[W]hat [is] our government … doing to ensure our harvesters have access to markets while also continuing to protect the North Atlantic right whale?

This morning I was happy to announce updated measures to protect the North Atlantic right whale. We are working in collaboration with industry as well as with our conservation experts, but I want to be clear that the measures and progress we are making are only possible because of the support, hard work and co-operation of our fish harvesters. We are ensuring that our fisheries remain sustainable and that products are getting to market while we are protecting for generations this animal that is so important to all of us.

[M]any Canadians are concerned with the Liberal plan to restrict 25% of Canada’s land from development. Reducing the amount of forest land available for harvest would negatively impact our economic and environmental prosperity. Could the Minister of Natural Resources confirm whether this plan will impact areas that are currently accessible for harvest, yes or no?

We were incredibly proud of the work that was done between 2015 and 2019 to meet our protected area targets of 10% marine and 17% terrestrial protection. That is critically important in terms of protecting biodiversity in the country, and we worked with all sectors, including the forestry sector and the provinces and territories in doing so. We have now established a 25% by 2025 target. We will continue to work actively with the provinces and territories, with all sectors, very much including the forestry sector, to ensure we are protecting spaces for years to come, but doing so in a manner that is economically sensitive.

Will Canada stand up to protect our whales? Recently, on the coast of Scotland, whales were stranded and found dead. It was connected to a NATO training exercise offshore. Exactly the same kind of U.S. naval training of bombs and torpedoes is planned for the coast off the Pacific northwest. The U.S. government plans to go ahead. The State of Washington has done more to protest this than our own government. When will we stand up and say we do not accept incidental takings of southern resident killer whales?

Our government is committed to the protection and the recovery of the southern resident killer whales. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is leading the review of the U.S. Navy proposal. DFO is engaging with NOAA on this matter to ensure a common understanding of the proposed activities and the need to mitigate any potential impacts to whales and whale habitats. We will continue to work closely with our U.S. partners on actions we can take to protect this species.

My constituents and many others along the shores of the Great Lakes have experienced, and are experiencing, unprecedented flooding over the last several years. This has caused shoreline erosion and property damage. Climate change is here and presents real challenges for communities across Canada. Could the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change inform the House of the government’s progress on tackling climate change and protecting our environment?

Both on the doorsteps and at the polls, it was clear that a majority of Canadians voted for immediate and ambitious climate action. That is exactly what our government is delivering on. Together, we will set a target to achieve net zero by 2050, help make energy-efficient homes more affordable, introduce measures to have clean, efficient and affordable communities, and make it easier for people to buy electric vehicles. Canadians expect parliamentarians to work together to deliver on these promises, and that is exactly what we are going to do.

Teck [Resources] has withdrawn its application for the project, citing political unrest and public safety fears as shown by recent blockades. … How will Canada attract investment and the jobs that come with it when we have a Prime Minister who will not get the job done?

This was Teck’s decision. We respect its decision. I am sure it was a difficult one. The decision made by Teck Resources and the letter that was sent to me by the Teck CEO demonstrates clearly the need for all levels of government to work together to deliver climate action and clean growth. We need to take action to reduce pollution and in doing so, provide business certainty. In his letter, Mr. Lindsay said that we needed to move past jurisdictional and partisan fighting. We have been and will continue to work with all orders of government to make progress on addressing climate change and moving forward with a clean economy.

Under the terms of the Paris Agreement, 2020 is the year in which Canada must improve its climate target. We agreed to do so in 2015. We are now delinquent, in that the COP decision in Paris called for the new targets to be tabled by February 9 of this year. We need to table our new target. It needs to meet the IPCC imperative. Can the minister update the House on progress to deliver a climate accountability act and a new target?

We took a leadership role in 2015 when we signed the Paris Agreement and encouraged other countries to do the same. Through the record investments, plans and programs we have put in place, projections show we have been able to bring us to 75% of the way there. We know there is more work to do, which is why we are committing to not only meeting that target but exceeding it and putting in place, in the coming months, the expert panel that will show the House and all Canadians how we plan on being carbon neutral by 2050. It is something we need to do for all of us and for our children and grandchildren.

On December 12, the United Nations will be marking the fifth anniversary of the successful conclusion of the Paris negotiations. The Paris Agreement stands as our best hope to avert runaway global warming. … Where [is] Canada toward improving our target as we are required to do within calendar 2020?

Our government has made very clear its firm commitment to bring forward a plan to exceed our 2030 targets under the Paris Agreement and to define pathways to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. We have previously put into place what is by far the most significant and comprehensive climate plan in Canadian history. I look forward to bringing forward a plan to exceed our 2030 targets in the very near term. We will then be engaging consultations with indigenous peoples, provinces and territories and with Canadians generally as part of informing and finalizing Canada’s updated nationally determined contributions well in advance of COP24.

