Parliament received yet another audit decrying failed leadership with respect to delivering on Canada’s 2020 biodiversity targets and the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. The Commissioner of the Environment ... reports a 43% decline in threatened mammals, including the iconic caribou, and a 44% decline in bird life. When will the government set aside the rhetoric and start taking action to protect threatened species and ensure sustainability?

[I]n the budget, with its historic $1.3 billion to invest in protecting biodiversity and species at risk[,] []we are absolutely committed to meeting our international targets. We met our marine targets of 7% last year. We are continuing to move forward [and] are working with the provinces and territories.

Qu’est-ce que le gouvernement ... attend pour passer à l’action, respecter nos engagements et lutter contre les changements climatiques?

We have been actively implementing the pan-Canadian framework on clean growth and climate change, and we are starting to see results, putting Canada on a path to meet its emissions reduction targets under the Paris Agreement. As was published in December 2017 in Canada’s third biennial report to the United Nations, Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions are projected to be 232 megatonnes lower than was expected in early 2016. This decline relates directly to the achievement of the pan-Canadian framework. It is the biggest improvement in Canada’s emissions outlook since the reporting began. It is widespread across all sectors. It reflects the breadth, depth, and success of the pan-Canadian framework.

[With respect to] the Trans Mountain expansion, ... operations are postponed. [What is the government’s] plan?

[P]rotecting the environment and growing the economy go together .... We have focused on building a world-class carbon reduction plan that is actually going to deliver on our Paris targets. We have invested over $1.5 billion in protecting our coasts, and we are moving forward on getting our resources to new markets through the Kinder Morgan pipeline.

[L]ast week, exactly one day before World Wetlands Day, the Liberals killed the national wetlands conservation fund. Meanwhile, the minister received $40 million to spend on policy, communication, and engagement. ... Will the minister now reverse this ... decision [and] stand up for Canada’s wetlands?

I absolutely support standing up for wetlands and watersheds. That is why we are spending $70.5 million over five years to protect them. We have also invested in the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, and the St. Lawrence watersheds. We understand that healthy watersheds are vital to the ecological, economic, and cultural well-being of our peoples, and wetlands are crucial to a healthy watershed. We are going to continue to work together with the communities to ensure the health of our watersheds.

The Prime Minsiter in the U.K. at the Commonwealth Summit [spoke to] what the leadership of Canada will look like in the G7 on climate, and also approach[ed] the huge issue of ocean plastic pollution. ... England, Scotland, and Taiwan have already taken action to ban single-service plastic items. Can Canada follow suit to show leadership before the G7?

Preventing plastics pollution is a pressing global issue that requires action at all levels of government, industry, and the public. We are pleased that we are taking it forward as one of our issues as leaders of the G7 this year. We are already taking action on marine plastics. We have legislation and regulations in place to prevent pollution and protect habitat. Last year, we were among the first countries to phase out microbeads in toiletries. We invest in waste and wastewater infrastructure and research. We support national conservation initiatives like the great Canadian shoreline cleanup. We continue to work with provinces, territories, municipalities, industry, civil society, and consumers.

Après le terrible incendie du Manège militaire Voltigeurs de Québec, ... deux rapports d’experts confirment aujourd’hui que les libéraux s’attaquent à l’intégrité de la Citadelle de Québec avec une pierre non conforme, américaine et de très mauvaise qualité. Qu’attend le premier ministre pour agir et prendre au sérieux notre patrimoine national?

Nous avons à coeur l’important patrimoine historique de la ville de Québec, tout spécialement celui du Vieux-Québec et de son statut reconnu par l’UNESCO, et nous le protégeons. Le soumissionnaire est tenu de respecter les lignes directrices afin de garantir que le statut de l’UNESCO sera respecté et maintenu. Le ministère s’assure de faire un suivi rigoureux, car nous comprenons à quel point c’est important pour la ville.

A U.S. congressional commission on China calls the mass internment of hundreds of thousands of Uighur Muslims in so-called re-education camps a sweeping program of ethnic cleansing. There is credible evidence of mass arbitrary detention, torture and mistreatment. Will the government call on China to immediately release all those held and conduct an impartial investigation into these abuses, and will Canada apply targeted sanctions against those responsible?

We are deeply concerned by the human rights situation faced by Muslim Uighurs and other minorities in China. We continue to raise this issue at every opportunity, including in Beijing and at international conferences. We call on the Chinese government to ensure the human rights of its citizens are fully respected. The Prime Minister expressed our concerns with the Chinese premier last week, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs has also discussed it with China’s foreign minister at every available opportunity. Freedom of religion and freedom of expression must be respected.

L’Organisation internationale de la Francophonie est financée à même l’argent des contribuables canadiens. Au cours de la dernière année, l’Agence QMI a rapporté des faits troublants par rapport à la gestion de cette organisation-là sous le leadership de Mme Michaëlle Jean. Comment ce gouvernement-là peut-il oser appuyer encore aujourd’hui la prochaine réélection de la présidente de l’organisation en octobre?

