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Friday, June 7, 2024 · sitting No. 327
Commons advances online harms bill amid foreign interference clashes
Justice Minister Arif Virani moved that Bill C-63, An Act to enact the online harms act, to amend the Criminal Code, the Canadian Human Rights Act and An Act respecting the mandatory reporting of Internet child pornography by persons who provide an Internet service and to make consequential and related amendments to other Acts, be read the second time and referred to a committee. Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner said the bill forces Canadians to trade security for charter rights and pushes reforms into an unclear regulatory process. Bloc Québécois MP Claude DeBellefeuille said her party supports provisions on child pornography and non-consensual pornographic content and would accept quick passage of that part. NDP MP Peter Julian said the bill requires comprehensive committee study and lacks transparency rules on algorithms.
In question period Conservative MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay pressed the government to name members of Parliament who aided hostile foreign actors and asked whether any cabinet ministers appear on the list. Liberal MP Jennifer O'Connell said the government takes foreign interference seriously and has given opposition leaders clearance to review unredacted documents. Conservative MP Kelly Block said a secret government report shows the carbon tax costs Canadians more than they receive back and accused the government of imposing a gag order on the Parliamentary Budget Officer. Liberal MP Steven MacKinnon said eight out of ten Canadians are better off under the carbon pricing policy.
Decided that day
- Bill C-393 was introduced
From the Hansard record of the sitting. Full Hansard
Question Period – June 7, 2024. Video from CPAC. Watch on YouTube
Who held the floor · 2024-06-07
38Answers dodged, one bill introducedThe sitting devoted substantial time to the Online Harms Act and other topics yet Question Period produced mostly deflected or misdirected replies. No votes occurred and only one bill advanced a stage.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
Innovation, Science and Industry
Conservative MP Tom Kmiec said the Auditor General's report shows board members with declared conflicts voted to award themselves taxpayer funds and asked whether the government will release all documents and call in the RCMP. Liberal MP Ryan Turnbull said the government ordered independent reviews and is folding the organization into the National Research Council.
Read the exchangeEthics
Conservative MP Michael Cooper said the employment minister holds a 50 per cent stake in a company ordered to pay millions by Alberta courts and asked who the other Randy at the firm is. Liberal MP Steven MacKinnon referred the member to the minister's statement from the previous day.
Read the exchangeHousing
NDP MP Alexandre Boulerice said average monthly rent reached a record $2,202 in May and asked when the government will prioritize social housing. Liberal MP Soraya Martinez Ferrada said budget 2024 includes a new co-op program to create non-market housing.
Read the exchangeClimate Change
NDP MP Laurel Collins said the government is bending to oil lobbyists who want to scrap the emissions cap. Liberal MP Adam van Koeverden said Canada is the first oil-producing country to impose such a cap.
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
- deflectedDemocratic InstitutionsKerry-Lynne Findlay (Conservative) asked Ms. Jennifer O'Connell (Liberal). substantive question.The answer avoids naming any individuals and instead promotes government measures while accusing Conservatives of games.
I hope Conservatives will stop playing political games and instead focus on resilience in our democratic institutions.
- deflectedDemocratic InstitutionsKerry-Lynne Findlay (Conservative) asked Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). substantive question.The answer refuses to share names on the floor and pivots to listing government measures without addressing the demand for transparency.
that member knows full well that we do not share secret and highly confidential intelligence on the floor of the House of Commons.
- deflectedDemocratic InstitutionsKerry-Lynne Findlay (Conservative) asked Ms. Jennifer O'Connell (Liberal). substantive question.The answer sidesteps releasing names by pointing to opposition briefings and warns against politicization instead of providing clarity.
We are not going to politicize this.
- deflectedDemocratic InstitutionsMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). substantive question.The answer cites secrecy obligations and criticizes the opposition for not taking measures seriously rather than identifying the MPs.
The opposition members need to take this more seriously.
- misdirectedPublic SafetyMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). loaded question.The question shifts from foreign interference to crime policy; the answer attacks Conservative policy and avoids the yes/no demand on ministers.
We will not take any lessons from the Conservative Party when it comes to fighting crime.
- deflectedDemocratic InstitutionsMrs. Claude DeBellefeuille (Bloc) asked Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). substantive question.The answer repeats the list of measures taken and notes other countries face the issue without committing to further investigations or removals.
Canada has introduced a series of very substantial measures in this area, including the creation of a committee of parliamentarians that has studied the issue and is reporting on it.