Investing in nature is an essential tool the government can use to combat climate change. Canada’s grasslands, wetlands and peatlands are incredibly important for their ability to absorb greenhouse gases. Could the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change explain how the $631-million investment in the fall economic statement will help conserve our nature?

Our government recognizes the important role of nature in addressing climate change and our significant new investment of $631 million will help our government put in place natural solutions that reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the loss of ecosystems. This is good news for our environment, good news for biodiversity and, of course, good news for future generations of Canadians.

What actions [is] the government taking to protect residents along the shorelines of the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River and the Ottawa River?

Certainly the water levels in the Great Lakes are a cause for significant concern. The management of water is done through the IJC [International Joint Commission], which is a joint panel between Canada and the United States. The IJC is looking actively at measures it may take to address some of those levels. We are in conversation with the IJC, and I believe that the IJC will be on the Hill to provide a briefing to members in the coming weeks.

In early January, MEDINT, a cell of our country’s military intelligence branch, began producing those detailed warnings. On January 30, the WHO declared the outbreak a “public health emergency of international concern.” In the backdrop of these two warnings, our government shipped 16 tonnes of personal protective equipment to China in February and left Canada scrambling to find supplies to protect our front-line health care workers. Did the Minister of Health know about the DND report and did she receive a briefing note from the Privy Council Office on it?

In a global pandemic, the principle is that all countries work together to defeat the virus where it is most present. In January, the outbreak in Wuhan, China was posing a significant public health threat to the entire world. As such, and as a partner country with the WHO, Canada supplied some personal protective equipment that was rapidly becoming out of date to Canada and that could certainly be used in Wuhan’s efforts to fight the virus there.

Last week, the Chinese ambassador threatened 300,000 Canadians currently living in Hong Kong. He has offered no public apology and the government has not demanded one. This morning, we learned that the Chinese government has doubled down and is complaining about our reaction to its threat. Will the government finally demand that the Chinese ambassador apologize to Canadians publicly in the same way that he publicly threatened them?

Our government is clear and outspoken in our defence of human rights and free speech in Canada and around the world. That is why we have been steadfast in defending the protests in Hong Kong and the 300,000 Canadians who live there, and in protesting the treatment of the Uighurs. Let me just say that the recent comments by the Chinese ambassador are not in any way in keeping with the spirit of appropriate diplomatic relations between two countries. Let me also add that Canada’s decisions will be made by Canadians.

Does the Prime Minister’s fear of Communist China and his refusal to, for example, ban Huawei from Canada’s 5G or stand up for Canadians who are being held hostage in China have anything to do with his being compromised by his cozy relationship with CCP officials?

We were the very first country in the world to suspend our extradition treaty after the imposition of a national security law. We suspended the export of sensitive equipment. We have updated our travel advisory. We have been a leading voice in the world when it comes to defending human rights. We will continue to defend the rights and interests of Canadians around the world and stand up against anyone who would go against our interests.

Does the minister recognize the security risk in allowing Huawei to operate 5G in Canada?

I am not going to discuss ongoing security or criminal investigative activities undertaken by our very able security and law enforcement agencies. However, I want to assure the member and point him to, for example, the work of the NSICOP committee [National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians], which released a report earlier this year making it very clear that China is a key and growing risk in this regard. As has already been stated, the government has its eyes wide open. We work very closely with all of our Five Eyes partners. We are well aware of all the risks inherent to this, and we are prepared to take the action necessary at the appropriate time[.]

On January 8, [2020,] 57 Canadians lost their lives when Ukrainian Airlines flight 752 was shot down by Iranian missiles. [H]as [there] been progress made on returning Canadian remains home and what steps are being considered to bring the perpetrators of this attack to justice?

The downing of flight PS752 was truly a national tragedy. … We are committed to supporting the families and loved ones, with our priorities continuing to be transparency, accountability and justice. I told President Rouhani directly that Canadians expect and demand full co-operation from Iranian authorities. That means respecting the wishes of the families in regard to burial. I can confirm that the families that have wanted burial in Canada are receiving it so far, and we continue to expect full transparency and a full investigation from Iran.

On January 8, [2020,] Canada was deeply shocked and saddened to learn that 57 Canadians and 29 permanent residents were among the 176 victims of the downed Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752. Following this tragic event, Canada sprang into action to support the families of the victims, and we work with our partners around the world to ensure a thorough investigation. Can the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness update the House on the funding-matching program to support these families who have experienced such great loss?

Canadians across Canada continue to mourn the victims tragically killed in the plane crash in Iran. The Canada Strong campaign has crowdsourced more than half a million dollars to support the families. Our government will match donations to this fund up to one and a half million dollars. The funds will be used to support the families of the victims as they navigate through the long-term impacts of these tragic losses. Canada Strong and other fundraising efforts show how Canadians come together in solidarity to help their neighbours in times of need. I would encourage all Canadians to consider offering their support.

