All sittings← 2021-04-152021-04-19 →
Friday, April 16, 2021 · sitting No. 82
Commons spends most of day debating net-zero emissions bill
The House devoted the largest share of its time to debate on the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act. Bloc Québécois MP Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay said the bill requires an action plan, measures and review by an independent body to assess whether targets are met and whether Canada meets its Paris Agreement obligations. Green Party MP Elizabeth May said Bill C-12 is the weakest such law in the world and asked why the minister did not study stricter legislation from other countries.
In Question Period, Conservative MP Gérard Deltell pressed the government on shortfalls in Moderna vaccine deliveries and said fewer doses mean a slower economic recovery. Liberal MP Steven MacKinnon said the government is exceeding targets by millions of doses and will continue to expedite deliveries.
Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre said Canada now shows all five leading indicators of a forthcoming debt crisis and asked whether the budget will address it. Liberal MP Sean Fraser said the cost of inaction would have been far higher and pointed to an IMF report showing the deficit would have been similar without government supports.
Decided that day
- Bill C-287 introduced
From the Hansard record of the sitting. Full Hansard
Question Period – April 16, 2021. Video from CPAC. Watch on YouTube
Who held the floor · 2021-04-16
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
Government Orders
Liberal MP Mark Gerretsen sought unanimous consent to deem the report stage amendment to Bill C-6 adopted on division, to deem the bill concurred in at report stage on division and to allow third reading at the same sitting.
Read the exchangeAgriculture and Agri-Food
Bloc Québécois MP Marilène Gill said federal mismanagement of quarantines forces workers to isolate for 25 days and leaves Quebec businesses without labour during short seasons. Liberal MP Irek Kusmierczyk said the government is working with provinces to ensure safe entry and has strengthened inspections.
Read the exchangePublic Safety
Conservative MP Shannon Stubbs said the NSICOP report shows China is actively targeting Canada's 5G networks and asked whether the government will ban Huawei. Liberal MP Ali Ehsassi said the government takes national security seriously and has protocols in place.
Read the exchangeAirline Industry
Conservative MP Stephanie Kusie said the Air Canada package neglects workers at other airlines and asked for comprehensive relief. Liberal MP Omar Alghabra said Sunwing received a package in February and discussions continue with Air Transat and WestJet.
Read the exchangeQuestion Period, exchange by exchange
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- deflectedPublic Services and ProcurementMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Mr. Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). loaded question.Answer shifts focus to general progress and blames Moderna instead of addressing the specific shortfall or PM response requested.
Although we are disappointed in Moderna's supply constraints, we will continue to show that we will expedite vaccine deliveries to Canada.
- deflectedPublic Services and ProcurementMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Mr. Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). loaded question.Answer avoids the shortfall facts by claiming targets are exceeded and accuses opposition of partisanship.
The opposition wants to turn vaccine procurement into a partisan political issue.
- misdirectedPublic Services and ProcurementMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Mr. Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). loaded question.Answer attacks opposition for political games rather than addressing the CNN story or supply truth request.
The fact is that the opposition is playing political games, while we are busy working to get vaccines into Canada more quickly.
- deflectedThe EconomyPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Mr. Sean Fraser (Liberal). substantive question.Answer discusses pandemic costs and programs but does not address whether the budget will tackle the debt crisis indicators raised.
Canadians can rest assured that when we table the budget, we will continue to focus on measures that will protect their health and well-being, and support—
- deflectedThe EconomyPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Mr. Sean Fraser (Liberal). loaded question.Answer pivots to IMF report and cost of inaction without confirming if budget will address the debt crisis.
We will continue to invest in supports for households and businesses to help them weather this storm and to ensure that we set the stage for the economy to come roaring back.
- partly answeredAgriculture and Agri-FoodMrs. Marilène Gill (Bloc) asked Mr. Irek Kusmierczyk (Liberal). substantive question.Answer acknowledges TFW importance and outlines general supports but does not address the specific unilingual testing company or 25-day isolation issue.
All the federal departments involved in the temporary foreign worker program have worked together to simplify processes and facilitate, as much as possible, the safe entry of these workers.
- answeredAgriculture and Agri-FoodMrs. Marilène Gill (Bloc) asked Mr. Irek Kusmierczyk (Liberal). substantive question.Answer directly details multiple measures taken to improve TFW quarantine and testing processes.
That is why we are working with provinces to ensure employers are prepared to safely welcome and quarantine workers, strengthening inspections to ensure employers meet quarantine and program obligations, funding migrant worker organizations to provide direct assistance to workers, improving the TFW tip line to provide services in multiple languages, and improving coordination with our partners to respond quickly to emerging issues.
