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Tuesday, February 26, 2019 · sitting No. 387

Liberals move time allocation on prison reform bill

Liberal House leader Bardish Chagger moved a time allocation motion that would limit debate on report stage and third reading of Bill C-83, An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act and another Act, to one further sitting day each.

Conservative MP Pierre Paul-Hus asked why the government had not explained the physical differences between administrative segregation units and the proposed structured intervention units. Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale replied that the correctional service already possesses authority to separate inmates and would make physical modifications where required.

In Question Period, Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer charged that the Prime Minister and his advisers had sought to interfere with the former attorney general's decision on a remediation agreement for SNC-Lavalin. Government House leader Bardish Chagger said the government respects the independence of prosecutors and committees while protecting jobs.

Decided that day

  • Concurrence at report stage of Bill C-83 passed
  • Bill C-83 passed at multiple stages
  • Time allocation for Bill C-83 passed
  • Motion to proceed to Orders of the Day passed

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 · 2019-02-26

Government (Liberal)OppositionOver the day: government 50%, opposition 50% of the words spokenGovernment businessQuestion PeriodGovernment business▲ Government side held the floor▼ Opposition held the floorOpened 10:0512:0013:0014:0015:0016:0017:0018:00Last speech 19:40Time of day, Ottawa · the House sat 9 h 35 min · each dot is a stretch of debate, placed at the minute it began
64Bill C-83 edges ahead amid deflected answersThe House spent the bulk of its time on the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, passing time allocation and several stages of Bill C-83. Question Period produced mostly deflected replies and six calls to order, limiting clear progress.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

Pharmacare

NDP MP Brigitte Sansoucy pressed the government to move immediately on a fully funded universal pharmacare program. Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor said an advisory council will report later this year after consulting Canadians.

Read the exchange

Natural Resources

NDP MP Alexandre Boulerice said the National Energy Board report shows the pipeline expansion violates indigenous rights and harms the environment. Natural Resources Parliamentary Secretary Paul Lefebvre replied that the government is following the Federal Court of Appeal's guidance while growing the economy and protecting the environment.

Read the exchange

Housing

NDP MP Sheri Benson said the government acts quickly for corporate interests but delays on affordable housing. Families Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said the national housing strategy has already helped a million families and will transform housing through new investments.

Read the exchange

Seniors

NDP MP Scott Duvall asked when the government would deliver real pension security and universal pharmacare. Employment Minister Filomena Tassi said extensive consultations have produced an evidence-based approach that will be implemented without unintended consequences for pensioners.

