All sittings← 2022-03-012022-03-03 →
Wednesday, March 2, 2022 · sitting No. 39
Commons debates oversight committee for Emergencies Act
The House spent the largest share of its sitting on debate over Government Business No. 9 to create a parliamentary review committee on the invocation of the Emergencies Act. Government House leader Mark Holland moved closure on the debate, citing the need for swift establishment of the oversight body. Conservative MP John Brassard said the move was the fifth use of closure this Parliament and argued for a purpose-built committee with stronger opposition representation.
New Democrat MP Peter Julian continued his speech on the impacts of the Ottawa occupation on residents, jobs and essential services. Liberal MP Mark Gerretsen defended the proposed committee structure that places two opposition parties in the chair positions.
Decided that day
- Government Business No. 9 on Emergencies Act review committee passed
- Motion for closure passed
- Motion to proceed to orders of the day passed
- Opposition motion on Quebec representation in the Commons passed
From the Hansard record of the sitting. Full Hansard
Question Period – March 2, 2022. Video from CPAC. Watch on YouTube
Who held the floor · 2022-03-02
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
Foreign Affairs
Conservative MP Luc Berthold asked whether the Prime Minister would expel the Russian ambassador; Justin Trudeau said the government was examining all options to support Ukraine and punish Russia.
Read the exchangeImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship
New Democrat leader Jagmeet Singh pressed for visa-free entry for Ukrainians; Justin Trudeau said the government was working on the quickest and safest measures and would make announcements shortly.
Read the exchangeNatural Resources
Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet challenged the government over sending western oil to Europe; Justin Trudeau replied that Canada would help allies while continuing decarbonization.
Read the exchangeHealth
Conservative MP Luc Berthold asked when federal COVID-19 measures would end; Justin Trudeau said decisions would continue to be based on science and evidence.
Read the exchangeThe Economy
New Democrat leader Jagmeet Singh asked for a plan to address rising living costs after the Bank of Canada rate hike; Justin Trudeau cited increases to the Canada child benefit and child-care investments.
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 AffairsMr. Luc Berthold (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer condemns the invasion but avoids the direct yes-or-no question on expelling the ambassador.
We will continue to examine all the various ways we can help the people of Ukraine.
- deflectedForeign AffairsMr. Luc Berthold (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer reiterates sanctions and aid without addressing expulsion of the ambassador.
That is why we have imposed unprecedented sanctions.
- deflectedHealthMr. Luc Berthold (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses vaccination and science but does not state when federal measures will end.
we will continue to look at which measures can be lifted, such as those at the border that were lifted a few weeks ago.
- deflectedForeign AffairsMichael Chong (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer thanks the asker and speaks generally about options without committing to expelling diplomats.
We are looking at all different ways in which we can make positive impacts in the lives of Ukrainians
- partly answeredNews Media IndustryMichael Chong (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer states the government will ask the CRTC to review RT but notes the decision rests with regulators rather than directly ordering action under section 7.
we will be asking the CRTC to review Russia Today's presence on Canadian airwaves
- deflectedNatural ResourcesMr. Yves-François Blanchet (Bloc) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer offers general help to Ukraine but pivots to decarbonization without addressing the oil shipment proposal.
we completely agree that the path forward involves decarbonizing our energy sources.
- deflectedNatural ResourcesMr. Yves-François Blanchet (Bloc) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). rhetorical question.The question is a rhetorical taunt rather than a policy query; the answer restates environmental record without engaging the premise.
We will continue to stand up for workers and jobs as we transform the way we deal with energy.
- partly answeredImmigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMr. Jagmeet Singh (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer denies refusal and promises future announcements on facilitating Ukrainian entry but does not address visa-free travel specifically.
we are looking at all different ways of doing it.
- deflectedImmigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMr. Jagmeet Singh (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer promises future announcements without addressing the visa-free request.
we will be making announcements very soon about how we are going to quickly and safely help Ukrainians come to Canada.
- partly answeredNational DefenceKerry-Lynne Findlay (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.Addresses the procurement but deflects on specific choice of F-35 or timeline.
Our government will continue to be there for the Canadian Armed Forces in regard to the procurement of 88 new fighter jets.
- deflectedNational DefenceKerry-Lynne Findlay (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.Shifts focus to past failures instead of current decision.
I know the member opposite was part of the government that botched the F-35 procurement program
- deflectedImmigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMrs. Laila Goodridge (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.Avoids committing to visa-free, focuses on general help.
That is why we are looking very carefully at what measures can be brought in place for people not just to come over as quickly as possible, but to be able to work, study, contribute and have a path of permanent citizenship as quickly as possible.
- answeredImmigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMrs. Laila Goodridge (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.Directly states they will work with provinces and support resettlement.
We are working with the provinces and territories, municipalities, community groups and leadership groups like the Ukrainian Canadian Congress to make sure that we are able to support as quickly, as safely and as well as possible people coming to Canada.