Nous sommes fiers d’appuyer une Canadienne à la tête de l’Organisation internationale de la Francophonie. Mme Jean a fait un excellent travail en ce qui concerne la mission de l’Organisation. Elle fait la promotion des valeurs qui sont chères aux Canadiens, comme la défense des droits de la personne, la défense des droits des femmes et l’entrepreneuriat chez les femmes et chez les jeunes. L’Organisation internationale de la Francophonie a besoin d’une modernisation de ses pratiques financières, et c’est ce que nous allons l’aider à faire.

The Government of Iran murder[ed] imprisoned 63-year-old Iranian-Canadian academic Kavous Seyed-Emami, [which was] labelled a suicide by the Iranian authorities. Will the government denounce the killing of this Canadian and repudiate its failing Iran appeasement policy?

On behalf of the Canadian government and the House of Commons, I want to extend our sympathy to the family of Mr. Seyed-Emami. We are deeply concerned about the circumstances surrounding his death. We call on the Iranian government to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into his death. On behalf of the Canadian government, we are asking for answers.

The Government of Iran is a regime that gives LGBTQ children electric shock therapy. [Will the government] support the cause of protesters who are fighting for democracy, human rights, justice, and the rule of law?

[W]e are always unequivocal about standing up for LGBTQ rights. We are, of course, deeply troubled by the deaths and detentions of protesters during protests in Iran. The Iranian people must be able to freely assemble without facing violence or imprisonment. We will always defend human rights. That is why Canada rallied more countries than ever before at the UN in November on a resolution calling on Iran to comply with its international human rights obligations. Our government is committed to holding Iran to account for its violation of human and democratic rights.

Last night, ... the Iranian regime launched a vicious missile attack on Israeli forces in the Golan Heights. Will the [government] ... condemn the unprovoked attacks by the terror-sponsoring regime in Iran?

As a steadfast friend and ally of Israel’s, we certainly condemn Iran’s attack on Israeli military forces and fully support Israel’s right to defend itself against Iranian aggression. We call on Iran to stop any further provocations.

[W]ill the Liberals ... immediately designate the the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization?

The IRGC’s Quds Force is already listed as a terrorist entity. That is the branch of the force that, in fact, involves itself in terrorist operations. In addition, Iran is a state sponsor of terror, all listed under the State Immunity Act, and the senior officials of that regime are already subject to special economic measures under the SEMA legislation. The process for listing actually involves an investigation by the RCMP and CSIS and that process will go forward.

On January 24, the Minister of Transport was in Israel to finalize the expansion of the Canada–Israel air transport agreement. What were the outcomes of the minister’s discussions?

Offering more choice at lower cost with better service is one of our priorities. That is why I was particularly glad to announce the expansion of the air transport agreement between Israel and Canada. We are adding up to seven more flights on a weekly basis. This is not only good for moving people and goods; it is good for business and it is good for our strong relationship between Canada and Israel.

Our European allies have spoken out against the demolition of Khan al-Ahmar and the new illegal settlements. Where is Canada’s voice?

Canada is a steadfast ally of Israel and friend to the Palestinian people. As always, we are determined to support a process that will lead to a just, comprehensive, and durable peace in the Middle East. Our government is committed to the UN and we respect resolutions of the United Nations Security Council. For many years, under successive governments, Canada has stated that settlements constitute a serious obstacle to that comprehensive, just, and lasting peace. We have a long-standing commitment toward that, and we will continue to work to build the conditions that will lead to that lasting and durable peace.

[What has been Canada’s] contribution to security in Europe?

Canada is actively contributing to NATO’s efforts to support global stability and deter Russian aggression. In July 2016, the Prime Minister announced that Canada would lead a robust multinational NATO battle group in Latvia. In addition, through Operation Unifier, we are also assisting Ukraine’s armed forces with military training. These efforts represent Canada’s largest sustained military presence in Europe in more than a decade. Today, I am very proud and honoured to welcome to Ottawa the Latvian Minister of Defence.

[What has been] the government’s position with regard to the NATO AWACS program?

I was proud to announce our government’s decision to rejoin NATO’s AWACS program at the NATO defence ministers’ meeting earlier this month. This decision to rejoin the program after the Conservative government abruptly withdrew in 2011 is a sign of our government’s strong commitment to the NATO alliance. We understand that in order to be strong and secure at home, we must be engaged in the world.

Yesterday we found out that the Russian military has engaged in a number of serious cyber-attacks. Not surprisingly, the World Anti-Doping Agency and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons were targeted. [W]hat specific action is [the minister of foreign affairs] going to take in response to these Russian attacks on Canada, and will she introduce new sanctions and expel members of the Russian diplomatic corps from Canada?

Yesterday we joined our allies in exposing malicious cyber operations by the Russian military, specifically the GRU. These acts form part of a broader pattern of activities by the Russian government that flout international norms, demonstrate a disregard for international law and undermine the rules-based international order. We call on all of those who value this order to come together in its defence. Our position towards Russia remains clear and strong. We will always stand up to these cyber-threats and we will never let Russia threaten Canadian stability or security.

Will the government take a public position to support Taiwan’s participation in this vital World Health Assembly?

