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Tuesday, February 21, 2017 · sitting No. 144
Commons advances Rouge park bill at third reading
The House spent the largest share of the sitting on the Rouge National Urban Park Act under government orders. Liberal MP John McKay said the bill would bring disparate interests together under a commitment to ecological integrity that satisfies Ontario. NDP MP Wayne Stetski asked how the government would meet or exceed existing provincial protections once the park management plan is in place.
In Question Period, Conservative MP Rona Ambrose pressed the prime minister to keep consecutive sentencing for multiple murders after the sentencing of Douglas Garland. Justin Trudeau said the justice minister is reviewing the system to keep Canadians safe while ensuring fairness. NDP MP Jenny Kwan urged suspension of the safe third country agreement to reduce illegal border crossings by refugees.
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 · 2017-02-21
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
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Liberal MP Judy A. Sgro moved a motion calling for increased federal funding and a national strategy on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research and awareness.
Read the exchangeYouth
NDP MP Niki Ashton asked the government to make the prime minister's youth council deliberations public and to ensure accountability for young Canadians.
Read the exchangePublic Services and Procurement
Conservative MP Alupa Clarke said the government bears responsibility for the Phoenix pay system rollout that has left public servants without pay for months.
Read the exchangeCanada Revenue Agency
NDP MP Nathan Cullen said Canada has recovered far less from offshore tax schemes than the United States and maintains two sets of rules for the wealthy and everyone else.
Read the exchangePreclearance Act, 2016
Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale said Bill C-23 continues work begun under the beyond-the-border agreement and carries only modest changes to existing pre-clearance powers.
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
- deflectedJusticeRona Ambrose (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses a general review of the justice system without addressing or guaranteeing the specific consecutive sentencing law.
the justice minister is currently reviewing our criminal justice system to ensure that it is fair, that it keeps Canadians safe, and that it is doing things responsibly.
- deflectedJusticeRona Ambrose (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer again discusses reviewing sentencing laws in general terms without assuring the specific law will not be changed.
our justice minister is currently looking at sentencing laws in our criminal justice system and ensuring that we fulfill the responsibilities Canadians expect of our system and of our government
- deflectedTaxationRona Ambrose (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer pivots to criticizing the opposition's vote instead of identifying any planned tax changes.
if members opposite really cared so much about the middle class, they would not have voted against lowering taxes on the middle class and raising them on the wealthiest 1%
- misdirectedTaxationRona Ambrose (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer defends Liberal policies and attacks the prior government's record rather than addressing the accusation of misleading Canadians on tax increases.
the previous government gave tax breaks to the wealthiest and not enough help to those who actually need it
- misdirectedTaxationRona Ambrose (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer counters by highlighting Liberal tax cuts and benefits instead of admitting or denying the claimed tax increases on the middle class.
on the contrary, the first thing we did was lower taxes on the middle class and raise them on the wealthiest 1%
- deflectedCanada-U.S. RelationMs. Hélène Laverdière (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer emphasizes Canada's openness and border integrity without addressing whether the safe third country agreement will be suspended.
One of the reasons why Canada remains an open country is that Canadians have confidence in our immigration system, the integrity of our borders, and the help we provide people who are seeking relief and a better life.
- deflectedCanada-U.S. RelationMs. Jenny Kwan (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer stresses confidence in the immigration system and enforcement without committing to suspending the agreement or supporting border communities.
We will continue to ensure that laws are enforced and followed and that we remain demonstrating the strength and integrity of our immigration system.
- deflectedCanada-U.S. RelationMs. Jenny Kwan (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses balancing values and the U.S. relationship without denouncing specific policies or outlining new actions.
Canadians expect their government to do two things: to stand up for Canadian values and continue to talk about the openness and the strength with which we engage with the world and also to have a strong working relationship with the American government and officials.
- deflectedCanada-U.S. RelationMs. Hélène Laverdière (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer gives general statements on US cooperation without addressing border crossings or urgency of action.
we are working with the U.S. authorities to ensure that jobs in Canada, economic growth, and the security of our borders continue to benefit small businesses, Canadian workers, and economic growth for the middle class and those working hard to join it.
