All sittings← 2021-12-062021-12-08 →
Tuesday, December 7, 2021 · sitting No. 12
Tories move supply day motion for Afghanistan review committee
The House devoted most of the sitting to a Conservative motion under business of supply that calls for a special committee to examine the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban and the government's evacuation efforts. Erin O'Toole moved the motion, which would give the committee powers to send for persons and papers. Debate featured interventions from Kevin Lamoureux and Christine Normandin.
Question period featured repeated exchanges on the same subject, with Erin O'Toole accusing the government of abandoning Canadians and Afghan allies during the collapse of Kabul while Justin Trudeau defended the scale of the evacuation operation and ongoing resettlement commitments.
Decided that day
- C-4 received royal assent
- C-4 completed second chamber stage
- C-5 introduced
- C-206 introduced
- C-207 introduced
- S-2 advanced in first chamber
- S-2 reached second reading
From the Hansard record of the sitting. Full Hansard
Question Period – December 7, 2021. Video from CPAC. Watch on YouTube
Who held the floor · 2021-12-07
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
The Environment
Yves-François Blanchet pressed Justin Trudeau to keep in place the permanent ban on releasing oil sands tailings water into the Athabasca River, citing heavy metals and toxic chemicals.
Read the exchangeHousing
Pierre Poilievre asked Chrystia Freeland whether she would admit Canada has the second-biggest housing bubble in the world after low-quality variable-rate mortgages absorbed much of the Bank of Canada's cash injection.
Read the exchangePublic Safety
Kristina Michaud asked Marco Mendicino what immediate steps the government would take after another shooting at a Laval library, arguing that border services remain underutilized.
Read the exchangeSeniors
Lindsay Mathyssen described how 71-year-old Emanuel Benjamin saw his GIS benefit cut from $1,500 to $600 a month after receiving pandemic supports, and asked when the clawback would be fixed.
Read the exchangeCanada-U.S. Relations
Eric Melillo told Diane Lebouthillier that the recent doubling of U.S. tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber showed the government had achieved no concrete results in Washington.
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
- deflectedForeign AffairsErin O'Toole (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer avoids explaining preparation failures and instead lists ongoing commitments.
we continue to stand by our commitment to repatriate 40,000 Afghans to their new home in Canada over the coming times.
- deflectedForeign AffairsErin O'Toole (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer highlights evacuation efforts without addressing the claim of abandonment or campaigning.
throughout the month of August, officials, ministers, extraordinary members of the Canadian Armed Forces and diplomats were engaged in a historic effort to get as many Afghans out of the country, and as many Canadians home, as possible.
- deflectedForeign AffairsErin O'Toole (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer focuses on the speed of events and ongoing work rather than addressing the election timing accusation.
we can all remember the speed at which events unfolded in Afghanistan and the intensity with which members of the Canadian Armed Forces, our diplomats and our partners around the world continued to step up to evacuate people from Afghanistan
- deflectedForeign AffairsErin O'Toole (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer thanks workers and restates commitments without addressing ignored pleas or diplomatic disaster claims.
I thank our soldiers, diplomats and all those who worked tirelessly to evacuate thousands of people from Afghanistan.
- deflectedForeign AffairsErin O'Toole (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer denies the claim but pivots to ally work and future plans without addressing the election focus accusation.
that is quite simply not true.
- partly answeredThe EnvironmentMr. Yves-François Blanchet (Bloc) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses developing standards for releases but does not confirm the ban will remain unchanged.
We are working with indigenous leaders, the provinces, the industries and stakeholders to develop strict standards for the release of oil sands tailings water in order to issue draft regulations in 2024.
- partly answeredThe EnvironmentMr. Yves-François Blanchet (Bloc) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer acknowledges the current ban and new standards but does not commit to maintaining the permanent ban as requested.
there is currently a ban in place, but we are setting strict standards that could take effect as of 2024 on the quality of oil sands process waters that could be released.
- deflectedThe EconomyMr. Jagmeet Singh (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer describes the upcoming update and general affordability measures but does not commit to the specific actions requested.
next week we will be releasing our economic and fiscal update.
- deflectedThe EconomyMr. Jagmeet Singh (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer pivots to ending COVID without addressing specific measures like housing or fee caps.
The best way to get our economy growing and to make life more affordable is by ending COVID-19.