- partly answeredImmigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMr. Alexandre Boulerice (NDP) asked Mr. Peter Schiefke (Liberal). substantive question.Answer notes pandemic impacts and some prioritization but does not address the 27-month Quebec backlog or speeding up processing.
We have prioritized applications from Canadians and permanent residents returning to Canada, as well as people providing essential services and support.
- deflectedCOVID-19 Emergency ResponseMr. Gord Johns (NDP) asked Mr. Sean Fraser (Liberal). substantive question.The answer thanks the asker and references past support but refuses to address the specific CEBA expansion request.
I will not spoil announcements that will be included in Monday's budget
- deflectedTaxationMr. Philip Lawrence (Conservative) asked Mr. Francesco Sorbara (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses interest relief and taxpayer provisions but does not address extending the filing deadline.
The CRA also has strong taxpayer relief provisions in place through which taxpayers can be relieved of penalties and interest
- deflectedTaxationMr. Philip Lawrence (Conservative) asked Mr. Francesco Sorbara (Liberal). substantive question.The answer reiterates general support and urges on-time filing without addressing the deadline extension request.
I encourage all Canadians to file their returns on time, so the delivery of the benefits and credits to which they are entitled are not disrupted
- misdirectedGovernment AppointmentsMr. Michael Barrett (Conservative) asked Mr. Robert Oliphant (Liberal). loaded question.The question assumes ethical breaches qualify someone for appointment; the answer pivots to the importance of Japan relations instead of addressing the premise.
The appointment of Mr. McKay is a significant appointment in that it acknowledges the fact that we want to build our economic, cultural and social relationships with Japan
- misdirectedGovernment AppointmentsMr. Michael Barrett (Conservative) asked Mr. Robert Oliphant (Liberal). loaded question.The question assumes ethical breaches or corruption qualify ambassadors; the answer shifts to praising professional representation without engaging the claim.
Ambassador Barton exercises that sort of public service, and I am proud to have him as our ambassador to Canada
- deflectedCanadian HeritageMr. Garnett Genuis (Conservative) asked Ms. Julie Dabrusin (Liberal). substantive question.The answer notes committee independence and process but does not state the government's position on the proposed amendments.
Standing committees are independent and have an important role to play in improving bills through the legislative process
- deflectedCanadian HeritageMr. Garnett Genuis (Conservative) asked Ms. Julie Dabrusin (Liberal). substantive question.The answer again emphasizes committee independence without stating a position on forced confessions or the CRTC complaint.
All members of the committee, including opposition members and members of the government party, will be working together at committee to consider all of the amendments being put forward
- partly answeredPyrrhotiteMr. Yves Perron (Bloc) asked Mr. Sean Fraser (Liberal). substantive question.The answer admits unfamiliarity with pyrrhotite but offers to discuss later and references general housing investments.
I will apologize in advance, because I am not familiar with the very specific issue he has raised around pyrrhotite
- deflectedPyrrhotiteMr. Yves Perron (Bloc) asked Pablo Rodriguez (Liberal). substantive question.The answer restates general support without addressing the specific request for $50 million.
Funding was made available to deal with this very serious problem.
- deflectedPublic SafetyMrs. Shannon Stubbs (Conservative) asked Mr. Ali Ehsassi (Liberal). substantive question.The response emphasizes general security measures without answering the specific question about banning Huawei.
We ensure that everything has protocols, that Canadians are safe and secure, and they do not have to worry about the types of concerns the member has identified.
- deflectedPublic SafetyMrs. Shannon Stubbs (Conservative) asked Mr. Ali Ehsassi (Liberal). loaded question.The answer avoids engaging with the loaded accusation and restates general commitments.
we are constantly on the lookout and do everything within our power to safeguard our research, our national security and our economic interests.
- partly answeredAirline IndustryMrs. Stephanie Kusie (Conservative) asked Omar Alghabra (Liberal). substantive question.The answer mentions discussions with other airlines but focuses on the Air Canada deal.
we are in discussions with other airlines.
- misdirectedAirline IndustryMrs. Stephanie Kusie (Conservative) asked Omar Alghabra (Liberal). substantive question.The response defends the timeline by listing actions and contrasts with Conservatives instead of explaining the delay.
It is not the Conservatives who will be there for the aviation workers; it is our government, which has been there from day one, and we will continue to have their backs.
- deflectedIndigenous AffairsMs. Mumilaaq Qaqqaq (NDP) asked Ms. Yvonne Jones (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses the assessment process without confirming any meetings.
the process regarding the Baffinland Mary River Mine project proposal is ongoing.
