Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, that is a really important question. People are being held accountable. As we have seen, people are under investigation and people have lost their positions. There are consequences. Survivors are coming forward for things that happened years or decades ago. They are becoming more comfortable with coming forward because we are putting in place the changes that are needed to make sure t…
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Mr. Speaker, the people who should bear the responsibility are those conducting this bad behaviour in the first place. It is the perpetrators. As we have seen under the minister, every action that has been taken has been done following the proper processes. In fact, what we are seeing right now is that more and more people are coming forward, and there are more and more consequences. People are lo…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I would ask why, even though we have asked to adjourn the debate over 20 times so that we could go directly to reviewing the report, the opposition has refused to adjourn debate.
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, there is no room in the Canadian Armed Forces or the Department of National Defence for sexism, misogyny, racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, discrimination, harassment, or any other conduct that prevents the institution from being a truly welcoming and inclusive organization. National Defence understands that a culture change within the Canadian Armed Forces is required to remove a …
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, our military has consistently contributed to international operations to deter terrorism, to defend human rights and to act as a force for good in the world. That reputation will only be maintained by our willingness to continually question our own practices and fully support those who raise concerns. Through Operation Impact, we are participating in the Global Coalition Against Dae…
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Madam Speaker, the military training missions the Canadian Armed Forces have undertaken as part of Operation Impact are a vital part of our whole-of-government approach to increasing security and stability in the Middle East. The groups that our military train are subject to a rigorous vetting process intended to prevent CAF members from working with forces that have committed or might in the futu…
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Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to respond to the member opposite this early morning on such an important issue. It goes without saying that this period has been long and extremely challenging for Canadians. The COVID-19 pandemic has cost us dearly, with the loss of life and livelihoods. None of us has been untouched. Now, with vaccination campaigns ramping up around the country, there is a sense…
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Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister has followed all public health rules. We know that with this pandemic, it has been a long road, but we are closer than we have ever been to turning the corner. We have been waiting and preparing for this day for a very long time. We have invested to support provinces and territories in the fight against COVID through the safe restart agreements. We continue to wor…
Read full speech →Statements By Members
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exceptional constituent of mine. Michel Gravel honoured our soldiers and our country with his historical research. He ensured that our soldiers were commemorated for their efforts in France during the First World War. I first met Michel Gravel several years ago when he passionately told me about his project to get a commemorative plaque for General Arthur …
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to respecting and upholding human rights, international and domestic law, and the dignity of all persons. These disturbing allegations, I can confirm, are under investigation by the Canadian Forces national investigation service. The Canadian Armed Forces is no longer operating with the elements of the Iraqi security forces involved in these allegations. We…
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Mr. Speaker, Canada is contributing to greater peace and security in the world and remains a strong partner in the fight against Daesh. We are committed to meeting our obligations under international and domestic law. The Canadian Armed Forces is no longer operating with the Iraqi security forces related to these allegations. Our government takes this very seriously. We are actively looking into t…
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Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to respecting and defending human rights during all Canadian Armed Forces deployments and operations. As the minister said, these allegations are extremely troubling, and we will ensure that they are thoroughly investigated. We take every incident involving human rights during armed conflict very seriously and we take the appropriate actions to resolve ever…
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Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, our government is committed to respecting and upholding human rights during all Canadian Armed Forces deployments and operations. As the minister has said, these allegations are extremely troubling, and we are ensuring that they are thoroughly investigated. We take all incidents regarding compliance with the law of armed conflict seriously, and we take proper actions t…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Madam Speaker, I would very much like to thank the hon. member for Marc-Aurèle-Fortin for this valuable motion that would help national defence and the Canadian Armed Forces meet recruitment and retention targets for underrepresented groups. My hon. colleague has been a staunch champion of ensuring that these issues in the Canadian Armed Forces are heard and challenged. I fully support this motion…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to speak to the motion moved by the member for Montarville. The fight against tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance is one of this government's priorities. As we have said from the start, the tax system must be fair, and everyone must pay their fair share of taxes. With that in mind, I have read the motion tabled by the hon. member with great interest. Unfortunately,…
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Madam Speaker, Canada is determined to keep greater peace and security in the world and remains a strong partner in the fight against Daesh. We are committed to meeting our obligations under international and domestic law. Our government takes allegations like these very seriously. We are actively looking into these very troubling allegations since we have learned of them.
