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Thursday, December 7, 2023 · sitting No. 264

House advances supplementary estimates amid carbon tax clashes

The House devoted the largest share of its sitting to concurrence in supplementary estimates (B) 2023-24. Liberal minister Anita Anand moved concurrence in multiple votes including operating expenditures for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. Conservative MPs Andrew Scheer and Luc Berthold requested recorded divisions on the motions.

Question period featured repeated exchanges on the carbon tax. Conservative MP Melissa Lantsman pressed the government to repeal the tax on farmers, first nations and families. Liberal ministers Jonathan Wilkinson and Karina Gould defended the price on pollution and accused Conservatives of protecting high earners.

Other oral questions addressed immigration costs to Quebec, grocery price increases and border staffing reductions. Bloc Québécois MP Alain Therrien demanded reimbursement for asylum seeker services while NDP MP Jagmeet Singh called for action on food prices.

Decided that day

  • Bill C-60 passed committee of the whole stages, second reading, third reading and adoption
  • Dozens of opposed estimates items concurred in
  • Bill C-35 sent to second chamber
  • Bill C-370 introduced

From the Hansard record of the sitting. Full Hansard

Question Period – December 7, 2023. Video from CPAC. Watch on YouTube

Who held the floor · 2023-12-07

Government (Liberal)OppositionOver the day: government 51%, opposition 49% of the words spokenGovernment businessQuestion PeriodGovernment business▲ Government side held the floor▼ Opposition held the floor
61Estimates pass, questions mostly dodgedThe House devoted the bulk of its time to supplementary estimates and supply, advancing Bill C-60 through committee and multiple readings while concurring in dozens of opposed items. Question period produced few direct answers, though points of order were absent and substantive debate dominated the day.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

Business of Supply

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre said 133 first nations are taking the government to court over the carbon tax. He stated that communities cannot afford home heating or fuel for work vehicles.

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Carbon Tax

Conservative MP Richard Lehoux said the government blocked Bill C-234 relief for farmers and that families will pay $700 more for groceries in 2024. He accused the Bloc-Liberal coalition of inaction.

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CBC/Radio-Canada

Bloc Québécois MP Martin Champoux called the planned layoff of 600 CBC/Radio-Canada employees a catastrophe for regional news and Quebec culture. He asked Heritage minister Pascale St-Onge whether she would fire CEO Catherine Tait if cuts proceed.

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Oil and Gas Industry

Bloc Québécois MP Monique Pauzé said the Liberal regulatory framework allows oil companies to increase production and imposes no cap until 2030. Minister Jonathan Wilkinson replied that Canada is the first oil and gas producer to adopt such a cap.

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Indigenous Affairs

NDP MP Charlie Angus said Attawapiskat faces a looming winter crisis over housing and water supply. Indigenous Services minister Patty Hajdu said the department is working with the community on short- and long-term needs.