- deflectedTaxationDenis Lebel (Conservative) asked Bill Morneau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses existing benefits but does not name any tax credit to be eliminated.
We introduced the Canada child benefit, which will help nine out of 10 families by giving them more money.
- deflectedFinanceDenis Lebel (Conservative) asked Bill Morneau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer justifies investment choices but offers no plan or timeline to eliminate the deficit.
we made a choice. We chose to invest in our future, in that of our children and the middle class.
- deflectedTaxationPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Mr. Jonathan Wilkinson (Liberal). loaded question.The answer promotes provincial carbon pricing but ignores the question about the gala speech content.
80% of Canadians live in a province that already prices carbon pollution thanks to the leadership that the provinces stepped up to during the decade of inaction under the Conservative government.
- deflectedTaxationPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Mr. Jonathan Wilkinson (Liberal). loaded question.The answer emphasizes general climate goals without addressing data release or exemptions for below-average incomes.
our government is committed to creating a cleaner, more innovative economy that reduces emissions and protects the environment while creating well-paying jobs for the middle class and for those working hard to join it.
- deflectedTaxationMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Bill Morneau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer restates growth goals but avoids responding to the capital gains rate or spending accusations.
we will stimulate economic growth in order to ensure a better future for Canadians across the country.
- deflectedTaxationMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Bill Morneau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer highlights past tax cuts but does not confirm or deny plans for new taxes on Canadians or job creators.
at the beginning of our term, we cut taxes for the middle class.
- deflectedYouthMs. Anne Minh-Thu Quach (NDP) asked Mr. Peter Schiefke (Liberal). substantive question.The answer praises youth engagement but does not address authorizing a public report or consultation powers.
we are very proud of the fact that, for the first time in history, we have 26 young people from across the country who meet with the Prime Minister several times a year to share their thoughts and ideas about the issues that matter most to them.
- deflectedYouthMs. Niki Ashton (NDP) asked Mr. Peter Schiefke (Liberal). substantive question.The answer praises the youth council and engagement efforts but avoids the direct yes/no question on making information public.
the Prime Minister is very proud that, for the first time in history, 26 young people representing youth from all across the country, with different lived experiences and backgrounds, get to meet with the Prime Minister several times per year to talk about the issues that matter most to them.
- partly answeredPublic SafetyTony Clement (Conservative) asked Ralph Goodale (Liberal). substantive question.The answer affirms shared interest in border integrity and willingness to provide resources if advised but does not address developing a plan to strengthen laws.
If the CBSA or the RCMP are to advise us that they need further resources in order for them to do that job effectively, we will listen very carefully to their advice.
- deflectedPublic SafetyTony Clement (Conservative) asked Ralph Goodale (Liberal). substantive question.The answer states that laws are being enforced but does not address whether the government will strengthen laws to stop illegal crossings.
let me be absolutely clear that the laws of Canada are indeed being enforced.
- misdirectedPublic SafetyCandice Bergen (Conservative) asked Ralph Goodale (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses agency actions but pivots to criticizing the previous government's health benefits policy instead of addressing support for communities.
One thing we will not do is what the previous government did in eliminating the health benefits available to asylum seekers and making the condition of vulnerable people even more vulnerable.
- partly answeredPublic SafetyMr. Ted Falk (Conservative) asked Ralph Goodale (Liberal). substantive question.The answer thanks constituents and notes agencies are working together but offers no specific actions taken beyond waiting for resource requests.
As Commissioner Paulson told the hon. member earlier today, the RCMP, the CBSA, the IRCC, and other Canadian agencies are working seamlessly and relentlessly together to achieve the objectives of border integrity and public safety.
- deflectedCanada Revenue AgencyMr. Pierre-Luc Dusseault (NDP) asked Diane Lebouthillier (Liberal). substantive question.The answer highlights government investment and commitment but avoids any timeline or concrete legislative measures against tax havens.
Our government invested $444 million to crack down on tax havens.