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. deflected
    JusticeAndrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer pivots to jobs and remediation agreements without addressing the question on accepting the AG's no.We will always protect Canadian jobs. That is what we do on this side.
  2. deflected
    JusticeAndrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer avoids the question on accepting the prosecutor's decision and instead attacks Conservatives' record.We on this side will always protect Canadian jobs and stand up for them.
  3. deflected
    JusticeAndrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer cites the DPP's independence but does not address the specific question about communications to SNC-Lavalin.The director of the Public Prosecution Service confirmed that prosecutors in every case "exercise their discretion independently and free from any political or partisan consideration."
  4. deflected
    JusticeMr. Alain Rayes (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer shifts to meetings by opposition leaders and committee resources instead of answering yes or no on assurances to SNC-Lavalin.The leader of the Conservative Party met with the company, as did the leader of the NDP.
  5. deflected
    JusticeMr. Alain Rayes (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses committee processes and respect for institutions without answering the question on communications to SNC-Lavalin.We know this matter is currently before the Commissioner of Ethics and the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
  6. deflected
    JusticeMr. Guy Caron (NDP) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer notes opposition leaders' meetings but does not address the volume of meetings with SNC-Lavalin lobbyists.the leader of the NDP met with SNC-Lavalin representatives. The leader of the Conservatives met with them also.
  7. deflected
    JusticeMr. Guy Caron (NDP) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer cites officials' statements on independence but does not address the request for ministers to appear before committee.The deputy minister of justice confirmed that there was no direct communication in any specific case between the Prime Minister's Office and the DPP.
  8. deflected
    JusticeMr. Charlie Angus (NDP) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer defends committee work and witness appearances without addressing the request for specific PMO staff to testify.Witnesses are appearing. They are answering questions.
  9. deflected
    JusticeMr. Charlie Angus (NDP) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.The answer ignores the timeline of interventions and pivots to unrelated policy achievements while attacking the NDP.We on this side have lowered taxes on middle-class Canadians so that we could increase them on the wealthiest 1%.
  10. deflected
    JusticeLisa Raitt (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer explains remediation agreements but then shifts to attacking opposition leaders instead of addressing the specific assurances asked about.The record shows that the leader of the Conservative Party met with the company.
  11. deflected
    JusticeLisa Raitt (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer cites officials but ends by attacking Conservatives rather than identifying who gave assurances to SNC-Lavalin.
  12. deflected
    JusticeLisa Raitt (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer avoids naming any individual and instead criticizes Conservatives for undermining institutions.Once again, it is not surprising that the Conservatives will undermine the work of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner.
  13. partly answered
    JusticePierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Carla Qualtrough (Liberal). loaded question.The answer explains the administrative agreement and integrity regime but does not directly address why intervention was needed if such deals were possible.PSPC has entered into an administrative agreement with this company while criminal proceedings are under way.
  14. deflected
    JusticePierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Carla Qualtrough (Liberal). loaded question.The answer restates the practice of administrative agreements without addressing the alleged motive of protecting cronies.This administrative agreement will terminate if there is a criminal conviction.
  15. deflected
    JusticePierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Carla Qualtrough (Liberal). loaded question.The answer shifts focus to the previous Conservative government's integrity regime instead of addressing the motive for protecting SNC-Lavalin.it was the Conservative government that put in place the integrity regime, and our government is working to in fact enhance it.
  16. partly answered
    PharmacareMs. Brigitte Sansoucy (NDP) asked Ginette Petitpas Taylor (Liberal). substantive question.The answer acknowledges the need for a plan and references the advisory council but provides no timeline for action beyond waiting for a report.I look forward to seeing the council's recommendations.
  17. deflected
    PharmacareMs. Tracey Ramsey (NDP) asked Ginette Petitpas Taylor (Liberal). loaded question.Answer discusses process and experts but avoids addressing employer coverage erosion or universal single-payer demand.with something as important as a national pharmacare program, this side of the House wants to get it done right
  18. misdirected
    JusticeMr. Michael Cooper (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.Answer pivots to defending institutions and attacks the questioner's committee participation instead of addressing lawful authority.It is really too bad that the member and his party do not.
  19. deflected
    JusticeMr. Michael Cooper (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.Answer cites general confirmations of independence but sidesteps the specific question on PM's actions toward the attorney general.the deputy minister of justice confirmed that there was no direct communication in any specific case between the PMO and the DPP
  20. misdirected
