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Friday, October 6, 2023 · sitting No. 231
Commons debates Atlantic Accord bill on offshore renewables
The House spent the largest share of its sitting on Government Orders debating Bill C-49, which would implement an agreement with Newfoundland and Labrador on offshore renewable energy. Liberal MP Sean Fraser said the legislation would create jobs in Atlantic Canada while advancing a clean economy. Conservative MP Stephen Ellis questioned the government's direction on tidal energy and affordability.
Question Period focused on grocery prices and the carbon tax. Conservative MP Kyle Seeback said the Prime Minister had broken a promise to lower prices before Thanksgiving, citing rises of 67 per cent for turkey and higher increases for produce. Liberal MP Ryan Turnbull said the government had secured action plans from major grocery chains to stabilize costs.
From the Hansard record of the sitting. Full Hansard
Question Period – October 6, 2023. Video from CPAC. Watch on YouTube
Who held the floor · 2023-10-06
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
Privilege
Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner said the government had failed to disclose over $200,000 in costs for the Prime Minister's ski trip to Montana in responses to Order Paper questions.
Read the exchangeImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Bloc Québécois MP Christine Normandin asked what steps the minister was taking to stop the exploitation of foreign workers recruited on tourist visas by the Newrest multinational and the Trésor agency.
Read the exchangePublic Safety
Conservative MP Dane Lloyd said victims' families deserved answers on why the government had allowed the transfer of Paul Bernardo from a maximum-security prison without prior consultation.
Read the exchangeHuman Rights in Iran
Liberal MP Majid Jowhari said the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to imprisoned activist Narges Mohammadi marked a profound moment for human rights in Iran amid the coma of 16-year-old Armita Geravand.
Read the exchangeSmall Business
Bloc Québécois MP Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné said the Quebec National Assembly had unanimously called for an extension of CEBA loan repayment deadlines to prevent 250,000 bankruptcies.
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
- partly answeredThe EconomyMr. Kyle Seeback (Conservative) asked Mr. Ryan Turnbull (Liberal). loaded question.The answer explains actions taken with grocery CEOs but does not confirm the promise on prices by Thanksgiving.
We are seeing those actions roll out, with price reductions and discounts on a basket of basic goods, and we look forward to future developments.
- deflectedThe EconomyMr. Kyle Seeback (Conservative) asked Mr. Ryan Turnbull (Liberal). loaded question.The response repeats talking points on plans without addressing the specific promise or reported price increases.
They are going to be competing to bring down and stabilize those prices.
- misdirectedThe EconomyMr. Kyle Seeback (Conservative) asked Mr. Ryan Turnbull (Liberal). loaded question.The answer attacks the Conservative leader about Stornoway instead of addressing grocery prices.
I know it must be hard for the leader of the Conservative Party to empathize with Canadians, when surely he does not pay for turkeys at Stornoway.
- deflectedThe EconomyMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Mr. Taleeb Noormohamed (Liberal). loaded question.The answer shifts to climate payments and attacks Conservatives rather than addressing the carbon tax or price promise.
While we have been working to improve Canadians' quality of life, the Conservatives have done nothing.
- misdirectedThe EconomyMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Mr. Taleeb Noormohamed (Liberal). loaded question.The answer accuses Conservatives of inventing facts instead of addressing the price increases or tax concerns.
The Conservatives can say whatever they want and invent whatever facts they want, but the reality is that Canadians' quality of life will improve thanks to us.
- partly answeredImmigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMs. Christine Normandin (Bloc) asked Mr. Irek Kusmierczyk (Liberal). substantive question.The answer outlines general protections for temporary foreign workers but does not confirm taking up the specific case mentioned.
Under our watch, we have mandated that employers provide all TFWs with information about their rights in Canada, have prohibited reprisal by employers against workers who come forward with complaints and have prohibited employers from charging recruitment fees to workers.
- answeredImmigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMs. Christine Normandin (Bloc) asked Mr. Irek Kusmierczyk (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly lists measures taken to protect temporary foreign workers and end exploitation.
We launched the migrant worker support program to assist TFWs in learning about and exercising their rights.
- deflectedIndigenous AffairsMr. Blake Desjarlais (NDP) asked Patty Hajdu (Liberal). substantive question.The answer focuses on past Conservative failures rather than addressing the pace of implementing calls to action.
In 2015, when we were elected, the former Conservative government refused to meet with indigenous leaders in this country.
- partly answeredIndigenous AffairsMs. Lori Idlout (NDP) asked Gary Anandasangaree (Liberal). substantive question.The answer details funding and projects supported but omits any mention of access to records or barriers for the special interlocutor.
As of today, we have supported 117 commemoration and search projects, for a total of $160.4 million.
- deflectedGrocery IndustryMr. John Brassard (Conservative) asked Mr. Taleeb Noormohamed (Liberal). substantive question.The answer restates government actions with grocery CEOs without addressing whether prices have been lowered or why the promise has not been met.
