Parliament AIIndependent · non-official

All sittings← 2019-02-202019-02-22 →

Thursday, February 21, 2019 · sitting No. 384

House debates Madagascar tax convention as SNC-Lavalin dominates question period

The House devoted the largest share of its sitting to debate on the Canada–Madagascar Tax Convention Implementation Act. Conservative MP Gérard Deltell said the official opposition supports the bill and any measures to combat tax evasion. Liberal MP Jennifer O'Connell said the legislation advances the government's tax fairness agenda and meets international standards.

Question period focused on allegations of political interference in the prosecution of SNC-Lavalin. Conservative MP Lisa Raitt asked whether the prime minister sought to influence the former attorney general. Liberal MP Bardish Chagger said the prime minister made clear at every opportunity that the decision rested with the minister of justice.

Liberal MP Kevin Lamoureux tabled the government's response to three petitions. The Speaker ruled on a question of privilege raised by the member for Mirabel concerning a reply to an oral question.

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 · 2019-02-21

Government (Liberal)OppositionOver the day: government 38%, opposition 62% of the words spokenGovernment businessQuestion PeriodGovernment business▲ Government side held the floor▼ Opposition held the floorOpened 10:0511:0012:0013:0014:0015:0016:0017:00Last speech 18:30Time of day, Ottawa · the House sat 8 h 25 min · each dot is a stretch of debate, placed at the minute it began
41Talk on Tax and Justice, No Votes TakenThe sitting focused on extended debate over the Canada–Madagascar tax convention and justice legislation, with 93 percent of words on substantive business. Only one bill was introduced and no decisions were reached by vote.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

Canada Elections Act

Conservative MP Blaine Calkins moved second reading of Bill C-406 to prohibit foreign contributions to third parties for election advertising and said foreign entities had undermined Canadian voices in past elections.

Read the exchange

Poverty

NDP MP Brigitte Sansoucy said the Liberals' poverty reduction bill does not go far enough and urged the government to revise it after hearing from a thousand organizations.

Read the exchange

International Trade

NDP MP Tracey Ramsey said the government's plan to remove U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum has failed and asked how much more Canadians must lose.

Read the exchange

Pensions

NDP MP Scott Duvall said a coalition of retiree organizations urged the government to protect workers' pensions in corporate insolvency and create a national pension insurance plan.

Read the exchange

Sport

NDP MP Cheryl Hardcastle said Sport Canada's policy has been ineffective and called on the minister to establish an independent investigative body for abuse allegations.

