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Tuesday, December 12, 2023 · sitting No. 266

Commons devotes most of day to Ukraine trade bill amid points of order

The House spent the largest portion of its sitting on the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act, 2023. Debate proceeded at second reading after several recorded divisions and interventions on the short title. Points of order challenged reflections on prior votes and the conduct of members during the extended proceedings.

In question period Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre pressed the government over the green slush fund and the carbon tax on farmers. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau countered that the opposition had wasted public funds through procedural delays and had voted against supports for housing, child care and Ukraine. Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet and NDP members raised separate concerns on dental care jurisdiction and a Gaza ceasefire.

Decided that day

  • 12th report of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights passed
  • Concurrence at report stage of Bill C-57 passed
  • Bill S-283 introduced
  • Bill C-234 sent to second chamber

From the Hansard record of the sitting. Full Hansard

Question Period – December 12, 2023. Video from CPAC. Watch on YouTube

Who held the floor · 2023-12-12

Government (Liberal)OppositionOver the day: government 40%, opposition 60% of the words spokenRoutine proceedingsGovernment businessQuestion PeriodGovernment business▲ Government side held the floor▼ Opposition held the floorOpened 10:0011:0012:0013:0014:0015:0016:00Last speech 17:55Time of day, Ottawa · the House sat 7 h 55 min · each dot is a stretch of debate, placed at the minute it began
55Trade bill edges forward through question fogThe House spent the largest block of time on the Canada-Ukraine trade agreement and passed two recorded votes that advanced legislation and a committee report. Much of the remaining sitting was consumed by written questions, petitions and a question period in which almost every answer was misdirected or 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

Points of Order

Conservative MP Andrew Scheer asked the Speaker to divide Bill C-59 for voting purposes under Standing Order 69.1, citing its omnibus character.

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CBC/Radio-Canada

Bloc Québécois MP Martin Champoux questioned Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge on CEO Catherine Tait's travel plans after announced job cuts at CBC/Radio-Canada.

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Questions Passed as Orders for Returns

Conservative MP Scott Aitchison tabled an order-paper question seeking detailed occupancy and repair data for Canadian Forces housing units by location.

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Health

Liberal MP Emmanuella Lambropoulos asked Mental Health Minister Ya'ara Saks how the government would implement the 988 helpline after Conservatives opposed related funding.

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Petitions

Conservative MP Bob Zimmer presented petitions on the northern living allowance while NDP MP Peter Julian raised a point of order over comments about local members.

