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Friday, November 6, 2020 · sitting No. 28
Bloc seeks to bar parties from wage subsidy as C-9 debate dominates
The House spent the largest share of its sitting on Government Orders considering Bill C-9 amendments to the Income Tax Act. Bloc Québécois MP Gabriel Ste-Marie moved an amendment that would exclude political parties from the definition of eligible entity for the wage subsidy and would require the Liberal Party to repay amounts already received.
Liberal MP Kevin Lamoureux defended the wage subsidy program and accused the Bloc of inflating election expenses. Ste-Marie rejected the claim and described the Liberal receipt of the subsidy as double-dipping that violated the spirit of the legislation.
In Question Period, Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre pressed the government on its rent-subsidy changes and on the lack of an economic update, while Conservative MP Stephanie Kusie asked Transport Minister Marc Garneau for guarantees that any aviation-sector aid would protect workers and exclude executive compensation.
From the Hansard record of the sitting. Full Hansard
Question Period – November 6, 2020. Video from CPAC. Watch on YouTube
Who held the floor · 2020-11-06
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
Veterans Affairs
Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre called on the government to join a boycott of Whole Foods after the chain banned employees from wearing poppies; Veterans Affairs Minister Lawrence MacAulay called the policy unacceptable.
Read the exchangeIndigenous Affairs
NDP MP Charlie Angus questioned why Neskantaga First Nation remains under evacuation after three weeks without clean water; Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller said officials are working with the chief on a staged reopening of the new plant.
Read the exchangeNational Defence
Conservative MP James Bezan asked whether the Canadian Armed Forces had stood up a new defence strategic communications group; Parliamentary Secretary Anita Vandenbeld said no influence operations on Canadians have been approved.
Read the exchangeAgriculture and Agri-Food
NDP MP Alistair MacGregor pressed Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau on when year-two compensation payments to dairy farmers would be made; Parliamentary Secretary Neil Ellis said the $1.75-billion commitment remains firm.
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
- deflectedVeterans AffairsPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Lawrence MacAulay (Liberal). substantive question.The answer condemns the action but does not address the call to boycott.
I know that all my colleagues in the House join me in condemning this move and reinforcing the poppy for everyone to remember and honour the service of the people who have provided our democracy and freedom.
- deflectedCOVID-19 Emergency ResponsePierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Mr. Sean Fraser (Liberal). loaded question.The response defends existing measures without directly addressing the rent assistance program's shortcomings.
It is because of measures like the wage subsidy, the emergency business account and various supports, including for commercial rent, that millions of Canadians still have a job to go to that allows them to feed their families.
- deflectedFinancePierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Mr. Sean Fraser (Liberal). loaded question.The answer shifts focus to economic risks rather than addressing the lack of specific figures.
again the hon. member is focused on the wrong thing.
- partly answeredAirline IndustryMrs. Stephanie Kusie (Conservative) asked Marc Garneau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer references existing supports but does not provide the requested assurances on layoffs or executive pay.
we have actually put some plans in place, not to mention the rent holiday for 21 airports during 2020.
- partly answeredAirline IndustryMrs. Stephanie Kusie (Conservative) asked Marc Garneau (Liberal). substantive question.The response indicates actions on regional routes and consumer refunds but without firm commitments.
We did mention in the throne speech that we were going to ensure that regional routes would be maintained in Canada
- deflectedAirline IndustryMr. Xavier Barsalou-Duval (Bloc) asked Marc Garneau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer reiterates ongoing work without providing a timeline or specific actions.
we are working on a comprehensive program to protect our airline industry
- deflectedAirline IndustryMr. Xavier Barsalou-Duval (Bloc) asked Marc Garneau (Liberal). substantive question.The response avoids specifying a timeline, emphasizing ongoing collaboration instead.
I am working with my colleague, the Minister of Finance , who is well aware of the situation.
- deflectedCanadian HeritageMr. Peter Julian (NDP) asked Ms. Julie Dabrusin (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses new broadcasting legislation but does not commit to or address measures for content sharing platforms.
this week, we tabled legislation that will modernize the Broadcasting Act.
- deflectedIndigenous AffairsMr. Charlie Angus (NDP) asked Marc Miller (Liberal). loaded question.Answer acknowledges situation but avoids addressing specific accusations of failure and excuses by pivoting to updates.
I would like to update the House on the current discussions we are having with the chief.
