hazylavender/hi huggingface dataset:
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Ms. Jenny Kwan: I just got back from a two-week cross-country tour, hearing from Canadians who are struggling to find a home that they can afford in the city where they can work and raise a family. From Victoria to Toronto to Hamilton to Halifax, renters and people who want to own their own home are having to compete with corporate landlords, who buy up affordable housing stock and drive up the cost of housing. Successive Liberals and Conservatives have failed to crack down on these corporate landlords, who are fuelling the housing crisis; families are paying the price. When are the Liberals going to stop the profiteering off housing so that families can find a home they can afford?
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Hon. Ahmed Hussen: I do not think my time for the answer is actually enough to articulate all of the things we have done. We have done so much to enable families to access homes: introducing the Canada housing benefit; putting together a 1% tax on vacant homes owned by non-Canadian and non-resident owners; putting together a ban on foreign owners of Canadian residential real estate; investing billions of dollars to build more affordable housing, including deeply affordable housing through the rapid housing initiative; and so on and so forth. We will not relent until each and every Canadian has access to a safe and affordable place to call home.
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Mr. Blake Desjarlais: Muslim and Jewish people across Canada are increasingly worried about the rise in hate crimes against their communities. Last week, we saw an outrageous act of hate committed against a Markham mosque that could have turned deadly. Synagogues have also been a target of hateful acts, and the police report that hate crimes have increased a shocking 67%. Will the Liberals commit to protecting all Canadians by supporting the NDP's call for an emergency debate on recent Islamophobic and anti-Semitic attacks?
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Mr. Arif Virani: I appreciate this comment from the member opposite because it is really important to outline what is taking place in our society right now. Notwithstanding that this is the holy month of Ramadan, notwithstanding that people are thinking about inclusiveness and diversity in our society, we are still seeing grotesque acts of violence and hatred directed toward Muslims in this country. This kind of intolerance has to stop. What we are doing as a government, and what we are doing, hopefully, as all parliamentarians, is challenging those acts when they occur, speaking out against them and working toward legislation and policies that will invest in the security of places of worship and ensuring that people are able to celebrate who they are in this country and have freedom of worship.
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Mrs. Rechie Valdez: last week, my colleagues and I had the privilege of welcoming a charter flight of 353 Afghans who arrived in Toronto. These are Afghans who supported Canada's mission in Afghanistan, family members of former interpreters and privately sponsored refugees. Although some may have found refuge in Canada, many continue to face risks in leaving Afghanistan or simply making their journey under the Taliban. Can the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship update us on our work to get them to safety?
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Hon. Sean Fraser: I would like to thank my colleague not just for her question but for being on hand to welcome that charter flight, which marks the arrival of the 30,000th Afghan refugee in this country. To put this into perspective, I live in a town with less than 10,000 people. Repeat it three times over: that many people have been given a new lease on life. However, we know that there are thousands of people who remain trapped in Afghanistan, who are being persecuted today at the hands of the Taliban. We are going to continue to do everything we can to get them to safety and we will not waver until we successfully meet our goal of resettling at least 40,000 Afghan refugees by the end of this year.
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Mr. Michael Cooper: the Prime Minister 's chief of staff told committee that the Prime Minister reads everything. We know that the Prime Minister received a February 2020 memo that, according to Global News, alerted him of an election interference network by Beijing involving at least 11 candidates and the clandestine transfer of funds. The Prime Minister has repeatedly claimed he knows nothing about this. However, given that he reads everything, we now know that this is not true. Why is the Prime Minister misleading Canadians? What does he have to hide?
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Hon. Marco Mendicino: to my great regret, I am afraid it is my colleague who is misleading this chamber and Canadians. It is the Prime Minister and the government that have continually said that we take foreign interference seriously. This is why we have put in place the people, the resources, the authorities, and in addition to that, the transparency to shine a light on the way in which we are protecting our institutions, our economies, and most importantly, Canadians. I encourage my colleague to support the budget, which will also include more resources for the RCMP and other law enforcement agencies to protect Canadians from foreign interference. I look forward to that day when he supports the budget on this side of the House.