Read the exchange

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. answered
    JusticeLisa Raitt (Conservative) asked David Lametti (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly addresses whether the PM instructed him to leave by stating he recused himself independently.I recused myself from the meeting of my own accord.
  2. deflected
    JusticeLisa Raitt (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer restates committee work and a clerk quote instead of confirming or denying the influence claim.Today, the Clerk of the Privy Council also confirmed "At every opportunity, verbally and in writing in December, the prime minister made it clear that this was the decision for the minister of justice..."
  3. deflected
    JusticeLisa Raitt (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer shifts to meetings by opposition leaders and restates a clerk quote rather than addressing the chronology of pressure.the Conservative leader met with representatives of the company. The NDP leader met with representatives of the company.
  4. deflected
    JusticeMr. Alain Rayes (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer emphasizes committee independence and resources instead of explaining the timing of the September 17 meeting.I think we need to respect the independence of the committees and the judicial system.
  5. deflected
    JusticeMr. Alain Rayes (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer cites the current AG's general approval of conversations but avoids the specific question about the post-DPP meeting.When asked if it is appropriate for the Prime Minister and his officials to discuss the matter with the attorney general, the Attorney General of Canada confirmed that those kinds of conversations would be appropriate.
  6. partly answered
    JusticeMr. Alexandre Boulerice (NDP) asked David Lametti (Liberal). substantive question.The answer acknowledges the privilege issue and effort to allow testimony but does not address the request for a public inquiry.We want to be transparent. That is why we are working hard to get an answer so the former minister can have her say.
  7. deflected
    JusticeMr. Alexandre Boulerice (NDP) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer again highlights opposition meetings and committee respect instead of explaining the purpose of the listed discussions.On this side of the House, we respect the independence of the committee and the judicial system.
  8. deflected
    JusticeMr. Nathan Cullen (NDP) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer focuses on committee resources and independence while ignoring the call for a public inquiry into obstruction allegations.I believe we should respect their work. We respect the independence of the judicial system.
  9. deflected
    JusticeMr. Nathan Cullen (NDP) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). rhetorical question.The answer ignores the specific accusations and pivots to the ethics office and job numbers.That office is doing its work.
  10. deflected
    JusticeCandice Bergen (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer avoids identifying pressure and instead points to the committee process.I believe that the committee should be able to do its work independently.
  11. deflected
    JusticeCandice Bergen (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer never states who requested the September 17 meeting and shifts to general praise of communication.Talking to each other, communicating, is important.
  12. misdirected
    JusticeMr. Pierre Paul-Hus (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer attacks the Conservatives' consistency instead of answering who requested the meeting.the Conservatives keep talking out of both sides of their mouths.
  13. deflected
    JusticeMr. Pierre Paul-Hus (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer again refers only to the committee and does not address whether pressure occurred.They are asking these questions and getting answers.
  14. deflected
    JusticeMr. Mark Strahl (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.The answer sidesteps the obstruction claim by praising committee independence and attacking the prior government.the member on the other side is projecting from his experience under the previous government.
  15. deflected
    JusticeMr. Mark Strahl (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.The answer dismisses the raised voice rather than addressing continued pressure after the decision.the member seems to believe that if he raises his voice, all of a sudden there is more validity to what he is saying.
  16. deflected
    JusticeMr. Charlie Angus (NDP) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). rhetorical question.The answer ignores the optics and fear claims and simply restates that the former attorney general will appear.
  17. deflected
    JusticeMr. Charlie Angus (NDP) asked David Lametti (Liberal). rhetorical question.The answer sidesteps the demand to lift privilege by citing ongoing committee work without resolution.We are doing our best to study that question to allow the former attorney general to speak, but we have not yet resolved the issue.
  18. deflected
    JusticeMr. Michael Cooper (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer ignores the constitutional principle question and instead lectures on committee process.it is interesting, because I keep saying it, but I am not sure if it is registering with the members opposite.
  19. partly answered
    JusticeMr. Michael Cooper (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly quotes the clerk confirming the PM left the decision to the minister, addressing the pressure claim.At every opportunity, verbally and in writing in December, the Prime Minister made it clear that this was the decision for the minister of justice to take.
  20. deflected
    JusticeMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.The answer avoids the obstruction claim and pivots to praising committee work and resources.I think that the member across the way should have faith in the committee process.
  21. deflected
    JusticeMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.The answer agrees on institutions but evades the interference accusation by restating respect for committees.That is exactly what we on this side of the House believe.
  22. partly answered
    PovertyMs. Brigitte Sansoucy (NDP) asked Jean-Yves Duclos (Liberal). substantive question.The answer addresses poverty measures with specific programs but does not commit to revising the bill.That is why, in July 2016, we implemented the Canada child benefit, which lifts 300,000 children and 200,000 parents out of poverty every month.
  23. answered
    International TradeMs. Tracey Ramsey (NDP) asked Andrew Leslie (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly defends the tariff response plan with evidence of impact on US groups.
  24. deflected
    JusticeMr. Michael Barrett (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer repeats the clerk quote and pivots to committee respect instead of explaining post-September pressure.We on this side respect the work of committees.
  25. deflected
    JusticeMrs. Sylvie Boucher (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.The answer ignores the specific question about continued interference and instead attacks the Conservatives' respect for institutions.It is obvious that the Conservatives do not have much respect for our institutions.
  26. deflected
    JusticePierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer quotes unrelated committee testimony instead of addressing whether allegations were referred to the RCMP.Those kinds of conversations would be appropriate.
  27. answered
    JusticePierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly states there is no knowledge of any referral to the RCMP.we have no knowledge of any such activity.
  28. partly answered
    PensionsMr. Scott Duvall (NDP) asked Filomena Tassi (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses consultations and an evidence-based approach but does not give a yes or no on protecting pensions.Our government wants an evidence-based solution to this issue.
  29. deflected
    SportMs. Cheryl Hardcastle (NDP) asked Kirsty Duncan (Liberal). substantive question.The answer highlights new measures and a declaration but avoids committing to an independent investigative body.The Red Deer declaration will drive a systemic culture shift to prevent abuse, discrimination and harassment in sport.
  30. deflected
    JusticePeter Kent (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.The answer cites statements from officials instead of addressing the Prime Minister's challenge to the former attorney general's belief.At every opportunity, verbally and in writing in December, the Prime Minister made it clear that this was the decision for the Minister of Justice to take.
  31. deflected
    JusticeMr. Joël Godin (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.The answer repeats general statements on independence rather than explaining continued contacts after September 17.The Clerk of the Privy Council also confirmed that, at every opportunity, the Prime Minister made it clear that this was a decision for the Minister of Justice to make.
  32. deflected
    JusticeMr. Dan Albas (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.The answer points to ongoing investigations and committee work instead of addressing the alleged coordinated effort.We have confidence in committees.
  33. deflected
    JusticeMichelle Rempel (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). rhetorical question.The answer discusses committee proceedings and an unrelated confirmation instead of addressing the pressure question.justice committee members have asked for witnesses to appear.
  34. partly answered
    Veterans AffairsMr. Gord Johns (NDP) asked Harjit S. Sajjan (Liberal). loaded question.The answer addresses benefits for veterans but ignores the minister appointment and SNC-Lavalin issues raised.Thanks to our government's $10-billion additional investment, all veterans today, including the most vulnerable, are better off than they were under the previous Harper government.
  35. deflected
    JusticeMr. John Brassard (Conservative) asked David Lametti (Liberal). loaded question.The answer refuses to address the question by declining to give a legal opinion on the floor.as Attorney General for Canada, I will not answer a legal question or give a legal opinion on the floor of the House of Commons.
  36. deflected
    JusticeMr. Rhéal Fortin (Bloc) asked David Lametti (Liberal). substantive question.The answer cites ongoing proceedings rather than explaining why no remediation agreement was signed.As Attorney General of Canada, I cannot comment, as that would have an impact on the legal proceedings currently under way.
  37. deflected
    JusticeMr. Rhéal Fortin (Bloc) asked David Lametti (Liberal). rhetorical question.The answer emphasizes protecting institutions and litigation privilege without addressing the remediation agreement or resignations.One of those institutions is the protection of litigation.
  38. partly answered
    International TradeMs. Elizabeth May (Green) asked Jim Carr (Liberal). substantive question.The answer affirms the plan for an ombudsperson but provides no timeline or status update beyond 'soon'.The appointment will be announced soon.
  39. answered
    Business of the HouseCandice Bergen (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly lists the planned business for the remainder of the week and next week.