All sittings← 2019-05-012019-05-03 →
Thursday, May 2, 2019 · sitting No. 408
Commons advances indigenous languages bill amid china trade disputes
The House spent the largest share of its sitting on debate of the indigenous languages act. Members considered Bill C-91 at the report stage and third reading after the heritage committee completed its review.
Question period featured repeated exchanges on trade with China. Conservative leader Andrew Scheer pressed the government over canola and pork export blocks while Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau said officials were working with Chinese authorities on administrative issues.
Opposition members also challenged the government on energy projects and Bill C-69. Natural Resources Minister Amarjeet Sohi and Environment Minister Catherine McKenna defended the legislation and consultation processes for the Trans Mountain expansion.
Decided that day
- Bill C-91 passed report stage
- Motion to proceed to Orders of the Day passed
- Bill C-55 advanced in second chamber
- Bill C-82 advanced in first chamber
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 · 2019-05-02
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
National Suicide Prevention Action Plan
New Democrat MP Wayne Stetski supported Motion No. 174 for a national suicide prevention action plan and shared the story of his niece Mikki Everett.
Read the exchangePublic Safety
Bloc Québécois MP Michel Boudrias urged Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale to match Quebec's donation to the Red Cross for flood victims.
Read the exchangeCampaign Financing
Conservative MP Lisa Raitt asked whether the Prime Minister's Office discussed an SNC-Lavalin compliance agreement with Elections Canada in 2016.
Read the exchangeHealth
New Democrat MP Don Davies criticized Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor for accepting task force recommendations that ignore breast density.
Read the exchangeDevelopment of Rural Communities
New Democrat MP François Choquette said the government had failed to support a rural fibre optic project in the Drummond region.
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
- deflectedInternational TradeAndrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Marie-Claude Bibeau (Liberal). loaded question.The response addresses only the pork issue administratively without tackling the broader China policy criticism.
This kind of thing happens regularly, and we expect to find a solution quickly.
- misdirectedInternational TradeAndrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Marie-Claude Bibeau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer shifts to criticizing the opposition instead of addressing the trade issues.
Conservatives keep playing little politics.
- answeredNatural ResourcesAndrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Amarjeet Sohi (Liberal). loaded question.The minister provides specific examples of pipeline projects approved or advanced.
We are the government that gave approval to the Nova Gas line, which has been completed.
- partly answeredInternational TradeMr. Luc Berthold (Conservative) asked Marie-Claude Bibeau (Liberal). loaded question.Responds with details on ongoing contacts but avoids specifics mentioned in question.
We are in contact with the Chinese authorities.
- deflectedInternational TradeMr. Luc Berthold (Conservative) asked Marie-Claude Bibeau (Liberal). loaded question.Reiterates ongoing efforts without confronting the deleted tweet or lack of firmness.
I can assure you that we are standing firm and taking action in a variety of ways to address this situation.
- deflectedJusticeMr. Peter Julian (NDP) asked David Lametti (Liberal). loaded question.Focuses on the merits of the judicial appointment process without addressing the accusations.
our government has taken significant steps to make sure that we have in place a process for appointing judges that is transparent, that is merit-based
- misdirectedStatus of WomenMr. Peter Julian (NDP) asked Maryam Monsef (Liberal). loaded question.The response highlights opposition voting history rather than directly addressing shelter funding adequacy.
- answeredStatus of WomenMs. Karine Trudel (NDP) asked Jean-Yves Duclos (Liberal). substantive question.Details the national housing strategy's impact on shelters for women.
The strategy will get 500,000 Canadian families out of inadequate housing and create 7,000 more shelters specifically for women and girls.
- deflectedGovernment AppointmentsMs. Karine Trudel (NDP) asked David Lametti (Liberal). loaded question.The answer promotes judicial reforms and diversity stats without addressing the partisan database allegation.
our government brought in strong measures to ensure that the judicial appointment process is open and transparent and accountable to Canadians.
- partly answeredCampaign FinancingLisa Raitt (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer confirms the donations were investigated and returned but avoids confirming any PMO meetings.
The Commissioner of Canada Elections did do an investigation in this matter.