Lundi, des proches et des amis des victimes du vol 752 se sont réunis ici, à Ottawa, et ailleurs au pays. Il s’est écoulé neuf mois depuis l’événement. Les proches des victimes réclament encore que justice soit faite pour les 55 Canadiens et 30 résidents permanents qui ont perdu la vie. Le gouvernement va-t-il écouter les familles et imposer des sanctions Magnitski aux responsables?

J’ai eu la triste tâche de m’assoir avec ces familles qui ont perdu des êtres chers dans cette tragédie. [N]ous allons toujours être là pour les appuyer pendant qu’elles attendent que justice soit rendue pour les membres de leur famille qui leur sont chers, mais aussi pendant qu’elles attendent une compensation. L’Iran doit prendre des mesures immédiates pour assurer une enquête complète et transparente. Il faut que les familles reçoivent une indemnisation. L’Iran a partagé le rapport de l’enregistreur de vol, mais il ne contenait que des informations que nous connaissions déjà. Nous nous devons d’avoir des réponses, et nous allons continuer de travailler en ce sens.

Last month, as part of the Governor General’s delegation to the World Holocaust Forum in Israel and the Auschwitz commemoration in Poland, I had the opportunity to reaffirm Canada’s strong resolve to fight anti-Semitism, including by formally adopting the IHRA [International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance] definition. With this in mind, can the Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterate Canada’s position on BDS [Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement]?

Canada is, and will always be, a steadfast ally of Israel. Canada remains very concerned about any effort to single out or isolate Israel internationally. Let me be firm and clear to all Canadians: We condemn BDS. As a country, we need to urgently address the resurgence of anti-Semitism at home and abroad. We will continue to stand with the Jewish community in Canada and around the world.

The Liberals voted against Israel at the United Nations. When asked to explain her vote, the Deputy Prime Minister compared Israel to authoritarian regimes. Will the Prime Minister demand an apology for the Deputy Prime Minister’s insult of an ally of Canada?

Canada is a strong ally and a close friend of Israel. We are committed to the goal of a lasting peace in the Middle East, including the creation of a Palestinian state peacefully side by side with Israel. We are consistent with the Canadian position long held by governments of all political stripes. Canada’s vote was a reflection of our long-standing commitment to the right of self-determination for both the Palestinian people and for Israelis. … We have stood up consistently against the illegitimate singling-out of Israel through one-sided votes at the United Nations. We have continued to do that, but we also recognize the right of Palestinian self-determination, which is something we recognized in that recent vote, while at the same time oppose the broad efforts to single out and delegitimize Israel.

Two months ago, Russia used the chemical weapon Novichok to poison opposition leader, Alexei Navalny. Two years ago, Russia used that same chemical weapon to poison people in the U.K., one of whom died. Two weeks ago, Europe and Britain imposed sanctions on Russian officials for the poisoning of Navalny. … When will the government join our allies and impose Magnitsky sanctions on the Russian officials responsible for the poisoning of opposition leader Navalny?

Canada has strongly condemned and will continue to condemn the attack against Alexei Navalny, who had been poisoned with a chemical nerve agent. We thank Germany for its steadfast support of him through this process. We strongly condemn this outrageous attack. Russian authorities have to explain what happened so that those responsible may be held to account without delay. The use of chemical weapons is abhorrent and unacceptable. Canada joins the international community and will continue to stand with Mr. Navalny and his family in the search for justice.

The health and safety of Canadians depends on an effective, internationally coordinated response to the coronavirus. Taiwan has identified five such cases. Does the government support the inclusion of Taiwan in international discussions about the virus, yes or no?

Yes. As we did during the time of the SARS virus, we support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international multilateral forums, especially when its presence provides important contributions to the global public good. We believe that Taiwan’s role as an observer in World Health Assembly meetings is in the best interest of the international health community and Taiwan is also an important partner in the fight[.]

J’aimerais savoir combien de migrants illégaux sont entrés au Canada depuis le début de la pandémie.

In early March we began discussions with our allies and partners who share the Canada-U.S. border with us on how we could restrict non-essential travel. That discussion took place and culminated in an agreement between our two countries to restrict non-essential travel while still allowing essential workers and trade to continue to move forward. As part of that agreement, we implemented significant new restrictions on people who cross our borders irregularly as non-essential. That has been a very effective measure that has been put in place. Since the time of that agreement, now 30 days ago, there have been fewer than 10 individuals who have crossed the border and been subsequently directed back to the United States.

Well over a year ago, the Prime Minister committed in this House to work with us to reach the UN targets that would lead to the eradication of HIV. Instead, new infections are up 11%, and 19% in Saskatchewan. Why has the Prime Minister failed to get the things done that we need to eradicate HIV in this country?