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Mr. Michael Barrett: the Trudeau Foundation accepted a gift of $200,000 from an agent for Beijing's dictatorship, and senior PMO officials were made aware of the gift and where it came from. The Prime Minister 's chief of staff told committee that the Prime Minister is briefed on everything and nothing is withheld from him. On what date did the Prime Minister become aware that the Trudeau Foundation accepted a $200,000 gift from the Communist dictatorship in Beijing?
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Hon. Mark Holland: I have already made it clear in this House that the Prime Minister , over the last 10 years, has not had any involvement with that foundation. The member opposite is asserting, and let us go with the heart of what he is asserting, that this government would welcome the interference of a foreign country. That is absolutely absurd. The fact that it would be clapped for is disgusting. Every single member of this House is dedicated to ensuring Canadian democracy. The member opposite, myself and every member has firmed themselves to protect and defend Canadian democracy, and every member of this House will continue to do so.
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Mr. Michael Barrett: let us just be clear. The Trudeau Foundation is government-funded, and Liberal governments have in the past, and the Liberal government still has the ability to, appointed members to the foundation. It must be a coincidence that after Beijing's gift to the Trudeau Foundation, the Prime Minister met with the front men who signed the cheque on behalf of the Communist dictatorship and gave them a meeting where they had direct access to influence the Prime Minister. Why are shady deals and influence opportunities for dictators the priority for the Liberal Prime Minister ?
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Hon. Mark Holland: on the floor of the House of Commons, members are protected by privilege. They have the opportunity to say anything they wish. However, when they are swinging their bats aimlessly for partisan advantage, they are attacking not-for-profit or non-partisan foundations, they are attacking organizations like the CBC and they are attacking free and independent media. They seem to have no care whatsoever over what or who they attack for their partisan ends. It is not becoming of this place.
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Mr. Luc Berthold: here are the facts. The Communist regime in Beijing feels that it can influence the Prime Minister by using its money and front men. Clearly, it is a master at it. Two directors at the Trudeau Foundation are appointed by a minister in the Prime Minister's cabinet. The Prime Minister himself is still a member of the foundation, according to its most recent annual report. By accepting a contribution from a front man, the foundation directly contravened the Income Tax Regulations. Will the Minister of National Revenue open an investigation into the use of front men at the Trudeau Foundation?
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Hon. Mark Holland: the only interest the other side has is a partisan interest. It is also clear that the goal is to keep playing politics, which certainly does nothing to help our economy or our democracy. Obviously, each and every one of us here, including myself and those on the other side, are loyal to Canada. Obviously, this is our primary responsibility as members of Parliament. That is why I am here and that is why the members opposite are here.
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Ms. Marie-Helene Gaudreau: the ice storm ruined Easter for many Quebeckers, either because they had no power or they were working around the clock to restore it. The Bloc Quebecois stands in solidarity with all those who have suffered loss and damage. The Prime Minister has offered federal assistance and we thank him for that. However, we must point out that Ottawa made the same commitments during the ice storm 25 years ago, but the money was never paid out. Ottawa still owes us $484 million. Will the Prime Minister start by paying what Ottawa already owes us?
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Hon. Bill Blair: the disaster financial assistance arrangement, which is organized and managed by the federal government, works very closely with all of the provinces. We worked with the Province of Quebec, in particular, on a number of the disasters that have impacted that community. We have always been there for it. When those receipts are submitted to the government for reimbursement, we have been able to act expeditiously in every case.
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Ms. Marie-Helene Gaudreau: Quebec and its towns are still adding up the cost and compiling a list of the damage caused by the ice storm. There is no need to wait, because Ottawa already owes $484 million from the last crisis. At the time, Ottawa refused to compensate Hydro-Quebec, claiming that Crown corporations were not eligible for disaster relief. That has become an embarrassing excuse, since the federal government invested billions of dollars in Muskrat Falls in Newfoundland and Labrador. Quebec is only asking for its fair share to repair the damage from the ice storm. When will the federal government pay the $484 million it owes us?
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Hon. Dominic LeBlanc: we obviously share the sentiments of our colleague when it comes to the gratitude we have for the men and women who worked so hard in Quebec and in other provinces to restore power after the ice storm. We are obviously concerned about those who have suffered losses. There is an agreement between Canada and all the provinces to help recoup money and reimburse costs eligible under the agreements that have been in place for decades. We are working with the Government of Quebec. We understand the urgent need to take action. That is precisely what we will do in partnership with the Government of Quebec.
