All sittings← 2016-05-132016-05-17 →
Monday, May 16, 2016 · sitting No. 56
House advances Air Canada bill to overhaul centres amid Quebec concerns
The House spent the largest share of the sitting on third reading of Bill C-10, which amends the Air Canada Public Participation Act to remove requirements that the airline maintain operational and overhaul centres in Winnipeg, Montreal and Mississauga. Liberal MP Jean-Yves Duclos told the House the changes would modernize the legislation while preserving jobs. Conservative MP Kelly Block pressed the government on why it had rejected a request from Quebec to delay the bill until litigation against Air Canada is complete.
Question period featured repeated opposition attacks on government advertising, tax administration and infrastructure delivery. Conservative MP Denis Lebel accused the Liberals of immediately breaking their own rules on partisan advertising with a video featuring the Prime Minister. NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair demanded an inquiry into alleged corruption at the Canada Revenue Agency and charged that infrastructure mismanagement had put a $350-million Université de Montréal project at risk of a one-year delay.
Liberal ministers Scott Brison, Diane Lebouthillier and Amarjeet Sohi defended the government record on each file, insisting new advertising policies had ended partisan spending and that talks with Quebec were continuing on both tax enforcement and infrastructure funding.
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 · 2016-05-16
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
Democratic Reform
Conservative MP Scott Reid urged the government to hold a national referendum on electoral reform, arguing only a vote in which every eligible Canadian participates would be truly inclusive. Democratic Institutions Minister Maryam Monsef replied that past referendums in Ontario and British Columbia had seen turnout below 50 per cent and said the government would use multiple modern consultation tools instead.
Read the exchangeJustice
Conservative MP Michael Cooper told the House that Chief Justice Wittmann of Alberta had warned sexual-assault and fraud cases were being thrown out because of judicial vacancies, and asked why Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould had made no appointments in six months. Wilson-Raybould said short-term measures would be announced soon and that a broader process would ensure the judiciary reflects Canada's diversity.
Read the exchangeInternational Trade
Conservative MP Todd Doherty said Liberal handling of the softwood-lumber file was driving mills and jobs south of the border and leaving small producers exposed to U.S. lobby pressure. Parliamentary Secretary David Lametti replied that the government had consulted every segment of the industry and remained committed to securing an agreement that protects Canadian workers.
Read the exchangeCriminal Code
Conservative MP Larry Miller moved second reading of Bill C-230, which would define "variant" in the Criminal Code as a firearm with an unmodified frame or receiver. NDP MP Murray Rankin questioned whether the change would weaken classification rules, while Miller said it would eliminate inconsistent interpretations that currently affect thousands of law-abiding owners.
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
- deflectedGovernment AdvertisingDenis Lebel (Conservative) asked Scott Brison (Liberal). loaded question.Answer explains policy but avoids addressing the specific video or rule-breaking claim.
That is not the case in this example.
- misdirectedGovernment AdvertisingDenis Lebel (Conservative) asked Scott Brison (Liberal). loaded question.Answer shifts to attacking Conservatives' past spending instead of addressing the ad rules.
That is a little rich for the Conservatives, who spent hundreds of millions of dollars in some cases advertising programs that did not exist
- misdirectedGovernment AdvertisingDenis Lebel (Conservative) asked Scott Brison (Liberal). loaded question.Answer defends policy but pivots to criticizing Conservatives' record rather than responding to the hypocrisy claim.
We brought in these new policies, which for the first time define clearly what is acceptable in terms of government advertising and what is not, in response to 10 years of taxpayer and power abuse of this under the Conservatives.
- partly answeredGovernment AdvertisingMr. Andrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Scott Brison (Liberal). substantive question.Answer directly states it was not paid advertising and defines the policy scope.
It is very clear as well that this was not paid government advertising, so the Conservatives should change their questions now having learned the truth on this.
- misdirectedGovernment AdvertisingMr. Andrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Scott Brison (Liberal). loaded question.Answer attacks Conservatives' past actions instead of confirming or addressing the self-promotion claim.
The Conservatives, who spent hundreds of millions of dollars promoting themselves in partisan advertising, abusing the taxpayer, abusing our democratic system, should be ashamed to attack a government that is actually cleaning up the mess that they left.
- deflectedCanada Revenue AgencyThomas Mulcair (NDP) asked Diane Lebouthillier (Liberal). substantive question.Answer notes seriousness of allegations but refuses to address the call for an inquiry due to ongoing investigation.
My colleague across the aisle knows very well that I cannot comment on any matter that is currently under police investigation.