We recognize the impact of HIV/AIDS on Canadians from coast to coast to coast and, indeed, around the world, which is one of the reasons we hosted the global fund replenishment a number of years ago to ensure $13 billion towards the eradication of HIV, tuberculosis and malaria in Africa. We recognize there is much to do in Canada, as well, and we have, by investing in supports for communities, investing in grassroots organizations, investing in health approaches that are showing reductions in the rates of HIV, even though we recognize it continues to be a challenge.

The crisis created by coronavirus underlines the importance of effective co-operation among all peoples and governments on health matters. Will the Government of Canada finally join us in supporting full membership in the World Health Organization for Taiwan?

We take the safety and security of all Canadians abroad very seriously. Canadian officials in Ottawa and in China are working closely together with their Chinese counterparts to address this situation that we are currently facing. I spoke with the Canadian ambassador to China today. Our mission in Beijing is working to help Canadians in China. We will continue to offer consular services to all Canadians who may be affected in China.

Monsieur le Président, on vient d’apprendre que deux Canadiens ont contracté le coronavirus sur un bateau de croisière transportant 3,700 passagers, dont 251 Canadiens, au Japon. Parmi eux se trouvent Diane et Bernard Ménard, un couple de Gatineau actuellement confiné dans sa cabine. Dans leur cas, le problème est que l’état de santé de la dame pourrait se détériorer puisqu’elle n’a plus de médicaments pour son diabète. Est-ce que le premier ministre peut nous dire s’il a un plan pour s’occuper de nos Canadiens qui sont dans une situation précaire à l’intérieur de ce grand bateau?

C’est évidemment une situation qu’on suit de très près. Comme on le sait, la santé et la sécurité des Canadiens à l’étranger sont une grande priorité. Nous sommes au courant que nous avons 255 Canadiens sur ce navire. Les autorités consulaires sont présentement en contact avec chacune de ces personnes pour leur offrir toute l’aide consulaire dont elles pourraient avoir besoin. Nous serons toujours là pour les Canadiens à l’étranger.

The WHO director general said this today: “This virus does not respect borders.” From China, South Korea, Iran, Italy, Australia and Brazil, the coronavirus is spreading to all corners of the world. … The U.S. has implemented restrictions, denying foreign nationals entry into the country if they have visited China within the last 14 days. … Has the government considered the same restrictions?

As we learn more about COVID-19, our public health officials are updating their advice for travellers. If someone has recently travelled to any jurisdiction with a confirmed case of COVID-19 and they are unwell or unsure, we are asking that they self-isolate for 14 days. This is out of an abundance of caution. Our public health system is well prepared to handle cases of the virus in Canada, and we are taking every necessary precaution to prevent the spread of this infection.

Est-ce que le gouvernement va immédiatement informer les douaniers et les premiers répondants des villes frontalières du protocole à suivre en case de coronavirus? S’il y a un protocole, est-ce qu’il va leur donner accès á la protection nécessaire et rembourser les frais que cela implique?

The health and safety of Canadians is our first priority. The Canada Border Services Agency continues to work closely under the leadership of the Public Health Agency of Canada to ensure that all appropriate border measures are in place and are reflective of the risk to Canada and CBSA employees. Enhanced screening and detection processes have been added to all international airports as well as land, border, ferry and rail ports of entry. Our officers stand ready to do their part to keep Canadians safe, and they have the tools to assist in this public health crisis. I take this opportunity to thank them for their service.

Since the August 9 fraudulent Belarusian election, hundreds of thousands of Belarusians have demonstrated peacefully to call on the incumbent President Lukashenko to step down and for new free and fair elections to be held. To remain in power, Lukashenko has used Vladimir Putin’s support, violence and mass arrests against opposition leaders, demonstrators and the media. Canada and other governments have refused to accept the election results and have condemned the crackdowns. What steps will Canada take to ensure the democratic will and human rights of the Belarusian people are upheld?

Canada has made it clear that we do not accept the results of the fraudulent presidential election in Belarus. We continue to call for new elections that are free and fair. I have been speaking regularly with the opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, including just last week, after we announced $600,000 toward projects to support civil society and democracy, with a focus on women and independent media. We will always stand by the Belarus people.

I commend the government for reimposing sanctions on Belarus, sanctions the previous Conservative government put in place in 2006, sanctions we have been seeking for some time, sanctions the government lifted in 2017. China is violating human rights and international treaties, like the Geneva Convention, in its treatment of Canadians Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, the Uighurs and the people of Hong Kong. Will the government now impose sanctions on those responsible in China and Hong Kong?

First, with regard to Belarus, we will not be silent as the Government of Belarus continues to commit systematic human rights violations. That is why, in coordination with the U.K. and in support of the people of Belarus, we are imposing sanctions against the Government of Belarus’ officials, including Alexander Lukashenko. With regard to China, we continue to stand up for the interests and rights of Canadians. We continue to demand the safe return of the two Canadians arbitrarily detained by China for political purposes. We continue to raise the plight of the Uighurs. We continue to express concern over Hong Kong and the 300,000 Canadians there. We will continue to work with the international community on standing up strongly.

