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Monday, March 22, 2021 · sitting No. 73

NDP supply motion calls for removal of profit from long-term care

New Democrats used the day's main supply motion to demand that Ottawa bar profit from long-term care. Jagmeet Singh moved that national standards now under development eliminate for-profit operators, citing higher infection and death rates in those homes during the pandemic. Kevin Lamoureux asked whether provinces had been consulted, and Singh replied that provincial opposition had not halted universal health care.

Question period featured repeated Conservative attacks on the handling of sexual-misconduct allegations against General Vance and on the continued detention of the two Michaels in China. Liberal ministers replied that pay decisions rest with the public service and that diplomatic efforts continue. Bloc Québécois members pressed for higher health transfers and citizenship for Raif Badawi.

From the Hansard record of the sitting. Full Hansard

Question Period – March 22, 2021. Video from CPAC. Watch on YouTube

Who held the floor · 2021-03-22

Government (Liberal)OppositionOver the day: government 40%, opposition 60% of the words spokenPrivate membersGovernment businessQuestion PeriodGovernment business▲ Government side held the floor▼ Opposition held the floorOpened 11:0512:0013:0014:0015:0016:0017:00Last speech 18:15Time of day, Ottawa · the House sat 7 h 10 min · each dot is a stretch of debate, placed at the minute it began
41Supply debate drones, answers mostly deflectedThe sitting devoted the bulk of its time to business of supply and routine items but recorded no votes and advanced only one bill at introduction. Question period produced far more deflected or incomplete replies than clear answers.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

Natural Resources

Marilyn Gladu asked the natural resources minister to file an amicus brief supporting Enbridge in its U.S. legal fight; Seamus O'Regan said the government is already acting on every front to keep the line open.

Read the exchange

The Environment

Mario Simard told the government its climate bill lacks 2025 and 2030 targets; Pablo Rodriguez agreed climate change is real and faulted Conservatives for denying it.

Read the exchange

Post-Secondary Education

Laurel Collins urged the government to cancel up to $20,000 in federal student debt per borrower; Carla Qualtrough said repayment assistance has already been expanded.

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Public Safety

Jean Yip asked what Ottawa is doing about rising hate crimes; Bill Blair said a recent round table with police leaders examined ways to raise awareness and hold perpetrators accountable.

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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe demanded that the immigration minister act on the unanimous House motion to grant citizenship to Raif Badawi; Marco Mendicino said officials continue to press the case at the highest levels.