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Mrs. Rachael Thomas: based on Bill C-11 and Bill C-18 , we know the government is abundantly committed to censoring what people can see, post or hear online. However, what we just learned is that the Prime Minister actually got a head start. According to government documents that were tabled in the House of Commons, the Liberals actually pressured social media companies a total of 214 times over the period of 24 months. Talk about heavy-handed. Why is the government so committed to censoring speech?
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Mr. Chris Bittle: we cannot spell conspiracy without "CPC". It is another day, another conspiracy theory. Once again, the Conservatives choose to abandon our creators. They stand up for big tech companies and turn their backs on our culture, but we choose to stand up for it. We believe foreign tech giants should do more for our creators. Canadians have the best stories to tell, and this is supporting hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs. We will always stand up for creators and artists on this side of the House.
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Mrs. Rachael Thomas: what we know for certain is that the government will do all it can to dodge or deflect questions that it does not want to answer. There is nothing conspiratorial about a document that was tabled right here in the House of Commons that shows the government pressured social media platforms 214 times within 24 months to remove content the government simply found embarrassing or did not want the public to be aware of. I will ask again: Why is the government so hell-bent on censoring freedom of speech in the country of Canada?
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Mr. Chris Bittle: the suggestion that the hon. member is making is absolutely preposterous. The Conservatives want to protect the status quo. They do not think foreign tech giants should stand up for our culture and pay into Canadian culture, but we disagree. We believe tech giants should do more for artists, more for creators, more for our local media and more to protect our children online. We are open to criticism and we are open to changes, but we are not open to doing nothing, which is what the Conservative Party of Canada suggests.
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Mr. Gerard Deltell: as a result of a written question tabled by the member for Niagara West , we learned from documents tabled here in the House that, over the course of two years, the government asked web giants on 214 occasions to take down content posted by Canadians. That is direct action by the government to censor Canadians. My question for the government is very simple: Why were Canadians censored 214 times online?
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Hon. Randy Boissonnault: it is completely irresponsible to suggest that the government censors Canadians' questions and comments. What is true is that we will be there to defend families, protect children online and ensure that web giants pay their fair share into the Canada Media Fund. We are there for creators and Canadians, but not for this so-called Conservative mantra of freedom of speech, which is unacceptable.
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Ms. Lena Metlege Diab: like other people around the world, Canadians are feeling the pinch from the global rise in inflation. Although Canada's inflation rate has continued to fall in the past eight months, it is still too high. Can the Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance tell the House how budget 2023 is going to help Canadian families make ends meet?
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Hon. Randy Boissonnault: I would like to thank the member for Halifax West for her question and for all her hard work on behalf of Canadian families. The new grocery rebate is going to help 11 million Canadians cover the rise in costs by putting hundreds of dollars in their pockets. It will help make sure they have a little extra money to meet their family's needs. As disappointing as it is to see that the Conservatives will be voting against the budget and this important support, we will keep on fighting for Canadians.
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Mr. James Bezan: "Years of restraint, cost cutting, downsizing and deferred investments, have meant that Canada's defence capabilities have atrophied." That is a direct quote from a letter from over 50 of Canada's former cabinet ministers, defence experts and military leaders. They are calling on the government to live up to our responsibility of "protecting Canadians against all threats--foreign and domestic". However, due to the government's lack of investment and demoralizing policies, we are short 10,000 troops today and over 4,200 military procurement staff. Enough is enough. Why are the Liberals not supporting our military heroes?
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Hon. Anita Anand: unlike the Conservatives, who let defence spending dip below 1%, our government will continue to make investments in our military and in defence spending. For example, we increased defence spending by 70% beginning in 2017. We also invested over $8 billion in defence spending in budget 2022 and almost $40 billion in continental defence and NORAD modernization. We will always be there for the Canadian Armed Forces and the security of Canada.
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Mr. James Bezan: it is dodge, dither and delay. That is the Liberal way. This is a call for action from former Liberal and Conservative politicians, as well as non-partisan defence experts. They say, "Russia's brutal war...in Ukraine...as well as the continuing expansion of the military arsenals of authoritarian regimes...should have prompted a re-assessment of our defence posture." Sadly, well-connected consultants, big bankers and wealthy bondholders get more from the government than our troops do. When will the Prime Minister take our defence and national security seriously and safeguard our peace, prosperity and way of life?