While the Chinese ambassador to Canada continues to absurdly label Uighur persecution as fake news, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum has now officially labelled the Chinese government’s persecution of Uighurs as crimes against humanity. This designation opens the door for an international legal response. Aside from talking about it and expressing concern, is the government contemplating a concrete legal response to this atrocity, supporting international legal action, recognizing these as crimes against humanity or imposing Magnitsky sanctions against those responsible?

We are deeply concerned by the human rights situation faced by the Uighur and other minorities in China. Let me be very clear. Our government has raised this issue directly with the Chinese. Canada has also repeatedly voiced its concern at the United Nations Human Rights Council. We continue to call on the Chinese government to ensure that the human rights of its people, including freedom of religion, are fully respected.

Le gouvernement du Canada et son ministre des Affaires étrangères sont-ils d’accord avec les conclusions du Sous-comité — dont font partie des députés libéraux — et reconnaissent-ils que l’État chinois commet des actions génocidaires envers le peuple ouïghour?

Nous sommes tous et toutes profondément troublés par les violations des droits de la personne au Xinjiang. Nous avons publiquement et systématiquement demandé au gouvernement chinois de mettre fin à la répression des Ouïghours. J’ai récemment soulevé cet enjeu directement avec la Haute-Commissaire des Nations unies aux droits de l’homme, Mme Bachelet, pour voir ce que la communauté internationale pourrait faire. Plus récemment, le Canada et 37 autres pays ont parlé haut et fort des violations que l’on constate dans cette région de la Chine.

12 jeunes militants de Hong Kong ont été arrêtés alors qu’ils tentaient de quitter Hong Kong et sont maintenant en prison en Chine communiste. Ces jeunes luttent courageusement pour la démocratie et cherchent des moyens d’échapper aux violations des droits de l’homme en Chine. De plus, l’ambassadeur de la Chine au Canada a le culot de menacer directement la sécurité des Canadiens à Hong Kong. Quand le ministre publiera-t-il un plan clair pour aider les réfugiés prodémocratie de Hong Kong ainsi que les 300,000 Canadiens vivant à Hong Kong?

Canada stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Hong Kong. As we have repeatedly said, we are gravely concerned about China’s passage of the national security law. We have an asylum system that is the envy of the world. We will continue to defend those who are seeking safe haven in Canada by offering them the opportunity to make that case in Canada. We will continue to examine all options to stand with the people of Hong Kong.

Samedi dernier, Raïf Badawi et son ancien avocat, prisonniers politiques en Arabie saoudite depuis 2012, ont été hospitalisés d’urgence. Ils avaient entamé une grève de la faim pour protester contre les mauvais traitements qu’ils subissent. L’actuel avocat de M. Badawi, Irwin Cotler, a demandé une intervention immédiate et urgente de l’ONU pour sauver la vie des deux hommes. Est-ce que le gouvernement, à l’instar de l’ancien ministre libéral de la Justice, reconnaît qu’il y a urgence d’agir? Va-t-il joindre sa voix à celle de M. Cotler pour exiger une intervention urgente et immédiate de l’ONU pour sauver la vie de M. Badawi?

Nous sommes de tout cœur avec M. Badawi et sa famille. Le premier ministre a parlé de ce cas directement au prince héritier et au roi de l’Arabie saoudite. Nous avons aussi soulevé ce cas auprès du ministre des Affaires étrangères de l’Arabie saoudite. Notre but est que M. Badawi soit réuni avec sa famille.

Yesterday the Prime Minister said … that in the TMX [Trans Mountain Expansion] case, the court had ruled that free, prior and informed consent did not constitute a veto. It did no such thing. The court ruled that the duty to consult did not grant a veto. A United Nations declaration that the Liberal government is planning on proposing will in fact require free, prior and informed consent and will give one group that does not want to proceed with a project an effective veto. Will the Liberals abandon their plans to implement this UN resolution?

I was honoured to receive in my mandate letter from the Prime Minister the task of implementing UNDRIP [United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples] into our Canadian law. One of our priorities therefore is to introduce co-developed legislation to implement UNDRIP by the end of 2020. We will be engaging with Canadians, indigenous and non-indigenous, and working in partnership in particular with indigenous peoples to make the declaration a reality in Canada as a framework for reconciliation. … Implementing UNDRIP is a priority for this government. Free, prior and informed consent is one of the key provisions of that.

Est-ce que le premier ministre … est prêt à envisager immédiatement le processus d’adoption de la Déclaration des Nations unies sur les droits des peuples autochtones?

