Parliament AIIndependent · non-official

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Wednesday, December 6, 2023 · sitting No. 263

Commons debates privilege motion on Speaker's impartiality

The House devoted the largest share of its sitting to a privilege motion on the Speaker's conduct after Conservative MP Michael Cooper charged that the Speaker had lost the moral authority to preside. The motion, which calls for the matter to be referred to the procedure and House affairs committee, remained before the House at adjournment.

Question period featured repeated exchanges on carbon pricing. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre accused the government of forcing senators to maintain the carbon tax on farm heating and food production, while Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the opposition was engaged in rage farming and had no plan to support workers or families.

Decided that day

  • Bill C-295 passed third reading
  • Bill C-322 passed second reading
  • Question of privilege referred to committee
  • 26th report of the Public Accounts Committee adopted

From the Hansard record of the sitting. Full Hansard

Question Period – December 6, 2023. Video from CPAC. Watch on YouTube

Who held the floor · 2023-12-06

Government (Liberal)OppositionOver the day: government 49%, opposition 51% of the words spokenQuestion PeriodRoutine proceedingsOrders of the Day▲ Government side held the floor▼ Opposition held the floorOpened 14:0515:0016:0017:0018:00Last speech 19:20Time of day, Ottawa · the House sat 5 h 15 min · each dot is a stretch of debate, placed at the minute it began
54Privilege spats crowd out bill workThe sitting devoted most of its time to privilege and carbon-pricing exchanges, with 71 points of order or privilege raised and only 37 percent of words on substantive business. A handful of bills and reports nevertheless advanced through recorded votes.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

Housing

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said the Prime Minister had doubled housing costs and that the head of the federal housing agency had confirmed there was no plan to close the 3.5-million-home shortfall.

Read the exchange

CBC/Radio-Canada

Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet asked whether the interim CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada should explain to Parliament why French-language services in the regions were absorbing half the cuts.

Read the exchange

Gender-Based Violence

NDP MP Lindsay Mathyssen said three women in London had been killed by male partners in the past year and asked why the government had cut $150 million from women's shelters.

Read the exchange

Oil and Gas Industry

Bloc Québécois MP Mario Simard said the government had held 2,000 meetings with fossil-fuel lobbyists since last year and asked whether the numbers showed the Liberals were aligned with the industry.

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Persons with Disabilities

NDP MP Bonita Zarrillo said more than half of women with disabilities live on less than $10,000 a year and asked the government to release the Canada disability benefit immediately.