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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. misdirected
    Innovation, Science and IndustryPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.Answer attacks Conservatives' parliamentary actions instead of addressing the green fund or whistleblower claims.The Conservative Party tried to reduce access to affordable child care, cut construction of affordable housing and make cuts to the police and the Canadian Armed Forces.
  2. misdirected
    Innovation, Science and IndustryPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.Answer attacks Conservatives' parliamentary actions instead of addressing the green fund or whistleblower claims.The Conservative Party tried to cut affordable child care, cut construction of affordable housing, defund the police and defund Canada's armed forces.
  3. misdirected
    Carbon PricingPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.Answer attacks Conservatives' votes on social measures instead of addressing carbon tax or Bill C-234.During the Conservative leader 's $2-million temper tantrum, they gladly stood against veterans experiencing homelessness, against emergency shelters for women and girls, against indigenous housing, and against rapid affordable housing construction.
  4. misdirected
    Carbon PricingPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.Answer attacks Conservatives' Ukraine votes instead of addressing carbon tax or food inflation causes.That party has been playing right into the Kremlin's hands by voting against Operation Unifier, by voting against funding for military aid to Ukraine and by voting at every opportunity, including again this morning, against the Canada-Ukraine free trade agreement
  5. misdirected
    Carbon PricingPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.Answer attacks Conservatives' votes on various bills instead of addressing carbon tax or domestic affordability issues.When it came to 988, the suicide crisis help line, how did they vote? They voted against it.
  6. partly answered
    Dental CareMr. Yves-François Blanchet (Bloc) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.Answer describes the dental plan's benefits but does not address jurisdictional concerns or explain the program's mechanics.We have brought in a plan that will help families across the country who are unable to send their children to the dentist right now.
  7. partly answered
    Dental CareMr. Yves-François Blanchet (Bloc) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.Answer describes the dental plan's benefits but does not address jurisdictional concerns or NDP alliance motives.Now, we are making sure that Canadians will no longer have to make hard choices when it comes to dental care, because we are there to help them.
  8. deflected
    Foreign AffairsMr. Alexandre Boulerice (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.Answer states general principles on civilians and two-state solution but avoids direct yes/no on the UN ceasefire vote.for the past nine weeks, the Government of Canada has taken a responsible stance in defending civilians and seeking a two-state solution with Israelis and Palestinians, so that they can live in safety and security, in countries recognized by the international community.
  9. deflected
    Foreign AffairsMs. Heather McPherson (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.Answer promotes two-state solution without addressing the UN ceasefire vote or fundraisers.we will continue to work with allies around the world on moving toward a two-state solution, with peace for Israelis and peace for Palestinians, living side by side.
  10. deflected
    Innovation, Science and IndustryMr. Michael Barrett (Conservative) asked François-Philippe Champagne (Liberal). loaded question.Answer attacks Conservative climate views instead of addressing misappropriated funds or recovery plan.it is shocking but not surprising to see the Conservative ideology on full display.
  11. deflected
    Innovation, Science and IndustryMr. Michael Barrett (Conservative) asked François-Philippe Champagne (Liberal). loaded question.Answer repeats climate attack and notes suspension without addressing briefings, missing funds or Ethics Commissioner.We suspended the funding of the organization.
  12. misdirected
    Innovation, Science and IndustryMr. Rick Perkins (Conservative) asked Gudie Hutchings (Liberal). loaded question.Answer pivots to ACOA voting record and attacks the member instead of addressing SDTC firings or missing funds.I wish he and his seven other colleagues had stood up last week.
  13. deflected
    Innovation, Science and IndustryMr. Rick Perkins (Conservative) asked François-Philippe Champagne (Liberal). loaded question.Answer lists unrelated Conservative votes rather than explaining why corrupt directors were not fired.Just last week, Canadians saw them vote against CSIS.
  14. misdirected
    Innovation, Science and IndustryMr. Luc Berthold (Conservative) asked Diane Lebouthillier (Liberal). loaded question.Answer attacks Conservatives on Coast Guard votes instead of addressing payouts or return of funds.Last week, the Conservative leader ordered his far-right caucus to cut funding for the Canadian Coast Guard's search and rescue activities.
  15. misdirected
    Innovation, Science and IndustryMr. Luc Berthold (Conservative) asked Jean-Yves Duclos (Liberal). loaded question.Answer refers to prior response then attacks member on dental plan instead of addressing alleged lies or recovered funds.What we do not know is why the opposition member, just a few days ago, voted against the dental plan that was announced yesterday.
  16. partly answered
    CBC/Radio-CanadaMr. Martin Champoux (Bloc) asked Pascale St-Onge (Liberal). substantive question.Answer states CEO term ends in 2025 and search process begins but does not confirm confidence or address Australia trip.Starting in early 2024, I will be striking a committee to search for the best candidates in the country to lead this organization
  17. deflected
    News Media IndustryMr. Martin Champoux (Bloc) asked Pascale St-Onge (Liberal). substantive question.The answer thanks the asker but pivots to criticizing Conservatives and discussing unrelated measures without addressing the tax credit extension.I must begin by congratulating and thanking my colleague from the Bloc Québécois for being an advocate for newsrooms, for democracy and for journalism, which the Conservatives, unfortunately, try to destroy every chance they get.
  18. partly answered
    SportMr. Sébastien Lemire (Bloc) asked Carla Qualtrough (Liberal). loaded question.The response describes the new commission but does not address the accusation of protecting federations.yesterday we announced a commission on the future of sport in Canada that is trauma-informed and focuses on the victims.
  19. deflected
    Carbon PricingMr. Kyle Seeback (Conservative) asked Jonathan Wilkinson (Liberal). loaded question.The answer focuses on emissions targets instead of addressing the carbon tax cancellation request.We have a climate plan that is working. Where is his climate plan?