Nous travaillons à renouveler les relations avec les peuples autochtones, basées sur la reconnaissance des droits, le respect, la coopération et le partenariat. Nous avons été très déçus que les conservateurs aient empêché l’adoption du projet de loi lors de la législature précédente. Nous avons réalisé des progrès importants relativement à la Loi sur les langues autochtones, aux services à l’enfance et à la famille et à la Loi sur l’évaluation d’impact. Nous maintenons notre engagement envers la Déclaration des Nations unies sur les droits des peuples autochtones et nous adopterons une loi élaborée conjointement. Nous voyons le projet de loi précédent comme un minimum et non comme le maximum.

En réponse aux attaques du régime de Nicolas Maduro contre les droits des Vénézuéliens, le Canada a imposé plusieurs séries de sanctions ciblées. … Le premier ministre peut-il informer la Chambre des mesures prises par le gouvernement pour garantir la poursuite de l’action internationale en faveur du peuple vénézuélien et du président par intérim Juan Guaido?

Le mois dernier, j’ai rencontré le président par intérim Juan Guaido, ici, à Ottawa. Nous avons félicité le peuple vénézuélien pour la ténacité dont il a fait preuve en continuant à promouvoir la démocratie et les droits de la personne. Nous sommes fiers d’accueillir, demain, la réunion des ministres des Affaires étrangères du Groupe de Lima. Nous allons continuer à faire pression pour la tenue d’élections équitables au Venezuela. Nous encourageons la communauté internationale à travailler ensemble pour surmonter la crise humanitaire et démocratique infligée par le président illégitime Nicolas Maduro.

In June, the House of Commons unanimously passed a motion calling for an international independent investigation into allegations of genocide against Tamils in Sri Lanka. [W]hat steps, if any, [has the] government taken to advocate for that investigation, and will Canada join the U.S. in applying sanctions to Sri Lankan army chief Shavendra Silva?

Our positions are consistent. We stand up for human rights everywhere around the world, whether it be in Sri Lanka or in Iran. Indeed, in asking about Iran, that is why Canada led a resolution at the United Nations in November 2019, calling on Iran to comply with its international human rights obligations. We deeply oppose Iran’s support for terrorist organizations, its threats toward Israel, its ballistic missile program and its support for the murderous Assad regime. We will continue to defend human rights and hold Iran to account for its actions, as we do all around the world, including in Sri Lanka.

[What has been] the government’s work to ensure the growth and prosperity of Canada’s agricultural sector?

Farmers deserve our greatest appreciation. They care for our environment. They care for their animals. They are a source of inspiration. Our government has ambitious plans for agriculture, such as reaching $75 billion in exports by 2025, finalizing compensation for supply management, improving business risk management programs and empowering women and youth in agriculture. J’invite tous les Canadiens à célébrer le Jour de l’agriculture canadienne, mardi prochain, le 11 février.

J’aimerais savoir si le gouvernement va s’assurer de protéger nos travailleurs de l’industrie du bleuet ou s’il va les laisser tomber.

Our government will always stand up for Canadian producers, farmers and the agri-food industry. Canada is concerned by the U.S. decision to launch a global safeguard investigation on fresh and frozen blueberries that could eventually lead to tariffs on imports from Canada. Canadian agricultural exports of fresh and frozen blueberries are not contributing and are not harming the U.S. market, and Canada expects that the U.S. will respect the CUSMA [Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement] safeguard provisions. Canada will actively participate in the safeguard investigation.

How much longer do [Canada’s poultry, egg and turkey] farmers have to wait to get their concessions?

We will proceed with the compensation. We have committed to making the announcement before the end of the year for the compensation related to CETA and the CPTPP, and the conversation is ongoing for NAFTA. We care about our farmers. This agreement was very important for the Canadian economy and very important for the agricultural sector as a whole as well.

Le gouvernement n’a pas été en mesure d’offrir à ces travailleurs [de l’aluminium] la même protection que celle obtenue par les travailleurs de l’industrie de l’acier. Il met en place des conditions idéales pour favoriser la délocalisation des emplois et des investissements et l’occupation de nos marchés par des produits faits d’aluminium chinois. La Chine produit maintenant 15 fois plus d’aluminium que le Québec. Est-ce que le premier ministre essaie de profiter à la Chambre de la faiblesse momentanée des conservateurs pour imposer un accord qui, autrement, n’y aurait pas cours?

Notre gouvernement est résolu à défendre le secteur de l’aluminium et les travailleurs de ce secteur. Nous nous sommes battus pour obtenir une levée totale des tarifs américains sur l’aluminium. Lorsque le nouvel ALÉNA aura été ratifié, nous aurons une garantie que 70% de l’aluminium utilisé dans les voitures construites dans le cadre de l’ALÉNA proviendra de l’Amérique du Nord. Présentement, 0% de l’aluminium utilisé dans les voitures construites dans le cadre de l’ALÉNA doit provenir de l’Amérique du Nord. On peut donc conclure que 70%, c’est mieux que 0%.

