All sittings← 2017-05-312017-06-02 →
Thursday, June 1, 2017 · sitting No. 185
Opposition motion backs Trans Mountain pipeline as debate continues
The House spent the largest share of its sitting on an opposition motion that declared the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain Expansion Project has social licence, is critical to the economy, and should proceed with federal support. Conservative MP Mark Strahl moved the motion and Conservative and Liberal members defended the project across the country. New Democrat MP Nathan Cullen questioned whether social licence exists given lawsuits and local opposition. The motion will be deemed adopted or defeated after a recorded division deferred to June 6.
Question period featured repeated Conservative attacks on the appointment of Madeleine Meilleur as official languages commissioner, with Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer citing her Liberal donations and meetings with the Prime Minister's advisers. Canadian Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly defended the process as merit-based and independent. Other exchanges addressed softwood lumber aid and consular cases involving detained Canadians in China.
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 · 2017-06-01
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
Health
Conservative MP Mike Lake said nearly half the Liberal caucus had supported a Canadian autism partnership before budget 2017 and asked why the Prime Minister forced a vote against it. Health Minister Jane Philpott said provinces deliver most health care and pointed to $200 billion in new transfers plus separate autism research funding.
Read the exchangeSoftwood Lumber
Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr announced $867 million in loan guarantees and other measures to help the forest industry after U.S. duties took effect. NDP MP Karine Trudel pressed for faster delivery of funds to workers and asked whether the money could secure deposits.
Read the exchangePublic Safety
NDP MP Matthew Dubé asked when the government would fix mistaken identities on the no-fly list and implement the promised redress system. Public Safety Parliamentary Secretary Mark Holland said the government was studying a recent committee report and remained committed to solving the problem.
Read the exchangeVenezuela
Conservative MP Peter Kent moved a motion calling for humanitarian aid to Venezuela and condemnation of political detentions. Liberal MP Matt DeCourcey said Canada was already pressing the Organization of American States for democratic reforms.
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
- deflectedHealthMr. Andrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Jane Philpott (Liberal). loaded question.The answer discusses general health funding and a whole-of-government approach without addressing the specific rejection of the autism partnership.
we have a whole-of-government response to issues like autism spectrum disorder.
- answeredConsular AffairsMr. Andrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). loaded question.The answer directly commits to meeting with Ms. Chang that afternoon and confirms ongoing high-level engagement on the case.
I will be very glad this afternoon to be meeting with Ms. Chang.
- deflectedGovernment AppointmentsMr. Andrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). loaded question.The answer defends the selection process but does not address whether the appointment will be rescinded.
Every measure was put in place to ensure that employees who had contacts with Mrs. Meilleur in the past were not part of the process.
- deflectedGovernment AppointmentsMr. Andrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). loaded question.The answer reiterates pride in the candidate and process without addressing the claim that partisanship was the reason for selection.
we are extremely proud of our candidate for official languages commissioner, because she has the experience and also has the expertise
- deflectedGovernment AppointmentsMr. Andrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). loaded question.The answer praises the candidate's qualifications and process but avoids addressing the call to cancel the nomination.
I am glad to see that the member is recognizing, finally, the expertise and experience of Mrs. Meilleur
- deflectedGovernment AppointmentsThomas Mulcair (NDP) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). loaded question.The answer restates support for the candidate and clarifies no discussion of the post but does not withdraw or correct the prior statement.
never was there any discussion relating to the fact that she could become the official languages commissioner.
- deflectedGovernment AppointmentsThomas Mulcair (NDP) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). loaded question.The answer defends the process and team but does not directly answer whether the minister spoke to the two staff members about the appointment.
The individuals who have had previous contact with Madeleine Meilleur in the past were never part of the process
- deflectedGovernment AppointmentsThomas Mulcair (NDP) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). loaded question.The answer again defends the process and team but avoids confirming any contact with the staff members during the appointment process.
None of the employees from my team who had any contact with Madeleine Meilleur in the past were involved in the process.