- partly answeredCanada Revenue AgencyThomas Mulcair (NDP) asked Diane Lebouthillier (Liberal). substantive question.Answer addresses tax evasion efforts and Panama papers but does not confirm who is in charge or commit to an inquiry.
We now have it. This is a problem of global proportions. We are taking a close look at all the data we have today and will do the same with the data still to come.
- deflectedInfrastructureThomas Mulcair (NDP) asked Amarjeet Sohi (Liberal). loaded question.Answer shifts to positive remarks on Quebec relations instead of addressing infrastructure delays or CRA issues.
I am proud to say that we are building a very strong relationship with the Province of Quebec.
- deflectedInfrastructureThomas Mulcair (NDP) asked Amarjeet Sohi (Liberal). substantive question.The answer shifts to past funding shortfalls instead of addressing the timeline for starting the project.
when we look at the funding that was allocated to the province of Quebec in 2014, up until last October, zero dollars were delivered.
- deflectedDemocratic ReformMr. Scott Reid (Conservative) asked Maryam Monsef (Liberal). substantive question.The answer questions the value of referendums rather than explaining why one will not be held.
When Ontarians voted on electoral reform in 2007, nearly half did not vote.
- deflectedDemocratic ReformMr. Scott Reid (Conservative) asked Maryam Monsef (Liberal). substantive question.The answer attacks the Conservatives' approach instead of addressing the call for a referendum.
I am not surprised that talking to only half of Canadians is an acceptable approach for the Conservatives.
- deflectedDemocratic ReformMr. Blake Richards (Conservative) asked Maryam Monsef (Liberal). substantive question.The answer lists consultation methods but avoids confirming or denying a referendum.
We intend to use a multitude of methods, including the special committee, town halls by all MPs in their ridings, social media platforms, and additional processes
- deflectedDemocratic ReformMr. Blake Richards (Conservative) asked Maryam Monsef (Liberal). substantive question.The answer emphasizes committee process without answering whether a referendum will occur.
This government is committed to bringing all parties to the table to be part of this important dialogue at an all-party committee
- deflectedDemocratic ReformMr. Alain Rayes (Conservative) asked Maryam Monsef (Liberal). substantive question.The answer again contrasts turnout in past referendums rather than justifying the refusal of one.
In the last two electoral reform referenda, almost half of the population did not vote.
- deflectedDemocratic ReformMr. Alain Rayes (Conservative) asked Maryam Monsef (Liberal). substantive question.The answer challenges the opposition to suggest alternatives instead of defending the no-referendum stance.
I encourage them to bring forward ideas other than a referendum.
- partly answeredDemocratic ReformMr. Alexandre Boulerice (NDP) asked Maryam Monsef (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly addresses inclusion of other parties on the committee but sidesteps the core question of using a majority to force reform.
our proposed motion includes both the Bloc Québécois and the Green Party members on the committee.
- deflectedDemocratic ReformMr. Nathan Cullen (NDP) asked Maryam Monsef (Liberal). loaded question.The answer promotes collaboration without directly answering the yes-or-no commitment request.
If we are going to modernize our electoral system, if we are going to further connect constituents to this place, then we need to work together, set aside partisan interests, and deliver on the commitments that two-thirds of us made to Canadians this past election.
- partly answeredInternational TradeMr. Todd Doherty (Conservative) asked Mr. David Lametti (Liberal). loaded question.The answer addresses the negotiation timeline and priority but avoids specifics on protecting small producers.
We are within the negotiation period in which we will come out with a framework for this agreement.
- deflectedInternational TradeMr. Todd Doherty (Conservative) asked Mr. David Lametti (Liberal). loaded question.The answer attacks the question's premise as misleading rather than addressing job protection directly.
It is completely misleading to say that we are not aware of what is happening in the industry.
- partly answeredNatural ResourcesCandice Bergen (Conservative) asked Ms. Kim Rudd (Liberal). loaded question.The answer notes support for the sector and the NEB process but does not address driving investment out.
The government has put in a transparent process with the National Energy Board that needs to run its course, so we ensure we have environmental protection for our country and the confidence of Canadians moving forward.
- deflectedNatural ResourcesCandice Bergen (Conservative) asked Ms. Kim Rudd (Liberal). loaded question.The answer praises the sector and balances economy with environment without addressing reputation or policy impacts.
We recognize that in order for our economy to grow and the oil and gas sector to be part of that, we need to ensure that the economy and the environment go hand and hand.
- partly answeredEmployment InsuranceMr. Erin Weir (NDP) asked Jean-Yves Duclos (Liberal). substantive question.The answer explains the criteria and recent extensions but does not address why Regina was excluded.