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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. misdirected
    HealthCandice Bergen (Conservative) asked Jonathan Wilkinson (Liberal). substantive question.The answer ignores the lockdown plan query and attacks the opposition on climate change.This past weekend, the deputy leader opposite's party once again rejected science and reaffirmed its disbelief in the reality of climate change.
  2. deflected
    Foreign AffairsCandice Bergen (Conservative) asked Marc Garneau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer rejects the premise about the ambassador and cheque without addressing why the ambassador was absent.of course I reject the premise of that unusual question.
  3. deflected
    Foreign AffairsCandice Bergen (Conservative) asked Marc Garneau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer restates opposition to arbitrary detention but avoids the question on sending funds to China.we have been focused on the release of the two Michaels from the very beginning.
  4. partly answered
    National DefenceMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Harjit S. Sajjan (Liberal). substantive question.The answer addresses pay determination but not the decision to grant the raise amid the investigation.I do not determine pay increases.
  5. partly answered
    National DefenceMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Harjit S. Sajjan (Liberal). substantive question.The answer clarifies pay process and quotes prior testimony but sidesteps the Prime Minister's awareness and raise approval.the Prime Minister's Office is not an investigative body.
  6. deflected
    HealthMr. Alain Therrien (Bloc) asked Patty Hajdu (Liberal). substantive question.The answer lists past supports but does not address increasing health transfers as requested.every step of the way, we have been there for provinces and territories.
  7. deflected
    HealthMr. Alain Therrien (Bloc) asked Patty Hajdu (Liberal). substantive question.The answer highlights military and Red Cross aid but avoids committing to higher health transfers.We sent in the Canadian military to support the care for seniors in long-term care facilities across Quebec.
  8. partly answered
    National DefenceMr. Jagmeet Singh (NDP) asked Harjit S. Sajjan (Liberal). substantive question.The answer restates zero tolerance and pay independence but does not address the apology or prevention request.our government has no tolerance for any type of misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces
  9. answered
    Royal Canadian Mounted PoliceMr. Jagmeet Singh (NDP) asked Bill Blair (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly confirms acceptance and implementation of all CRCC recommendations to fix the identified RCMP deficiencies.She has accepted all of the recommendations and we will work very closely with her to ensure a full implementation of them to address the deficiencies in the police response identified by the complaints review.
  10. deflected
    EthicsPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Pablo Rodriguez (Liberal). substantive question.The response avoids the specific request for the adviser to testify by restating general committee procedures and cooperation.My colleague also knows that committees are masters of their own work and make their own decisions, and we will always respect that.
  11. deflected
    EthicsPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Pablo Rodriguez (Liberal). substantive question.The answer sidesteps the filibuster accusation by accusing the asker of fishing and lecturing on committee independence.my colleague is fishing. We are used to it because he does it on a regular basis.
  12. deflected
    National DefenceMs. Leona Alleslev (Conservative) asked Pablo Rodriguez (Liberal). substantive question.The response repeats general statements about committee support without confirming whether the specific witness will appear.My colleague must know that the committees are the masters of their own fates.
  13. deflected
    National DefenceMs. Leona Alleslev (Conservative) asked Pablo Rodriguez (Liberal). substantive question.The answer again emphasizes committee autonomy and general cooperation rather than confirming testimony timing.However, my colleague knows very well that committees are masters of their own work.
  14. misdirected
    National DefenceMr. James Bezan (Conservative) asked Harjit S. Sajjan (Liberal). substantive question.The answer turns to attacking the opposition's past knowledge instead of addressing the minister's failure to flag allegations.
  15. misdirected
    National DefenceMr. James Bezan (Conservative) asked Harjit S. Sajjan (Liberal). substantive question.The response deflects by questioning what the opposition knew in 2015 rather than explaining the pay-raise decision.We also have questions ourselves right now about what was known in 2015 by the member himself, because he was the parliamentary secretary to the minister of National Defence and also to the opposition leader
  16. partly answered
    The EnvironmentMr. Mario Simard (Bloc) asked Pablo Rodriguez (Liberal). loaded question.The answer agrees on climate change but ignores the specific request to strengthen the bill's targets and reporting.Climate change does exist, and what the Conservatives did this weekend is extremely worrisome.
  17. deflected
    The EnvironmentMr. Mario Simard (Bloc) asked Jonathan Wilkinson (Liberal). rhetorical question.The answer promotes the government's climate plan without addressing the difference between parties or the specific investments mentioned.our government is implementing climate measures right now
  18. deflected
    Fisheries and OceansMrs. Marilène Gill (Bloc) asked Bernadette Jordan (Liberal). substantive question.The answer promises to work with stakeholders but avoids any commitment to immediate compensation.we will continue to work with our stakeholders and with our fishers to make sure we are doing everything possible to mitigate any challenges
  19. partly answered
    FinanceMr. Luc Berthold (Conservative) asked Mr. Sean Fraser (Liberal). substantive question.The answer states details on timing will be shared soon while listing other transparency measures provided.the Minister of Finance will be sharing details soon on the timing of this year's budget
  20. deflected
    FinanceMr. Luc Berthold (Conservative) asked Mr. Sean Fraser (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses costs of inaction and IMF views instead of explaining the borrowing increase or budget timing.sizable fiscal support was necessary to help avert larger economic and social consequences
  21. misdirected
    FinanceEd Fast (Conservative) asked Mr. Sean Fraser (Liberal). substantive question.The answer attacks the Conservatives on climate change rather than addressing the budget or economic reopening plan.I would like to thank my hon. member for divorcing himself from the conversation on the reality of climate change