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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
    Carbon PricingMs. Melissa Lantsman (Conservative) asked Jonathan Wilkinson (Liberal). loaded question.The answer promotes carbon pricing benefits and attacks Conservatives without addressing the request to vote on scrapping the tax.The carbon price is both a climate measure and an affordability measure.
  2. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMs. Melissa Lantsman (Conservative) asked Karina Gould (Liberal). loaded question.The answer attacks the Conservatives for Senate votes instead of addressing the carbon tax or farmers' relief.there is only one caucus in Parliament that is losing its mind, and it is the Conservatives
  3. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMs. Melissa Lantsman (Conservative) asked Jonathan Wilkinson (Liberal). loaded question.The answer shifts to Ukraine support and farm fuel exemptions without addressing the call to axe the carbon tax.While the Conservatives continue to vote against Ukraine and oppose the free trade agreement they need in their fight against Russia
  4. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMr. Luc Berthold (Conservative) asked Jenna Sudds (Liberal). loaded question.The answer pivots to a school food policy vote instead of responding to the carbon tax increase question.just yesterday, every Conservative on that side of the House voted against a national school food policy
  5. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMr. Luc Berthold (Conservative) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). loaded question.The answer attacks Conservatives on poverty support without addressing the carbon tax or grocery prices.Our government is the one supporting all Canadians, including the less fortunate.
  6. deflected
    Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMr. Alain Therrien (Bloc) asked Marc Miller (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses partnership and meetings but avoids committing to reimbursement for asylum seeker costs.We have a great partnership with Quebec.
  7. deflected
    Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMr. Alain Therrien (Bloc) asked Marc Miller (Liberal). substantive question.The answer defends federal transfers without addressing the specific request for full reimbursement of costs.only the Bloc Québécois would say that $700 million a year, plus millions in social transfers in blocks with no strings attached is nothing
  8. partly answered
    Grocery IndustryMr. Jagmeet Singh (NDP) asked Marie-Claude Bibeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer addresses strengthening the Competition Bureau to help lower prices but does not directly tackle CEO compensation or the free ride claim.Bill C‑56 will enable us to further strengthen the Competition Bureau and put consumers' interests first.
  9. partly answered
    Grocery IndustryMr. Jagmeet Singh (NDP) asked Marie-Claude Bibeau (Liberal). substantive question.Addresses competition measures and monitoring but ignores the specific demand to address CEO bonuses.We are also working on long-term solutions to improve competition in the grocery sector.
  10. deflected
    Carbon PricingAndrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Jenna Sudds (Liberal). loaded question.Ignores the carbon tax question entirely and pivots to unrelated social programs.We will continue to make the necessary investments in our social programs, in the Canada child benefit and in our $10-a-day national early learning and child care program.
  11. misdirected
    Carbon PricingAndrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). loaded question.Attacks the Conservatives on poverty metrics instead of addressing the food bank and carbon tax claims.we will take no lessons from the Conservatives when it comes to supporting the most vulnerable in Canada.
  12. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMr. Kyle Seeback (Conservative) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). loaded question.Responds with job and GDP statistics while attacking Conservatives rather than addressing the carbon tax on farmers and families.The Conservatives do not know how to support the most vulnerable among us and they do not know how to have an economic plan for jobs either.
  13. deflected
    Carbon PricingMr. Kyle Seeback (Conservative) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). loaded question.Shifts to defending carbon pricing benefits and investments instead of responding to food bank usage claims.Eight out of 10 Canadians have more money in their pockets thanks to carbon pricing.
  14. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMr. Joël Godin (Conservative) asked Diane Lebouthillier (Liberal). substantive question.Lists unrelated Conservative positions and attacks rather than addressing the carbon tax repeal request.They deny climate change. They want to reopen the abortion debate with Bill C‑311
  15. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMr. Joël Godin (Conservative) asked Diane Lebouthillier (Liberal). substantive question.Attacks the questioner for comments on the Magdalen Islands instead of addressing the carbon tax and food banks.it is absolutely disgraceful to speak that way about the people of the Magdalen Islands.
  16. partly answered
    Border SecurityMr. Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe (Bloc) asked Dominic LeBlanc (Liberal). substantive question.Clarifies the RCMP resource allocation after Roxham Road but does not address the reported staff reduction plans.Since the closure of Roxham Road and the changes to the safe third country agreement, the RCMP has reallocated its resources to priorities like organized crime and border security.
  17. deflected
    Oil and Gas IndustryMs. Monique Pauzé (Bloc) asked Jonathan Wilkinson (Liberal). loaded question.Answer shifts to Quebec minister's praise instead of addressing drafting or emissions details.Today, Quebec's minister of the environment, the fight against climate change, wildlife and parks, Benoit Charette, said that he welcomed the announcement of a cap and trade system for the oil industry, and that it was a good day for the environment and the economy.
  18. deflected
    Oil and Gas IndustryMs. Monique Pauzé (Bloc) asked Jonathan Wilkinson (Liberal). loaded question.Answer claims ambitious plan and first cap but ignores specific 60% vs 16% reduction critique and enforcement.Today, we announced the world's first cap on oil and gas sector emissions.
  19. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMrs. Shelby Kramp-Neuman (Conservative) asked Jenna Sudds (Liberal). substantive question.Answer pivots to school food program vote instead of carbon tax on businesses or grocery costs.What did they do? Every single one of them voted against it.