  20. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMr. Kyle Seeback (Conservative) asked Jenna Sudds (Liberal). loaded question.The response criticizes Conservative voting record rather than addressing the carbon tax or food bank issues.The Conservatives voted against much-needed investments to increase access to child care in underserved communities.
  21. deflected
    Carbon PricingMrs. Dominique Vien (Conservative) asked Diane Lebouthillier (Liberal). loaded question.The answer accuses the Conservatives of wilful blindness and turning backs on values without answering about the tax.What many of them defended at the National Assembly, whether for the benefit of battered women or for environmental protection, among other things, is now taboo under their leader .
  22. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMrs. Dominique Vien (Conservative) asked Pablo Rodriguez (Liberal). loaded question.The answer questions Conservative votes on various programs instead of addressing the carbon tax impact on groceries.Why did they vote against the child care program?
  23. partly answered
    Indigenous AffairsMs. Leah Gazan (NDP) asked Gary Anandasangaree (Liberal). substantive question.The response outlines investments and mechanisms but does not specify progress on the 231 calls for justice.That is why, in budget 2023, we have invested $125 million to implement the national action plan for MMIWG, ensuring accountability by establishing an oversight mechanism and support for the National Family and Survivors Circle.
  24. partly answered
    Indigenous AffairsMr. Charlie Angus (NDP) asked Patty Hajdu (Liberal). loaded question.The answer describes ongoing work with Neskantaga but does not explain any perceived failure.I have been meeting on a quarterly basis with Neskantaga to solve the current crisis that Neskantaga has been undergoing.
  25. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMr. John Barlow (Conservative) asked Ms. Jennifer O'Connell (Liberal). loaded question.The answer ignores the carbon tax question entirely and attacks Conservatives over Ukraine and Trump.Why are Conservatives repeating MAGA lines?
  26. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMr. John Barlow (Conservative) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). loaded question.The answer pivots to attacking the Conservative leader over Ukraine language instead of addressing the carbon tax.Shame on them for using the language of appeasement and dissolution.
  27. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMrs. Stephanie Kusie (Conservative) asked Randy Boissonnault (Liberal). loaded question.The answer deflects to mocking Conservative MPs over a Tucker Carlson event rather than the carbon tax query.The question is, will that member pay for her ticket individually or is there a group discount for Conservative MPs?
  28. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMrs. Stephanie Kusie (Conservative) asked Randy Boissonnault (Liberal). loaded question.The answer attacks the member over silence on CPP and Ukraine instead of responding to the carbon tax question.Maybe she agrees with her leader that Ukraine is some far-flung foreign land.
  29. partly answered
    Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMr. Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe (Bloc) asked Marc Miller (Liberal). loaded question.The answer addresses shared responsibility and existing funding but does not directly confirm repayment.Asylum seekers are a shared responsibility.
  30. deflected
    Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMr. Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe (Bloc) asked Marc Miller (Liberal). loaded question.The answer restates the shared responsibility line and rebukes the question without committing to repayment.Canada is not an ATM for the provinces.
  31. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMr. Stephen Ellis (Conservative) asked Ms. Jennifer O'Connell (Liberal). loaded question.The answer shifts to criticizing Conservatives on Ukraine and Trump rather than the carbon tax.Is that why Conservatives vote against the Canada-Ukraine free trade agreement, because they are taking their lessons from Donald Trump
  32. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMr. Stephen Ellis (Conservative) asked Gudie Hutchings (Liberal). loaded question.The answer attacks the member's ACOA vote and ignores the carbon tax question.Also, does he not realize that that is jobs, that is communities and that was 95 projects in his riding with over $60 million in jobs
  33. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMr. Clifford Small (Conservative) asked Lawrence MacAulay (Liberal). loaded question.The answer ignores the carbon tax question entirely and instead attacks the opposition's voting record on unrelated matters.Again, Conservatives showed their true colours on how they feel about Atlantic Canada and Prince Edward Island when they voted against the funding for the replacement vessel for the Wood Islands and Caribou ferry service, a vital link between Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia.
  34. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMr. Jeremy Patzer (Conservative) asked Seamus O'Regan (Liberal). loaded question.The answer avoids the carbon tax on farms and instead attacks the opposition for voting against unrelated funding programs.Is the way to support first nations to cut all housing for new housing on reserve for first nations?
  35. misdirected
    Carbon PricingMrs. Rosemarie Falk (Conservative) asked Mr. Adam van Koeverden (Liberal). loaded question.The answer sidesteps the carbon tax question and instead poses unrelated questions attacking the Conservative Party and its leader.The first question is, since an average family of four in Ontario receives more than $300 back from the climate action incentive, why are the Conservatives so hell-bent on taking money from lower- and middle-income Canadian families?
  36. deflected
    CBC/Radio-CanadaMr. Pierre Paul-Hus (Conservative) asked Pascale St-Onge (Liberal). substantive question.The answer avoids addressing confidence in the CBC president and instead criticizes past and current Conservative positions on the broadcaster.Still today, the Conservatives want to destroy the CBC, even though they are saying that they will protect Radio-Canada, as if that were doable.
  37. partly answered
    HousingMr. Blake Desjarlais (NDP) asked Sean Fraser (Liberal). substantive question.The answer addresses the housing funding request by citing new investments but then shifts to criticizing Conservative votes.I would point him to the recent fall economic statement, which increased grant funding to co-operative housing by more than $300 million, and we will be rolling out a program worth more than $1.5 billion beginning early in the new year.
  38. answered
    Fisheries and OceansMs. Lisa Marie Barron (NDP) asked Diane Lebouthillier (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly addresses the request for a transition plan by stating ongoing work and commitments to stakeholders.Fisheries and Oceans Canada, along with my office, continues to have constructive conversations with stakeholders regarding next steps.