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Monday, February 28, 2022 · sitting No. 37

House holds extended debate on Russia's attack on Ukraine

The House devoted the largest share of the sitting to a take-note debate on Russia's attack on Ukraine under Standing Order 53.1. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau opened the discussion and members from all parties expressed solidarity with Ukraine while calling for further Canadian measures.

In Question Period, Conservative Leader Candice Bergen asked the government to expel Russia's ambassador and allow visa-free entry for Ukrainians. Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland replied that all options remained under consideration and that Canada had joined allies in imposing sanctions on Russia's central bank.

Government House Leader Mark Holland moved to create a special joint committee to review the exercise of the Emergencies Act from February 14 to 23. Conservative MP John Brassard and Bloc Québécois MP Mario Simard questioned the proposed membership and the timing of the original invocation.

From the Hansard record of the sitting. Full Hansard

Question Period – February 28, 2022. Video from CPAC. Watch on YouTube

Who held the floor · 2022-02-28

Government (Liberal)OppositionOver the day: government 39%, opposition 61% of the words spokenGovernment businessGovernment business▲ Government side held the floor▼ Opposition held the floorOpened 11:0513:0014:0015:0016:0017:0018:0019:0020:0021:00Last speech 23:20Time of day, Ottawa · the House sat 12 h 15 min · each dot is a stretch of debate, placed at the minute it began
45Ukraine talk fills the day, little else movesThe House spent most of its time debating Russia's attack on Ukraine and other topics with almost no procedural interruptions. Only one bill was introduced and no votes were held, leaving Question Period answers largely deflected.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

Permanent Residency for Temporary Foreign Workers

Liberal MP Randeep Sarai moved a private member's motion calling for expanded pathways to permanent residency for temporary foreign workers and international students. Conservative MP Brad Vis raised concerns about employer abuse of LMIA applicants and asked whether the motion would address those practices.

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National Defence

Conservative MP Michael Chong asked the government to purchase F-35 jets, fix naval shipbuilding and modernize NORAD warning systems in light of Russian activity in the Arctic. Defence Minister Anita Anand said the government was making investments in Arctic offshore patrol ships and joint exercises.

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Natural Resources

Conservative MP Michael Chong asked whether the government would fix the pipeline approval process so Canadian natural gas could replace Russian supplies to Europe. Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson said Canada was working with allies on both short-term and longer-term energy options.

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The Environment

NDP MP Laurel Collins cited the latest IPCC report and accused the government of ignoring science while subsidizing oil and gas. Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault said the government had committed more than $100 billion to climate action since 2015 and was developing a national adaptation strategy.