These responses will result in a direct benefit to Canadians in terms of lower prices, and that work is going to continue.
- deflectedGrocery IndustryMr. John Brassard (Conservative) asked Mr. Ryan Turnbull (Liberal). loaded question.The answer attacks the Conservatives for calling the meeting a photo op instead of confirming any price reductions have occurred.
The fact that Conservatives call that a photo op, when it is a decisive action for Canadians, says more about them than it does about us.
- misdirectedCarbon PricingMr. James Bezan (Conservative) asked Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Liberal). loaded question.The answer pivots to criticizing Conservatives for filibustering instead of addressing the carbon tax impact on turkey prices.
for days, I have listened to Conservatives across the way filibuster a bill that would make a difference.
- deflectedCarbon PricingMr. James Bezan (Conservative) asked Steven Guilbeault (Liberal). loaded question.The answer highlights farmer net-zero commitments without addressing the carbon tax effect on turkey production costs.
the Dairy Farmers of Canada have committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
- misdirectedCarbon PricingMrs. Dominique Vien (Conservative) asked Steven Guilbeault (Liberal). loaded question.The answer shifts to attacking Conservatives over Alberta renewable energy instead of discussing carbon tax relief for meals.
I think many Canadians are wondering why the Conservative Party of Canada is supporting Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who has put a moratorium on renewable energy projects in Alberta.
- misdirectedCarbon PricingMrs. Dominique Vien (Conservative) asked Steven Guilbeault (Liberal). loaded question.The answer attacks the Conservative climate plan and mentions flooding instead of addressing cancellation of the carbon taxes.
The Conservative Party is saying that what it is going to do is make pollution free and let oil companies pollute our water, air and the health of our communities even more.
- partly answeredSmall BusinessMs. Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné (Bloc) asked Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Liberal). substantive question.The answer acknowledges small business importance and past supports but does not commit to extending CEBA repayment deadlines as requested.
The minister will continue to work with small businesses to ensure that we are there to have their backs and protect jobs into the future.
- deflectedSmall BusinessMs. Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné (Bloc) asked Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Liberal). loaded question.The answer lists existing supports but ignores the call for case-by-case CEBA deferrals.
we announced a bit of an extension just recently.
- misdirectedCarbon PricingMr. Clifford Small (Conservative) asked Ms. Jennifer O'Connell (Liberal). loaded question.The answer pivots to climate change and fishers instead of addressing the carbon tax and food prices.
what I find ironic is that this member opposite purports to stand up for fish harvesters, but the fishers across this country tell us that climate change is real.
- misdirectedCarbon PricingMr. Clifford Small (Conservative) asked Sean Fraser (Liberal). loaded question.The answer attacks Conservative climate votes and promotes Bill C-49 rather than responding on the carbon tax and food costs.
- deflectedGrocery IndustryMr. Rick Perkins (Conservative) asked Sean Fraser (Liberal). loaded question.The answer lists past benefits but avoids the question on breaking the grocery price promise.
the people of Central Nova are benefiting from a middle-class tax cut we put in place back in 2015.
- deflectedGrocery IndustryMr. Rick Perkins (Conservative) asked Sean Fraser (Liberal). loaded question.The answer defends heat pumps and affordability measures but sidesteps the direct yes-or-no on lowering food costs.
I will be the first to acknowledge that we need to do more to continue to support low-income families who are struggling with the rising cost of living.
- partly answeredGrocery IndustryMr. Alistair MacGregor (NDP) asked Mr. Ryan Turnbull (Liberal). substantive question.The answer explains the government's grocery CEO plan but does not commit to supporting the NDP bill.
we are doing the right thing, which is to bring the grocery CEOs of the largest grocery chains in the country to the table and get them on board with an action plan to help fight for affordability for Canadians.
- answeredPersons with DisabilitiesMs. Bonita Zarrillo (NDP) asked Sean Fraser (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly addresses transit funding and accessibility investments.
That is why we made historic investments through the investing in Canada infrastructure plan to have unprecedented levels of federal money going toward building our transit projects, including accessible transit projects.
- partly answeredPublic Services and ProcurementMr. Michael Barrett (Conservative) asked Ms. Jennifer O'Connell (Liberal). loaded question.The answer states that misconduct will be investigated but does not address the timeline or insider favoritism claim.
Any allegations of misconduct will be investigated.
- deflectedPublic Services and ProcurementMr. Michael Barrett (Conservative) asked Ms. Jennifer O'Connell (Liberal). loaded question.The answer attacks Conservatives for political motives instead of addressing whether the government will support an investigation.
We do not think that Conservative members who want to make political clickbait out of this actually get to the bottom of any sort of wrongdoing.