- deflectedGovernment AppointmentsThomas Mulcair (NDP) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). loaded question.The answer lists awards and achievements instead of addressing the request to remove Meilleur or the claims of partisan strings-pulling.
since Madame Meilleur has been such an important person in the protection and promotion of official languages rights in this country, including the protection of the Montfort Hospital and the creation of the francophone affairs commission in Ontario, I wanted to talk about the awards and recognition she has had
- deflectedGovernment AppointmentsMrs. Sylvie Boucher (Conservative) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). loaded question.The answer justifies the selection process but avoids directly responding to the question about ties or canceling the appointment.
Based on a short list I received, I had the opportunity to conduct interviews and then appreciate Mrs. Meilleur's 30 years of experience and expertise during these interviews.
- deflectedGovernment AppointmentsMrs. Sylvie Boucher (Conservative) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). loaded question.The answer praises Meilleur and claims the process was followed but does not address the contradiction or apologize for misleading the House.
I am pleased to hear my colleague talk about Mrs. Meilleur because, when I had the chance to speak with her on the phone to tell her that Mrs. Meilleur would potentially be a candidate we would select, she told me that Madeleine Meilleur was indeed a good candidate
- deflectedGovernment AppointmentsMr. John Nater (Conservative) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). loaded question.The answer discusses awards instead of clarifying meetings with PMO staff or addressing the accusation of misleading the House.
of course, as I have said many times, the discussion about Mrs. Meilleur becoming commissioner of official languages never took place.
- deflectedGovernment AppointmentsMr. John Nater (Conservative) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). loaded question.The answer shifts to praising public service and awards rather than providing evidence of a firewall or addressing donor rewards.
I am glad to see that my colleague recognizes that she received many awards.
- deflectedGovernment AppointmentsMr. John Brassard (Conservative) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). loaded question.The answer pivots to valuing public service and another appointment instead of addressing the process integrity or shutting it down.
as I was saying, of course we value the importance of public life, we value the experience of Mrs. Meilleur, and that is what was shown by the fact that we had a very thorough process.
- deflectedGovernment AppointmentsMr. John Brassard (Conservative) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). loaded question.The answer lists Meilleur's past associations instead of confirming meetings or admitting details about the appointment process.
since we are talking about the importance of expertise and experience, and because I have already given many explanations regarding the process, I would like to talk about Madame Meilleur's participation in associations and organizations.
- answeredSoftwood LumberMs. Tracey Ramsey (NDP) asked Jim Carr (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly addresses the support measures and timeline by referencing the recent funding announcement for affected workers and industry.
Just a few hours ago, the government announced $867 million toward the forest industry in Canada.
- partly answeredSoftwood LumberMs. Karine Trudel (NDP) asked Jim Carr (Liberal). substantive question.Addresses immediate availability but ignores the deposit guarantee question.
much of this investment is available immediately.
- deflectedGovernment AppointmentsKevin Sorenson (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.Restates appointment process talking points without addressing the specific concern raised.
we have put in place a new open, transparent, and merit-based appointment process.
- deflectedGovernment AppointmentsMr. Jacques Gourde (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.Repeats generic process description and avoids confirming or denying the criteria premise.
we have implemented a new, open, transparent, and merit-based appointment process.
- misdirectedGovernment AppointmentsCandice Bergen (Conservative) asked Navdeep Bains (Liberal). loaded question.Praises the appointee and thanks predecessor instead of addressing the patronage accusation.
With regard to Francis McGuire, he is a well-respected individual who has extensive experience in both the public and private sectors.
- deflectedGovernment AppointmentsCandice Bergen (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.Repeats merit-based process claims and ignores the donation threshold question.
the member knows very well that we have put in a new process, an open and transparent and merit-based process.
- partly answeredNational DefenceMr. Randall Garrison (NDP) asked Mr. Jean Rioux (Liberal). substantive question.States opposition to torture but does not commit to the requested investigation.