- deflectedDemocratic InstitutionsMrs. Claude DeBellefeuille (Bloc) asked Ms. Jennifer O'Connell (Liberal). substantive question.The answer praises Bloc cooperation and promotes Bill C-70 while ignoring the call for internal investigations and removal of members.
This includes Bill C-70 , which we are working on in committee.
- partly answeredHousingMr. Alexandre Boulerice (NDP) asked Soraya Martinez Ferrada (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly addresses the call for social housing by citing new co-op investments but does not engage the broader critique of developer profits.
It is the best investment in co-operatives in 30 years, precisely to create non-market housing.
- answeredHousingMr. Don Davies (NDP) asked Mr. Peter Fragiskatos (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly affirms action on non-market housing and details specific policy measures to address rent costs.
We share an interest with that party in building more non-market homes.
- misdirectedCarbon PricingMrs. Kelly Block (Conservative) asked Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). loaded question.The answer avoids the report request and instead attacks the member's past platform position.
That member, however, ran in the last election, walking around Carlton Trail—Eagle Creek and promising to put a price on pollution.
- misdirectedCarbon PricingMrs. Kelly Block (Conservative) asked Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). loaded question.The answer ignores the report and pivots to questioning which parts of the Conservative platform the member supports.
Canadians can now ask any member over here what parts of the Conservative platform they will be subtracting themselves from in the upcoming election.
- deflectedCarbon PricingMr. Colin Carrie (Conservative) asked Mr. Adam van Koeverden (Liberal). loaded question.The answer sidesteps the secret report by accusing Conservatives of abandoning carbon pricing and lacking integrity.
That they have abandoned those commitments just demonstrates very clearly that they have no integrity and no desire to fight climate change or lower our emissions.
- misdirectedCarbon PricingMr. Colin Carrie (Conservative) asked Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). loaded question.The answer evades the report entirely and attacks the member on unrelated issues like contraception and foreign interference.
Now that we have à la carte election platforms, does the member approve of his leader 's affirmations with respect to contraception and a woman's right to choose?
- deflectedCarbon PricingMr. Len Webber (Conservative) asked Mr. Adam van Koeverden (Liberal). substantive question.The answer disputes the premise about the PBO but does not address releasing any report and labels opponents as climate deniers.
Denying the effectiveness and proven impact of carbon pricing is another form of climate change denial.
- partly answeredCarbon PricingMr. Len Webber (Conservative) asked Mr. Ryan Turnbull (Liberal). substantive question.The answer cites PBO statements on carbon pricing effectiveness but does not address releasing the specific secret report.
Recently, on March 27, at the OGGO committee, Yves Giroux also said that "there is a wide consensus among economists—and I am an economist—that carbon pricing is an effective way of reducing carbon emissions."
- partly answeredPublic Services and ProcurementMs. Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné (Bloc) asked Mr. Charles Sousa (Liberal). substantive question.The answer acknowledges the Auditor General's work and commits to following recommendations without fully addressing systemic incapacity claims.
We thank her for her recommendations.
- deflectedInnovation, Science and IndustryMs. Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné (Bloc) asked Mr. Ryan Turnbull (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses reviews and new governance but does not address whether SDTC would have been shut down without the report.
We are moving forward with a new governance model and framework that will restore proper oversight.
- deflectedEthicsMr. Michael Cooper (Conservative) asked Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). substantive question.The answer refers to ethics rules and a prior response instead of identifying Randy or addressing the fraud claim.
Ministers are expected to comply with all of those, and the minister answered that specific question yesterday.
- deflectedEthicsMr. Michael Cooper (Conservative) asked Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). substantive question.The answer again refers to a prior response without confirming details about the phone records or burner phone.
we were all here yesterday when the minister gave a comprehensive response to the very question the member raises, so I can only refer him to that statement.
- deflectedEthicsMichelle Rempel Garner (Conservative) asked Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). substantive question.The answer dismisses the repeated question as unoriginal while refusing to provide the last name or new information.
I know that members strain to come up with original ways of asking the same question, and I note that it is the case in this instance.
- deflectedEthicsMichelle Rempel Garner (Conservative) asked Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). substantive question.The answer mocks the questioner and again refers to yesterday's response without naming Randy.
I am glad the member had a chance to consult the Urban Dictionary this morning, but I would again refer her to the minister 's very comprehensive response yesterday.
- partly answeredCanadian HeritageMs. Heather McPherson (NDP) asked Mr. Yasir Naqvi (Liberal). substantive question.The answer agrees on the importance of arts but does not address per-capita funding disparities or the timeline for change.