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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. deflected
    Foreign AffairsCandice Bergen (Conservative) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). substantive question.The answer expresses support for Ukraine but does not address the request to expel the ambassador.Canada and Canadians are united in our support for the brave people of Ukraine and their extraordinary president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
  2. deflected
    Foreign AffairsCandice Bergen (Conservative) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). substantive question.The response discusses the previous question and general principles without committing to visa-free travel.in her previous question, the Leader of the Opposition asked about the Russian ambassador, and I would like to address that.
  3. partly answered
    Foreign AffairsCandice Bergen (Conservative) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). substantive question.The answer acknowledges the issue with Russian oil but does not address ending dependency on it via Canadian oil.We agree that oil and gas do fund Putin's war machine, and we are working on that too.
  4. deflected
    Foreign AffairsMr. Luc Berthold (Conservative) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). substantive question.The answer focuses on admiration for Ukrainians without addressing the diplomatic action requested.I would like to speak directly to the brave people of Ukraine.
  5. partly answered
    Foreign AffairsMr. Luc Berthold (Conservative) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). substantive question.The response shares a personal anecdote and general intent but lacks concrete commitments for displaced Ukrainians.We must help any Ukrainians who want to come to Canada, but we also need to help those who choose to stay in Ukraine.
  6. partly answered
    Foreign AffairsMr. Alain Therrien (Bloc) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). substantive question.The answer thanks colleagues and discusses sanctions without specifying expectations from the opposition.I want to thank my colleagues for their remarks.
  7. partly answered
    Foreign AffairsMr. Alain Therrien (Bloc) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). substantive question.The response indicates understanding and some action but does not commit to specific measures like visa removal.That is why we have already begun to welcome Ukrainians, including those here in Canada who can no longer return home.
  8. partly answered
    Foreign AffairsMr. Alexandre Boulerice (NDP) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). substantive question.The answer highlights unity and general support without detailing actions on visas or red tape.As far as Ukrainian refugees are concerned, we are there for them. We have already done a lot, and we will continue to do more.
  9. deflected
    Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMs. Jenny Kwan (NDP) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). substantive question.The answer expresses support but avoids addressing the visa waiver request.When it comes to refugees, of course Canada is there for Ukrainians. We have been and we will be, and we will have more to say soon.
  10. partly answered
    National DefenceMichael Chong (Conservative) asked Anita Anand (Liberal). substantive question.Addresses Arctic sovereignty and NORAD modernization but ignores F-35 and shipbuilding specifics.We are making landmark investments in this area, conducting joint exercises in the Arctic, purchasing six Arctic offshore patrol ships and enhancing surveillance.
  11. deflected
    Natural ResourcesMichael Chong (Conservative) asked Jonathan Wilkinson (Liberal). substantive question.Discusses energy security generally without committing to pipeline fixes or exports.We are working very closely with our colleagues in the United States and in Europe to not only address short-term energy volatility but also to explore long-term energy options.
  12. deflected
    Foreign AffairsKerry-Lynne Findlay (Conservative) asked Anita Anand (Liberal). substantive question.Provides details on prior aid deliveries but does not address future or specific current deliveries requested.Canada delivered, successfully, $7 million worth of lethal aid to Ukraine prior to the onset of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
  13. partly answered
    Foreign AffairsKerry-Lynne Findlay (Conservative) asked Anita Anand (Liberal). substantive question.Asserts that requested support including lethal aid has been provided through ongoing communications.we have provided support that Ukraine has requested, including lethal and non-lethal aid, including economic and financial aid
  14. partly answered
    National DefenceMr. Pierre Paul-Hus (Conservative) asked Anita Anand (Liberal). substantive question.Focuses on NORAD modernization efforts and funding but omits any mention of F-35 purchases.Canada will continue to work with its American partners to modernize NORAD so we can face current and future challenges related to Arctic protection and sovereignty.
  15. answered
    National DefenceMr. Pierre Paul-Hus (Conservative) asked Anita Anand (Liberal). substantive question.Confirms that CSE possesses the necessary tools and that regular meetings occur to ensure protection.The Communications Security Establishment has the tools it needs to protect Canada and Canadians.
  16. deflected
    Foreign AffairsMr. Stéphane Bergeron (Bloc) asked Robert Oliphant (Liberal). substantive question.Emphasizes sanctions and pressure on Russia without addressing exclusion from the G20.All options are on the table, and we will respond firmly to the escalating crisis caused by Russia.
  17. deflected
    Foreign AffairsMr. Stéphane Bergeron (Bloc) asked Anita Anand (Liberal). substantive question.The answer lists general sanctions and aid efforts but never addresses applying them to Belarus.we continue to work with our partners. We will continue to impose sanctions.
  18. deflected
    Foreign AffairsMs. Christine Normandin (Bloc) asked Harjit S. Sajjan (Liberal). substantive question.The answer thanks donors and promises more support but does not address removing the $10 million cap.We will do more. We are monitoring the situation very closely, getting an understanding of what is needed and then providing appropriate support.
  19. misdirected