We certainly continue to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international multilateral fora, where its presence provides important contributions to the global public good. Taiwan’s role as an observer in the annual World Health Assembly meetings is in the interest of the international health community and it is important to the fight against pandemic and disease. Canada is disappointed that Taiwan did not receive an invitation this year. We welcome participation from the entire international community to promote global health.

[W]ill the minister provide proper funding by restoring the missing millions from our HIV strategy?

Our government is deeply committed to addressing HIV and AIDS in Canada, and we are proud to have reversed the former government’s spending cuts in this area. For example, this year our government is investing $87 million across the country to help tackle HIV and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne diseases in Canada, and we have announced an additional $30 million over the next five years to support Canadian-based harm reduction initiatives. Our government will continue to work closely with all of our partners to make progress towards the global targets in order to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

Today Canada is undergoing its third Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations. This is the moment when Canada is held accountable for our human rights record. Advocates such as Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights have been asking for improved delivery of comprehensive sexuality education for every child. Will the government take leadership and work with the provinces to implement comprehensive sexuality education for all our children?

Protecting and promoting human rights in Canada and abroad is a top priority for our government. Earlier today the Minister of Justice presented Canada’s third Universal Periodic Review before the United Nations Human Rights Council. Through our work as a government to build a renewed nation-to-nation relationship with indigenous peoples, with our commitment to gender equality, and our unwavering support of diversity and inclusion, we are working toward strengthening Canada’s commitment to human rights at home. We will closely review the feedback we receive following this appearance.

Le gouvernement a-t-il fait des démarches auprès du gouvernement indonésien pour le convaincre de ne pas accepter ce recul majeur pour les droits LGBTQ?

Notre gouvernement est un ardent défenseur des droits de la communauté LGBTQ2 au Canada et ailleurs dans le monde. C’est pourquoi nous avons nommé un conseiller spécial, mon collègue, sur les enjeux de la communauté LGBTQ2. Nous avons donné priorité aux réfugiés LGBTQ2 dans notre initiative de réinstaller plus de 47 000 Syriens au Canada. Nous avons à plusieurs reprises déploré la persécution, la torture et le meurtre de personnes LGBTQ2 partout dans le monde et nous allons continuer de le faire.

Serious concerns are being raised about China-owned telecom company Huawei having access to 5G technology. Does the Prime Minister recognize that there may be a threat to Canadian cybersecurity? What is he doing to stop China-owned Huawei from spying on Canadians?

Cybersecurity is an extraordinarily important priority for the country and for the government. [I]n the last budget, the Minister of Finance has set aside something in excess of $700 million for investments over the next number of years, including the creation of a new cybersecurity centre, one that will pay particular attention to the critical infrastructure of this country, which we must indeed protect and defend by every means possible.

Le premier ministre s’engage-t-il maintenant, à la Chambre, à soulever la question de la protection des données auprès de ses homologues du G7 lors de la conférence du mois de juin?

Je peux assurer au député non seulement que nous allons le faire, mais que nous l’avons déjà fait. J’ai eu plusieurs fois ces conversations avec mes homologues lors des sommets du G7, que ce soit Theresa May ou d’autres, afin de parler de la responsabilité des géants du Web de respecter la vie privée et de protéger nos institutions démocratiques. Nous sommes justement en train de travailler là-dessus avec la ministre des Institutions démocratiques, mais nous allons continuer à travailler ensemble pour nous assurer de protéger les Canadiens en cette ère numérique.

A Canadian company called AggregateIQ has been the subject of debate in the Palace of Westminster. Our parliamentary colleagues there are hearing that this company played a significant role in manipulating data to affect the vote on the Brexit referendum. Can we get an inquiry into the activities of AggregateIQ?

Our government takes its fundamental responsibilities to protect the private information of Canadian citizens and the integrity of our electoral system extremely seriously, which is why we engaged the Communications Security Establishment to conduct the first-ever threat assessment of Canadian democratic processes. The threat assessment looked at cyber-threats facing our democratic process. It is a critical step in addressing the potential issues Canadians may face. Happily, CSE found that there was no significant interference in the 2015 election, but we know this is going to change in 2019, and addressing this will take a whole-of-government approach. This is an issue we take extremely seriously[.]

Les explications du gouvernement saoudien sur la disparition et la mort du journaliste Jamal Khashoggi deviennent de plus en plus bizarres et incroyables. Il nous faut une vraie enquête sous l’égide de l’ONU. Entre-temps, l’Allemagne a pris des mesures et a suspendu les ventes d’armes à l’Arabie saoudite, et elle lance un appel à ses alliés pour faire la même chose. Toutefois, les libéraux, eux, ne font toujours rien, à part parler. N’ont-ils pas honte?

Monsieur le Président, nous condamnons l’horrible meurtre de Jamal Khashoggi. Nous sommes gravement préoccupés par les rapports concernant la participation des Saoudiens. Nous continuons de travailler en étroite collaboration avec nos alliés, notamment le G7, dans ce dossier. Nous répétons que nous réclamons la tenue d’une enquête approfondie, que nous souhaitons voir les responsables de cet acte répondre de leurs gestes et qu’ils doivent faire face à la justice.