  22. partly answered
    HealthMr. Don Davies (NDP) asked Patty Hajdu (Liberal). substantive question.The answer notes provincial jurisdiction but lists federal funding and standards work without removing profit.we have been there to support workers who have been struggling with low wages and poor training with $3 billion
  23. deflected
    Post-Secondary EducationMs. Laurel Collins (NDP) asked Carla Qualtrough (Liberal). substantive question.The answer lists existing student support measures without committing to debt cancellation or interest elimination.we increased the Canada student grants by 50% to help Canadians from low- and middle-income families
  24. deflected
    HealthMichelle Rempel Garner (Conservative) asked Patty Hajdu (Liberal). substantive question.The answer states that measures are provincial responsibilities and avoids giving specific federal guidance on hugs or resuming normal life.many of the situations she referenced are the purview of the provincial and territorial governments
  25. partly answered
    HealthMr. Todd Doherty (Conservative) asked Patty Hajdu (Liberal). substantive question.The answer details existing mental health investments and a specific program but does not present a new comprehensive plan as requested.In fact, I want to speak today about wellnesstogether.ca.
  26. answered
    Natural ResourcesMs. Marilyn Gladu (Conservative) asked Seamus O'Regan (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly affirms Line 5 is non-negotiable and states actions to protect it and related jobs.
  27. answered
    Natural ResourcesMs. Marilyn Gladu (Conservative) asked Seamus O'Regan (Liberal). substantive question.The answer confirms legal and diplomatic efforts on all fronts to keep Line 5 open without evasion.Line 5 is a battle that we are fighting on every front, including legal and diplomatic.
  28. deflected
    Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMr. Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe (Bloc) asked Marco Mendicino (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses monitoring and raising the case but avoids explaining specific actions over the past two months or granting citizenship.Canadian officials continue to raise his case at the highest level, and we have asked many times for clemency [Technical difficulty—Editor] .
  29. deflected
    Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMr. Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe (Bloc) asked Marco Mendicino (Liberal). substantive question.The answer thanks members and restates general principles without addressing actions taken in the two months or the citizenship request.We will continue to work with all members to reunite Mr. Badawi with his family.
  30. deflected
    Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMr. Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe (Bloc) asked Marco Mendicino (Liberal). substantive question.The answer expresses concern and mentions collaboration but sidesteps the direct question on exercising discretionary power to grant citizenship.We will continue to defend human rights around the world and in Canada.
  31. partly answered
    Canadian HeritageMr. Alain Rayes (Conservative) asked Steven Guilbeault (Liberal). substantive question.The answer addresses the specific museum report but ignores the broader list of allegations raised in the question.we are currently reviewing the independent investigation report and the recommendations of the board of trustees of the Canadian Museum of History
  32. deflected
    Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMr. Bernard Généreux (Conservative) asked Marco Mendicino (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses overall immigration goals and recovery but provides no timeline or solution for the biometrics delay.Our 2021 plan is based on the economic recovery and on ensuring that we are recruiting the workers we need to meet to provide the health care, food and services Canadians need.
  33. deflected
    Natural ResourcesMr. Greg McLean (Conservative) asked Seamus O'Regan (Liberal). loaded question.Question assumes deliberate delays without evidence and attacks with loaded phrasing; answer restates existing protections instead of addressing timeline.Workers are protected under the best health and safety framework in the world, and we continue to improve it, which is why it is the best.
  34. answered
    EmploymentMr. Marty Morantz (Conservative) asked Carla Qualtrough (Liberal). substantive question.Question asks for commitment to increase Canada summer jobs funding; answer directly states the target of 120,000 placements.this year we are aiming to create 120,000 job placements for young Canadians.
  35. misdirected
    Canada Revenue AgencyMs. Rachael Harder (Conservative) asked Diane Lebouthillier (Liberal). substantive question.Question asks what security measures are being taken; answer attacks the asker for reading only headlines rather than detailing new steps.clearly my colleague reads only the headlines and not the articles.
  36. deflected
    Natural ResourcesMr. Robert Kitchen (Conservative) asked Seamus O'Regan (Liberal). loaded question.Question asks for concrete results on Line 5; answer pivots to climate change talking points without providing results.Reality is a place where Line 5 exists and where workers are on the line.
  37. partly answered
    TelecommunicationsMr. Brian Masse (NDP) asked Mr. William Amos (Liberal). substantive question.Question asks if minister will stop the merger; answer states reviews will occur but does not commit to stopping it.The transaction will be reviewed by the CRTC, by the Competition Bureau, by the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology and by our own department.
  38. misdirected
    HealthMr. Derek Sloan (Independent) asked Patty Hajdu (Liberal). loaded question.Question asks minister to oppose vaccination passports; answer attacks the member for sowing fear instead of addressing the policy.It is important that we do not sow fear and distrust among the public health officials who are doing so much work to get us all through this safely.
  39. deflected
    Points of OrderMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Mr. Mark Gerretsen (Liberal). substantive question.Question raises point of order on safety protocols and numbers; answer disputes the framing but does not resolve the procedural issue.I would suggest this is not a point of order, but it is important to understand why that side of the House has chosen to do this.
  40. deflected
    Points of OrderMr. Alain Therrien (Bloc) asked Catherine McKenna (Liberal). substantive question.Question adds to point of order on physical presence of ministers; answer defers without addressing the concern.we will come back with additional comments shortly.