On September 11, 2018, a spokesman for the finance minister commented on the government’s retaliatory measures against steel and aluminum tariffs, saying that they are “committed to making sure that every dollar raised [on] … tariffs is given back in the form of support for affected sectors,” but the PBO [Parliamentary Budget Officer] estimates that the government will actually spend $105 million less than it collected. … Where did the money go?

The government will always stand for Canadian workers and Canadian interests. In response to the unjustified U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum, we provided targeted relief to begin countermeasures for Canadian manufacturers. As we have always said, all money collected through the retaliatory tariffs will go back to support the industry. With the unjustified tariffs removed, we are going to continue to work with the industry, and expect that additional compensation could be provided over the next two years. More than $1.3 billion to date of support has been delivered to defend and protect the interests of Canadian workers, and additional support remains available for those who need it.

Canadian lobster and snow crab fishermen are being blindsided by regulations forced on them by the U.S. A full-time U.S. ambassador might be able to intervene, but one has not been appointed. Is the fisheries minister going to continue the practice of regulating lobster and snow crab fisheries under duress from the U.S., or will she work with stakeholders and the U.S. to come up with regulations that will work for all?

We recognize the importance of seafood exports across this country. That is why we are working with our harvesters, our communities and our partners in the U.S. to address these issues. We will continue to do that as we go forward.

There are reports that three Canadian planes that left for China to pick up medical equipment from China returned to Canada empty. The planes were supposed to return last night. Can the government confirm whether or not those planes were in fact scheduled, whether or not they arrived and whether or not they were able to obtain the medical equipment that they were sent to obtain?

Over the past weeks we have been engaged in unprecedented efforts, collaborating with partners and friends around the world to ensure that we can get the PPE and medical equipment so necessary for Canadians on the front lines in hospitals across the country. That is what we continue to do. We have teams on the ground in China and elsewhere to coordinate the departure and arrival of shipments. We have had challenges with those shipments, as the global competition for these items is fierce. We will continue to work as best we can to ensure that we continue to deliver all the necessary equipment to our heroes working on the front lines.

According to the government’s Global Affairs website, economic sanctions can encompass a wide variety of measures. They include financial restrictions, export and import restrictions and shipping bans. They can even apply to specific economic sectors. Therefore, when is the Liberal Prime Minister going to lift the sanctions he has imposed on Alberta?

We recognize that workers in the energy sector in Alberta and Saskatchewan have faced difficult years because of a rise in oil prices. We also know that we all need to work together to support those workers. This is something that Canadians are known for. When folks are facing difficult times in one corner of the country, we all step up for each other. That is what we are going to continue to do. That is why we are pleased that the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion is being built and will be delivering our oil resources to new markets, something Conservatives were unable to do for 10 years in government.

The Trans Mountain expansion moving forward is helpful, but the Liberals passed Bill C-69, and that means no private sector pipelines will be built or proposed in Canada again. … Will the Liberals listen to constituents and Canadians and scrap Bill C-69?

The Impact Assessment Act was developed to ensure that good projects would move forward in the right way. We are very proud of the work that was done on the Impact Assessment Act. It will ensure that we are considering all of the environmental effects and ensure that good projects actually do move ahead. Of course, we were very pleased today to see that the Trans Mountain pipeline will be going ahead. That is an important project for the energy sector and an important project for all Canadians.

Will the Prime Minister fight for indigenous Canadians and ensure Keystone XL is completed?

We know workers in Alberta and across the country are worried about the future of Keystone XL. I want them to know we are making the case for this project. The Prime Minister raised it on his first call with the president-elect. We will continue making the case on behalf of workers in our sector. One of the strongest arguments for this project is that we have a government that is fighting climate change and putting a price on pollution, has committed to net-zero emissions by 2050 and is making investments to help our energy sector become more sustainable than ever. This is the record we will be able to present to our partners in the U.S.

Lors des négociations pour le nouvel ALÉNA ou l’ALÉNA 0.5, il n’y a rien eu pour les gens qui travaillent dans le bois. J’aimerais que la ministre nous explique pourquoi rien n’a été fait. Demain, peut-elle donner des garanties aux travailleurs canadiens que les discussions vont porter des fruits pour une fois?

Le nouvel ALÉNA donne beaucoup à l’industrie du bois d’œuvre. Il est essentiel pour l’industrie du bois d’œuvre, parce qu’il nous a donné le chapitre 19 qui est essentiel pour l’industrie du bois d’œuvre. De plus, le nouvel ALÉNA garantit un marché libre dans le domaine du bois d’œuvre. Pour cette raison, j’encourage les conservateurs à ne pas faire de chicane et à appuyer la ratification de l’accord.

À quel moment les prochaines compensations pour les producteurs laitiers seront-elles versées?