Chaque fait nouveau dans l’affaire Khashoggi est plus sinistre que le précédent. Combien vaut la défense des droits de la personne aux yeux du premier ministre?

Today, Canada has led our allies in putting out a G7 statement condemning the murder of journalist, Jamal Khashoggi. Yesterday, the Prime Minister convened an incident response group to address this serious situation. The explanations offered by Saudi Arabia are inconsistent and lack credibility. We continue to call for a thorough, accountable, transparent and prompt investigation, in full collaboration with the Turkish authorities, on the circumstances surrounding Mr. Khashoggi’s death. Those responsible for the killing must be held to account, and must face justice.

UNICEF has observed an overall global decline in female genital mutilation, but not all countries have made progress, and decline has been uneven. UNICEF considers that while current progress is positive, the decline is not keeping up with increasing population growth. If trends continue, the number of girls and women undergoing FGM will rise significantly over the next 15 years. [H]ow is Canada addressing this issue in developing countries?

Our government strongly condemns female genital mutilation, FGM, and other forms of violence, which affects 200 million women and girls worldwide. Today, in Benin, the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie announced $3 million towards a project that will reduce FGM and other forms of gender-based violence. [W]omen’s rights are human rights, and we will continue to support education and awareness that prevent FGM and support survivors.

[Est-ce que] la politique d’aide internationale féministe fait[-elle] une différence pour les femmes dans les pays en développement?

Avec notre Politique d’aide internationale féministe, nous misons sur le renforcement du pouvoir des femmes et des filles pour mettre fin à la pauvreté en appuyant les organisations de femmes locales; en finançant l’éducation et surtout en abaissant les barrières qui empêchent les adolescentes d’aller à l’école; en donnant accès à toute la gamme des services de santé sexuelle et reproductive; et en appuyant les femmes entrepreneures. C’est en mettant les femmes et les filles à contribution que nous pourrons arriver à un monde plus juste, plus inclusif et plus prospère.

At the Women Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Montreal, the Minister of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Canada’s international leadership in promoting women’s empowerment, gender equality, peace and security. Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs update the House on this important announcement?

Our government knows that women are powerful agents for change and for peace, and we also know that when women are involved in the peace process, peace agreements tend to last longer. That is why the Minister of Foreign Affairs was proud to announce the creation of an ambassador for women, peace and security. Women’s empowerment is a crucial issue and I hope all of my colleagues in this House will join us in celebrating this important announcement.

Nadia Murad, a Yazidi survivor of sexual slavery, ... is currently trying to have her case heard at the International Criminal Court but cannot do so without the approval of the UN Security Council. Will the Prime Minister petition the Security Council to ensure that Nadia and her people get justice?

I, like all members of the House, am absolutely outraged by the horrendous crimes and atrocities perpetrated against minorities in Iraq and Syria. We have been clear. The persecution of the Yazidis in Iraq and Syria is genocide. We condemn the atrocities perpetrated by Daesh, and we have co-sponsored a UN Security Council resolution to establish a mechanism to investigate violations of international law by Daesh, including genocide, to ensure accountability.

Where is Canada in pushing for an international solution to the Syrian crisis?

We have been clear in our condemnation of the use of chemical weapons against people in eastern Ghouta, and we have been working hard with international allies to pursue accountability for what are war crimes. This includes $9 million for the verification, investigation, and fact-finding activities of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the UN. We are also providing over $290 million to support NGOs, UN partners, and the Red Cross to deliver life-saving assistance in Syria. The murderous Assad regime must end the deliberate targeting of civilians.

Le premier ministre va-t-il s’engager à ce que le Canada signe le traité d’interdiction des armes nucléaires, traité pour lequel plus de 120 pays ont voté?

Le Canada appuie fermement le désarmement nucléaire à l’échelle mondiale. Nous continuons d’appuyer les efforts en ce sens. Nous avons récemment annoncé un investissement de 1,5 million de dollars supplémentaires pour appuyer l’Agence internationale de l’énergie atomique dans son important travail. Nous nous sommes pleinement engagés à faire des avancées concrètes vers un monde sans armes nucléaires, cela inclut notre travail pour un traité visant à arrêter la production d’armes nucléaires. C’est la position ferme du Canada.

The uranium nuclear deal provided billions of dollars to Iran and granted it access to the SWIFT financial system, which experts agree have helped Iran fund terror operations across the Middle East. Since this agreement was built upon the sands of deception, will this government work with the atomic energy agency and our allies to have the deal with Iran revisited?

As all G7 foreign ministers agreed to last week, Canada is committed to permanently ensuring that Iran’s nuclear program remains exclusively peaceful and in line with its non-proliferation obligations and its commitments under the joint comprehensive plan of action. We strongly support the International Atomic Energy Agency and its crucial monitoring and verification work to help ensure Iran’s compliance with this joint comprehensive plan of action as well as other commitments, which include safeguards and other obligations.

