Parliament AIIndependent · non-official

All sittings← 2017-02-092017-02-13 →

Friday, February 10, 2017 · sitting No. 138

Commons advances Canada-Ukraine free trade bill at third reading

The House spent the largest share of the sitting on government orders for the Canada-Ukraine free trade agreement implementation act. Minister of International Trade François-Philippe Champagne told members the agreement reduces tariffs and non-tariff barriers while adding chapters on transparency and anti-corruption. NDP MP Wayne Stetski said his party supports the bill at third reading because it contains labour and environment provisions and omits investor-state dispute settlement.

In question period Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre pressed the government on carbon taxes and deficits, saying the finance minister had hidden long-term projections. Liberal MP Jean-Yves Duclos replied that the government had cut middle-class taxes and raised taxes on the top one per cent. NDP MP Murray Rankin accused the prime minister of spreading misinformation on electoral reform and breaking a promise to change the voting system.

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 · 2017-02-10

Government (Liberal)OppositionOver the day: government 43%, opposition 57% of the words spokenGovernment businessQuestion PeriodGovernment business▲ Government side held the floor▼ Opposition held the floorOpened 10:0511:0012:0013:00Last speech 13:30Time of day, Ottawa · the House sat 3 h 25 min · each dot is a stretch of debate, placed at the minute it began
35Another sitting that went nowhereThe sitting devoted nearly half its time to debate on the Canada-Ukraine free trade bill, yet no bills advanced and no votes were held. Question period produced mostly deflected answers and little concrete progress on other topics.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

Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act

Liberal MP Marilyn Gladu asked Champagne how the agreement would prevent corrupt deals; Champagne said the transparency chapter requires legislation making bribery a criminal offence.

Read the exchange

National Defence

Conservative MP John Brassard asked the government to ban mefloquine for Canadian forces after allies had done so; Parliamentary Secretary Jean Rioux said the drug's use is under review.

Read the exchange

Health

NDP MP Rachel Blaney said the government had broken its promise to invest immediately in home care and was now blaming the provinces; Liberal MP Joël Lightbound said new transfers would exceed inflation and include dedicated mental-health and home-care funds.

Read the exchange

Public Services and Procurement

Conservative MP Kelly McCauley said 80 per cent of maternity and disability payments under Phoenix were late; Parliamentary Secretary Steven MacKinnon said the government inherited the system and was fixing it.

Read the exchange

Sealing Industry

Conservative MP David Yurdiga asked the prime minister to press the European Union to lift its sealskin ban when he visits; Dominic LeBlanc said the government supports the sustainable hunt and will promote Canadian seal products.