- misdirectedCampaign FinancingLisa Raitt (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.The answer pivots to attacking Conservatives and praising Liberal policies instead of addressing SNC-Lavalin meetings.
we know that Canadians are better off today than they were under 10 years of Stephen Harper.
- deflectedCampaign FinancingMr. Alain Rayes (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.The answer discusses old donations and new transparency laws without answering the question about meetings with the Chief Electoral Officer.
Under our Prime Minister 's leadership, our government has raised the bar for transparency.
- deflectedCampaign FinancingMr. Alain Rayes (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.The answer notes arm's-length investigations and returned donations but ignores the call to reopen the Aga Khan probe.
On this side of the House, we respect the work that the commissioners do.
- deflectedCampaign FinancingPeter Kent (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.The answer cites the ethics report and attacks Conservatives on ATIPs rather than addressing RCMP cooperation.
The member opposite should very well know that ATIPs are handled completely separately from political staff.
- misdirectedCampaign FinancingPeter Kent (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.The answer defends independence of officers and attacks Harper-era Conservatives instead of confirming cooperation with police.
It is only the Conservatives who would have to ask that question, because we know that under 10 years of Stephen Harper, they had no regard when it came to officers of Parliament.
- partly answeredThe EnvironmentMr. Pierre Nantel (NDP) asked Mr. Peter Schiefke (Liberal). substantive question.The answer lists climate actions and youth programs but does not address cross-party collaboration on an emergency.
if the NDP and the Conservatives want a plan for fighting climate change, I have one for them.
- deflectedIndigenous AffairsMs. Niki Ashton (NDP) asked Seamus O'Regan (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses general health initiatives without addressing the specific dialysis services in Berens River.
our government is working very hard on closing the unacceptable gap that exists right now between indigenous and non-indigenous communities when it comes to quality health care.
- deflectedThe EnvironmentMr. Mark Strahl (Conservative) asked Catherine McKenna (Liberal). loaded question.The answer claims a fair process then pivots to attacking the opposition on an unrelated costing issue.
What Canadians want to know is why the party opposite will not consent to have the Parliamentary Budget Officer cost its platform.
- deflectedCampaign FinancingMr. Mark Strahl (Conservative) asked Karina Gould (Liberal). loaded question.The answer defends Liberal compliance but shifts to criticizing the opposition for not following the same rules.
However, the opposition did not do so.
- partly answeredEthicsMr. Jacques Gourde (Conservative) asked David Lametti (Liberal). substantive question.The answer addresses the contract process but does not confirm whether the specific letter exists.
The contract in question was managed by the Department of Justice, and the awarding process complied with all of the department's policies.
- partly answeredEthicsMr. Jacques Gourde (Conservative) asked David Lametti (Liberal). substantive question.The answer explains approval delegation but again avoids confirming the letter's existence.
This contract was approved by the deputy minister of justice and deputy attorney general.
- deflectedHealthMs. Georgina Jolibois (NDP) asked Ms. Yvonne Jones (Liberal). substantive question.The answer references broad northern initiatives without addressing investment in health care for northern Saskatchewan.
That is why we have launched the northern strategic plan and the Arctic policy, so we can hear their concerns first-hand and act on programs and services that will benefit them.
- answeredHealthMr. Don Davies (NDP) asked Ms. Pam Damoff (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly explains that the task force is independent and its guidelines are not government policy.
The Canadian task force on preventive health care is an independent arm's-length panel of 15 experts to develop clinical practice guidelines.
- answeredNatural ResourcesMrs. Shannon Stubbs (Conservative) asked Catherine McKenna (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly states they will not kill the bill and explains the rationale for the new regime.
no, we will not kill Bill C-69
- partly answeredNatural ResourcesMrs. Shannon Stubbs (Conservative) asked Amarjeet Sohi (Liberal). loaded question.Addresses TMX decision date but ignores Bill C-69 and pivots to attack Conservatives.
However, it is interesting to note that if the Conservatives had been really serious about the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, they would not have voted to de-fund and kill the process that would lead to a decision.
- deflectedFinancePierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Mr. Joël Lightbound (Liberal). substantive question.Ignores the retaliation request and pivots to criticizing Conservative multilateralism stance.
