All sittings← 2017-05-082017-05-10 →
Tuesday, May 9, 2017 · sitting No. 173
Liberals move time allocation on budget bill
Liberal House leader Bardish Chagger moved a motion to limit second reading debate on Bill C-44 to one further sitting day. The bill, which implements the March 22 budget and other measures, would then move to committee. Conservative MP Candice Bergen and NDP MP Murray Rankin criticized the move, noting the bill exceeds 300 pages and arguing that only 39 members had spoken.
Finance Minister Bill Morneau said the bill had already received sufficient debate and should proceed to allow further study at committee. He cited positive economic effects from the previous budget and the need to advance measures such as the infrastructure bank.
Decided that day
- C-44 passed second reading and sent to finance committee
- Opposition amendment and no-confidence motion defeated
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 · 2017-05-09
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
Infrastructure
Conservative Leader Rona Ambrose asked why the government is creating an infrastructure bank when private investors are already active and the Liberals have struggled with existing projects. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau replied that additional leverage is required beyond the $180 billion already committed.
Read the exchangeEthics
Conservative MP Blaine Calkins questioned the use of $30,000 in public funds for Broadway tickets to Come From Away for the Prime Minister's guests. International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland listed Newfoundlanders honoured at the event, including mayors and volunteers who assisted stranded passengers.
Read the exchangeFramework on Palliative Care in Canada Act
Liberal MP Marilyn Gladu moved third reading of her private member's bill to create a national framework on palliative care. She noted that 70 per cent of Canadians lack access and that the bill has cross-party support.
Read the exchangeFlooding
Bloc Québécois MP Xavier Barsalou-Duval described unprecedented flooding in Quebec that has forced evacuations and closed roads. Liberal MP Stéphane Lauzon expressed thanks to municipal officials, first responders and volunteers assisting affected communities.
Read the exchangeRequest for Emergency Debate
Conservative MP Michelle Rempel sought an emergency debate on the rise in asylum seekers crossing the land border, warning of doubled claims this year and strains on housing, legal aid and health services.
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
- deflectedInfrastructureRona Ambrose (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer restates the $180 billion plan and consultations without addressing why the bank is needed given existing private investment.
That is why we consulted the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the provinces, unions, and various construction and engineering firms in order to develop a mechanism to respond to infrastructure needs.
- deflectedInfrastructureRona Ambrose (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer repeats the investment commitment and partners consulted but ignores the accusation of a vanity project for banks.
We understand that even the $180 billion we are going to be putting toward infrastructure in the coming years is not going to be enough to meet all the needs, which is why we are happy to be working with the FCM, unions, construction, and banks to look at how we can leverage dollars even further
- deflectedInfrastructureRona Ambrose (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer pivots to criticizing the previous government instead of addressing the conflict-of-interest concerns raised.
We are going to deliver for Canadians what, unfortunately, 10 years of Stephen Harper was unable to.
- misdirectedEthicsRona Ambrose (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer discusses Canada-U.S. ties and the play instead of explaining the use of taxpayer funds for the tickets.
This is something worth celebrating, something worth highlighting, and a big part of demonstrating the strength of Canada-U.S. friendship.
- deflectedForeign AffairsRona Ambrose (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). rhetorical question.The answer begins a general statement on re-engagement but cuts off without addressing the cardboard cut-outs.
we made a commitment to re-engage on the world stage, and since I spend so much time in the House of Commons—
- partly answeredInfrastructureThomas Mulcair (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer acknowledges user fees exist in some infrastructure but does not clearly state whether the bank will lead to new tolls for private profit.
Canadians need a broad range of infrastructure investments across the country in public transit, where they buy tickets; in delivering power lines, for which they pay fees; and in infrastructure, such as roads and bridges that are toll-free.
- deflectedInfrastructureThomas Mulcair (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer lists consultations but avoids confirming or denying secret meetings with corporations on privatization.
That is why, in establishing the infrastructure bank, we did not just consult with financial institutions.
- deflectedInternational TradeThomas Mulcair (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer emphasizes standing up for Canadians but does not address the specific claim about the NAFTA call being a PR stunt.
Canadians expect us to stand up for the interests of Canadians at all times, and that is exactly what we are doing.
