All sittings← 2021-05-032021-05-05 →
Tuesday, May 4, 2021 · sitting No. 94
Conservatives move motion to dismiss PM's chief of staff over Vance allegations
The House spent the largest share of the sitting on a Conservative opposition day motion under government orders that calls on the Prime Minister to dismiss his chief of staff, Katie Telford, for failing to act on sexual misconduct allegations against former chief of the defence staff Jonathan Vance. Conservative MP Candice Bergen moved the motion, which remains before the House.
In Question Period the leader of the official opposition, Erin O'Toole, pressed the Prime Minister on whether Telford or the Prime Minister himself had known of the allegations against Vance and why no action followed. The Prime Minister replied that the government takes allegations seriously and is strengthening supports for survivors.
Question Period also featured exchanges on vaccine messaging, with O'Toole and Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner questioning inconsistent advice on first and second doses, and the Prime Minister and Health Minister Patty Hajdu stating that Canadians should accept the first vaccine offered.
Decided that day
- Bill C-12 passed second reading
- Bill C-14 sent to second chamber
From the Hansard record of the sitting. Full Hansard
Question Period – May 4, 2021. Video from CPAC. Watch on YouTube
Who held the floor · 2021-05-04
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
Petitions
Green Party MP Elizabeth May presented a petition calling for Magnitsky sanctions against those persecuting practitioners of Falun Gong in China.
Read the exchangePetitions
Conservative MP Joël Godin presented a petition from a constituent urging the government to rename the old age security program to show respect for seniors.
Read the exchangeFederal Dental Care Plan
New Democrat MP Jack Harris moved a private member's motion calling for a federal dental care plan for families earning less than $90,000 a year.
Read the exchangeNatural Resources
Conservative MP Michael Kram and Liberal MP Marc Serré discussed the need for a team Canada approach to protect the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline during adjournment proceedings.
Read the exchangeCanadian Heritage
Conservative MP Garnett Genuis argued that Bill C-10 threatens freedom of expression while Liberal MP Julie Dabrusin said the bill requires streaming services to support Canadian content.
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
- answeredHealthErin O'Toole (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer explains reliance on evolving science and consistent advice to vaccinate.
we always rely on the science, which is of course evolving all the time.
- answeredHealthErin O'Toole (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly states there is no preferred vaccine and to take the first offered.
the most important thing is for Canadians to get vaccinated with the first vaccine offered to them.
- answeredNational DefenceErin O'Toole (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer gives a direct yes/no response to the specific question asked.
- deflectedNational DefenceErin O'Toole (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer avoids whether the PM knew or about any cover-up and shifts to general support measures.
we have always taken extremely seriously our responsibility to ensure that survivors who come forward with allegations or experiences of sexual harassment or sexual assault get properly supported.
- misdirectedNational DefenceErin O'Toole (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer attacks the asker as pushing a conspiracy theory instead of addressing the question.
it is amazing to watch the leader of the official opposition twist himself in knots to try to perpetrate some sort of conspiracy theory.
- answeredCanada Revenue AgencyMr. Yves-François Blanchet (Bloc) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer directly refutes the premise that victims must pay taxes on fraud amounts.
victims of fraud will not be held responsible for the amounts paid to people who stole their identity.
- deflectedCanada Revenue AgencyMr. Yves-François Blanchet (Bloc) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer reiterates general support for victims but avoids pledging on the tax issue raised.
We will always be there to support victims of fraud in this country.
- deflectedNational DefenceMr. Jagmeet Singh (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer lists actions taken but does not address implementing the Deschamps report specifically.
since 2015, we have taken concrete action both in the military and in our government to support survivors of sexual violence.
- partly answeredNational DefenceMr. Jagmeet Singh (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer lists specific recent appointments addressing protection but does not fully detail a comprehensive new plan.
last week, in addition to appointing Justice Arbour to move forward on lasting reforms, we appointed Lieutenant-General Jennie Carignan to head a unit specifically dedicated to hearing, receiving and supporting anyone who comes forward with allegations of unacceptable conduct, harassment or assault.