Read the exchange

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. misdirected
    Carbon PricingPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.Answer ignores the carbon tax question entirely and pivots to gender-based violence.We honour their memory by continuing to fight against inequality and gender-based violence.
  2. misdirected
    HousingPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.Answer attacks the questioner personally instead of addressing the housing plan query.This Conservative leader has never seen a social program that he did not want to cut.
  3. misdirected
    HousingPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.Answer deflects by criticizing the questioner's character and past remarks rather than the housing plan.it is shameful that the Conservative leader is exploiting the very real anxieties and fears of Canadians for clicks and views.
  4. misdirected
    Carbon PricingPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.Answer shifts to accusing Conservatives of rage farming and ignores the carbon tax on food bill.it turns out that the only farming the Conservative Party cares about is rage farming, because all of this was just an attempt to fundraise off the backs of farmers.
  5. misdirected
    Carbon PricingPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.Answer accuses the opposition of taking Parliament hostage and avoids the food tax question.we have an opposition leader who is so ideologically opposed to protecting the planet that he is willing to take Parliament hostage
  6. partly answered
    CBC/Radio-CanadaMr. Yves-François Blanchet (Bloc) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.Answer addresses support for CBC but does not directly respond to summoning the CEO.Supporting local news and journalists during these difficult times for the industry is exactly why we introduced Bill C‑18
  7. partly answered
    CBC/Radio-CanadaMr. Yves-François Blanchet (Bloc) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.Answer discusses support for French and journalism but sidesteps the call for the CEO to appear.We are concerned about the situation confronting all of our media outlets these days, what with digitization, web giants and the Conservatives' attacks on the media
  8. answered
    Gender-Based ViolenceMs. Lindsay Mathyssen (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.Answer directly addresses investments in shelters and action on gender-based violence.We have made historic investments, including precedented investments during the pandemic, to support shelters, and we are taking real action to end gender-based violence in our communities.
  9. answered
    HousingMs. Lori Idlout (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly addresses the housing needs with specific investments and ongoing strategies.Budget 2023 included an additional investment of $4 billion in the indigenous housing strategy on top of the $6.7 billion since 2015.
  10. deflected
    Carbon PricingMs. Melissa Lantsman (Conservative) asked Mr. Adam van Koeverden (Liberal). loaded question.The answer shifts to climate change and attacks Conservatives instead of addressing the bill or tax on farmers.Climate change, not pollution pricing, is driving food inflation.
  11. deflected
    Carbon PricingMs. Melissa Lantsman (Conservative) asked Karina Gould (Liberal). loaded question.The answer attacks Conservative senators and defends the policy without addressing the timeline or tax removal request.unlike the Conservatives, who had their senators bully independent senators in the other place, we will stand up to the bullies on the other side.
  12. deflected
    Carbon PricingMs. Marilyn Gladu (Conservative) asked Karina Gould (Liberal). loaded question.The answer focuses on Senate privilege and past supports rather than the carbon tax on farmers and families.the other place actually found one of the Conservative senators in breach of privilege for the actions he took bullying independent senators.
  13. deflected
    Carbon PricingMs. Marilyn Gladu (Conservative) asked Karina Gould (Liberal). loaded question.The answer criticizes Conservative senators' attendance and claims incorrect information without addressing the tax removal demand.the party opposite continues to spread information that is simply incorrect.
  14. deflected
    Carbon PricingMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Karina Gould (Liberal). loaded question.The answer pivots to Conservative actions on benefits and Senate voting instead of explaining the tax policy.If the Conservatives cancel the price on pollution, most Canadians will be worse off than they are now.
  15. deflected
    Carbon PricingMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Karina Gould (Liberal). loaded question.The answer lists past Conservative votes against benefits rather than addressing the carbon tax impact on families.They voted against the Canada child benefit.
  16. partly answered
    Oil and Gas IndustryMr. Mario Simard (Bloc) asked Jonathan Wilkinson (Liberal). loaded question.The answer acknowledges meetings with oil sector but only partially addresses the lobbyist count by broadening to other groups.it is important for us to have meetings with participants from every sector of the economy.
  17. deflected
    Oil and Gas IndustryMs. Monique Pauzé (Bloc) asked Jonathan Wilkinson (Liberal). loaded question.The answer avoids the question on lobbyist meetings and subsidies by pivoting to general meetings and a new regulation announcement.it is important that we meet with people from all sectors of the economy.
  18. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMr. Chris Warkentin (Conservative) asked Mr. Adam van Koeverden (Liberal). loaded question.The answer attacks the Conservatives on climate beliefs and math instead of addressing the carbon tax bill for farmers.University of Calgary-based economists conducted a thorough review of our price on pollution and facts are facts: 94% of families that earn less than $50,000 receive more back through our price on pollution than they pay.
  19. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMr. Chris Warkentin (Conservative) asked Mr. Adam van Koeverden (Liberal). loaded question.The answer shifts to blaming climate change and attacking Conservatives on Ukraine instead of addressing carbon tax relief for farmers.Speaking of wheat, if the Conservatives really want to support food security, they should support the breadbasket of Europe.
  20. deflected
    Carbon PricingMr. Damien Kurek (Conservative) asked Lawrence MacAulay (Liberal). loaded question.The answer deflects by noting Senate independence and Conservative lack of plan while avoiding the carbon tax pressure claim.The Conservative Party of Canada does not have a policy or a plan for the environment.