L’été dernier nous avons vu un événement tragique et sans précédent, la mort de baleines noires dans l’Atlantique Nord, dans le golfe du Saint-Laurent. Afin de protéger cette espère menacée, notre gouvernement a agi rapidement et a imposé une limite de vitesse obligatoire de 10 noeuds aux navires de 20 mètres dans le golfe. Il a également annoncé la fermeture anticipée de la zone 12 de pêche du crabe des neiges. Est-ce que le ministre des Pêches pourrait aviser la Chambre des nouvelles mesures qui sont mises en place pour la nouvelle saison de pêche?

Notre gouvernement prend très au sérieux la protection, la conservation et le rétablissement de la baleine noire de l’Atlantique Nord. La semaine dernière, j’ai annoncé de nouvelles mesures concrètes pour protéger cette espèce importante, et d’autres mesures suivront. Ces mesures de gestion de la pêche au crabe des neiges permettront de limiter la quantité de cordage flottant dans l’eau et de retracer les engins perdus. Je remercie les pêcheurs de leur contribution constructive. Nous prendrons toutes les mesures nécessaires pour protéger cette espèce si importante.

Aujourd’hui, les Nations unies marquent la première Journée internationale de la lutte contre la pêche illicite, non déclarée et non réglementée. Cette pratique contribue grandement à la diminution des stocks de poissons et à la destruction des habitats marins. À l’échelle mondiale, cette pêche prend de nombreuses formes dans les eaux territoriales et en haute mer. On estime qu’elle représente environ 30 % de toutes les activités de pêche dans le monde. Le ministre des Pêches pourrait-il nous dire ce que notre gouvernement fait à ce sujet?

Le Canada est fier de contribuer à d’importantes activités multinationales afin de protéger les stocks de poissons en haute mer contre les activités de pêche illégales et criminelles. Notre gouvernement prend une position très forte contre la pêche illégale. L’opération DRIFTNET est un excellent exemple de collaboration internationale à cet égard. C’est grâce à ces partenariats internationaux engagés, y compris le G7, que nous aurons la chance d’avancer encore plus cette semaine, à Québec, avec nos partenaires du G7.

Does the minister think that is fair ... to shut the door for permanent residency for caregivers, meaning if their two-year work requirement is not completed prior to November 29, 2019, they are out of luck[?]

[L]e gouvernement continuera de permettre aux aidants familiaux d’accéder à la résidence permanente. Enfin, nous étudions présentement les programmes actuels en vue de les améliorer. Le gouvernement actuel a fait passer, comme on l’a dit à plusieurs reprises, le temps d’attente des aidants familiaux de sept ans, comme c’était le cas sous l’ancien gouvernement, à moins de 12 mois sous ce gouvernement. Nous sommes donc déterminés à faire en sorte que ces aidants familiaux puissent aider nos familles canadiennes.

Quel est le plan du premier ministre pour arrêter la migration illégale à la frontière?

Those who approach our borders need to understand that irregular crossings are not a free ticket to Canada. If they cross in that manner, they will be arrested and questioned, they will be identified both biographically and biometrically, they will be checked against Canadian and U.S. databases for any immigration, criminal, or security flags that exist, they will be required to prove that they have a legitimate asylum claim, and if they cannot prove that, they will be removed from Canada to their country of origin. That is what Canadian law requires, and that is what we will deliver.

Why did the PM rush to meet with Joshua Boyle but has yet to meet with Emad Mishko Tamo, a Yazidi boy who was held captive for three years by ISIS?

No government mission has made us prouder than the mission to rescue, resettle, and provide safety for survivors of Daesh, mainly Yazidi women and girls. We have resettled more than 1,000 Yazidi women and girls in Canada. We are on track to resettle the remaining 100. We are proud of that commitment. We will continue to expedite those cases as part of the privately sponsored refugee program.

Est-ce que le gouvernement libéral va enfin ... écouter ce que les agriculteurs ont à dire sur leur avenir?

We have been listening to farmers and we are responding to farmers. In fact, we invested $100 million in agricultural science. That is much better than cutting some money in agricultural science. An innovations fund of $1.1 billion is available to agriculture. We have agreed with the provinces and territories to put the CAP, the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, in place; $3 billion for the agriculture and agrifood sector; and it goes on. In order to increase trade, we have approved CETA and we have agreed to the CPTPP.

L’Accord États-Unis — Mexique — Canada a été conclu hier et on a vu que notre gouvernement a tenu son engagement de maintenir l’exemption culturelle. Est-ce que le ministre du Patrimoine canadien pourrait nous expliquer ce que cela signifie pour nos artistes et nos créateurs?

Protéger notre souveraineté culturelle, c’est protéger notre identité, notre dualité linguistique et ce qui nous rend uniques, nous, les Canadiens. C’est pourquoi nous nous sommes battus pour obtenir une exemption générale culturelle, et nous l’avons obtenue. Cela veut dire que nous pouvons continuer d’appuyer notre culture et de raconter nos histoires à notre façon ici et partout dans le monde. Une exemption générale, cela veut aussi dire que nous allons protéger notre culture sur toutes les plateformes, y compris dans l’univers numérique. C’est ce que nous voulions et c’est ce que nous avons eu.