  20. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMrs. Shelby Kramp-Neuman (Conservative) asked Mr. Adam van Koeverden (Liberal). loaded question.Answer attacks Conservatives and oil executives rather than addressing carbon tax impact on food prices.When will the Conservatives admit that the only facts they have are those of wealthy oil executives?
  21. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMr. Dan Mazier (Conservative) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). loaded question.Answer blames Putin and attacks Conservatives on Ukraine instead of carbon tax on farmers or groceries.It was Ukrainian Canadians who settled Canada's Prairies, and we owe it to the people of Ukraine to support them today and not betray Ukraine as the Conservatives have done.
  22. partly answered
    Oil and Gas IndustryMs. Laurel Collins (NDP) asked Jonathan Wilkinson (Liberal). substantive question.Answer defends the cap with external quotes but does not address whether it meets Liberal targets or needs fixing.Canada became the first oil and gas producer in the world to put a cap on oil and gas emissions, and we are on a trajectory to reducing to net zero by 2050.
  23. answered
    Indigenous AffairsMr. Charlie Angus (NDP) asked Patty Hajdu (Liberal). substantive question.Answer directly confirms ongoing work with community on short- and long-term housing and water issues.Indeed, the department is working closely with the community to make sure they have the tools they need, and not just in the short term as winter bears down, but in the long term so that the community can move forward with their identified priorities.
  24. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMr. Marc Dalton (Conservative) asked Jonathan Wilkinson (Liberal). loaded question.Answer highlights past BC Liberal carbon price support instead of current federal tax relief for families or farmers.His leader, the former premier, Gordon Campbell, said at the time that putting a price on carbon pollution was a way to reduce emissions, incent innovation and drive an economy going forward.
  25. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMr. Bob Zimmer (Conservative) asked Jonathan Wilkinson (Liberal). loaded question.Answer attacks the opposition and changes subject instead of addressing the carbon tax question.The climate-denying Conservative Party is not worth the risk.
  26. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMrs. Anna Roberts (Conservative) asked Seamus O'Regan (Liberal). loaded question.Answer shifts to an unrelated topic about Ukraine trade and attacks the questioners rather than addressing the carbon tax.The real question here, and what so many Canadians are wondering, is on the issue of a Ukraine free trade agreement and who told them how to vote.
  27. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMr. Mel Arnold (Conservative) asked Mr. Adam van Koeverden (Liberal). loaded question.Answer attacks the member's beliefs and pivots to Conservative policy instead of answering about the carbon tax on farmers and families.When will the Conservatives admit their risky, irresponsible and reckless approach will plunge Canadians back into Harper era poverty?
  28. partly answered
    CBC/Radio-CanadaMr. Martin Champoux (Bloc) asked Pascale St-Onge (Liberal). substantive question.Answer directly addresses the question about confidence in the CEO by stating the broadcaster is accountable and encouraging the CEO to respond.I encourage the CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada to answer the questions people are asking about the compensation policy.
  29. deflected
    CBC/Radio-CanadaMr. Martin Champoux (Bloc) asked Pascale St-Onge (Liberal). substantive question.Answer avoids the question of firing the CEO and instead restates government support for the broadcaster while attacking Conservatives.We will continue to support our public broadcaster, and I would invite all the parties here, except the Conservatives, who want to axe CBC/Radio-Canada, to help us find good solutions.
  30. deflected
    Carbon PricingMr. Dave Epp (Conservative) asked Lawrence MacAulay (Liberal). loaded question.Answer discusses climate impacts on farms but does not address repealing the carbon tax on farmers and families.Unfortunately, the Conservative Party of Canada does not have a plan to deal with the environment.
  31. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMr. Ziad Aboultaif (Conservative) asked Mr. Adam van Koeverden (Liberal). loaded question.Answer attacks the member personally and questions his rebate instead of addressing the carbon tax on farmers.
  32. misdirected
    Natural ResourcesMrs. Shannon Stubbs (Conservative) asked Mr. Angelo Iacono (Liberal). loaded question.Answer completely ignores the question on Bill C-50 and natural resources to discuss an unrelated bail reform bill.our bail reform bill received royal assent this week.
  33. answered
    Border SecurityMr. Luc Berthold (Conservative) asked Dominic LeBlanc (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly assures no decrease in officers at the border.I can assure my colleague that the number of RCMP officers, for example in his province, Quebec, who are dedicated to organized crime and border security will not decrease.
  34. deflected
    Natural ResourcesMr. Rick Perkins (Conservative) asked Mr. Ryan Turnbull (Liberal). substantive question.The answer avoids the specific deal and instead discusses general policy on foreign investment.Our government has been clear from day one that we will always welcome foreign investment and trade that encourage economic growth, innovation and employment opportunities in Canada.
  35. deflected
    Natural ResourcesMr. Jeremy Patzer (Conservative) asked Jonathan Wilkinson (Liberal). loaded question.The answer sidesteps the cap's alleged harms by correcting a premise and highlighting unrelated successes.I will start by noting that the importation of oil is at half the level now than it was under Stephen Harper, so maybe he wants to check some of his facts.
  36. answered
    Diversity and InclusionMr. Randall Garrison (NDP) asked Marci Ien (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly commits to funding via the existing action plan.This is why we have a $100-million plan, a 2SLGBTQI action plan, that puts money in the hands of those on the front lines who are helping those communities.
  37. deflected
    Oil and Gas IndustryMr. Mike Morrice (Green) asked Jonathan Wilkinson (Liberal). loaded question.The answer praises the cap's environmental aspects without addressing the specific criticisms raised.Canada became the first country to put a cap on oil and gas emissions, with a trajectory to produce net-zero emissions by 2050.
  38. misdirected
    Business of the HouseAndrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Karina Gould (Liberal). substantive question.The answer attacks the Conservative caucus and policy instead of addressing the proposed deal on supply business.If he really has questions as to why that amendment passed, he should ask the one-third of Conservative senators who sit in his caucus and did not show up for the vote.