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Chair, I would like to take the time this evening to highlight some of the important work that has been done by this government, especially by my colleagues on the Standing Committee on International Trade, over the last year. COVID-19 has presented serious challenges for Canadian businesses looking to export and for the global trading system as a whole. Our government has been keenly engage…
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Madam Chair, in 40 seconds, could the parliamentary secretary talk about how we are ensuring a green economic recovery in our international trade?
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Chair, I would like to thank my hon. colleague for mentioning women entrepreneurs and Black entrepreneurs, including that very important announcement today, which will make a significant difference. Changing tracks a bit, I would like to ask another question about the benefits of trade. Our government is committed to creating the most favourable conditions for Canadian businesses to compete …
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, National Defence is committed to recognizing the service and sacrifice of the brave women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces who participated in, and civilians who supported, Canada’s military operations in Afghanistan. The Canadian honours system recognizes their service and sacrifice by awarding service and campaign medals. In response to part (a), as of December 31, 2020, Nationa…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Madam Speaker, I am here today to speak to private member's bill, Bill C-233, an act to amend the Criminal Code, sex-selective abortion, at second reading. I really wish I did not have to do this. I am, quite frankly, disappointed that I have to spend time in the year 2021 on the abortion debate in Canada, when a woman's right to choose has been law for over 30 years. It really is unfortunate that…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Madam Speaker, I rise today to bring to the attention of the House the escalating violence in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. Ethiopian and Eritrean soldiers are reportedly committing widespread human rights abuses, including targeted killing of civilians and brutal sexual violence. The conflict, which began in November, has killed thousands and displaced as many as two million people. It has now l…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I believe if you seek it, you will find unanimous consent to not see the clock at 1:30 p.m.
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, the members of the Canadian Armed Forces are well trained and prepared to take on their roles and responsibilities, including those relating to armed conflict as part of Operation Impact. We take these troubling allegations very seriously because we know any concern that is raised by Canadian Armed Forces members should be heard and given the attention that Canadians expect. We take…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces support our government's approach to Operation Impact. Our contribution has been essential to fighting Daesh and bringing security and stability to the region. Members of our armed forces have worked tirelessly with our allies and partners on that non-combat mission. They have provided intelligence and airlift capabilities and have work…
Read full speech →Statements By Members
Madam Speaker, it is with great concern that I rise today to report that Ms. Cristina Palabay of the Philippines, who last week appeared before the Subcommittee on International Human Rights as a witness, is now experiencing harassment and threats because of her testimony. Ms. Palabay testified about human rights abuses occurring in the Philippines, and after the committee meeting she was subject …
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, before I begin, I would like to remind my hon. colleague that the hon. member for Kanata—Carleton served 31 years, was the first female squadron commander in the Canadian Air Force and has an incredibly honourable career serving Canadians. I appreciate the opportunity to share more details about the independent external comprehensive review of our military. It is clear that our previo…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, we are determined to listen and learn from those who have been affected by sexual misconduct. That is why Madam Arbour's review will be based on the views, accounts and experiences of current and former members of the defence team. We invite those who feel ready to share their experiences to come forward. They can rest assured that Madam Arbour will conduct her review without referenc…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, eliminating all forms of misconduct and abuse of power and creating a safe work environment for everyone in the defence team have always been our top priority. We know that the Canadian Armed Forces must work hard to eliminate the toxic masculinity that creates an unacceptable culture. We have announced that Louise Arbour will lead an independent external comprehensive review into har…
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Mr. Speaker, Canadian Armed Forces members make enormous sacrifices to protect Canadians, and they have an undeniable right to serve with safety. It is clear that we have not lived up to our responsibilities to protect members from misconduct. That is why we announced that Louise Arbour will lead an independent external comprehensive review into harassment and sexual misconduct. Plus, we have name…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, as the minister said in committee, he did not know the nature or specifics of the allegations. Mr. Walbourne mentioned misconduct issues involving the former chief of the defence staff. He did not provide the minister with any details. The minister has always ensured that all allegations brought to his attention are reported to the appropriate authorities for investigation.
