government negotiated this accord in secret, but it is also true that the hon. member for Outremont decided not to support the agreement without even having read it.
- partly answeredFinanceLisa Raitt (Conservative) asked Bill Morneau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses consultations held but does not confirm whether the minister will appear before the committee.
I can say that I have done an enormous number of pre-budget consultations across this country, in actuality from coast to coast.
- deflectedFinanceLisa Raitt (Conservative) asked Bill Morneau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer references last year's timing and ongoing listening but avoids stating when the budget will be delivered.
We will get to the budget as expeditiously as we can, recognizing our challenging economic environment.
- misdirectedFinanceMr. Luc Berthold (Conservative) asked Bill Morneau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer attacks the Conservatives' claim rather than confirming confidence in officials or acknowledging the surplus figure.
the only people who believe that the previous Conservative government left a surplus are the Conservatives themselves.
- deflectedFinanceMr. Luc Berthold (Conservative) asked Bill Morneau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer criticizes past Conservative spending but does not specify the size of the projected Liberal deficit.
it is particularly ironic that members from a party that inherited a $13 billion surplus from a Liberal government in 2006 and then added $150 billion in debt to Canadians are talking to us about this.
- deflectedTaxationMaxime Bernier (Conservative) asked Bill Morneau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer highlights middle-class tax cuts but avoids addressing the New Brunswick example or stubbornness on tax policy.
we actually lowered taxes on nine million Canadians.
- deflectedTaxationMaxime Bernier (Conservative) asked Bill Morneau (Liberal). rhetorical question.The answer restates the government's plan without engaging the question on realizing that taxing is not a solution.
We reduced taxes on the middle class, which will stimulate the economy while helping nine million Canadians.
- partly answeredInternational TradeMs. Tracey Ramsey (NDP) asked Mr. David Lametti (Liberal). loaded question.The answer explains signing to allow study time but does not address trust in consultations or job impacts directly.
we signed the agreement precisely to give us the time to look at the accord, to look at the treaty in depth, to study it, to get the proper studies done, to do this work through our parliamentary committee.
- deflectedInternational TradeMs. Cheryl Hardcastle (NDP) asked Navdeep Bains (Liberal). substantive question.The answer acknowledges auto sector jobs but shifts to unrelated government actions without addressing TPP concerns or consultation.
The bottom line is that we understand the importance of the automotive sector.
- misdirectedGovernment AppointmentsMr. Blaine Calkins (Conservative) asked Dominic LeBlanc (Liberal). substantive question.The answer attacks the previous government instead of identifying specific performance problems with reappointed members.
This is a case of projection. The real scandal is on that side of the House and the Conservatives are somehow trying to project it over here.
- misdirectedGovernment AppointmentsMr. Blaine Calkins (Conservative) asked Dominic LeBlanc (Liberal). loaded question.The answer counters by attacking the prior government's actions toward the chief justice rather than addressing tribunal interference claims.
Canadians were shocked, and international jurists were shocked, when the former government tried to publicly intimidate the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Canada.
- answeredDemocratic ReformMichael Chong (Conservative) asked Dominic LeBlanc (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly clarifies the distinction between caucus and cabinet votes and references prior compliance statements.
A caucus vote is different from a cabinet vote, and the member has been in cabinet and he knows that cabinet does not vote.
- deflectedDemocratic ReformMichael Chong (Conservative) asked Dominic LeBlanc (Liberal). substantive question.The answer offers general praise for the minister without confirming compliance with section 49 or outlining specific actions.
The hon. member can be assured that at all times ministers, members of the caucus and, surely he would agree, all members of Parliament uphold the rule of law.
- partly answeredInternational TradeMs. Brigitte Sansoucy (NDP) asked Mr. David Lametti (Liberal). substantive question.The answer addresses the ratification timeline and future work with sectors but does not explain why the deal is being signed despite job and farm concerns.
Should we ratify the agreement, we will work with the sectors affected.
- answeredForeign InvestmentMr. Alexandre Boulerice (NDP) asked Navdeep Bains (Liberal). substantive question.The answer explains the Investment Canada Act review process and net benefit analysis triggered by the transaction size.