Les médias nous apprennent qu’à la veille de la légalisation du cannabis, les autorités américaines s’inquiètent d’un accès plus lent à la frontière. Est-ce que le gouvernement peut rassurer de[s] personnes que cela va bien aller lorsqu’ils vont aller à la frontière pour leurs futurs voyages?

We have had ongoing discussions with American officials, including the new ambassador of the United States to Canada and the new Department of Homeland Security secretary. Our various agencies are discussing what is necessary to ensure that there is a smooth flow at the border in terms of people crossing in the ordinary way, remembering always that the export or the import of cannabis has always been illegal and will remain illegal. Canadians need to know what the American requirements are, and we will make sure that Canadians understand very clearly what the law is.

[What has been] the government’s work to harness world-leading digital technology to benefit all Canadians?

Our government understands digital services should be based on user needs, not government processes. Earlier this year, my parliamentary secretary, the member for Vancouver Quadra, represented Canada as we signed the Digital 7 charter, joining leading digital nations from around the world in a mission to harness digital technology for the benefit of citizens. Working with our D7 partners, we are advancing the best digital principles and practices to put Canadians at the heart of digital service delivery.

En 2016, entre 3 et 5 % des produits de la mer importés au Canada ont été inspectés par l’Agence canadienne d’inspection des aliments. Vu que des millions de poissons sont morts contaminés par un déversement toxique au Vietnam en avril 2016, est-ce que la ministre de la Santé a demandé à l’Agence de surveiller particulièrement les produits de la mer en provenance du Vietnam depuis la catastrophe? Quels tests ont été effectués, et sur quelle portion des stocks en provenance de ce pays ont-ils été effectués?

Tous les aliments importés au Canada doivent respecter les normes et règlements canadiens. L’Agence canadienne d’inspection des aliments dispose d’un solide programme de surveillance et d’inspection du poisson et des fruits de mer importés. Lorsque l’ACIA détermine qu’un produit peut présenter un risque pour la santé des Canadiens, elle prend des mesures immédiates afin de protéger les consommateurs. L’Agence intensifie la surveillance des produits importés en fonction de ses propres inspections et de connaissance des problèmes dans des pays, y compris au Vietnam.

China’s proposed takeover of Aecon has raised serious concerns from security experts, the construction industry, and everyday Canadians. Aecon is a major player in Canada’s critical infrastructure including telecommunications networks, nuclear power plants, and the energy sector. If a company banned from international contracts due to corruption and fraud, based in a country known for cyber-attacks and espionage on Canada, is not subject to a national security review, then who would be?

Global companies want to invest in Canada because of our skilled workforce and our strong innovation economy. Our government is open to investment. We are trying to encourage investment, but we also have the Investment Canada Act, which puts into place a significant review process such that such investments are an overall economic benefit to Canada. A multi-step security review process is part of that, within which we rely on our experts. We will never compromise national security and each proposed investment is examined on a case-by-case basis.

The innovation minister promised Canadians that he had done his research before selling B.C.-based senior care facilities to China’s Anbang Insurance. Now we have learned that the company has been seized by the Communist Chinese government, and that the founder has been sentenced to 18 years in prison. ... What is [the Minister] going to do to get these properties back into Canadian hands?

Cedar Tree committed in the investment review process to maintaining levels of full- and part-time employment; to have a Canadian operator, Retirement Concepts, continue to manage the business; not to close or repurpose any of its existing residences; and to maintain a significant level of equity here in Canada. These commitments are being met and are legally binding. The retirement residences remain subject to full provincial regulation, which the Canadian operator must continue to meet or exceed. All of these conditions are continuing to be met, and we continue to monitor the situation.

Maintenant, les libéraux ont décidé de jouer aux apprentis constructeurs d’oléoducs avec l’argent des contribuables. ... Alors, la question est simple: combien va coûter aux contribuables canadiens cette autre folie de dépenses?

Nous avons décidé qu’il était très important d’investir dans le projet Trans Mountain. Nous savons qu’avec un investissement de 4,5 milliards de dollars, nous pouvons protéger sa valeur et y ajouter de la valeur pour les Canadiennes et les Canadiens. Ce projet est dans l’intérêt national et c’est sûr que nous allons avoir une économie plus importante grâce à notre investissement.

What [is] our government doing to recruit top international talent?

Canadians can be proud that the world is looking to Canada as a leader in science. We are an open, diverse, inclusive country that is committed to supporting science, and the world has noticed. Thousands of top researchers from around the world want to come to Canada. We are investing $117 million to quickly recruit them to universities across the country. We have already welcomed the first round of researchers, and we look forward to the exciting discoveries they will make to help improve the lives of Canadians.

Ingénieurs sans frontières rendait public un sondage auprès de jeunes Canadiens pour un meilleur développement mondial. Ce sondage indiquait que la réaction aux crises humanitaires et aux catastrophes naturelles, la promotion de l’accès aux soins de santé pour les femmes, les enfants et les jeunes, ainsi que la promotion de l’égalité entre les sexes devaient constituer des politiques prioritaires du Canada. La ministre du Développement international peut-elle informer la Chambre de la façon dont le Canada entend mettre en oeuvre une telle vision?