The only thing the Conservatives have to offer us again today is the old Stephen Harper approach, which was about turning our backs on the United Nations and other multilateral organizations that make this world a better place.
- answeredFinancePierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Mr. Joël Lightbound (Liberal). substantive question.Directly states the amount as $250 million over five years and explains the context.
let me be clear. We are talking about $250 million over five years.
- answeredPersons with DisabilitiesMs. Cheryl Hardcastle (NDP) asked Carla Qualtrough (Liberal). substantive question.Corrects premise and confirms transportation is covered under the act with new regulations.
I can assure all Canadians that transportation is a priority under the accessible Canada act, which gives an extended mandate to the CTA to ensure that accessible transportation regulations come into force immediately.
- deflectedGovernment PrioritiesMr. Alistair MacGregor (NDP) asked Mr. Joël Lightbound (Liberal). loaded question.Ignores corporate influence question and shifts to poverty reduction stats while attacking opposition votes.
it is my pleasure to remind the member that if he had paid close attention to a recent release from Statistics Canada, he would have seen that in the short three and a half years we have been in power, we have reduced poverty by 20% in Canada.
- deflectedInternational TradeMr. Dean Allison (Conservative) asked Ms. Pamela Goldsmith-Jones (Liberal). substantive question.Focuses on consular contact and international support instead of addressing trade complaint or ambassador appointment.
first of all, I would like to say most importantly that the Minister of Foreign Affairs is in close contact with the families of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor.
- answeredInternational TradeMr. Earl Dreeshen (Conservative) asked Marie-Claude Bibeau (Liberal). substantive question.States the issue is administrative and expects quick resolution without political framing.
We were clearly informed that this is an administrative issue, something that happens on a relatively regular basis in various industries and countries.
- misdirectedForeign AffairsErin O'Toole (Conservative) asked Jim Carr (Liberal). loaded question.Ignores ambassador question and cites provincial and industry support instead of addressing China actions.
I am very glad to remind members opposite of what the Premier of Saskatchewan had to say yesterday about the plan we announced to support canola producers.
- misdirectedImmigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMr. Pierre Paul-Hus (Conservative) asked Mr. Matt DeCourcey (Liberal). loaded question.Answer attacks Conservatives' supposed views on immigration instead of addressing listed policy failures or the direct question posed.
The Conservatives think that immigration is a bad thing, but we, on this side of the House, know that immigration is a positive force for Canada's economic growth.
- partly answeredImmigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMs. Christine Moore (NDP) asked Mr. Matt DeCourcey (Liberal). substantive question.Answer acknowledges rural service issues and federal-Quebec cooperation but does not commit to opening a regional office or explain why it has not been done.
We know that client service is important and that we need staff all over the province to help solve this problem.
- misdirectedImmigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMichelle Rempel (Conservative) asked Mr. Matt DeCourcey (Liberal). loaded question.Answer accuses Conservatives of a secret plan to cut immigration rather than addressing specific claims of unfairness or injustice in the system.
Conservatives are twisting themselves into a pretzel to hide their secret plan to stifle economic growth by cutting immigration in this country.
- answeredPublic SafetyMr. Michel Boudrias (Bloc) asked Ralph Goodale (Liberal). substantive question.Answer directly explains the existing federal-provincial cost-sharing formula under the disaster financial assistance arrangements without evasion.
the compensation measures to cover losses as a result of flooding are, first and foremost, designed by the provinces.
- partly answeredPublic SafetyMr. Michel Boudrias (Bloc) asked Ralph Goodale (Liberal). substantive question.Answer notes ongoing discussions with the Red Cross but provides no commitment to match Quebec's donation and broadens scope to other provinces.
We will have something further to say on that within the next couple of days.
- answeredPublic SafetyMr. Michel Boudrias (Bloc) asked Ralph Goodale (Liberal). substantive question.Answer explicitly refers back to the prior response and explains the need to coordinate across multiple provinces before announcing further steps.
I think I answered that question very directly in the previous answer.
- answeredBusiness of the HouseCandice Bergen (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.Answer lists the planned House business for the specified period without deflection or omission.