- deflectedNational DefenceMr. Richard Martel (Conservative) asked Harjit S. Sajjan (Liberal). substantive question.The answer avoids whether the PM knew by restating general commitments and new appointments instead.
It is clear that we have not lived up to our responsibilities to protect members from misconduct.
- misdirectedNational DefenceMr. Richard Martel (Conservative) asked Harjit S. Sajjan (Liberal). loaded question.The answer turns to attacking the opposition leader about 2015 knowledge rather than addressing the minister's awareness.
Who had the details? The Leader of the Opposition did.
- misdirectedNational DefenceMr. James Bezan (Conservative) asked Harjit S. Sajjan (Liberal). loaded question.The answer shifts blame to the opposition about prior knowledge instead of clarifying what the minister told the PM.
Who had the details? The Leader of the Opposition had them.
- deflectedNational DefenceMr. James Bezan (Conservative) asked Harjit S. Sajjan (Liberal). loaded question.The answer repeats prior statements and pivots to accusing the opposition of playing politics rather than addressing the lie detector challenge.
While the official opposition and the member opposite play politics, we will stay focused on the work at hand
- partly answeredNational DefenceMrs. Karen Vecchio (Conservative) asked Harjit S. Sajjan (Liberal). substantive question.The answer clarifies the quote context and affirms taking misconduct seriously but does not fully explain the salary decision.
What I stated was that we followed all the processes when the information was provided, but when it came to a chief of the defence staff, any type of misconduct brought forward had to be taken seriously
- misdirectedNational DefenceMrs. Karen Vecchio (Conservative) asked Harjit S. Sajjan (Liberal). loaded question.The answer attacks the opposition leader's past actions instead of addressing how the PM remained unaware.
How can the leader of the official opposition seriously have his party stand here and decry the same process?
- deflectedNational DefenceMr. Rhéal Fortin (Bloc) asked Harjit S. Sajjan (Liberal). loaded question.The answer restates that no details were provided and defends the process without addressing the specific actions taken or credibility.
When information was provided, as I stated, no details were provided at the time.
- deflectedNational DefenceMr. Rhéal Fortin (Bloc) asked Harjit S. Sajjan (Liberal). substantive question.The answer avoids addressing victim confidence or the minister's responsibility for implementation.
we know we have a lot more work to do to make sure we create an inclusive environment for all in the Canadian Armed Forces.
- deflectedHealthMichelle Rempel Garner (Conservative) asked Patty Hajdu (Liberal). substantive question.The answer sidesteps the specific question on mixing AstraZeneca doses with other vaccines.
this is a brand new pandemic, a brand new virus, and certainly the science continues to evolve
- deflectedHealthMichelle Rempel Garner (Conservative) asked Patty Hajdu (Liberal). substantive question.The answer again evades the mixing question by reiterating general safety messages.
all vaccines that are approved for use in Canada are safe and effective
- misdirectedHealthMr. Pierre Paul-Hus (Conservative) asked Patty Hajdu (Liberal). substantive question.The answer turns to attacking the asker instead of addressing leadership or NACI advice.
It is very unfortunate to hear the member opposite try to incite fear in Canadians.
- answeredHealthMr. Pierre Paul-Hus (Conservative) asked Anita Anand (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly addresses recovering funds by confirming contract termination and legal remedies.
we have terminated the contract that was referenced in the question and that we will be seeking legal remedies as a result.
- answeredCanadian HeritageMr. Alexandre Boulerice (NDP) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly clarifies there is no Netflix exception and details the new tax measures.
there is no specific exception for Netflix or any other digital company.
- partly answeredHealthMr. Jack Harris (NDP) asked Patty Hajdu (Liberal). substantive question.The answer agrees on access needs but deflects commitment by suggesting further study.
I agree that dental care needs to be equitably accessible to Canadians across the country.
- deflectedCanadian HeritageMs. Rachael Harder (Conservative) asked Steven Guilbeault (Liberal). substantive question.The answer avoids the free speech question and instead attacks the opposition's motives.
Why is the Conservative Party siding with Google, one of the wealthiest companies in the world, instead of Canadian musicians and artists?