That is why Liberals will continue to support arts groups and artists all across the country, regardless of which part of the country they live in, including Alberta.
- deflectedClimate ChangeMs. Laurel Collins (NDP) asked Mr. Adam van Koeverden (Liberal). substantive question.The answer thanks lobbyists and notes the cap exists but does not commit to strengthening it or respond to the lobbyist influence claim.
Liberals are not just listening; we are taking action.
- deflectedEthicsMr. Dane Lloyd (Conservative) asked Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). substantive question.The answer again refers to a prior comprehensive response without identifying Randy or providing new details.
I am happy to, once again, reiterate for my hon. colleague that the minister comprehensively responded to this question yesterday, and to all of the elements under his purview.
- deflectedEthicsMr. Dane Lloyd (Conservative) asked Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). loaded question.Answer avoids identifying Randy by referencing prior response and ethics code instead.
The minister very comprehensively responded to this yesterday.
- misdirectedHousingMrs. Tracy Gray (Conservative) asked Mr. Peter Fragiskatos (Liberal). substantive question.Answer attacks the member's voting record and party rather than addressing rent costs or building plans.
Unfortunately, her voting record shows something entirely different.
- partly answeredHousingMrs. Tracy Gray (Conservative) asked Mr. Peter Fragiskatos (Liberal). substantive question.Answer acknowledges housing targets and lists some measures but does not explain why starts are down or rents rising.
It is incumbent on the federal government, provincial governments and municipal governments to put in place measures to address that crisis.
- deflectedOil and Gas IndustryMs. Monique Pauzé (Bloc) asked Mr. Adam van Koeverden (Liberal). loaded question.Answer highlights subsidy elimination but ignores the $83 billion tax giveaways and compensation request.
We are the only G20 country to have eliminated subsidies for oil and gas companies, two years ahead of schedule, no less.
- deflectedClimate ChangeMs. Monique Pauzé (Bloc) asked Mr. Adam van Koeverden (Liberal). substantive question.Answer mentions municipal funding but does not address delays in compensating farmers or flood victims.
The new funding that I just mentioned supports more than 1,400 projects to help municipalities adapt to the impacts of climate change.
- misdirectedHousingMr. Todd Doherty (Conservative) asked Mr. Peter Fragiskatos (Liberal). substantive question.Answer criticizes Conservative housing views instead of explaining why rents and prices have risen sharply.
The Conservatives have no vision on housing.
- misdirectedHousingMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Soraya Martinez Ferrada (Liberal). substantive question.Answer mocks the Conservative leader's past record rather than addressing current rent increases or action timeline.
I would like to remind my dear colleague that when his leader was the minister responsible for housing, he built six housing units.
- answeredCorrectional Service of CanadaMr. Scott Reid (Conservative) asked Dominic LeBlanc (Liberal). substantive question.Answer directly addresses vocational training efforts and references specific programs at Joyceville Institution.
- deflectedInnovation, Science and IndustryMr. Tom Kmiec (Conservative) asked Mr. Ryan Turnbull (Liberal). substantive question.The response highlights government actions taken but sidesteps the direct request to release documents and involve the RCMP.
There are a number of steps over the last many months that our government has taken to get to the bottom of the issues in terms of the governance and HR practices of the organization.
- deflectedInnovation, Science and IndustryMr. Tom Kmiec (Conservative) asked Mr. Ryan Turnbull (Liberal). substantive question.The answer emphasizes reviews and recommendations but does not address releasing documents or calling in the RCMP.
We collaborated with the Auditor General in her review, and now we are moving forward with the recommendations that the Auditor General has made, which include folding the organization in to have better transparency, accountability and oversight.
- misdirectedInnovation, Science and IndustryMr. Philip Lawrence (Conservative) asked Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). substantive question.The response claims the question was answered then pivots entirely to unrelated positive economic news instead of addressing the call for an RCMP investigation.
There has been a loud reduction in interest rates.
- partly answeredEmergency PreparednessMr. Richard Cannings (NDP) asked Mrs. Sherry Romanado (Liberal). substantive question.The answer provides details on funding already allocated for recovery and mentions mitigation but does not confirm specific new funds for the named communities.
Through the disaster financial assistance arrangements, we have now provided over $1.4 billion to the province to help them recover from those floods.
- misdirectedDemocratic InstitutionsMr. Kevin Vuong (Independent) asked Dominic LeBlanc (Liberal). substantive question.The response attacks the questioner for making things up and defends collaboration without confirming release of cabinet documents.
just because our colleague makes something up, that does not make it true.