- deflectedSoftwood LumberThomas Mulcair (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). rhetorical question.Answer discusses meetings on softwood but avoids the Kushner premise and inaction claim.
in every single meeting I have ever had with an American president, I have brought up softwood lumber as one of the very first things that we want to address
- partly answeredSoftwood LumberDenis Lebel (Conservative) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). loaded question.Answer rebuts expired agreement and affirms court action plus provincial work but does not address leadership failure directly.
The U.S. Department of Commerce's countervailing duties are punitive and unfair.
- misdirectedFinanceDenis Lebel (Conservative) asked Ginette Petitpas Taylor (Liberal). loaded question.Answer pivots to job creation and middle-class investments instead of addressing deficit promises or generational debt.
Over the last year, more than 250,000 new jobs were created, and the unemployment rate dropped from 7.1% to 6.5%.
- misdirectedEthicsMr. Blaine Calkins (Conservative) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). loaded question.Answer lists guests at the event rather than addressing taxpayer cost or rule double-standard accusation.
One of them was Claude Elliott, the mayor of Gander, who oversaw the set-up of the emergency operations.
- misdirectedEthicsMr. Blaine Calkins (Conservative) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). loaded question.Answer again lists honoured individuals instead of responding to the $30,000 Broadway tickets criticism.
Beulah Cooper was there, whose generosity led her to be nicknamed "Florence Nightingale".
- deflectedForeign AffairsMr. Ben Lobb (Conservative) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). loaded question.Answer redefines seriousness around US outreach and Newfoundland honour rather than addressing cardboard cut-outs or travel spending.
Getting serious means working incredibly hard in a whole-of-government approach and an approach that has been bipartisan to reach out to our U.S. allies and neighbours
- deflectedForeign AffairsMr. John Brassard (Conservative) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). rhetorical question.Answer emphasizes national interest work and thanks diplomats but ignores the cut-outs and question-period attendance jab.
our government is absolutely committed to working hard to advance the Canadian national interest and Canadian values around the world.
- partly answeredNational DefenceMs. Hélène Laverdière (NDP) asked Mr. Jean Rioux (Liberal). substantive question.Answer affirms legal compliance on detainees and notes prior reviews but does not address the minister's recusal or conflict-of-interest decision.
Canada's policies and procedures on detainees have already undergone various reviews, including by the Federal Court of Canada and under CAF internal mechanisms.
- deflectedNational DefenceMr. Randall Garrison (NDP) asked Mr. Jean Rioux (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses past document reviews and investigations instead of addressing whether the minister informed the commissioner.
No less than six investigations were held by the appropriate agencies, including one that is ongoing.
- deflectedNational DefenceMr. James Bezan (Conservative) asked Mr. Jean Rioux (Liberal). loaded question.The answer praises the minister's regard for troops and funding policy instead of addressing the call to resign.
Today, it is the minister's responsibility to ensure that the members of the Canadian Armed Forces have all the equipment, training, and care they need to carry out their missions, abroad and in Canada.
- deflectedNational DefenceMr. James Bezan (Conservative) asked Mr. Jean Rioux (Liberal). loaded question.The answer addresses benefits and compensation rules instead of responding to accusations of misleading Canadians or calls to resign.
Our government is working hard to review the compensation rules and find a long-term solution to fix the mess we inherited and to ensure a fair and equitable process for all.
- deflectedNational DefenceMr. Pierre Paul-Hus (Conservative) asked Mr. Jean Rioux (Liberal). loaded question.The answer focuses on the minister's mandate and new defence policy instead of addressing the integrity violation or resignation demand.
One of the key elements of his mandate is to put together a new defence policy for Canada.
- deflectedNational DefenceMr. Pierre Paul-Hus (Conservative) asked Mr. Jean Rioux (Liberal). loaded question.The answer discusses the new defence policy and listening to Canadians instead of addressing the truthfulness or resignation accusations.
He will soon be unveiling a new defence policy that includes making sure military personnel have the right equipment and everything they need when they are deployed.
- answeredPublic SafetyMr. Richard Cannings (NDP) asked Ralph Goodale (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly reassures that federal assistance will be provided if needed and is being monitored.
The situation is being monitored very carefully, and we have indicated to the Province of British Columbia that if it needs federal assistance, it will be provided, and we will give our answer instantly.
- partly answeredThe EnvironmentMr. Romeo Saganash (NDP) asked Catherine McKenna (Liberal). substantive question.The answer addresses working with provinces and indigenous peoples on caribou but does not specifically confirm receiving or responding to the Algonquin request.
we are committed to working with the provinces, territories, and indigenous peoples on the protection and recovery of Canada's species at risk, including caribou, in a timely manner using conservation measures based on sound science and robust recovery plans.
