Parliament AIIndependent · non-official

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Friday, February 8, 2019 · sitting No. 381

Commons advances Canada-Israel trade deal as Poilievre presses Liberals on SNC-Lavalin

Liberal MP Bardish Chagger moved third reading of Bill C-85 to implement the modernized Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement. The government said the bill would update an agreement more than two decades old by adding chapters on gender and the environment while expanding opportunities for Canadian businesses.

Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre asked whether Gerald Butts discussed a remediation agreement for SNC-Lavalin with the former attorney general in December. Parliamentary secretary Arif Virani replied that neither the current nor former justice minister had been directed or pressured by the Prime Minister or the Prime Minister's Office on any matter.

Decided that day

  • C-85 advanced one stage

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 · 2019-02-08

Government (Liberal)OppositionOver the day: government 45%, opposition 55% of the words spokenGovernment businessQuestion PeriodRoutine proceedingsGovernment business▲ Government side held the floor▼ Opposition held the floorOpened 10:0511:0012:00Last speech 13:20Time of day, Ottawa · the House sat 3 h 15 min · each dot is a stretch of debate, placed at the minute it began
38Trade talk and deflected answers fill the dayThe sitting devoted most time to debate on the Canada-Israel trade bill and justice matters, yet produced no votes and saw many Question Period answers deflected. Only one bill advanced a single stage amid two points of order.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

Health

NDP MP Alistair MacGregor asked whether the government would implement a universal pharmacare plan after a constituent paid more than $25,000 for medication. Liberal MP John Oliver said the government was studying costs before acting and accused the NDP of offering a plan without costing details.

Read the exchange

Child Care

NDP MP Irene Mathyssen said child-care costs have risen faster than inflation in 61 cities and urged a national program modelled on Quebec. Liberal MP Jean-Yves Duclos said a $7.5-billion federal investment would improve workforce participation and gender equality.

Read the exchange

Consular Affairs

Conservative MP Todd Doherty asked why the Prime Minister had not called Lebanese leaders to secure the return of two abducted Canadian children. Parliamentary secretary Andrew Leslie said consular officials were in contact with the family but could release no further details under the Privacy Act.

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Persons with Disabilities

NDP MP Cheryl Hardcastle said rejections of disability tax credit applications have risen 60 per cent and called for immediate fixes. Liberal MP Deborah Schulte said the government had simplified the form and reinstated the disability advisory committee.