- deflectedPublic SafetyMr. Dane Lloyd (Conservative) asked Ms. Jennifer O'Connell (Liberal). substantive question.The answer points to a prior motion but avoids confirming support for the specific committee investigation requested.
The Conservatives are in damage control right now because they voted against it.
- deflectedPublic SafetyMr. Dane Lloyd (Conservative) asked Ms. Jennifer O'Connell (Liberal). loaded question.The answer shifts to criticizing Conservative tactics on other bills rather than answering yes or no on the investigation.
The Conservatives use heinous crimes and the suffering of women and violence against women as a way to block government legislation.
- partly answeredFamilies, Children and Social DevelopmentMs. Sylvie Bérubé (Bloc) asked Mr. Taleeb Noormohamed (Liberal). substantive question.The answer acknowledges working with provinces on child food issues but does not address the specific $1 billion promise or timeline.
We will continue to work with all the provinces and Quebec to help on various fronts, particularly on the issue of food for children.
- partly answeredFamilies, Children and Social DevelopmentMs. Sylvie Bérubé (Bloc) asked Mr. Taleeb Noormohamed (Liberal). substantive question.The answer affirms the need to address child food insecurity but provides no commitment on the promised funding.
There is no denying that we need to keep working with the provinces and we will continue to work closely with them to fix the situation.
- misdirectedFinanceMr. Greg McLean (Conservative) asked Mr. Taleeb Noormohamed (Liberal). loaded question.The answer pivots to job creation stats and attacks Conservative voting record instead of addressing mortgage or deficit policies.
If the Conservatives care about Canadians and about affordability, why do they keep voting against every single measure we put forward to make life more affordable for Canadians?
- misdirectedFinanceMr. Greg McLean (Conservative) asked Mr. Taleeb Noormohamed (Liberal). loaded question.The answer attacks historical Conservative record and highlights credit ratings rather than responding to current mortgage or affordability concerns.
The reality is that under this government our AAA credit rating continues to be the hallmark.
- misdirectedThe EconomyMr. Joël Godin (Conservative) asked Steven Guilbeault (Liberal). loaded question.The answer ignores food banks and instead questions Conservative policy on renewable energy projects.
Will they block renewable energy projects in Quebec?
- deflectedHealthMr. Colin Carrie (Conservative) asked Ya'ara Saks (Liberal). loaded question.The answer opens by attacking the timing of the question rather than addressing the cited death statistics or safe supply policy.
this week is Mental Illness Awareness Week, and this is the first question we have had this week from the Conservatives asking about the well-being of Canadians.
- misdirectedHealthMr. Colin Carrie (Conservative) asked Ya'ara Saks (Liberal). loaded question.The response attacks the opposition's perspective and quotes a former Conservative adviser instead of addressing the expert letters or ending the program.
it is not worth taking the risk on the outdated perspectives of the Conservative government when it comes to addiction.
- deflectedCarbon PricingMichelle Rempel Garner (Conservative) asked Steven Guilbeault (Liberal). loaded question.The answer pivots to criticizing Conservative policies on transit and energy instead of responding to carbon tax results or the whistleblower allegation.
for the sake of the planet, Canadians, and the world, frankly, cannot afford the Conservative Party of Canada.
- partly answeredHealthMr. Don Davies (NDP) asked Ya'ara Saks (Liberal). substantive question.The answer explains regulatory roles and provincial authority but provides no specific actions to resolve the current blood inventory shortage.
Health Canada regulates plasma sites to ensure plasma products sold in Canada are manufactured in accordance with strict safety standards.
- partly answeredNatural ResourcesMs. Elizabeth May (Green) asked Ms. Julie Dabrusin (Liberal). substantive question.The response notes the independent body and upcoming reasons but does not address instructing a halt to construction in the Pípsell area.
it was made by an independent quasi-judicial body that is not a government agency, and they have said that they will be providing reasons for decisions shortly.
- answeredPoints of OrderMr. Gabriel Ste-Marie (Bloc) asked Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Liberal). rhetorical question.The answer directly explains the established House practice on who responds to questions.
it is a long-standing practice of the House that for responses to questions, who is going to answer a question is at the discretion of the government.
- misdirectedPoints of OrderMr. Stephen Ellis (Conservative) asked Mr. Francis Drouin (Liberal). rhetorical question.The response accuses the opposition of hidden motives rather than addressing the request to table the document.
- partly answeredPoints of OrderMrs. Anna Roberts (Conservative) asked Mr. Mark Gerretsen (Liberal). substantive question.The answer indicates conditional support while faulting the member for not coordinating in advance.
it would have been really nice if the member had reached out to us to let us know in advance
- misdirectedPoints of OrderMr. Joël Godin (Conservative) asked Mr. George Chahal (Liberal). substantive question.The answer ignores the clarification request and instead attacks the Conservative Party by referencing prior conduct.
It was the Conservative deputy whip who opposed others, so I believe the members of the Conservative Party should have a conversation.