All sittings← 2017-05-172017-05-19 →
Thursday, May 18, 2017 · sitting No. 180
Commons debates autism partnership on supply day motion
The House spent the largest share of its sitting on a Conservative opposition motion calling for a Canadian autism partnership to coordinate services and research. Conservative MP Mike Lake moved the motion, which calls for federal leadership while respecting provincial jurisdiction, and debate continued through the day with no vote taken.
Question period featured sharp exchanges on the relocation of the Vegreville immigration processing centre. Conservative MP Shannon Stubbs pressed the government on costs and impact on staff, while Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale defended the move as necessary to expand capacity and reduce vacancies.
Further clashes arose over appointments and carbon pricing. NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair questioned the Liberal House leader's role in selecting the next ethics commissioner, and Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre challenged the government on the transparency of its carbon tax plan.
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 · 2017-05-18
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
Business of Supply
Conservative MP Mike Lake said the proposed Canadian autism partnership would give families a single authoritative voice without duplicating provincial services.
Read the exchangeImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Conservative MP Shannon Stubbs said the closure would cost taxpayers more than it saves and devastate a small Alberta town.
Read the exchangeGovernment Appointments
Liberal House leader Bardish Chagger said the government is using an open, merit-based process to select the next commissioner and aims for gender parity and diversity.
Read the exchangeTaxation
Environment Minister Catherine McKenna said any federal carbon price revenues would be returned to the province of origin.
Read the exchangeInternational Trade
Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said formal notification by the United States starts a 90-day clock but negotiations have not yet begun.
Read the exchangeCanada Revenue Agency
Revenue Minister Diane Lebouthillier said a diligent search for missing CRA-KPMG correspondence followed all records-management rules.
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
- deflectedImmigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMrs. Shannon Stubbs (Conservative) asked Ralph Goodale (Liberal). loaded question.Answer explains benefits of move but avoids reversing decision or addressing deception/cost claims.
The move will address the staffing challenge, allow for an expansion of immigration operations, and create additional jobs for Alberta.
- deflectedImmigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMrs. Shannon Stubbs (Conservative) asked Ralph Goodale (Liberal). loaded question.Answer pivots to growth and expansion without addressing trust, cover-up, or rural impact.
the decisions relate to expanding the capacity of the immigration system in Alberta.
- deflectedImmigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMrs. Shannon Stubbs (Conservative) asked Ralph Goodale (Liberal). loaded question.Answer focuses on growth needs but ignores spending millions, attacking rural areas, or multiple excuses.
That expansion is best accomplished in the new location, where the number of employees will increase to 312
- misdirectedTaxationMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Scott Brison (Liberal). loaded question.Answer shifts to tax cuts and investments instead of addressing cancelled credits or greed accusation.
we have lowered taxes for the middle class.
- misdirectedTaxationMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Scott Brison (Liberal). loaded question.Answer highlights job creation and deficits but evades tax credit cuts and hitting wallets.
since December 2015, Canada's unemployment rate has dropped to 7.1%.
- deflectedGovernment AppointmentsThomas Mulcair (NDP) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.Answer promotes appointment process without addressing credibility or recusal for investigating boss.
we have implemented a new, open, transparent, and merit-based appointment process.
- deflectedGovernment AppointmentsThomas Mulcair (NDP) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.Answer defends new process but ignores independence concerns and hypothetical about Harper.
That was why we committed to Canadians to introduce a new, open, transparent, merit-based process
- misdirectedGovernment AppointmentsThomas Mulcair (NDP) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). loaded question.Answer praises candidate's experience but avoids explaining Butts communication or partisanship.
We conducted multiple interviews.
- deflectedGovernment AppointmentsThomas Mulcair (NDP) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). loaded question.Answer praises candidate and process without addressing interference by Butts or Telford.
That is why I am convinced and we are all convinced that Ms. Meilleur is the best candidate for the position of Commissioner of Official Languages.