Investigations have been done and are being done to protect Canada's reputation and ensure respect for international regulations.
- partly answeredPublic SafetyMr. Matthew Dubé (NDP) asked Mr. Mark Holland (Liberal). substantive question.Acknowledges the issue and committee work but gives no timeline for the redress system.
- misdirectedNational DefenceMr. James Bezan (Conservative) asked Mr. Jean Rioux (Liberal). loaded question.Attacks the previous government's record instead of addressing the current procurement decision.
the Conservatives left us a fleet that is over 30 years old.
- deflectedNational DefenceMr. Pierre Paul-Hus (Conservative) asked Mr. Jean Rioux (Liberal). loaded question.The answer restates a general claim without addressing the specific accusations about politicization or Boeing.
the minister always puts the interests of Canadians and the interests of the Canadian Forces first so that our soldiers may be properly equipped and trained to carry out their missions, defend Canada and North America, and ensure global stability with our NATO and NORAD partners.
- partly answeredConsular AffairsGerry Ritz (Conservative) asked Mr. Omar Alghabra (Liberal). loaded question.The answer addresses engagement on the file but ignores the demand for a direct phone call from the Prime Minister.
our government is very engaged on this file. We have raised this matter at a very high level with the Chinese authorities.
- deflectedConsular AffairsGerry Ritz (Conservative) asked Mr. Omar Alghabra (Liberal). loaded question.The answer criticizes the questioner instead of addressing the timeline or leadership on the file.
the case of Mr. Chang and Ms. Lu deserves much more dignity and respect than it is receiving from this opposition member.
- partly answeredOfficial LanguagesMr. François Choquette (NDP) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). substantive question.The answer lists past actions and future plans but does not specify immediate practical measures for the reported decline in French use.
I will be presenting an official languages game plan a little later this year.
- deflectedSoftwood LumberMr. Joël Godin (Conservative) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). loaded question.The answer blames the prior government and notes meetings without addressing when or whether a new agreement will be signed.
it was the Conservative government that let the agreement expire.
- answeredSoftwood LumberMr. Todd Doherty (Conservative) asked Jim Carr (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly explains the aid package and its purpose for workers facing layoffs.
I appreciate the question and I share the hon. member's concern about workers who might be laid off, which is why we are investing 90 million new dollars in helping the transition and the reskilling of those people.
- deflectedSoftwood LumberMr. Randy Hoback (Conservative) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). loaded question.The answer blames the prior government and rejects the premise of a deal without disclosing details of any offer.
let me remind the hon. member that it was his Conservative government that allowed the previous agreement to expire.
- answeredJusticeMr. Michael Cooper (Conservative) asked Jody Wilson-Raybould (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly states the number of appointments made and confirms the process for filling vacancies.
I am extremely proud of the very meritorious candidates, 67 in total, that I have appointed thus far.
- answeredShippingMr. Robert Aubin (NDP) asked Marc Garneau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly confirms the report will be made public after review.
When the findings have been reviewed, they will be made public.
- deflectedHealthMike Lake (Conservative) asked Mr. Stéphane Lauzon (Liberal). loaded question.The response lists government actions on autism but avoids explaining the vote or leadership's role.
we recognize that autism spectrum disorder has a significant impact on those affected and their families.
- deflectedIntergovernmental RelationsMr. Xavier Barsalou-Duval (Bloc) asked Marc Garneau (Liberal). substantive question.Avoids addressing self-determination by restating no reopening of constitution.
we have no intention of reopening the constitutional debate.
- deflectedIntergovernmental RelationsMr. Gabriel Ste-Marie (Bloc) asked Marc Garneau (Liberal). loaded question.Responds by praising the relationship instead of addressing the demand for apology.
our federal government is very proud of its relationship with the province of Quebec.
- answeredBusiness of the HouseCandice Bergen (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.Provides detailed schedule for the house business as requested.
this afternoon, we will continue debate on the Conservatives' opposition motion.