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Hon. Anita Anand: I am not sure if my hon. colleague heard the billions of dollars I just mentioned, including almost $40 billion in NORAD modernization and defence spending. However, let me assure this House that our government is undertaking a defence policy update. We are consulting broadly with stakeholders, and we will be back with additional plans to ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces and the defence of Canada are undertaken with the utmost integrity and stability.
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Mr. Rick Perkins: elver poachers are still fishing on the rivers in Nova Scotia, even though the minister shut the fishery down on the weekend. DFO enforcement, for two years, has been told not to arrest, just to observe. Shockingly, the government was surprised that thousands of poachers showed up instead. It is beyond ridiculous that the minister shut down the fishery because the poachers caught the quota, not the licence-holders, while DFO stood by and did not enforce the law. Why are the Liberals supporting criminals continuing to fish elvers while stopping legal harvesters?
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Mr. Peter Fonseca: many Canadians are having a tough time with the cost of living, and that is why it was so important to see measures in this year's budget to support families. I have heard from constituents about the high cost of food and the strain it is putting on family household finances. Could the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development please update this House on what is being done to make life more affordable for these families?
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Hon. Karina Gould: I would like to thank my colleague from Mississauga East--Cooksville for the important question. All members in the House are aware, because we have heard from constituents right across this country, how challenging these times are. That is why our government has acted yet again in budget 2023. In addition to several measures that have been in place this year, as well as previously, we brought forward the grocery rebate, which could provide up to $460 for a family of four or $220 for seniors or single individuals. We know that for the 11 million Canadians who are going to receive the grocery rebate, it will go a long way. We are continuing to be there to support Canadians through these tough economic times. We understand that the high cost of food is having an impact, and we will continue to be there for them.
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Mr. Charlie Angus: there was a devastating fire in Webequie First Nation last week, and now eight people are homeless. Like in the tragic fire and death last month in Peawanuck, the community had no fire truck, no fire hall and no equipment. Now, Webequie just happens to be in the heart of the Ring of Fire, and Doug Ford has promised to personally drive a bulldozer across their lands to dig up their wealth for investors. Meanwhile, people in Webequie have no safe drinking water, they live in substandard homes and they have no fire protection to keep their children safe. Will the minister commit today to a proper fire hall, life-saving equipment and proper homes for people in Webequie First Nation?
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Hon. Patty Hajdu: I thank the member for his constant advocacy for equity for first nations people. The member is absolutely right: We all have to do better to make sure that every single person across this country has a fair chance at success. That is why my department and the Government of Canada are investing historic amounts into first nations housing, child welfare, education and all the infrastructure that is significantly lacking, like it is in Webequie. Yes, I will commit to the member to work with Webequie to make sure that it can better protect its citizens.
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Mr. Alain Rayes: two weeks ago, I asked the Prime Minister whether he approved of the expenses incurred by the Governor General during her four-day trip to Germany, which cost more than $700,000, and another to the Middle East where she spent, believe it or not, more than $2,600 on in-flight meals for each of the 30 people in her delegation. The response from the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister was disconcerting. His justification was that these expenses were similar to those of past governors general. I repeat my question to the Prime Minister. Is he okay with this outrageous spending, yes or no?
Democratic Institutions
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Hon. Dominic LeBlanc: the Prime Minister and my colleagues have been very clear. We believe that Rideau Hall, like all federal government institutions, should manage taxpayers' money properly. We know that Rideau Hall has reviewed this type of spending with its partners, whether it be with the armed forces or Global Affairs Canada. We will continue to ensure that all these expenses are reasonable and necessary.
National Security Review of Investments Modernization Act
Date: 2023_04_17
Chamber: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Ms. Jennifer O'Connell: I rise on a point of order. Following question period on March 31, the member for Fort McMurray--Cold Lake rose on a point of order and accused me of making statements about her. I want to unequivocally again deny that any such remarks were made by me, but in reaction to that assertion, I used unparliamentary language. While I hope everyone can understand why my reaction was so strong, I have the utmost respect for this House, for the rules that govern it and for all hon. colleagues. That is why I rise to withdraw, and apologize for, the inappropriate use of the word "lie".