- deflectedNational DefenceMr. James Bezan (Conservative) asked Ms. Anita Vandenbeld (Liberal). substantive question.Answer states no influence operations on citizens but does not confirm whether the group has been stood up.
The Canadian Armed Forces does not conduct influence operations on our citizens.
- deflectedNational DefenceMr. James Bezan (Conservative) asked Ms. Anita Vandenbeld (Liberal). loaded question.Answer reiterates no influence operations but avoids directly guaranteeing against weaponization of communications.
yes, the minister and I have been very clear, and continue to be clear, that we do not conduct influence operations on Canadian citizens.
- partly answeredHealthMr. Pierre Paul-Hus (Conservative) asked Patty Hajdu (Liberal). substantive question.Answer addresses flu vaccine delivery status but does not confirm if supply meets full provincial needs amid shortages.
over 97% of flu vaccines have been delivered to provinces and territories.
- deflectedHealthMr. Pierre Paul-Hus (Conservative) asked Patty Hajdu (Liberal). loaded question.Answer highlights low flu activity and delivery progress while ignoring criticism of government delays and past agreements.
So far, we have seen very low flu activity, and that is good news.
- misdirectedForeign AffairsMr. Luc Berthold (Conservative) asked François-Philippe Champagne (Liberal). loaded question.Answer shifts to condemning politicization and expressing solidarity instead of addressing Liberal views on free expression limits.
It is rather unfortunate that some members are trying to politicize an issue like this when the Prime Minister was clear.
- deflectedForeign AffairsMr. Luc Berthold (Conservative) asked François-Philippe Champagne (Liberal). loaded question.Answer asserts government clarity on free expression but sidesteps whether PM repeated limits comment to Macron.
The Prime Minister reiterated the message.
- partly answeredAerospace IndustryMr. Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay (Bloc) asked Marc Garneau (Liberal). substantive question.Answer recognizes aerospace impact but provides no specific plan or timeline for support.
We are well aware that it has been affected by this pandemic, and we are taking that into account.
- deflectedAerospace IndustryMr. Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay (Bloc) asked Marc Garneau (Liberal). substantive question.The minister becomes defensive and questions the asker rather than outlining any policy details or timeline.
I rarely get angry, but when a colleague tries to lecture me on Canada's aerospace industry, I simply cannot accept comments of that nature, because I know this sector intimately, including the Quebec sector.
- partly answeredHealthMs. Nelly Shin (Conservative) asked Patty Hajdu (Liberal). substantive question.The response explains actions taken with Vertex but provides no timeline for when the drug will be available.
We have worked with Vertex and encouraged it to apply to Health Canada.
- partly answeredHealthMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Patty Hajdu (Liberal). substantive question.The answer notes outreach to Vertex and mentions the special access program but avoids committing to a decision timeline.
Patients like Roman and the member opposite's constituent can apply to the special access program at Health Canada with their doctor's recommendation, so they can access Trikafta in Canada.
- deflectedVeterans AffairsMr. Alex Ruff (Conservative) asked Lawrence MacAulay (Liberal). substantive question.The minister condemns the action and praises veterans but does not address whether legislation will be introduced.
Veterans' Week is a time for every Canadian to come together to show their unwavering support for veterans.
- answeredNatural ResourcesMs. Rachael Harder (Conservative) asked Seamus O'Regan (Liberal). rhetorical question.The question is rhetorical and sarcastic, yet the minister directly addresses the underlying premise by confirming commitment and describing ongoing planning.
we are absolutely committed to planting two billion trees.
- answeredVeterans AffairsMs. Lindsay Mathyssen (NDP) asked Lawrence MacAulay (Liberal). substantive question.The response directly references the $20 million funding in Bill C-4 as concrete support for the organization.
it has always been my priority to ensure that we provide financial support for organizations that do so much for our veterans, and that is exactly what we included, $20 million in Bill C-4 to do just that.
- partly answeredAgriculture and Agri-FoodMr. Alistair MacGregor (NDP) asked Mr. Neil Ellis (Liberal). substantive question.The answer reaffirms the overall compensation commitment but does not specify when year-two payments will be made.
Our commitment to make available $1.75 billion over eight years for full and fair compensation is firm.
- deflectedAgriculture and Agri-FoodMs. Lianne Rood (Conservative) asked Mr. Neil Ellis (Liberal). substantive question.The minister highlights past payments and the total package but avoids naming any specific deadline for year-two compensation.