- partly answeredAirline IndustryMr. Taylor Bachrach (NDP) asked Omar Alghabra (Liberal). substantive question.The response highlights the agreement and protections but does not explicitly commit to the minister's active role in disputes.
We have protected the interests of Canadians. We protected the interests of passengers—
- partly answeredPublic SafetyMr. Jasraj Singh Hallan (Conservative) asked Mr. Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). substantive question.The answer affirms commitment and mentions actions but does not specify a new plan or timeline.
this government will stop at nothing to protect its citizens and, indeed, our government and its institutions from cyber-attacks.
- deflectedPublic Services and ProcurementMs. Rachael Harder (Conservative) asked Mr. Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). loaded question.The answer avoids the claims of failure and scrapped mandate by emphasizing ongoing commitment instead.
our government is incredibly committed to reaching that 5% target of procurement from indigenous companies.
- partly answeredNatural ResourcesMr. Michael Kram (Conservative) asked Mr. Marc Serré (Liberal). substantive question.The response affirms Line 5 is essential and will be defended but does not address direct Prime Minister engagement with Biden.
Line 5 is non-negotiable. People will not be left out in the cold.
- misdirectedFinanceMr. James Cumming (Conservative) asked Mr. Sean Fraser (Liberal). rhetorical question.The answer attacks the Conservatives' position rather than addressing future debt repayment.
that demonstrates the Conservatives' lack of willingness to recognize the cost of not taking action to support Canadian households and businesses through this pandemic.
- partly answeredAgriculture and Agri-FoodMs. Christine Normandin (Bloc) asked Marie-Claude Bibeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer notes research investments and a framework but offers no timeline or transition support for farmers.
we are making significant investments in research to help our farmers adapt and engage in sustainable agriculture.
- partly answeredAgriculture and Agri-FoodMs. Christine Normandin (Bloc) asked Marie-Claude Bibeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer mentions investments and regulations but avoids specifics on banning or transition support.
we are making major investments in research to help our agricultural producers.
- deflectedCanada Revenue AgencyMs. Leona Alleslev (Conservative) asked Mr. Francesco Sorbara (Liberal). substantive question.The answer highlights interest relief and taxpayer provisions without addressing an extended filing deadline.
our government understands this tax season is a stressful one for Canadians and our government will continue to be there for them every step of the way.
- deflectedCOVID-19 Emergency ResponseMr. Bernard Généreux (Conservative) asked Mr. Irek Kusmierczyk (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses general EI credits for women but does not address the constituent's denial or offer a suggestion.
Women benefited from the hours credit as they could retroactively claim EI maternity benefits.
- partly answeredCOVID-19 Emergency ResponseMr. Joël Godin (Conservative) asked Mr. Irek Kusmierczyk (Liberal). substantive question.The answer acknowledges delays from data sharing and states work is ongoing to reduce them.
Service Canada and the CRA are continuing to work together to reduce delays and ensure Canadians are paid the benefits they need in a timely manner.
- deflectedPublic Services and ProcurementKerry-Lynne Findlay (Conservative) asked Mr. Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). loaded question.The answer promotes doses delivered and claims of success without addressing the cited media reports or the question of failed responsibility.
The Canadian vaccine procurement strategy is working. It has worked since the beginning.
- misdirectedPublic Services and ProcurementMr. Jeremy Patzer (Conservative) asked Mr. Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). loaded question.The answer accuses the member of playing politics and fails to address the dosing interval or chief science adviser comment.
The real question is when will the opposition stop chasing the bouncing ball and playing politics with vaccine procurement
- deflectedThe EnvironmentMr. David Yurdiga (Conservative) asked Mr. Chris Bittle (Liberal). substantive question.The answer highlights funding numbers and contrasts with the prior government instead of outlining a plan for coastal city wastewater pollution.
during our mandate, we approved over $1.5 billion in federal funding for 1,452 waste-water projects across the country.
- partly answeredThe EnvironmentMr. Richard Cannings (NDP) asked Mr. Chris Bittle (Liberal). substantive question.The answer engages the report's methodology and acknowledges the need to eliminate subsidies while disputing its framing.
Canada needs to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies, but, mixing several issues, this report does not contribute to an intelligent discussion on this important subject.
- partly answeredCOVID-19 Emergency ResponseJody Wilson-Raybould (Independent) asked Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Liberal). substantive question.The answer addresses readiness and Bill C-19 progress but does not confirm intent to pass the bill into law or timelines after royal assent.
The Chief Electoral Officer says we need to be ready if an election happens and Elections Canada, which is recognized around the world as an authority on independent elections, I am sure will ensure that Canada will be ready.