- deflectedForeign AffairsKerry-Lynne Findlay (Conservative) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). substantive question.The answer highlights refugee resettlement instead of stating a position on the proposed committee.
We can be extremely proud of being one of the countries that will be resettling the most Afghan refugees in the world, at 40,000.
- partly answeredForeign AffairsKerry-Lynne Findlay (Conservative) asked Sean Fraser (Liberal). loaded question.The answer supplies arrival numbers but ignores the request to examine the evacuation via committee.
Two weeks ago, when I was asked this question, I said 3,800 were here.
- deflectedForeign AffairsMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). substantive question.The answer emphasizes refugee numbers rather than supporting or opposing a parliamentary committee.
we decided to honour that Afghan commitment to Canada by bringing 40,000 Afghan refugees to Canada.
- misdirectedForeign AffairsMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). substantive question.The answer accuses the opposition of partisanship instead of addressing the committee proposal.
I have no lessons to learn from my colleague when it comes to playing partisan politics, because that is exactly what the Conservatives are doing right now.
- deflectedForeign AffairsMr. Jasraj Singh Hallan (Conservative) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses future priorities and refugees without committing to the opposition motion or explaining past failures.
we will play our part as a country to bring 40,000 Afghan refugees to our country.
- misdirectedForeign AffairsMr. Jasraj Singh Hallan (Conservative) asked Sean Fraser (Liberal). loaded question.The answer attacks the opposition's campaign position instead of providing a timeline for the remaining refugees.
On the opposition side, members campaigned on a commitment to end the government-assisted refugee stream.
- partly answeredPublic SafetyMs. Kristina Michaud (Bloc) asked Marco Mendicino (Liberal). substantive question.The answer notes funding transfers but does not outline immediate actions to reassure families after the shooting.
We are transferring $46 million to the Government of Quebec to draft and implement prevention strategies for dealing with gun- and gang-related violence.
- partly answeredPublic SafetyMs. Kristina Michaud (Bloc) asked Marco Mendicino (Liberal). substantive question.Mentions past actions but does not outline new concrete steps.
our government has already taken meaningful action such as banning assault-style weapons, adding more resources to the border to stop them, continuing the fight against gun violence and working closely with the government to create safe spaces for everyone.
- deflectedPublic SafetyMs. Kristina Michaud (Bloc) asked Marco Mendicino (Liberal). substantive question.Restates willingness to work with parties without committing to specific new actions.
our government is always willing to work with the Bloc Québécois and with all parties in the House to seek and find concrete solutions in the fight against gun violence.
- deflectedHousingPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). substantive question.Avoids the question by highlighting positive economic indicators instead.
the Conservatives continue to irresponsibly fearmonger and try to talk down the Canadian economy.
- misdirectedHousingPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Ahmed Hussen (Liberal). substantive question.Turns to criticizing the opposition member's past actions instead of answering.
Every time we have put forward measures to help first-time home buyers access affordable housing, help the most vulnerable in our communities to access permanent housing solutions, or help women and children fleeing domestic violence to get rental support, he has voted against these measures.
- answeredEmploymentMr. Jacques Gourde (Conservative) asked Carla Qualtrough (Liberal). substantive question.Directly states actions being taken to simplify processes.
We are making the processes more simple. The Government of Quebec is now able to bring in more workers more quickly.
- deflectedEmploymentMr. Jacques Gourde (Conservative) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). substantive question.Changes subject to criticizing Conservatives on past recession handling.
Perhaps that is because we did a better job than they did in 2008 when they were in office.
- partly answeredSeniorsMs. Lindsay Mathyssen (NDP) asked Kamal Khera (Liberal). substantive question.Acknowledges working on the issue but provides no specific timeline or solution.
When it comes to CERB and GIS, I can assure the hon. member we are working on that issue to find the best solution.
- deflectedCOVID-10 Economic MeasuresMr. Daniel Blaikie (NDP) asked Carla Qualtrough (Liberal). substantive question.Focuses on ongoing supports and job numbers without addressing the specific clawback or repayment issues raised.
That is why Bill C-2 talks about continuing the Canada recovery sickness benefit and the Canada recovery caregiving benefit.
- deflectedHealthMr. Tony Baldinelli (Conservative) asked Marco Mendicino (Liberal). substantive question.The answer restates general public health priorities without addressing the constituent's quarantine or rescinding the order.