Any transaction over $600 million automatically triggers a net benefit analysis.
- deflectedForeign AffairsMr. James Bezan (Conservative) asked Stéphane Dion (Liberal). loaded question.The answer emphasizes team coordination without resolving the contradictions in the anti-ISIS plan details raised.
It is why we are working very hard to have an integrated plan with the Minister of National Defence
- deflectedForeign AffairsMr. James Bezan (Conservative) asked Harjit S. Sajjan (Liberal). loaded question.The answer avoids the specific question about climate change causing terrorists by discussing general conflict complexities.
as we know, in the complexities of conflict, we have to look at many different aspects of what causes it.
- deflectedForeign AffairsMr. Pierre Paul-Hus (Conservative) asked Stéphane Dion (Liberal). substantive question.The answer states a plan was well received but refuses to share any details.
I cannot provide any details, as the Prime Minister will share the details with us and all Canadians, right here in Canada.
- deflectedForeign AffairsMr. Pierre Paul-Hus (Conservative) asked Harjit S. Sajjan (Liberal). loaded question.The answer avoids the climate change question by restating the need to be smart in fighting threats.
I will be taking the time to ensure that we get the right capabilities in the right areas at the right time so we can fight this terrorist threat.
- partly answeredInternational TradeMr. Don Davies (NDP) asked Jane Philpott (Liberal). substantive question.The answer acknowledges high drug prices and a mandate to address them but does not explain the TPP decision.
Part of my mandate is to address the rising cost of drugs to ensure that prescription medicine is affordable and available to Canadians who need it.
- deflectedInternational TradeMr. Daniel Blaikie (NDP) asked Mr. David Lametti (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses consultations and committee work but does not address urging changes to the TPP.
We are taking all of this into consideration. That will be the work of the committee.
- partly answeredForeign AffairsPeter Kent (Conservative) asked Stéphane Dion (Liberal). loaded question.The answer claims the position is clear and accuses the asker of confusion while restating support for Ukraine.
It is only my colleague who is a bit confused.
- misdirectedForeign AffairsPeter Kent (Conservative) asked Stéphane Dion (Liberal). loaded question.The answer quotes praise from Ukraine's PM instead of addressing the question about leaving defence to others.
I believe Canada will be direct, strong, and firm in its pressure on Russia.
- partly answeredPublic SafetyErin O'Toole (Conservative) asked Mr. Robert Oliphant (Liberal). substantive question.The answer notes a process for considering issues but does not explain why the study was blocked.
Every issue dealing with the safety and security of Canadians will be considered seriously.
- answeredHealthMr. Harold Albrecht (Conservative) asked Jane Philpott (Liberal). substantive question.The answer states the framework is nearly complete and offers to discuss details.
In fact, I have just seen an almost final copy of that framework.
- deflectedDemocratic ReformMr. Nathan Cullen (NDP) asked Maryam Monsef (Liberal). substantive question.The answer avoids agreeing to the specific multi-party proposal and instead urges general cooperation.
I urge all members of the House to adopt the same principle and work with us as we enhance our democratic institutions and serve the best interests of Canadians.
- partly answeredPersons with DisabilitiesPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Carla Qualtrough (Liberal). substantive question.The answer expresses support and intent but does not confirm reintroduction of the legislation.
I look forward to bringing this to the House.
- deflectedForeign InvestmentMr. Xavier Barsalou-Duval (Bloc) asked Navdeep Bains (Liberal). substantive question.The answer describes the review process without committing to protecting jobs or head office.
We will make sure that we have the appropriate resources and process in place to do the analysis.
- deflectedForeign InvestmentMr. Gabriel Ste-Marie (Bloc) asked Navdeep Bains (Liberal). substantive question.The answer emphasizes following the existing process without agreeing to impose specific conditions.
The bottom line is that jobs are important and making sure that we have the best interests of Canadians is important.
- answeredBusiness of the HouseMr. Andrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Dominic LeBlanc (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly lists the planned business for the specified periods.
This afternoon, we will continue debate on the Conservative Party's opposition motion.