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
    TaxationPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Jean-Yves Duclos (Liberal). loaded question.The answer pivots to general sustainability and middle-class support without addressing taxes or job losses.All members of the House also know that it is important in that process to work toward sustainable development, development that will create clean growth, clean air, and clean water for this generation and future generations.
  2. deflected
    TaxationPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Ginette Petitpas Taylor (Liberal). loaded question.The answer claims transparency and sustainability but ignores the censorship allegation and deficit projections.The reports, which we tabled in an open and transparent way, show that our fiscal situation is sustainable over the long term.
  3. misdirected
    TaxationPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Jean-Yves Duclos (Liberal). loaded question.The answer shifts to unrelated tax cuts and benefits instead of addressing military tax increases or spending.One thing that is certainly well known is that we have put into place a reduction in middle-class taxes, benefiting nine million middle-class taxpayers, and increasing taxes on the top 1% of Canadians.
  4. deflected
    FinanceMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Ginette Petitpas Taylor (Liberal). substantive question.The answer asserts long-term sustainability but avoids explaining the 10-week delay in releasing the report.The update of long-term economic and fiscal projections shows that our government's fiscal situation is sustainable over the long term.
  5. deflected
    FinanceMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Ginette Petitpas Taylor (Liberal). loaded question.The answer repeats middle-class priorities without addressing the hypocrisy claim or delayed release.Our government implemented the middle-class tax cut, we created the Canada child benefit, and we have helped seniors.
  6. misdirected
    Democratic ReformMr. Murray Rankin (NDP) asked Karina Gould (Liberal). rhetorical question.The answer ignores the electoral reform promise and Harper reference, pivoting to general democratic improvements.Fundraising will be done in a more open and transparent manner in order to ensure that Canadians who are eligible to vote can do so.
  7. deflected
    Democratic ReformMr. Murray Rankin (NDP) asked Karina Gould (Liberal). loaded question.The answer focuses on combating cynicism broadly without addressing the broken promise or 39% vote claim.Our job, as I have said time and time before, as leaders in our communities, as politicians, and those who care and are deeply embedded in the democratic process, is to do all that we can to combat cynicism, to encourage citizens to participate, and to ensure that everybody who has the right to vote has access to that vote.
  8. partly answered
    Indigenous AffairsMr. Romeo Saganash (NDP) asked Ms. Yvonne Jones (Liberal). substantive question.The answer affirms the five-year commitment and notes 18 advisories lifted but does not fully engage the Suzuki report flaws.In terms of the Suzuki report released yesterday, I think it is important to note that our government stands by our commitment to end long-term drinking water advisories within five years.
  9. deflected
    Indigenous AffairsMr. Romeo Saganash (NDP) asked Ms. Yvonne Jones (Liberal). substantive question.The answer restates the inquiry launch without explaining any changes to the process for transparency or inclusivity.In August of 2016, we announced the terms of reference that would guide the inquiry, and the five commissioners who have been appointed are now leading that process.
  10. deflected
    HousingMr. Dan Albas (Conservative) asked Ginette Petitpas Taylor (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses stress tests and housing strategy instead of addressing CMHC insurance changes for refinancing.Our government is also taking a long-term view of the way that the mortgage markets are functioning, by reviewing the distribution of risk in mortgage lending.
  11. partly answered
    FinanceMr. Joël Godin (Conservative) asked Ginette Petitpas Taylor (Liberal). loaded question.The answer addresses the tax and benefit claims but ignores broken promises, job creation, and debt.Nine million Canadians benefited from that tax break, and yet the member's party voted against that bill.
  12. deflected
    Natural ResourcesMrs. Shannon Stubbs (Conservative) asked Ms. Kim Rudd (Liberal). substantive question.The answer promotes carbon pricing and environmental measures instead of addressing phasing out energy production or championing jobs.We said that major pipelines could only get built if we had a price on carbon pollution and strong environmental protection in place.
  13. deflected
    Small BusinessMrs. Sylvie Boucher (Conservative) asked Ms. Gudie Hutchings (Liberal). loaded question.The answer highlights tourism and infrastructure spending without addressing overtaxing SMEs or job impacts.They are proud of the work that they do, especially in the tourism industry where we have seen a boom of $90 billion this summer for 192,000 small and medium-sized businesses.
  14. partly answered
    Small BusinessMs. Marilyn Gladu (Conservative) asked Mr. David Lametti (Liberal). substantive question.The answer cites one local investment but does not address the carbon tax, regulations, or broader infrastructure delays.I thank the hon. member for her question, because it gives me an opportunity to remind the House that we have invested $12 million in Sarnia—Lambton, in Bioindustrial Innovation Canada, for 478 jobs.
  15. partly answered
    InfrastructureMs. Dianne L. Watts (Conservative) asked Mr. Marc Miller (Liberal). substantive question.The answer notes approved projects but does not explain why only one has started construction or address fast-tracking funds.In Alberta, we have approved 127 projects, which compares favourably to five projects announced in 2014 and two projects in 2013.
  16. deflected
    Democratic ReformMs. Anne Minh-Thu Quach (NDP) asked Karina Gould (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses youth voting register instead of addressing the broken promise on electoral reform.What is more, we introduced Bill C-33 , which will create a register of young Canadians between the ages of 14 and 17.
  17. deflected
    Democratic ReformMs. Anne Minh-Thu Quach (NDP) asked Karina Gould (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses general democratic debate without addressing the electoral reform promise or the Liberal McGill group's criticism.That is what we will continue to do to improve and strengthen the democratic tradition that we have here in Canada.
  18. partly answered
    National DefenceMr. Pierre Paul-Hus (Conservative) asked Mr. Jean Rioux (Liberal). substantive question.The answer acknowledges the concern and states a commitment to review compensation but does not directly address the accusation of misleading or taking away benefits.we are committed to taking care of our soldiers, including their compensation.
  19. deflected
    National DefenceMr. Pierre Paul-Hus (Conservative) asked Mr. Jean Rioux (Liberal). substantive question.The answer quotes the opposition and restates the minister's position without addressing the specific pay cut or consent to the policy.The defence minister is a proud veteran, and he knows better than anyone how important danger pay is not just for our brave men and women in uniform but for their families back at home as well.
  20. partly answered
    Veterans AffairsMrs. Cathay Wagantall (Conservative) asked Mrs. Sherry Romanado (Liberal). substantive question.The answer notes services available but does not address creating a national registry for mefloquine toxicity.We provide a range of services and programs to promote the welfare of those who become ill or injured in the line of duty, including disability and related health care benefits, rehabilitation services, financial benefits, and support to families.