- partly answeredImmigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMrs. Rosemarie Falk (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.References general support without new funding specifics.
we will be there to support Ukrainians resettling in Canada, as we have been there to support Syrian refugees
- deflectedForeign AffairsMrs. Rosemarie Falk (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.Lists actions taken but avoids the specific ask about the ambassador.
Everything is on the table. We will continue to do things that we think can help resolve this situation
- misdirectedNatural ResourcesMr. Yves-François Blanchet (Bloc) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.Shifts to environmental policy rather than addressing the question about energy security argument.
We will continue to lead the way on protecting the environment and fighting climate change hand in hand with our European friends.
- deflectedNatural ResourcesMr. Yves-François Blanchet (Bloc) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer promotes alternatives to fossil fuels without addressing the question on oil as a solution or the environment minister's view.
We recognize the challenges facing our European friends, and we will work with them on hydrogen.
- partly answeredForeign AffairsMr. James Bezan (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer affirms ongoing sanctions and coordination but does not confirm specific individuals named will be sanctioned.
We continue to look for more people to sanction.
- partly answeredNatural ResourcesMs. Marilyn Gladu (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer corrects import facts and states intent to ban but does not address inconsistencies in government statements.
for the past couple of years, Canada has imported no gas and no oil from Russia.
- deflectedNatural ResourcesMr. Blake Richards (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer pivots to climate change instead of addressing advocacy for Canadian oil exports to replace Russian oil.
we continue to be seized with other crises, including the crisis of climate change.
- partly answeredImmigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMr. Len Webber (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer describes acceleration of immigration processes but does not commit to visa-free travel for Ukrainians.
we have been working with our immigration department to ensure that we accelerate and simplify all the different processes
- answeredThe EconomyMr. Jagmeet Singh (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly lists existing and planned affordability measures to address cost of living pressures.
we will keep having Canadians' backs.
- answeredThe EconomyMr. Jagmeet Singh (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly lists affordability measures including child benefit, child care, and minimum wage increases.
We have done this by increasing the Canada child benefit in line with the cost of living, creating $10-a-day child care across the country
- deflectedPublic SafetyMichelle Rempel Garner (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer reflects on pandemic unity instead of outlining a plan to reduce political rhetoric or restore institutional faith.
Canadians stepped up for each other during those darkest times.
- deflectedPublic SafetyMichelle Rempel Garner (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer explains the use of the Emergencies Act but does not provide a personal commitment.
We demonstrated an ability to stand together, follow the rule of law and uphold the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to restore order so people can continue to protest peacefully and express their opinions.
- deflectedNational DefenceMs. Raquel Dancho (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.Focuses on international unity rather than Canada's specific preparedness.
We will continue to demonstrate that someone such as Vladimir Putin, who breaks the rules-based order, does not get to profit from the economic benefits that come from it.
- answeredNational DefenceMs. Raquel Dancho (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.Addresses preparedness by affirming it and explaining the approach.
Canada is prepared for any and all eventualities.
- partly answeredNatural ResourcesMs. Monique Pauzé (Bloc) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.Acknowledges both reducing fossil fuels and helping allies without choosing one over the other.
we know that we must reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
- deflectedNatural ResourcesMs. Monique Pauzé (Bloc) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.Defers to the ongoing assessment process instead of committing to a decision.
It is an important decision, and we will deal with it accordingly.
- partly answeredThe EconomyEd Fast (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.Provides examples of supports but does not outline a comprehensive plan for inflation.
We committed to lowering Canadians' cellphone bills by 25%.
- misdirectedThe EconomyEd Fast (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.Shifts to criticizing Conservatives rather than addressing the question directly.
the Conservatives are once again caught in a terrible contradiction.
- misdirectedHousingEd Fast (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.Deflects by contrasting with past Conservative government actions on housing.
I will take no lessons from Conservative politicians on housing when their plan in the last election on housing was to give tax breaks to the wealthiest landlords to help them sell their buildings.
- deflectedHealthMr. Bernard Généreux (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer highlights existing relaxed measures without addressing any timeline for eliminating border testing.
That is why an antigen test to return to Canada is an easy and much less onerous approach that will make it easier for Canadians to travel in the coming months.
- deflectedHealthMr. Stephen Ellis (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer emphasizes general safety efforts and provincial roles but provides no date or commitment on ending mandates.
We will continue to do what is necessary to keep Canadians safe at the borders.
- deflectedHealthMr. Jacques Gourde (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer focuses on past vaccination success and science-based adaptation without addressing any end-of-pandemic plan or timeline.
As we have done every step of the way, we will continue to follow the science and evidence to protect Canadians.
- deflectedIndigenous AffairsMr. Jagmeet Singh (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer expresses sadness and general support commitments but does not address appointing a special prosecutor.
Our government remains committed to supporting families, survivors and communities in commemorating those who never made it home.
- answeredThe EnvironmentMs. Elizabeth May (Green) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly affirms government support for the bill and links it to the mandated environmental justice strategy.
Our support for the bill is part of our plan to seriously address this issue.