- deflectedInfrastructureMs. Dianne L. Watts (Conservative) asked Amarjeet Sohi (Liberal). loaded question.The answer discusses infrastructure support and annual reporting instead of addressing the conflict of interest or shutdown of debate.
As far as reporting is concerned, the bank will report to this Parliament on an annual basis.
- deflectedInfrastructureMr. Alain Rayes (Conservative) asked Amarjeet Sohi (Liberal). rhetorical question.Question is a broad accusation without a factual query; answer discusses consultations and public documents instead of conflicts.
the presentation made to institutional investors is publicly available.
- deflectedInfrastructurePierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Amarjeet Sohi (Liberal). loaded question.Question assumes a rigged profit-loss split; answer pivots to general infrastructure benefits and past neglect without addressing loan guarantees.
When we do not maintain the infrastructure we have, the economy hurts, jobs are not created, people are stuck in traffic
- deflectedInfrastructurePierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Amarjeet Sohi (Liberal). loaded question.Question repeats the rigged-bank premise; answer opens with an insult then explains municipal roles without engaging the $35 billion or design influence claim.
I am amazed by the lack of understanding on the part of the hon. member.
- partly answeredCitizenship and ImmigrationMs. Jenny Kwan (NDP) asked Mr. Serge Cormier (Liberal). substantive question.Question asks for a halt and repeal; answer acknowledges room for improvement and mentions consultations but does not commit to any action.
Our government consulted the stakeholders and looked at the current policies with a view to making improvements to the current asylum system.
- deflectedInternational DevelopmentMr. Robert Aubin (NDP) asked Marie-Claude Bibeau (Liberal). loaded question.Question accuses the government of diverting aid; answer defends the new institute structure without addressing the $300 million claim or South Sudan funding.
This will enable us to form new partnerships with the private sector.
- partly answeredCitizenship and ImmigrationMichelle Rempel (Conservative) asked Mr. Serge Cormier (Liberal). substantive question.Question asks when illegal crossings will be stopped; answer highlights compassionate system and efficiency measures but does not address border enforcement.
The Citizenship Commission recently introduced new measures, including shorter hearings for simple cases, in order to make the process more efficient and productive.
- deflectedRail TransportationMrs. Kelly Block (Conservative) asked Mrs. Karen McCrimmon (Liberal). substantive question.Question asks why grain measures are not renewed; answer stresses future collaboration without explaining the decision not to renew before August 1.
Consultation and collaboration with stakeholders has been key to helping develop a solid agenda for transportation in Canada.
- deflectedRail TransportationMr. David Anderson (Conservative) asked Mrs. Karen McCrimmon (Liberal). loaded question.Question accuses deliberate delay favoring railways; answer repeats commitment to consultation without addressing timing or power shift.
Now what we are trying to do is get the people to the table, consult, collaborate, and come up with a solution that works for everyone.
- answeredForeign AffairsPeter Kent (Conservative) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). loaded question.The answer directly explains the purpose of engaging with Iran in response to the why question.
the best way to advance human rights and consular issues in Iran is by talking directly with the regime.
- deflectedSeniorsMs. Rachel Blaney (NDP) asked Jean-Yves Duclos (Liberal). substantive question.The answer ignores the specific tax credit and demographic concerns, instead listing general seniors policies.
We have put into place measures that take hundreds of thousands of seniors out of vulnerability through the increase in the CPP.
- partly answeredInterprovincial TradeMr. John Barlow (Conservative) asked Navdeep Bains (Liberal). substantive question.The answer addresses the trade deal and alcohol liberalization but does not confirm action as intervenor in the court case.
Part of that Canadian free trade agreement is a working group to liberalize alcohol, so we were very clear.
- misdirectedInterests of QuebecMr. Xavier Barsalou-Duval (Bloc) asked Ginette Petitpas Taylor (Liberal). loaded question.The answer shifts entirely to job numbers and unemployment instead of addressing Quebec influence or the finance minister.
Over the last year, more than 250,000 new jobs were created.
- partly answeredInterests of QuebecMr. Gabriel Ste-Marie (Bloc) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). substantive question.The answer highlights Quebec infrastructure spending but does not address whether Quebec MPs will assert influence over Toronto.