- deflectedGovernment AppointmentsMr. Blaine Calkins (Conservative) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). loaded question.Answer repeats qualifications but ignores the contradiction between politician status and non-partisan role.
As many of the opposition critics, and even the leader of the second opposition, have mentioned, Mrs. Meilleur is highly qualified and has the experience for this important position.
- deflectedGovernment AppointmentsMr. Blaine Calkins (Conservative) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). loaded question.Answer highlights experience instead of addressing the conflict of interest raised.
Her track record speaks for itself.
- deflectedGovernment AppointmentsMr. Luc Berthold (Conservative) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). loaded question.Answer restates merit-based process without engaging the transparency or patronage claim.
We worked hard to find the best person for the job through an open, merit-based process.
- partly answeredGovernment AppointmentsMr. Michael Cooper (Conservative) asked Jody Wilson-Raybould (Liberal). loaded question.Answer defends the judicial process but does not address donor coincidence or broken promise directly.
I have been fortunate enough to find 60 significantly meritorious candidates who reflect the diversity of Canada and appointment to the superior courts across the country.
- deflectedGovernment AppointmentsMr. John Brassard (Conservative) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). loaded question.Answer focuses on qualifications and process, avoiding the ethics commissioner donor question.
I had the chance also to consult with my critics, and ultimately, we all agreed that Madeleine Meilleur has the qualifications for this important position.
- deflectedGovernment AppointmentsMr. John Brassard (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.Answer describes the appointment process without addressing cash-for-access or stacked resumes.
That is why it is an open, transparent, and merit-based process.
- answeredInternational TradeMs. Tracey Ramsey (NDP) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). substantive question.Answer directly addresses the NAFTA renegotiation timeline and readiness to negotiate.
The formal notification today means that those negotiations can begin no sooner than 90 days from today.
- deflectedInternational TradeMs. Hélène Laverdière (NDP) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). loaded question.The answer avoids addressing disclosure of negotiation priorities.
we will always proudly and vigorously defend our national interests and Canadian values.
- deflectedTaxationPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Catherine McKenna (Liberal). loaded question.The answer gives general talking points on pollution pricing without addressing hidden costs or refunds.
revenues will go back to the province.
- deflectedTaxationPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Catherine McKenna (Liberal). rhetorical question.No question was asked after withdrawal, yet the answer repeats unrelated talking points.
We know that acting on climate change will not only ensure a more sustainable future for our kids and grandkids, but it will also produce innovation and create good jobs
- deflectedTaxationMr. Alain Rayes (Conservative) asked Catherine McKenna (Liberal). loaded question.The answer ignores the debt and tax critique and pivots to climate policy.
That is why we have a Canadian plan for the climate and that is why we are putting a price on pollution.
- deflectedTaxationMs. Marilyn Gladu (Conservative) asked Catherine McKenna (Liberal). loaded question.The answer praises Ontario's carbon price without addressing job losses or refinery moves.
I am very pleased that through the leadership of the Ontario government, there is a price on pollution in Ontario.
- answeredCanada Revenue AgencyMr. Pierre-Luc Dusseault (NDP) asked Diane Lebouthillier (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly states that a diligent search was done and guidelines followed.
as the CRA has already confirmed, a diligent search for records was conducted and all records management guidelines were followed.
- partly answeredFinanceMs. Linda Duncan (NDP) asked Ginette Petitpas Taylor (Liberal). loaded question.The answer addresses future document access but not the lack of prior action or plan details.
Going forward, the government will provide budget preparation information and all documents to the Auditor General.
- deflectedNatural ResourcesMr. Mark Strahl (Conservative) asked Jim Carr (Liberal). substantive question.The answer restates the approval process without addressing selling the project in B.C.
The approval of the National Energy Board and then the subsequent approval of the Government of Canada comes with 157 conditions.