Recent results have shown that three additional regions have met the existing definition of a sharp and sustained economic downturn.
- partly answeredEmployment InsuranceMs. Niki Ashton (NDP) asked Jean-Yves Duclos (Liberal). loaded question.The answer references mandate and recent announcements but does not address broken promises or specific regions.
Just a few days ago, we announced that three further regions would be eligible for important enhancements in the EI system.
- answeredJusticeMr. Michael Cooper (Conservative) asked Jody Wilson-Raybould (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly addresses judicial vacancies and outlines short-term and comprehensive appointment plans.
We are moving forward to ensure that we have short-term procedures in place to fill some of the most needed vacancies, while ensuring we have a comprehensive process that will diversify the judiciary across the country.
- partly answeredJusticeMr. Michael Cooper (Conservative) asked Jody Wilson-Raybould (Liberal). loaded question.Addresses vacancies but pivots to diversity without a timeline for appointments.
we will be moving forward with short-term vacancies in the very near future
- answeredHealthMr. Colin Carrie (Conservative) asked Jane Philpott (Liberal). loaded question.Directly corrects the false premise on Tylenol and explains the evidence-based heroin policy.
there is no attempt to ban the sales of acetaminophen or Tylenol from pharmacy shelves
- deflectedHealthMr. Colin Carrie (Conservative) asked Jane Philpott (Liberal). loaded question.Ignores the specific Tylenol and heroin claims to restate general drug policy principles.
Our approach to drug policy in the country is firmly founded on the best scientific evidence
- partly answeredCBC/Radio-CanadaMr. Pierre Nantel (NDP) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). substantive question.Acknowledges the secrecy concern but only promises future transparency without addressing current practices.
the process must be independent, open, and transparent
- partly answeredDisaster AssistanceMs. Georgina Jolibois (NDP) asked Ms. Yvonne Jones (Liberal). substantive question.States general engagement and support but provides no specific plan for northern Saskatchewan communities.
We are there to help and support wherever possible
- deflectedIndigenous AffairsMrs. Cathy McLeod (Conservative) asked Ms. Yvonne Jones (Liberal). loaded question.Avoids the veto question by restating that consultation and development are complementary.
we do not see any agreements or working relationships with indigenous people as an impediment to resource development in Canada
- deflectedIndigenous AffairsMrs. Cathy McLeod (Conservative) asked Ms. Kim Rudd (Liberal). loaded question.Restates consultation priority without answering yes or no on veto for UNDRIP implementation.
resource development cannot go through unless there is consultation and negotiation with all communities involved
- misdirectedAgriculture and Agri-FoodMr. Chris Warkentin (Conservative) asked Lawrence MacAulay (Liberal). substantive question.Answers about food safety inspection instead of addressing intervention on the hog virus spread.
the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food and the CFIA will inspect food and ensure it is safe for consumers in the country
- deflectedParks CanadaMr. Jim Eglinski (Conservative) asked Mr. Jonathan Wilkinson (Liberal). loaded question.The answer offers discussion but provides no plan or action on the beetle issue.
As I have offered to him in the past, I am more than happy to have a conversation about issues relating to Jasper National Park.
- deflectedThe EnvironmentMs. Anne Minh-Thu Quach (NDP) asked Hunter Tootoo (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses process and reports but does not address when funds or pollutant info will be provided.
A discussion paper will be done this month and the mid-term report will follow next month.
- partly answeredConsular AffairsMr. Garnett Genuis (Conservative) asked Mr. Omar Alghabra (Liberal). substantive question.The answer affirms engagement and consular work but does not confirm high-level PM involvement with North Korea.
We are highly engaged on this file and we will not stop until Mr. Lim is back home.
- answeredAerospace IndustryMr. Simon Marcil (Bloc) asked Navdeep Bains (Liberal). loaded question.The answer directly rejects the premise of dismantling Bombardier and states the government's supportive intent.
- deflectedPhysician-Assisted DyingMr. Luc Thériault (Bloc) asked Jody Wilson-Raybould (Liberal). loaded question.The answer defends the bill's balance but does not address the accusation of lacking courage.
We are committed to ensuring that we move forward with Bill C-14 , to hear robust dialogue and debate, and to ensure that we strike the right balance between ensuring personal autonomy and doing as much as we can to protect the vulnerable.
- deflectedDemocratic ReformMr. Rhéal Fortin (Bloc) asked Maryam Monsef (Liberal). loaded question.The answer defends the motion as respectful but does not address when or how the PM will respect the parliamentary system.
The proposed motion includes both the Bloc and the Green Party at the table, which goes beyond the normal practice for unrecognized parties.