    JusticeMr. Pierre Paul-Hus (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.Answer shifts to committee resources and attacks another MP's statements rather than addressing the Prime Minister's authority.the member for Carleton says something quite different in English
  21. misdirected
    JusticeMr. Pierre Paul-Hus (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.Answer repeats institutional confidence and again attacks opposition members' consistency instead of answering on lawful authority.in English, the member for Carleton said he wanted to shut down the company
  22. deflected
    Natural ResourcesMr. Alexandre Boulerice (NDP) asked Mr. Paul Lefebvre (Liberal). loaded question.Answer highlights government investments and court process but does not engage the national-interest framing or indigenous/environmental concerns raised.Canadians elected our government because of our plan to grow the economy and protect the environment
  23. misdirected
    Natural ResourcesMr. Nathan Cullen (NDP) asked Mr. Paul Lefebvre (Liberal). loaded question.Answer accuses the asker of selective support for projects and rulings rather than addressing the choice between environment, indigenous relations and the pipeline.
  24. deflected
    JusticeMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.Answer asserts compliance with rules and notes ongoing reviews but avoids confirming whether cabinet discussed the matter.The case is currently before the Ethics Commissioner and the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights
  25. misdirected
    JusticeMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer evades the yes/no cabinet question by restating positions and attacking the opposition's language use.What is clear is that the Conservatives are saying one thing in French and something else in English. They should stop doing that.
  26. deflected
    JusticeMr. Mark Strahl (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.The answer sidesteps the contradiction between the Clerk and Minister by shifting to committee testimony on appropriateness of conversations.When it was asked if it would be appropriate for the Prime Minister and officials to discuss the matter with the Attorney General, the Attorney General confirmed that those kinds of conversations would be appropriate.
  27. deflected
    JusticeMr. Mark Strahl (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.The answer avoids resolving the alleged misleading statements by speculating on Conservative motives and referencing past committee rules.It was their approach for 10 years under Stephen Harper, and unfortunately that remains the case today.
  28. partly answered
    HousingMs. Sheri Benson (NDP) asked Jean-Yves Duclos (Liberal). substantive question.The answer addresses housing investments and strategy but does not directly respond to the speed of action for corporate vs. housing needs.Since 2016 we have invested an additional $5.7 billion and have helped a million families.
  29. partly answered
    SeniorsMr. Scott Duvall (NDP) asked Filomena Tassi (Liberal). substantive question.The answer acknowledges pension work and consultations but does not commit to a timeline for action on pharmacare or security.We want to have an evidence-based solution and ensure pensioners do not suffer unintended consequences.
  30. answered
    JusticeMr. Michael Barrett (Conservative) asked Ralph Goodale (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly states that the RCMP operates independently and does not consult the minister on investigations.as members of the House should know, the RCMP is totally independent.
  31. misdirected
    JusticeMr. Michael Barrett (Conservative) asked Ralph Goodale (Liberal). substantive question.The answer refuses to address the specific RCMP contact question by labeling the inquiry improper and redirecting to RCMP independence.the hon. gentleman is pursuing what is an absolutely improper line of questioning.
  32. answered
    JusticeMs. Leona Alleslev (Conservative) asked Ralph Goodale (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly states no awareness of RCMP activity and emphasizes institutional independence without engaging the yes/no framing.we are absolutely not aware of any activity in relation to the RCMP, neither should we be.
  33. deflected
    JusticeMr. John Brassard (Conservative) asked Ralph Goodale (Liberal). substantive question.The answer avoids a yes/no by claiming lack of awareness and stressing RCMP independence.we are not aware of any such activity in relation to the RCMP and neither should we be, because the RCMP is completely independent.
  34. misdirected
    EmploymentMr. Robert Aubin (NDP) asked Patty Hajdu (Liberal). substantive question.The answer ignores the specific airport jobs question and pivots to unrelated general job creation stats.since we were elected we have created 800,000 great paying jobs.
  35. misdirected
    EthicsMichelle Rempel (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.The answer attacks the asker's priorities and lists Liberal policies instead of addressing the two-sets-of-rules claim.that member has definitely demonstrated where the priorities of the Conservatives are at.
  36. deflected
    EmploymentMr. Rhéal Fortin (Bloc) asked David Lametti (Liberal). substantive question.The answer refuses to engage by citing ongoing court cases as making comment inappropriate.even though the legislation exists, there are ongoing court cases, so it would be inappropriate for me to comment.
  37. deflected
    EmploymentMr. Rhéal Fortin (Bloc) asked François-Philippe Champagne (Liberal). substantive question.The answer restates general talking points about supporting workers without addressing the timing of action on SNC-Lavalin.We can absolutely stand up for the workers, suppliers and retirees of a company like SNC-Lavalin while at the same time comply with ethics rules and all of the other legal rules surrounding these discussions.
  38. deflected
    Foreign AffairsMaxime Bernier (Independent) asked Ahmed Hussen (Liberal). loaded question.The answer dismisses the premise as conspiracy theories and shifts to benefits of the migration compact.on this side of the House we do not believe in conspiracy theories; we go with facts.