  21. partly answered
    Persons with DisabilitiesMs. Bonita Zarrillo (NDP) asked Kamal Khera (Liberal). substantive question.The answer acknowledges the issue and states commitment to consultations but does not commit to an immediate release date.On Canada's disability benefit, the hon. member knows very well that we are absolutely committed to getting it right and getting it out as quickly as possible.
  22. answered
    Foreign AffairsMs. Heather McPherson (NDP) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly addresses the call for ceasefire by condemning violence on both sides and stating the cycle must stop.The cycle of violence will not ensure Israel's long-term security, and the price of justice cannot be the suffering of Palestinian people.
  23. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMr. Michael Kram (Conservative) asked Karina Gould (Liberal). loaded question.The answer attacks Conservative senators' absence and pivots to Ukraine instead of addressing carbon tax relief for farmers.Perhaps the member opposite would like to ask why 13 Conservative senators did not show up to vote.
  24. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMr. Arnold Viersen (Conservative) asked Karina Gould (Liberal). loaded question.The answer deflects to Conservative senators and Ukraine trade while attacking the questioner's climate stance instead of addressing carbon tax removal.If the member cares about the high cost of living and if he cares about food prices, then he should simply change his vote on the Canada-Ukraine free trade agreement
  25. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMr. Richard Lehoux (Conservative) asked Pablo Rodriguez (Liberal). loaded question.The answer attacks the asker personally and shifts to climate impacts instead of addressing the carbon tax question.has the member been living under a rock?
  26. deflected
    Carbon PricingMr. Richard Lehoux (Conservative) asked Jean-Yves Duclos (Liberal). loaded question.The answer pivots to defending the child benefit and attacking the Conservative leader rather than answering about the carbon tax increase.Unfortunately, even though the member was not here at the time, the Conservative leader voted against the Canada child benefit and therefore against the interests of 9,470 families in the riding of Beauce.
  27. answered
    Veterans AffairsMr. Luc Desilets (Bloc) asked Ginette Petitpas Taylor (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly explains the department's decision based on veteran input regarding the monument design.It was the Department of Veterans Affairs that made the decision to support the Stimson design.
  28. deflected
    Veterans AffairsMr. Luc Desilets (Bloc) asked Ginette Petitpas Taylor (Liberal). loaded question.The answer repeats the veteran survey justification and accuses the asker of ignoring veterans instead of addressing the Quebec exclusion claim.I do not understand why my hon. colleague does not want to listen to veterans, because, once again, they made the ultimate sacrifice of reporting for duty on the mission in Afghanistan.
  29. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMr. Pat Kelly (Conservative) asked Mr. Adam van Koeverden (Liberal). loaded question.The answer attacks Conservatives as climate deniers and math deniers while avoiding any response on removing the carbon tax from farmers.These Conservatives just want to steal from the poor and give to the rich, with the leader from Carleton and his merry climate change deniers.
  30. deflected
    Carbon PricingMr. Terry Dowdall (Conservative) asked Lawrence MacAulay (Liberal). loaded question.The answer discusses an environmental plan and a funding announcement but does not address the carbon tax or Bill C-234.We were able to announce a $25-million program to make sure that farmers remain on the cutting edge and that farmers are able to produce crops that are strong in areas that have more moisture.
  31. deflected
    Carbon PricingMr. Kelly McCauley (Conservative) asked Lawrence MacAulay (Liberal). loaded question.The answer repeats support for farmers via a funding program and criticizes Conservatives on the environment without addressing the carbon tax question.We have supported, and we will continue to support, farmers.
  32. deflected
    Carbon PricingMr. Fraser Tolmie (Conservative) asked Arif Virani (Liberal). loaded question.The answer discusses food costs and global factors but avoids any direct response on the carbon tax or Bill C-234.Climate change feeds into the cost of food, and things such as instability overseas in Europe and an illegal war in Ukraine affect the price of food.
  33. deflected
    Carbon PricingMr. Glen Motz (Conservative) asked Jonathan Wilkinson (Liberal). loaded question.The answer accuses Conservatives of misleading and pivots to rebates instead of addressing the carbon tax impact on farmers or Bill C-234.I think it is time that the Conservative Party stopped misleading Canadians on these issues.
  34. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMr. Bernard Généreux (Conservative) asked Pablo Rodriguez (Liberal). loaded question.The response attacks the Conservatives' climate stance and discusses Senate voting rather than the carbon tax amendment or its effects on farmers.I am trying to understand the Conservatives' obsession with battling the fight against climate change.
  35. partly answered
    Emergency PreparednessMs. Niki Ashton (NDP) asked Harjit S. Sajjan (Liberal). substantive question.The answer acknowledges impacts on indigenous communities and mitigation efforts but does not address the specific spending levels or AFN funding request.One of the things that we are looking at is making sure that we use their knowledge, in terms of the mitigation, and making sure that we have the appropriate response force.
  36. partly answered
    Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMr. Mike Morrice (Green) asked Marc Miller (Liberal). substantive question.The minister notes the difficulties and confirms options are being examined but provides no commitment or timeline for expanding the family definition.We are looking at options to expand that to make sure that people connected to Canada can be afforded a safe haven, but again, it is a work in progress.
  37. deflected
    École polytechnique de MontréalPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Liberal). rhetorical question.The statement expresses disapproval without posing an answerable question, and the response raises a separate procedural point of order.