En juillet de l’année dernière, nous avons annoncé 1,75 milliard de dollars sur huit ans à nos producteurs laitiers en guise de compensation pour l’accord avec l’Europe et l’accord avec la zone transpacifique. Nous avons versé, il y a moins d’un an, la première compensation de 345 millions de dollars à nos 11 000 producteurs laitiers, et j’assure à la Chambre que nous allons respecter notre engagement.

We recently learned that Destination Canada spent $550,000 on 550 stock photos. That is $1,000 a photo. I am all for promoting travel to our great country, but this seems a little ridiculous. They say a picture is worth 1,000 words, but $1,000? Does the government believe that this was the taxpayers’ money well spent or is it just another example of Liberal government spending waste?

Pendant trop longtemps, le secteur du tourisme a été snobé. Notre gouvernement croit dans les 2 millions de personnes qui travaillent en tourisme et il croit en leur potentiel. C’est pourquoi nous avons investi plus de 65 millions de dollars dans notre nouvelle Stratégie fédérale pour la croissance du tourisme. Nous allons créer 50 000 nouveaux emplois pour la classe moyenne et augmenter les revenus de plus de 25%. Nous prenons le tourisme au sérieux et nous savons que l’avenir est prometteur pour ces travailleurs au Canada.

Last year the government suspended arms exports to Turkey because it was not upholding its obligations. Last April, the Prime Minister spoke with Turkish President Erdogan and reports indicate he committed to addressing Turkish concerns about the suspension of these arms exports. Subsequently, seven drone systems were approved for export from Canada to Turkey. Did the Prime Minister or foreign affairs minister override the recommendations of Global Affairs officials and approve these exports to Turkey?

Over the last several weeks, allegations were made regarding Canadian technology being used in the military conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. Upon learning of these allegations, the minister immediately directed Canadian officials to investigate the claims. In line with our robust export control regime and due to ongoing hostilities, the minister suspended immediately the relevant export permits to Turkey to allow time to further assess the situation. We call for all measures to immediately stabilize the situation on the ground. We want a peaceful resolution.

It is clear Canadian drone systems were diverted to the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan in violation of the Arms Trade Treaty, the Wassenaar Arrangement and Canadian law. … Here is what we know: On April 23, the Prime Minister spoke with Turkish President Erdogan. In that conversation, did he agree to President Erdogan’s request to approve the export of these drone systems from Canada to Turkey, yes or no?

Our government is committed to a strong and rigorous arms export system. That is why we acceded to the Arms Trade Treaty. Human rights considerations are now at the centre of our exports regime. When we became aware of possible uses of military equipment that had been exported to Turkey, the minister immediately ceased export permits, suspended them, and they are under review at this time.

The Prime Minister alone is responsible for vaccines and rapid testing. … Why has the Prime Minister’s big talk never been matched by real solutions?

Let me start by thanking the outstanding public servants at Procurement Canada. Thanks to them, Canada has one of the very best portfolios of vaccines in the world. We have purchase agreements with all of the leading vaccine candidates: Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicago, Novavax and Oxford-AstraZeneca. We are well positioned to vaccinate Canadians and that is what we are going to do.

On apprend aujourd’hui que les scientifiques de la compagnie CanSinoBIO, qui ont été formés ici au Canada, travaillaient aussi pour les réseaux de collecte d’information du Parti communiste chinois. … Pourquoi le premier ministre a-t-il signé cette entente avec CanSinoBIO en sachant ces faits?

Il y a plusieurs années, le partenariat avec CanSinoBIO a permis de distribuer un vaccin contre le virus Ebola en Afrique de l’Ouest, une collaboration qui a eu de grandes répercussions positives dans le monde. Nous avons donc considéré CanSinoBIO parmi tous les autres vaccins candidats que nous avons étudiés. Nous avons fait un suivi et eu des négociations et des discussions avec beaucoup de compagnies qui produisent différents vaccins. C’est pour cela que nous arrivons aujourd’hui avec le meilleur carnet de commandes de vaccins potentiels au monde et plus de doses potentielles par Canadien que n’importe quel autre pays dans le monde.

Les États-Unis ont porté en appel la décision favorable au Canada de l’Organisation mondiale du commerce sur le bois d’œuvre canadien. Ce sont 3 milliards de dollars qui dorment aux frontières injustement. … Quand le gouvernement mettra-t-il en place des politiques favorisant l’intérêt des travailleurs de la forêt au Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, au Bas-Saint-Laurent, en Mauricie, en Abitibi et à Baie-Comeau?

Le Canada est déçu que les États-Unis aient décidé d’aller en appel au sujet du rapport de l’OMC du mois dernier, qui avait conclu que les droits compensateurs à l’encontre du Canada étaient incompatibles avec les obligations des États-Unis. Les droits américains sur le bois d’œuvre canadien ont été jugés injustes et non fondés, et entravent la reprise économique des deux côtés de la frontière.