Less than one year ago we sent a first cheque to all dairy farmers who asked for it.
- deflectedAgriculture and Agri-FoodMr. Jamie Schmale (Conservative) asked Mr. Neil Ellis (Liberal). loaded question.Answer restates commitments and past actions without addressing the delay or priority question.
Our commitment to make available $1.75 billion over eight years for full and fair compensation is firm.
- partly answeredAgriculture and Agri-FoodMr. Richard Lehoux (Conservative) asked Mr. Neil Ellis (Liberal). substantive question.Answer references prior payments and promises but avoids confirming the specific December 31 date requested.
Less than one year ago, we sent the first cheque to all dairy farmers who asked for it.
- deflectedAgriculture and Agri-FoodMr. Mark Strahl (Conservative) asked Mr. Neil Ellis (Liberal). substantive question.Answer repeats general commitments without providing any timeline or date for payments.
Our commitment to make available $1.75 billion over eight years in full, fair compensation is firm.
- deflectedPublic Services and ProcurementMrs. Julie Vignola (Bloc) asked Mr. Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). loaded question.Answer affirms partnership with Davie but sidesteps the delay purpose and contract award question.
Unlike the previous government, we continue to work with Davie to integrate it into the procurement process for different shipbuilding projects under way in Canada.
- deflectedPublic Services and ProcurementMrs. Julie Vignola (Bloc) asked Mr. Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). loaded question.Answer highlights past contracts awarded but does not confirm Davie will receive the Diefenbaker contract.
since our government took office, the Davie shipyard has been awarded $2.1 billion in contracts under the national shipbuilding strategy.
- deflectedPublic SafetyMr. Tom Kmiec (Conservative) asked Mr. Joël Lightbound (Liberal). loaded question.Answer gives a general statement on border officers without addressing the specific FlightSimple case or fixes proposed.
Our border services officers work very hard to enforce the rules and to assess every situation on a case-by-case basis, in the best interests of Canada and its citizens.
- answeredImmigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMr. Joël Godin (Conservative) asked Marco Mendicino (Liberal). substantive question.Answer explains extension rules and offers to discuss the specific case directly.
Temporary visitors who are unable to travel can request to extend their status in Canada.
- partly answeredInfrastructureMr. Tako Van Popta (Conservative) asked Catherine McKenna (Liberal). substantive question.Answer states general process for provincial projects but provides no commitment or timeline for the SkyTrain extension.
When we receive projects from the province that are prioritized, we look at the business case and are happy to move forward.
- partly answeredMarijuanaMr. Scot Davidson (Conservative) asked Patty Hajdu (Liberal). loaded question.Answer addresses protocols but sidesteps closing loopholes.
producers of medical cannabis have to go through a strict screening protocol with Health Canada.
- answeredPost-Secondary EducationMr. Kenny Chiu (Conservative) asked Carla Qualtrough (Liberal). substantive question.Answer directly details repayment assistance and support measures.
we are really emphasizing to students that they have access to the repayment assistance plan, if they are still struggling.
- deflectedTelecommunicationsMr. Dan Mazier (Conservative) asked Maryam Monsef (Liberal). loaded question.Answer agrees on importance but avoids explaining inaction.
We have heard Canadians. We have worked with them to develop a plan that they have asked for, and we will have more to say soon.
- answeredCOVID-19 Emergency ResponseMr. Jack Harris (NDP) asked Mr. Sean Fraser (Liberal). substantive question.Answer confirms flexibility and offers further discussion.
From the beginning we have been flexible in our approach and have made serious changes to programs to reflect the needs of Canadians.
- deflectedForeign AffairsMr. Paul Manly (Green) asked François-Philippe Champagne (Liberal). loaded question.Answer lists achievements instead of addressing review request.
Canada has been at the forefront when it comes to, for example, the issues around Belarus.
- deflectedWhole FoodsMs. Rachel Blaney (NDP) asked Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Liberal). rhetorical question.Response counters with alternative motion rather than addressing the one presented.
That the House of Commons call on all Canadian employers to allow their employees to wear poppies during Veterans Week, showing support for the service and sacrifice of all Canadian veterans and veterans organizations such as the Royal Canadian Legion, which do vital work supporting Canadian veterans from coast to coast to coast.