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, in fact, people are being held to account. We are seeing right now that there are ongoing military police investigations. We are very grateful to Madame Deschamps for the report. In fact, we have put in legislation and created a whole new institution, the SMRC, but it was not enough. Even Madame Deschamps has said that Madame Arbour will build on the work she did. The terms of refer…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I think Mr. Wernick said it best, when the former clerk of the Privy Council testified that everyone acted in good faith. At this point, one of the key problems is that we do not have a process in place where people feel safe coming forward. Without having somebody willing to come forward, it is very hard to hold people accountable and to investigate. That is what we are addressing.…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, my colleague said it very well. We really need to make sure that we end the toxic, partisan finger-pointing, and all parties get together and focus on what we can do to provide the right supports to survivors. We are not going to get it right every time. In Operation Honour, we did not get it right but we tried certain things. We keep on trying things. We put in legislation to chang…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, with all due respect, I reject the premise of that question. This was acted on within hours. We all know that as politicians we should not be the ones investigating and we should not be the ones who are taking the action. We have heard members of the House say that we should have told General Vance there was an allegation, which would have tipped him off, the last thing survivors wa…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I rise today to address this opposition day motion by discussing our efforts to prevent and address sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces and the department of National Defence. I want to talk about the efforts that were highlighted during last week's announcement about a new independent external comprehensive review and a new organization dedicated to creating the conditio…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, I request that the motion be agreed to on division.
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I would ask that all questions be allowed to stand.
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, we are focused on listening to and learning from the survivors. The member knows that committees are independent and that the national defence committee heard more than six hours of testimony from the minister. While the Conservatives are busy playing politics, we are working tirelessly to make the Canadian Armed Forces safer for our women and men in uniform.
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, let us review what we know. Prime Minister Harper appointed General Vance in July 2015 even though he was under active investigation by the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service. The Leader of the Opposition stated that he forwarded the allegations about sexual misconduct involving General Vance in July 2015, stating that they had been reviewed. Just a few days after his appo…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, Ms. Arbour's review will allow us to move forward, taking into account current barriers and realities. Ms. Deschamps said, and I quote, “I welcome the appointment of Madame Arbour. From what I read, her mandate appears to be broader than the one I was given. As such, this would not be a mere repetition of what I did.” We have to get this right.
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, any eligible Canadian Armed Forces member who wants a vaccine will be able to get one. The CAF COVID-19 vaccine prioritization framework provides guidance on the allocation of up to 150,000 vaccine doses. Vaccinations have begun at home and abroad, and they will continue as further allocations arrive from the Public Health Agency of Canada. First up were frontline health care provider…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I am here this evening in the capacity of stepping in for the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. It goes without saying that last fall's events were very disturbing for all of us to hear about and see on the news, whereby indigenous peoples were attacked exercising their affirmed treaty right. Like the rest of the government, Labour Canada went from a relationship with indigenous peopl…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, last fall was an extremely challenging time, but particularly so for some indigenous communities, such as the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia. It was very disturbing for all of us to hear about and see on the news the events whereby indigenous people were physically attacked, had their property damaged and vandalized or destroyed, and had insults directed toward them for trying to exercise the…
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Mr. Speaker, the health and well-being of Canadian Armed Forces members has always been our main priority. That is why our defence policy of “Strong, Secure, Engaged” provides clear direction on our defence priorities, with a 20-year horizon. That is something no government has ever done before. In fact, chapter 1 of our policy spelled out our desire for well-supported, diverse, resilient people a…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, I would like start by thanking the member for Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound for his military service. He knows, and I believe Canadians know, that our government has always said that we do not tolerate any form of sexual misconduct, harassment, inappropriate behaviour or abuse of power. We want it reported, we want it investigated and we want to support those who are affected by it, but mor…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, we are committed to taking further action to eliminate sexual misconduct. In addition to the $236 million that I mentioned in budget 2021, we will have more to announce in the coming days and weeks. We need to make it easy and accessible for anyone at any level to report an incident and they need to have confidence in those reporting mechanisms. That is why we are developing an inde…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, as part of its defence policy, “Strong, Secure, Engaged” Canada committed to being a reliable player in the Asia-Pacific region through consistent engagement and strong partnerships. The Canadian Armed Forces plays an active role in the region, through regular training and engagements with key allies and partners. These efforts enhance Canada’s ability to promote multilateralism and t…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the hon. member for Yorkton—Melville for bringing such an incredibly important issue to the floor of the House. Let me start by stating our position in the clearest possible terms. Our government does not, and will not, accept any form of sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces and the Department of National Defence from anyone, regardless of rank or position. W…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I assure the hon. member opposite that all options are on the table. That is why budget 2021 committed over $236 million to eliminate sexual misconduct and gender-based violence in the Canadian Armed Forces, including expanding the reach of the sexual misconduct response centres and providing online and in-person peer-to-peer support. It is clear that the measures we have taken alread…
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