- deflectedCanada Revenue AgencyMr. Nathan Cullen (NDP) asked Diane Lebouthillier (Liberal). loaded question.The answer reiterates international cooperation and investment but does not address the question of who the government is working for.
Our government is firmly committed to preserving the fairness of our tax system, and everything we do is intended to ensure that all Canadians pay their fair share.
- misdirectedPublic Services and ProcurementMr. Alupa Clarke (Conservative) asked Judy Foote (Liberal). substantive question.The answer acknowledges pay issues but shifts blame to the previous government's layoffs rather than addressing regret over the Phoenix decision.
What I regret is the decision taken by the previous government when it laid off 700 compensation advisers, making it impossible for us to do the job that needs to be done.
- deflectedPublic Services and ProcurementMr. Alupa Clarke (Conservative) asked Judy Foote (Liberal). loaded question.Answer blames prior government instead of addressing the demand for an apology.
However, the injustice was done by the previous government, and we are now trying to fix the problem that it left us with.
- partly answeredPublic Services and ProcurementMr. Kelly McCauley (Conservative) asked Judy Foote (Liberal). substantive question.Answer lists measures taken but provides no timeline for resolution.
we are making sure that we are taking every possible measure we can to fix the Phoenix payroll system.
- answeredPublic Services and ProcurementMr. Kelly McCauley (Conservative) asked Judy Foote (Liberal). substantive question.Answer directly describes actions with CRA and unions to correct T4s.
we are working closely with the Canada Revenue Agency, with Revenu Québec, and with the unions to make sure that employees get the correct T4 slips.
- deflectedForestry IndustryMs. Karine Trudel (NDP) asked Jim Carr (Liberal). substantive question.Answer gives general reassurance without confirming or denying the colleague's statement.
We are prepared for all eventualities and we will continue to work in the best interest of Canada's forestry industry.
- partly answeredForestry IndustryMs. Tracey Ramsey (NDP) asked Jim Carr (Liberal). substantive question.Answer notes discussions have started but supplies no concrete plan details.
Those discussions have already started.
- partly answeredForeign AffairsMr. James Bezan (Conservative) asked Mr. Matt DeCourcey (Liberal). substantive question.Answer affirms solidarity and review but omits any commitment to extend the mission.
The Minister of National Defence and the Minister of Foreign Affairs are reviewing Operation Unifier.
- deflectedForeign AffairsPeter Kent (Conservative) asked Mr. Matt DeCourcey (Liberal). substantive question.Answer repeats general support language without addressing extension or weaponry request.
We stand with the people of Ukraine.
- partly answeredForeign AffairsPeter Kent (Conservative) asked Mr. Matt DeCourcey (Liberal). substantive question.Answer points to ongoing committee study but gives no timeline for action.
we know right now that the House foreign affairs committee is studying SEMA.
- deflectedIndigenous AffairsMrs. Cathy McLeod (Conservative) asked Carolyn Bennett (Liberal). loaded question.The answer promotes general partnership without addressing the specific request to enforce the act or the minister's alleged dismissal.
We are presently engaging first nations leadership, communities, and organizations to identify a way forward that is based on the recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership.
- partly answeredJusticeMr. Alistair MacGregor (NDP) asked Jean-Yves Duclos (Liberal). substantive question.The answer acknowledges the problem and commits to changes but does not commit today or detail immediate fixes as asked.
In the coming months, we will study the program, make some changes to it, and ensure that it works properly.
- partly answeredTransportationMr. Luc Berthold (Conservative) asked Marc Garneau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer notes federal limits and encourages provinces but offers no new federal measures despite the question on rising victims.
Personally, I would encourage the provinces and territories to introduce penalties that reflect the severity of the actions in question.
- deflectedAir transportationMr. Luc Thériault (Bloc) asked Marc Garneau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer asserts federal jurisdiction and public interest criteria without addressing respect for Quebec laws or consensus.
Of course, the decisions I make when I review each case must be made in the public interest.
- deflectedThe EnvironmentMr. Michel Boudrias (Bloc) asked Marc Garneau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer cites a survey and due diligence but ignores the accusation of ignoring Quebec environmental concerns and destruction.
We did due diligence in the public interest.