Notre gouvernement souhaite offrir aux jeunes Canadiens une expérience internationale qui va les enrichir sur le plan personnel et professionnel. C’est pourquoi j’ai récemment annoncé qu’une vingtaine d’organisations canadiennes vont se partager plus de 34 millions de dollars pour offrir des stages à 1,800 jeunes Canadiens dans les pays en développement. J’ai moi-même réalisé une telle expérience au Maroc et j’encourage tous les jeunes à soumettre leur candidature.

We all know Canada is a leader in research, science, creation, and invention, but when it comes to commercialization of the innovation, we tend to struggle. ... What is the government doing to improve the current situation?

[T]he member for Richmond Hill ... asks a very important question on World Intellectual Property Day. We understand and the member is right. We are really good on science and research, but we can and must do better when it comes to commercialization. That is why I am proud to say that our government officially launched the first national IP intellectual strategy today. This strategy will help create a college of patent and trademark agents. It will bring firms together for more patent collective [sic] to help them deal with international issues.

Depuis des semaines, l’aluminium canadien est la cible de tarifs injustes, alors que l’aluminium américain est exempté. Pourquoi le premier ministre n’a-t-il pas déjà imposé des tarifs canadiens?

Les tarifs imposés par les États-Unis sur l’acier et l’aluminium sont illégaux et injustes. Le prétexte de la sécurité nationale est absurde et insultant pour les Canadiens. Le 1^er juillet, nous allons imposer des mesures de rétorsion qui sont équivalentes à celles que les États-Unis nous ont imposées de manière injustifiée. La période de consultation avec notre industrie, nos travailleurs et nos consommateurs est très importante.

Has the PM confirmed that Canada will be exempt from [the] new devastating tariffs [on steel and aluminum]?

Canada is a key NORAD and NATO ally. As the number one purchaser of American steel, any trade restrictions on Canadian steel and aluminum are unacceptable. This industry is fully integrated, and of course, it provides enormous value-added to the North American manufacturing supply chain. Should restrictions be imposed on Canadian steel and aluminum products, we will take, and reserve the right to take, responsive measures to defend our trade interests and Canadian workers.

[What] measures [were] announced by our government today to address [steel import tariffs and steel dumping]?

The transshipment and dumping of unfairly cheap foreign steel and aluminum is a threat to Canadian jobs and the North American NAFTA market. Canada has one of the toughest enforcement regimes in the world, with 71 trade remedy measures already in place. We are strengthening this enforcement further, including new powers for CBSA. We will always stand up for Canadian steel and aluminum workers, and for NAFTA.

Can the minister reassure [our steel and aluminum industry] that [it] will not be slapped with U.S. tariffs tomorrow?

We have taken important action to defend and support Canadian steel and aluminum workers and industries over the last week. We strengthened our enforcement policies against the diversion and dumping of unfairly priced foreign steel and aluminum into Canada. This includes an additional $30 million for trade remedy enforcement and new powers for the CBSA. We also now have 72 specific trade remedy measures in force on steel and aluminum imports alone. We are also standing up for Canadian steel and aluminum workers. We have done so in the past and will continue to do so in the future.

Le premier ministre peut-il nous dire si oui ou non il va mettre en place des mesures de mitigation pour les producteurs, ou va-t-il assister les bras croisés à l’extinction des fermes familiales?

[We] fought to implement supply management, and this government [will] protect it. An example is the CETA program. We put a $350 million program in place to make sure that the dairy farmers and the manufacturing sector were on the cutting edge. We have and will continue to make sure that the supply management system in this country remains strong.

Une compagnie d’exploration minière canadienne fait des affaires en Mongolie, et elle déclare 2,1 milliards de dollars de profits dans une société installée au Luxembourg et comptant un employé à temps partiel, et tout cela avec la bénédiction de l’Agence du revenu du Canada. Dans la lutte contre l’évasion fiscale, pourquoi la ministre fait-elle partie du problème plutôt que de la solution?

Notre gouvernement s’est engagé à lutter contre l’évasion fiscale et l’évitement fiscal abusif à l’étranger, afin de garantir un système fiscal équitable pour tous les Canadiens. Il s’agit d’un enjeu mondial et c’est pourquoi le Canada travaille en étroite collaboration avec tous ses partenaires internationaux, dont l’OCDE, pour améliorer le partage de l’information. À la suite des investissements dans le cadre des deux derniers budgets, l’Agence est maintenant en mesure d’évaluer chaque année les risques liés aux activités des grandes multinationales.

L’Europe, le Japon, l’Australie et plusieurs autres font payer leur juste part d’impôt aux géants du Web, le Québec va bientôt le faire et la société québécoise demande au fédéral de le faire depuis plusieurs mois. Sait-on qui vient de s’ajouter à la longue liste aujourd’hui? On vient de recommander que les géants du Web soient imposés et qu’ils appliquent les taxes de vente. Pour ce qui est de l’imposition, je comprends qu’on veuille en parler au G7, mais pour ce qui est de la taxe de vente, nous sommes les derniers idiots à ne rien faire. Qu’est-ce qu’ils font?