- misdirectedCanadian HeritageMs. Rachael Harder (Conservative) asked Steven Guilbeault (Liberal). substantive question.Answer ignores the charter statement request and pivots to attacking Conservatives.
Again, the real issue is why the Conservative Party is taking sides with some of the wealthiest companies in the world like Google and YouTube instead of supporting Canadian artists.
- misdirectedCanadian HeritageMr. Alain Rayes (Conservative) asked Steven Guilbeault (Liberal). substantive question.Answer avoids the charter compliance question and instead questions the asker's support for francophone culture.
If he is really such a champion of francophone culture, why is he standing in the the way of Bill C-10?
- misdirectedCanadian HeritageMr. Alain Rayes (Conservative) asked Steven Guilbeault (Liberal). substantive question.Answer sidesteps the request for a new justice opinion and attacks Conservatives over protecting tech profits.
The Conservatives insist on protecting these companies, which are among the richest and whose profits have increased scandalously during the pandemic.
- deflectedCanadian HeritageMr. Martin Champoux (Bloc) asked Steven Guilbeault (Liberal). substantive question.Answer directly rebuts the premise about Netflix tax exemption but does not address the broader policy question.
with all due respect to the hon. member, I must say that what he is saying is false.
- misdirectedCanadian HeritageMr. Martin Champoux (Bloc) asked Steven Guilbeault (Liberal). substantive question.Answer shifts blame to the opposition for blocking the bill instead of addressing the tax fund or exemptions.
if anyone is abandoning our creators, it is the opposition.
- partly answeredNational DefenceMs. Jag Sahota (Conservative) asked Harjit S. Sajjan (Liberal). substantive question.Answer addresses cultural reform efforts but does not directly engage with the senior leaders' responsibility point.
She will be tasked with unifying, integrating and coordinating all policies, programs and activities that currently address systemic misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces.
- partly answeredNational DefenceMs. Jag Sahota (Conservative) asked Harjit S. Sajjan (Liberal). substantive question.Answer discusses moving toward bolder independent structures but does not specify timelines or victim counts.
We want to go even bolder so that we can actually create an independent structure that cannot be changed and put greater trust into that system.
- deflectedNational DefenceMrs. Cheryl Gallant (Conservative) asked Harjit S. Sajjan (Liberal). loaded question.Answer ignores the Katie Telford attack and loaded premise, focusing only on ongoing reform commitments.
The work that Madam Arbour will be doing is recommending possible organizational changes that can actually create independence.
- misdirectedCanadian HeritageMrs. Kelly Block (Conservative) asked Steven Guilbeault (Liberal). loaded question.Answer ignores the question on censorship powers and instead attacks the Conservatives for protecting web giants.
Why is the Conservative Party protecting the interests of some of the wealthiest companies in the world instead of protecting the interests of Canadian artists and musicians?
- misdirectedCanadian HeritageMs. Lianne Rood (Conservative) asked Steven Guilbeault (Liberal). loaded question.Answer sidesteps the free speech question and pivots to attacking Conservatives for siding with Google.
Why is the Conservative Party siding with Google, one of the wealthiest companies in the world, instead of with Canadian musicians and artists?
- partly answeredInnovation, Science and IndustryMr. John Barlow (Conservative) asked François-Philippe Champagne (Liberal). substantive question.Answer explains investments and reviews but does not address why the company is leaving Canada.
In fact, we have invested nearly $10 million in Providence Therapeutics projects and I will continue to engage with the CEO, as I have done in the past.
- partly answeredNational DefenceMs. Lindsay Mathyssen (NDP) asked Harjit S. Sajjan (Liberal). substantive question.Answer describes new review and appointments but does not commit to implementing the Deschamps report immediately.
It is clear that we have not lived up to our responsibility to protect members from misconduct, and that is why we have announced that Madame Louise Arbour will lead an independent external comprehensive review into harassment and sexual misconduct to make even bolder recommendations and changes to the Canadian Armed Forces.
- deflectedImmigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMs. Yasmin Ratansi (Independent) asked Marco Mendicino (Liberal). substantive question.Answer highlights past achievements without addressing specific backlogs or reduction plans.
our government has an exceptional track record when it comes to meeting our immigration objectives.