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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
    JusticePierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Mr. Arif Virani (Liberal). substantive question.The response denies pressure without addressing whether Butts discussed a deal with lobbyists.at no point has the current Minister of Justice or the former minister of justice been directed or pressured by the Prime Minister or the Prime Minister's Office to make any decision on this or any other matter.
  2. deflected
    JusticePierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Mr. Arif Virani (Liberal). substantive question.The response repeats the denial of pressure and ignores the request for details on the December conversation.at no point has the current Minister of Justice or the former minister of justice been pressured or directed by the Prime Minister or anyone else in the Prime Minister's Office, and let me reiterate that, or anyone else in the Prime Minister's Office, to make any decision on this or any other matter.
  3. deflected
    JusticePierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Mr. Arif Virani (Liberal). substantive question.The answer again states no pressure occurred but supplies no information on what Butts said.at no point has the current Minister of Justice or the former minister of justice been pressured or directed by the Prime Minister or anyone in the Prime Minister's Office, including the individual just mentioned by the member for Carleton , to make any decision on this or any other matter.
  4. deflected
    JusticeMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Mr. Arif Virani (Liberal). substantive question.The reply evades the yes-or-no question on discussions by restating the no-pressure claim.At no point has the current Minister of Justice or his predecessor been directed or pressured by the Prime Minister or the Prime Minister's Office to make a decision on this or any other matter.
  5. deflected
    JusticeMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Mr. Arif Virani (Liberal). substantive question.The answer thanks the asker for language comments yet again avoids confirming whether discussions took place.At no point has the Minister of Justice or the former minister of justice been pressured or directed by the Prime Minister or the Prime Minister's Office to make any decision on this or any other matter.
  6. deflected
    JusticeMr. Nathan Cullen (NDP) asked Mr. Arif Virani (Liberal). substantive question.The response sidesteps the call for an ethics investigation by repeating the standard denial of pressure.we have been abundantly clear. At no point has the Minister of Justice or the former minister of justice been pressured or directed by the Prime Minister or the Prime Minister's Office to make any decision on this or any other matter.
  7. deflected
    JusticeMr. Nathan Cullen (NDP) asked Mr. Arif Virani (Liberal). substantive question.The answer reiterates the no-pressure statement and adds a denial of allegations without supporting an investigation.I will reiterate for the House that at no point has the current Minister of Justice or the former minister of justice been pressured or directed by the Prime Minister or anyone else in his office to make a decision on this or any other matter.
  8. deflected
    JusticeMr. Alexandre Boulerice (NDP) asked Mr. Arif Virani (Liberal). substantive question.The reply denies pressure and calls the allegations false but does not agree to an ethics investigation.at no time was the current Minister of Justice or his predecessor pressured or directed by the Prime Minister or his office to make any decision on this or any other matter.
  9. deflected
    JusticeMr. Alexandre Boulerice (NDP) asked Mr. Arif Virani (Liberal). rhetorical question.The response focuses on the consultation process rather than addressing SNC-Lavalin's influence.The government has been entirely transparent with respect to amendments we have made to the laws of Canada with respect to remediation.
  10. deflected
    JusticeMr. John Brassard (Conservative) asked Mr. Arif Virani (Liberal). substantive question.The answer addresses pressure but avoids the question about any discussion of a deal.What I said is that the Minister of Justice and the previous minister of justice have not been pressured or directed by the Prime Minister or anyone else in the Prime Minister's Office to take any decision on this or any other matter.
  11. deflected
    JusticeMr. John Brassard (Conservative) asked Mr. Arif Virani (Liberal). substantive question.The answer addresses pressure but avoids the question about any discussion of a deal.at no point has the current Minister of Justice or the former minister of justice been pressured or directed by the Prime Minister or the Prime Minister's Office to make a decision in this or on any other matter.
  12. deflected
    JusticeMr. Pierre Paul-Hus (Conservative) asked Mr. Arif Virani (Liberal). substantive question.The answer addresses pressure but avoids the question about any discussion of a deal.at no point has the current Minister of Justice or his predecessor been pressured or directed by the Prime Minister or anyone in his office to make a decision on this or any other matter.
  13. deflected
    JusticeMrs. Sylvie Boucher (Conservative) asked Mr. Arif Virani (Liberal). substantive question.The answer addresses pressure but avoids the question about any discussion of a deal.at no point has the current Minister of Justice or the former minister of justice been pressured or directed by the Prime Minister or the Prime Minister's Office to make any decision on this or any other matter.
  14. deflected
    JusticeMr. John Nater (Conservative) asked Mr. Arif Virani (Liberal). substantive question.The answer addresses pressure but avoids the question about any discussion of a deal.at no point has the current Minister of Justice or the former minister of justice been pressured or directed by the Prime Minister or the Prime Minister's Office, including all employees therein, to make any decision on this or any other matter.
  15. deflected
    JusticeMr. Dan Albas (Conservative) asked Mr. Arif Virani (Liberal). substantive question.The answer addresses pressure but avoids the question about any discussion of a deal and confronts the asker.I take issue with the member opposite.
  16. deflected
    HealthMr. Alistair MacGregor (NDP) asked Mr. John Oliver (Liberal). substantive question.The response criticizes the NDP plan instead of stating whether a universal pharmacare plan will be implemented.What the NDP unveiled yesterday is not a plan.
  17. partly answered
    Child CareMs. Irene Mathyssen (NDP) asked Jean-Yves Duclos (Liberal). substantive question.Mentions child care investment but does not address implementing a national program like Quebec's.The good news is that we have announced a $7.5 billion investment, for the first time ever, in our daycare centres and early learning and child care.
  18. deflected