The ArriveCAN app is a useful and essential tool in understanding—
- deflectedHealthMr. Dan Albas (Conservative) asked Marco Mendicino (Liberal). substantive question.The answer acknowledges the 72-hour rule but pivots to defending vaccination and app requirements without resolving the non-smartphone discrimination issue.
However, we will not compromise when it comes to health and safety.
- misdirectedHealthMs. Raquel Dancho (Conservative) asked Omar Alghabra (Liberal). substantive question.The answer attacks the Conservatives' consistency instead of addressing the quarantine hotel conditions and dignity concerns raised.
I have a question for the Conservatives.
- deflectedHealthMr. Luc Berthold (Conservative) asked Jean-Yves Duclos (Liberal). substantive question.The answer thanks partners and cites experts but does not clarify which minister is correct or commit to immediate fixes.
He knows very well that these measures take some time to implement.
- partly answeredHealthMr. Luc Thériault (Bloc) asked Jean-Yves Duclos (Liberal). substantive question.The answer notes that measures are evolving but does not specify timelines or solutions for the testing and quarantine confusion.
People know that the border measures changed a few days ago and that they will continue to evolve in the coming days.
- deflectedHealthMr. Luc Thériault (Bloc) asked Jean-Yves Duclos (Liberal). rhetorical question.The answer ignores the Asterix analogy and chaos critique, shifting to general holiday advice and public compliance.
I think that Canadians, and Quebeckers in particular, understand the importance of following public health guidance in uncertain times.
- partly answeredTelecommunicationsMs. Lianne Rood (Conservative) asked Gudie Hutchings (Liberal). substantive question.The answer cites overall connection targets but does not address why ISPs are not using the universal broadband fund for last-mile rural gaps.
By 2026, we are going to connect another 1.2 million Canadian families with better, faster Internet.
- misdirectedThe EconomyMr. Larry Brock (Conservative) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). loaded question.The answer pivots to positive OECD data and accuses Conservatives of talking down the economy rather than addressing money printing or cost-of-living mismanagement.
let me share some more good economic news, as the Conservatives seem determined to talk down the Canadian economy.
- deflectedThe EconomyMr. Rob Morrison (Conservative) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). loaded question.Answer attacks Conservatives instead of addressing TFW program or housing shortages.
what I do not understand is why the Conservatives, who allegedly care so much about these vital small businesses, do not want to actually help them.
- partly answeredHealthMike Lake (Conservative) asked Carolyn Bennett (Liberal). substantive question.Answer gives process update but offers no timeline for hotline activation.
The CRTC is currently considering public input from consultations that concluded on September 1.
- deflectedHousingMr. Gary Vidal (Conservative) asked Ahmed Hussen (Liberal). loaded question.Answer ignores rural inspection cost issue and pivots to unrelated housing programs.
our national housing strategy has a rural lens to it.
- deflectedTransportMr. Scot Davidson (Conservative) asked Omar Alghabra (Liberal). substantive question.Answer offers dialogue but does not address aerodrome loophole or contaminated fill.
I can guarantee to my hon. colleague that I will always be open to speaking with him and other colleagues about the issues they have of concern in their own communities.
- deflectedHealthMr. Don Davies (NDP) asked Harjit S. Sajjan (Liberal). substantive question.Answer discusses funding but avoids yes/no on TRIPS waiver.
We have been clear from the start that no one is safe until everyone is.
- deflectedHealthMs. Heather McPherson (NDP) asked Harjit S. Sajjan (Liberal). substantive question.Answer repeats prior points without addressing delivery shortfall or patent waiver.
We have donated the equivalent of 200 million COVID-19 vaccine doses.
- misdirectedPoints of OrderMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Mark Holland (Liberal). substantive question.Answer shifts blame to opposition rather than addressing noise or order in the House.
If the member is concerned with the matter that he has raised for my hon. colleague, of course they could just listen to the question that was posed and not scream and yell at the person trying to answer and create a ruckus in the House.
- answeredPoints of OrderMike Lake (Conservative) asked The Speaker (Liberal). substantive question.Speaker directly rules on the privilege question regarding medical exemptions.
I am now ready to rule on the question of privilege raised on December 6, 2021, by the member for Yorkton—Melville concerning medical exemptions for the COVID-19 vaccination.