    Natural ResourcesMr. Greg McLean (Conservative) asked Jonathan Wilkinson (Liberal). loaded question.The answer corrects the factual premise of the question rather than addressing the policy choice.I will correct my hon. colleague, as 2019 was the last year when crude oil was imported into Canada. His figures are actually incorrect.
  20. misdirected
    Natural ResourcesMs. Marilyn Gladu (Conservative) asked Jonathan Wilkinson (Liberal). loaded question.The answer corrects the factual premise instead of engaging the policy question about Canadian oil.The last time crude oil was imported into Canada at the Irving Oil refinery was in 2019.
  21. deflected
    Natural ResourcesMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Jonathan Wilkinson (Liberal). loaded question.The answer restates government achievements on imports without addressing the policy of eliminating Canadian energy projects.Under our government, oil imports have consistently declined, having reached their lowest level in 10 years.
  22. deflected
    The EnvironmentMs. Laurel Collins (NDP) asked Steven Guilbeault (Liberal). rhetorical question.The answer pivots to criticizing Conservatives rather than addressing missed targets or pipeline decisions.Canadians cannot afford another term of Conservative inaction on this file.
  23. deflected
    The EnvironmentMr. Charlie Angus (NDP) asked Steven Guilbeault (Liberal). loaded question.The answer defends carbon pricing and attacks provinces instead of addressing oil subsidies or production increases.We are still unfortunately fighting in the courts against some provinces to continue to be able to fight for Canadians and for the health of our children and grandchildren when it comes to climate change.
  24. deflected
    Public SafetyMrs. Shannon Stubbs (Conservative) asked Marco Mendicino (Liberal). substantive question.The answer restates that the Act was essential without explaining what changed between Monday and Wednesday.the Emergencies Act was essential to law enforcement success in ending blockades and protests across the country.
  25. deflected
    Public SafetyMrs. Shannon Stubbs (Conservative) asked Bill Blair (Liberal). substantive question.The answer explains the Emergencies Act but does not address releasing the legal opinion or what changed.We will always respect the charter.
  26. deflected
    Public SafetyMr. Philip Lawrence (Conservative) asked Marco Mendicino (Liberal). substantive question.The response justifies the invocation but avoids explaining the change that led to revocation.That is the reason why we had to invoke the Emergencies Act, and we did so on the basis of non-partisan, professional advice from law enforcement.
  27. partly answered
    Public SafetyMs. Leslyn Lewis (Conservative) asked Bill Blair (Liberal). substantive question.The answer indicates the measures succeeded in removing blockades, addressing the change.we saw the illegal blockades that were tormenting the people of Ottawa removed from the streets
  28. partly answered
    Public SafetyMs. Kristina Michaud (Bloc) asked Marco Mendicino (Liberal). substantive question.Provides some explanation about the act being a deterrent but not detailed advice received.the Emergencies Act served as a big deterrent to the protests by incentivizing people to leave
  29. deflected
    Public SafetyMs. Kristina Michaud (Bloc) asked Pablo Rodriguez (Liberal). substantive question.The answer attacks the Bloc's position instead of addressing the inquiry request.For a while, it said the government was not doing enough. Now it is saying the government did too much.
  30. partly answered
    HealthMr. Kyle Seeback (Conservative) asked Mona Fortier (Liberal). substantive question.The response mentions the policy will be reviewed but does not provide a specific plan or timeline for lifting.The policy will be reviewed every six months, and we will make sure that it is determined when it is still required.
  31. deflected
    HealthMr. Gerald Soroka (Conservative) asked Jean-Yves Duclos (Liberal). substantive question.The answer emphasizes vaccination benefits without addressing the removal of mandates.Vaccination is not a punishment. Vaccination is protection.
  32. deflected
    HealthMr. Fraser Tolmie (Conservative) asked Jean-Yves Duclos (Liberal). substantive question.The response focuses on past achievements in Saskatchewan rather than future plans for mandates.I want to congratulate all the people in Saskatchewan for having been vaccinated in such large numbers.
  33. partly answered
    HousingMr. Brad Vis (Conservative) asked Ahmed Hussen (Liberal). substantive question.The answer highlights general program achievements and offers collaboration but provides no specific assistance details for Lytton.I am willing to work with him to address the needs of his community.
  34. answered
    HealthMr. Larry Brock (Conservative) asked Patty Hajdu (Liberal). loaded question.The answer directly addresses the crisis by outlining ongoing indigenous-led supports despite the loaded premise.We have been working closely with first nations communities on programs and supports that are indigenous-led
  35. deflected
    The EnvironmentMr. Clifford Small (Conservative) asked Jonathan Wilkinson (Liberal). substantive question.The answer avoids commenting on the specific project approval and shifts to a general commitment statement.the approval of this particular project is currently with the Minister of Environment and Climate Change , and therefore I am not going to comment on the process.
  36. partly answered
    The EconomyMr. Daniel Blaikie (NDP) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). substantive question.The answer lists existing affordability measures but does not address the requested policies like pharmacare or housing market cooling.We created the Canada child benefit, which is indexed to inflation.
  37. answered
    Foreign AffairsMr. Kevin Vuong (Independent) asked Sean Fraser (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly details current and upcoming Canadian assistance measures for Ukrainian refugees and host countries.In the very near future, we are going to be announcing new measures to make it easier and faster for Ukrainians who are fleeing the war to find safety here in Canada.
  38. deflected
    Raif BadawiMr. Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe (Bloc) asked Mr. Yvan Baker (Liberal). rhetorical question.The answer ignores the Raif Badawi motion entirely and instead proposes an unrelated motion on Ukraine.That, given the Russian Federation's unprovoked and unjustified attack on Ukraine, the House: (a) Condemns this unjustified and unprovoked attack