    JusticeDiane Finley (Conservative) asked Mr. Arif Virani (Liberal). loaded question.Avoids stating what was said by denying pressure and attacking Conservatives instead.It does indeed warm my heart to now hear two Conservative colleagues talking about how important the rule of law is.
  19. deflected
    JusticeMr. Arnold Viersen (Conservative) asked Mr. Arif Virani (Liberal). loaded question.Repeats denial of pressure without addressing what was said in the meeting.As the Prime Minister said very clearly yesterday in front of a media scrum, the allegations contained in The Globe and Mail article are false.
  20. deflected
    JusticeMr. Joël Godin (Conservative) asked Mr. Arif Virani (Liberal). loaded question.Repeats prior denial without answering what was said at the meeting.as I have already said, at no point was the current Minister of Justice or his predecessor pressured or directed by the Prime Minister or his office to make a decision on this or any other matter.
  21. deflected
    JusticeMrs. Kelly Block (Conservative) asked Mr. Arif Virani (Liberal). loaded question.Reaffirms no pressure but sidesteps the specific question about the meeting content.at no point has the current minister or his predecessor been pressured or directed by the Prime Minister or members of his office to make any decision in this or any other matter.
  22. deflected
    Natural ResourcesMs. Anne Minh-Thu Quach (NDP) asked Mr. Paul Lefebvre (Liberal). loaded question.Redirects to NEB without addressing whether information is being hidden.Anyone with questions or concerns about pipeline safety should contact the NEB.
  23. partly answered
    Public SafetyMs. Ruth Ellen Brosseau (NDP) asked Mr. Terry Beech (Liberal). substantive question.Offers to work with member and follow up but provides no concrete steps.I am happy to follow up with the member.
  24. misdirected
    JusticeMrs. Stephanie Kusie (Conservative) asked Mr. Arif Virani (Liberal). loaded question.Denies pressure then attacks the asker over veterans comment instead of answering the meeting question.In terms of the men and women who have fought for this country and served so valiantly, that is actually an inappropriate statement to be making in the House and it should be addressed.
  25. deflected
    JusticeMr. Mel Arnold (Conservative) asked Mr. Arif Virani (Liberal). substantive question.The response denies pressure but does not reveal what was said in the meeting.neither the current Minister of Justice nor the former minister of justice has been pressured or directed by the Prime Minister or anyone in the Prime Minister's Office to take a decision on this or any other matter.
  26. deflected
    JusticeMr. Martin Shields (Conservative) asked Mr. Arif Virani (Liberal). substantive question.Reiterates no pressure without answering the meeting content.the current Minister of Justice and his predecessor have neither been pressured nor directed by the Prime Minister or anyone in the Prime Minister's Office to make a decision on this or any other matter.
  27. deflected
    JusticeMr. Michael Barrett (Conservative) asked Mr. Arif Virani (Liberal). substantive question.Same denial of pressure without addressing the specific meeting question.at absolutely no point has the previous minister or the current minister been pressured or directed by the Prime Minister himself or any members of his office to make any decision on this or any other matter.
  28. deflected
    National DefenceMr. Randall Garrison (NDP) asked Mr. Serge Cormier (Liberal). substantive question.Addresses mental health generally but not the specific bill or support requested.our government is committed to the care, health and well-being of our military personnel and their families.
  29. partly answered
    Persons with DisabilitiesMs. Cheryl Hardcastle (NDP) asked Mrs. Deborah Schulte (Liberal). substantive question.Describes actions taken but does not directly address fixing rejections or clawbacks.our government recognizes that living with a disability can have a significant impact on the lives of those affected and their loved ones.
  30. deflected
    FinanceMr. Kelly McCauley (Conservative) asked Ms. Joyce Murray (Liberal). loaded question.Explains a different measure instead of addressing the fund elimination.our government has always been guided by the view that parliamentarians have the right to know where public funds are going and how they are being spent.
  31. partly answered
    Consular AffairsMr. Todd Doherty (Conservative) asked Andrew Leslie (Liberal). substantive question.Provides info on consular assistance without addressing the specific PM call request.Canadian consular officials are in direct contact with the family and are providing consular assistance and advice.
  32. deflected
    Consular AffairsMr. Todd Doherty (Conservative) asked Andrew Leslie (Liberal). substantive question.Mentions security without answering the call request.There is a whole host of security issues that surround such cases, and to further talk about the details in public may put lives in jeopardy.
  33. deflected
    JusticeMr. Jamie Schmale (Conservative) asked Mr. Arif Virani (Liberal). substantive question.The answer denies any pressure but ignores the specific request to waive privilege.as regards the previous minister of justice and the current Minister of Justice , there has been absolutely no pressure or direction exercised upon either of those two individuals by the Prime Minister himself or by anyone in his cabinet, on this or any other matter.
  34. partly answered
    Small BusinessMr. David Sweet (Conservative) asked Mr. Richard Hébert (Liberal). loaded question.The answer details tax reductions for small businesses but does not address the timing of relief or the personal attacks.On January 1, 2019, we lowered the small business tax rate to 9%, allowing small businesses to keep $7,500 more.
  35. deflected
    Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMr. Simon Marcil (Bloc) asked Ahmed Hussen (Liberal). substantive question.The answer notes ongoing collaboration but avoids explaining the refusal to discuss French requirements.We have concerns about the bill, but it is too early to comment on specifics.
  36. deflected
    EmploymentMs. Monique Pauzé (Bloc) asked Ahmed Hussen (Liberal). substantive question.The answer repeats collaboration language without addressing why Quebec's legislation is being blocked.We have concerns about the bill, but it is too early to comment on specifics.
  37. deflected
    EmploymentMs. Monique Pauzé (Bloc) asked Ahmed Hussen (Liberal). loaded question.The answer affirms collaboration and notes concerns but sidesteps the sovereignty accusation.Of course, we have some concerns about this bill, but we will be reviewing it with interest.
  38. deflected
    JusticeMr. John Nater (Conservative) asked Mr. Arif Virani (Liberal). substantive question.The answer reiterates no pressure occurred but does not answer whether the meeting discussed a special deal.at no point were the current Minister of Justice or the former minister of justice pressured or directed by the Prime Minister or anyone in the Prime Minister's Office to make any decision on this or any other matter.