La taxation des géants du Web est une question importante. Nous voulons adopter une approche permettant de préserver un système fiscal équitable, d’une part, et d’encourager, d’autre part, une économie innovante. C’est pourquoi le ministre des Finances travaille avec ses partenaires de l’OCDE. Il s’est engagé auprès d’eux à trouver une approche concertée. Nous ne voulons pas une approche à la pièce. Nous voulons une approche prudente, concertée et équitable.

2017 was the best year ever for tourism in Canada. Close to 21 million tourists visited our country from all over the world, including more than 680,000 visitors from China, which was also a new record. [What is the] government doing to welcome more Chinese tourists and what this means for our economy?

2018 is the Canada-China Year of Tourism, and it began with opening ceremonies right here in Canada. As part of our tourism vision, we are committed to doubling the number of Chinese visitors to Canada by 2021. Chinese tourists tend to spend more than the average visitor, so it is a great opportunity for our tourism operators, most of which are small businesses. This year we will invest $11 million to reach interested Chinese travellers and to support our tourism operators as they welcome more Chinese visitors to cities across Canada. Thanks in part to this investment, ... we expect these numbers to continue growing.

Could the Minister of Small Business and Tourism please tell the House what our government is doing to make 2018 the best year for Canadian tourism?

Last year we launched Canada’s new tourism vision. Budget 2017 stabilized Destination Canada’s budget at $95.5 million per year. We announced $8.6 million to grow Canada’s indigenous tourism industry. We are enhancing tourism data collection by providing Statistics Canada $13.5 million over five years. The year 2017 was the best ever for the tourism industry, with over 20 million international visitors spending $21 billion across our great country. [W]e will build on this success, because our investments are working.

Yesterday the U.S. trade representative emphasized that the U.S. was pushing for the right to opt out of chapter 11’s investor state provisions in NAFTA renegotiations. Why are the Liberals still fighting tooth and nail to keep the NAFTA chapter 11 that allows foreign investors to sue our government?

NAFTA has created a stable environment for trade for the last 24 years, which has benefited and results in a win-win-win for Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Chapter 11 provides certainty and security to Canadian companies that are investing abroad. We are working to find a way with our U.S. partners in preserving the benefits for our business community and labourers. This is the kind of creative approach that Canada has tabled and will continue to table in a co-operative fashion. We will always defend our national interests and stand up for Canadian values.

Si l’ALÉNA est fini, est-ce que le premier ministre peut nous dire ce qu’il va faire pour aider les travailleurs et les travailleuses du Saguenay — Lac-Saint-Jean et de partout au pays?

Our government understands that the U.S. 232 measures have created real challenges for Canadian workers and their businesses. That is why we have made up to $2 billion available to defend and protect their interests. These measures include extending work sharing agreements, increased funding for skills training, funding to bolster the competitiveness of Canadian manufacturers and support for companies that diversify their exports. Other measures since July 2018 include 130 loans, already authorized by BDC [Business Development Bank of Canada], for a total of $100 million.

[T]he government did not get any relief for the U.S. protectionism on Canadian products. When will the government finally stop backing down from Donald Trump?

We got a good deal ... This deal improves on the initial NAFTA in the following ways. We removed the investor-state dispute system that allowed companies to sue Canada for hundreds of millions of dollars. We got rid of the energy ratchet clause, which restricted the Canadian government from access to our energy resources, and this is good news for our oil patch workers. The new auto rules of origin are great news for Canadian workers. We also have much stronger labour and environmental chapters, and we protected chapter 19.

Has the minister suspended any export permits to Saudi Arabia, and when will the minister release the results of her reports?

We are absolutely committed to an export control system that is transparent, rigorous, and predictable. Our government is taking steps to further enhance our system through Bill C-47, which the member knows is at committee right now. We look forward to having that back in the House. That will help Canada take a leadership role in the regulation of exports of arms around the world. We have allocated $13 million to help Canada accede to the Arms Trade Treaty, and we will be sure to continue moving forward in that effort to ensure our controls are robust and effective, and they reflect our human rights considerations.

The pulp and paper industry on Vancouver Island is facing a severe crisis from grossly unfair U.S. trade practices. The U.S. Department of Commerce demanded that Catalyst Paper pay a 6% countervailing duty, and more anti-dumping duties are expected in two weeks. What is the ... government going to do to stand up to unfair U.S. trade practices?

The Department of Commerce decision on supercalendered paper did not comply with the NAFTA panel’s decision. We have therefore requested that a NAFTA panel review the determination by the Department of Commerce, and we will be challenging this decision on the World Trade Organization rules. We will always defend our industry and its workers against protectionist trade practices.

What is the government going to do to mitigate the pain that this trade war with the U.S. will inflict on our steel and aluminum workers?

The tariffs imposed yesterday by the United States on steel and aluminum are completely unacceptable, and in fact, they are illegal. I want to assure all Canadians that we are taking strong responsive measures to defend our workers and our industry. We will, today, be challenging these illegal U.S. measures at the WTO and under NAFTA. Again, I want to say directly to our workers that the Government of Canada, and I believe the vast majority of Canadians, are totally with them.