  21. partly answered
    National DefenceMr. John Brassard (Conservative) asked Mr. Jean Rioux (Liberal). substantive question.The answer affirms the importance of health and notes a review but does not address banning mefloquine or directing the minister as asked.The use of mefloquine in the Canadian Armed Forces is currently under review.
  22. deflected
    HealthMs. Rachel Blaney (NDP) asked Mr. Joël Lightbound (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses overall health transfers and future funding without addressing the specific $3 billion home care commitment or why it has not been delivered.We are offering to increase Canadian health transfers by nearly $1 billion a year, not to mention another $11.5 billion over the next 10 years specifically for home care and mental health.
  23. partly answered
    Indigenous AffairsMs. Georgina Jolibois (NDP) asked Ms. Yvonne Jones (Liberal). substantive question.The answer highlights recent investments but does not address the specific infrastructure shortfall or timeline for urgently needed services listed.This past year we have invested record amounts of money into housing, water, waste water, and other infrastructure needs both on reserve and in northern and indigenous communities.
  24. deflected
    National DefenceMr. Alupa Clarke (Conservative) asked Mr. Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). substantive question.The answer describes a future competition process without addressing the request to allow the committee to examine the Super Hornet procurement.Our government announced its decision to launch an open and transparent competition to replace the entire fleet of CF-18s shortly after the results of the defence review were released.
  25. deflected
    National DefenceMr. Kelly McCauley (Conservative) asked Mr. Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). substantive question.The answer promotes a future competition instead of addressing the committee shutdown or information blocking.our government announced the decision to undertake an open and transparent competition to replace the full CF-18 fleet shortly following the results of the defence policy review.
  26. misdirected
    Public Services and ProcurementMr. Alupa Clarke (Conservative) asked Mr. Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). substantive question.The answer attacks the previous government for creating the problem rather than addressing the minister's responsibility or actions.I cannot believe that members across the floor have the nerve to ask us questions about this massive problem they created.
  27. misdirected
    Public Services and ProcurementMr. Kelly McCauley (Conservative) asked Mr. Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). substantive question.The answer blames the prior government and offers reassurance without addressing the 80% maternity/disability failure or hiding behind the deputy.I must tell members that I am a little incredulous vis-à-vis a political party that left us a legacy of a failed project that this minister, that this Prime Minister , that this department is working overtime, around the clock, to fix.
  28. partly answered
    JusticeMr. Alistair MacGregor (NDP) asked Mr. Sean Casey (Liberal). substantive question.The answer explains the current reinstatement approach but only notes enshrining in law could be considered later without committing to a timeline.The possibility of enshrining it into law is one that could be considered at a later date.
  29. answered
    Canadian Coast GuardMs. Sheila Malcolmson (NDP) asked Dominic LeBlanc (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly states the announcement date and details of the oceans protection program investment.When our Prime Minister was in British Columbia, I was in St. John's, Newfoundland.
  30. deflected
    HealthMr. Todd Doherty (Conservative) asked Mr. Jean Rioux (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses CAF investments and screening but does not address support for Bill C-211 or a yes/no commitment.The Canadian Armed Forces are determined to improve treatment for soldiers suffering from PTSD.
  31. deflected
    Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMichelle Rempel (Conservative) asked Ahmed Hussen (Liberal). substantive question.The answer highlights overall refugee numbers and vulnerability focus without addressing the specific end to prioritizing Iranian LGBT refugees.We work very closely with the UN refugee agency and private sponsors to continue to identify the most vulnerable, and that obviously includes members of the LGBTQ2 community.
  32. deflected
    Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMichelle Rempel (Conservative) asked Ahmed Hussen (Liberal). substantive question.The answer defends the government's compassion record and rejects lessons from the prior government without answering the specific policy change.we will take no lessons from the previous government when it comes to identifying, welcoming and being compassionate to those most vulnerable, as well as refugees in need of resettlement.
  33. partly answered
    JusticeMr. Glen Motz (Conservative) asked Mr. Bill Blair (Liberal). loaded question.The answer describes the bill's tools and charter consistency but does not address the claim about removing consecutive sentencing or specify timing for action.The bill introduced by the Minister of Justice yesterday would give law enforcement and prosecutors new tools to investigate and prosecute certain human trafficking offences that could be particularly difficult to prove.
  34. answered
    Sealing IndustryMr. David Yurdiga (Conservative) asked Dominic LeBlanc (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly affirms support for the sealing industry and Inuit communities while stating the government's position on the sustainable hunt.we, too, share his support for the Canadian sealing industry, for the Inuit communities, for fishers from all parts of the country who have in fact benefited from a sustainable and appropriate harvest of seals.
  35. partly answered
    Public SafetyMr. Mario Beaulieu (Bloc) asked Mr. Mark Holland (Liberal). substantive question.The answer acknowledges the concern and offers to review incidents but provides no specific plan for the upcoming meeting with Trump.Let me assure him that we will work to ensure that all Canadians receive fair and proper treatment.
  36. deflected
    International TradeMr. Gabriel Ste-Marie (Bloc) asked Andrew Leslie (Liberal). loaded question.The answer restates general support for farmers without addressing the specific concerns about dairy, diafiltered milk, or softwood lumber negotiations.Our government will always protect the interests of Canadians and Quebeckers, their jobs, and our products.
  37. deflected
    Foreign AffairsMs. Monique Pauzé (Bloc) asked Mr. Matt DeCourcey (Liberal). substantive question.The answer gives a general statement on human rights promotion but does not address the specific request to remind Spain about self-determination or condemn the trial.This government remains firm in its position that we must promote human rights around the world and we make that known in every one of our conversations with our international counterparts.
  38. answered
    The EnvironmentHunter Tootoo (Independent) asked Catherine McKenna (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly commits to returning revenues to Nunavut and designing a solution that works for the north to ensure cost neutrality.We are committed to working with the government in pricing pollution to ensure that all revenues are returned to the Government of Nunavut, and that we design a solution that works for the people of the north.