- deflectedNatural ResourcesMr. Mark Strahl (Conservative) asked Jim Carr (Liberal). loaded question.The answer discusses Alberta energy support but avoids addressing the Prime Minister's personal involvement in promoting the pipeline in BC.
the approval of the Trans Mountain expansion project is only one of many decisions that the government has taken to acknowledge the leadership of the Province of Alberta in the energy sphere
- deflectedNatural ResourcesMrs. Stephanie Kusie (Conservative) asked Jim Carr (Liberal). loaded question.The answer highlights investments in Alberta but sidesteps the question about relocating the NEB from Calgary.
just last week I had the pleasure of visiting Calgary to announce multi-million-dollar investments with the Government of Alberta and the private sector
- deflectedNatural ResourcesMr. Bob Benzen (Conservative) asked Jim Carr (Liberal). loaded question.The answer references the expert panel and Alberta's leadership but does not address rejecting the NEB changes.
the expert panel of five individuals, including one from Alberta, have spent months consulting Canadians on what a world-class regulator would look like
- answeredHealthMr. Don Davies (NDP) asked Jane Philpott (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly explains the steps taken to investigate the conflict of interest and review the guidelines.
I have asked the associated university to do a thorough investigation of what took place and to report back to me
- deflectedVeterans AffairsMs. Irene Mathyssen (NDP) asked Kent Hehr (Liberal). loaded question.The answer emphasizes positive actions for veterans but ignores the question about using an omnibus bill and limiting committee review.
we are committed to veterans and their families in delivering the services they need where and when they need them
- misdirectedForeign AffairsMr. James Bezan (Conservative) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). loaded question.The answer praises Stéphane Dion personally instead of addressing whether his philosophy still guides policy.
what I can confirm is that I have the highest regard for Stéphane Dion
- partly answeredForeign AffairsPeter Kent (Conservative) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). substantive question.The answer acknowledges reviewing the recommendations but provides no clear commitment to act on them.
I am reviewing the other recommendations very carefully
- deflectedThe EnvironmentMrs. Cathy McLeod (Conservative) asked Mrs. Karen McCrimmon (Liberal). loaded question.The answer describes general consultations but does not address tabling a list of supporting First Nations or specific consent dates.
our government has consulted extensively with indigenous groups, communities, and stakeholders to listen and gather input on the tanker moratorium
- partly answeredImmigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMichelle Rempel (Conservative) asked Mr. Serge Cormier (Liberal). substantive question.Commits to examining the ruling and responding on time but avoids stating whether an appeal will occur.
Our government will carefully examine the Federal Court's decision and respond within the time frame established by the court.
- deflectedThe EnvironmentMs. Anne Minh-Thu Quach (NDP) asked Mrs. Karen McCrimmon (Liberal). substantive question.Ignores the request for dates and timelines and instead discusses general new legislation.
We will be introducing new legislation that puts the responsibility and liability on vessel owners to properly remove and dispose of their vessels.
- deflectedHealthMike Lake (Conservative) asked Jane Philpott (Liberal). substantive question.Lists existing investments but never addresses the specific funding commitment requested.
As the member indicated, we are investing in research and data and surveillance and training.
- deflectedCanada Revenue AgencyMr. Xavier Barsalou-Duval (Bloc) asked Diane Lebouthillier (Liberal). loaded question.Restates general tax-fairness commitments instead of addressing document destruction or the specific allegation.
Our government came to power wholly committed to stepping up our efforts to fight tax evasion and tax avoidance internationally.
- deflectedCanada Revenue AgencyMr. Gabriel Ste-Marie (Bloc) asked Diane Lebouthillier (Liberal). loaded question.Discusses the independent review process rather than answering whether any official will be sanctioned.
The independent third-party review I ordered last year included an examination of thousands of records and numerous days of interviews.
- answeredBusiness of the HouseCandice Bergen (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.Provides a clear schedule for the remainder of the week and after the constituency week.
this afternoon, we will continue the debate we began this morning on the Conservative opposition day motion.