43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01211432-01211 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABJune 22, 2021September 13, 2016PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWE, THE UNDERSIGNED RESIDENTS OF CANADA, draw the attention of the House to the following:THAT coercion, intimidation or other forms of pressure intended to force physicians and health institutions to become parties in assisted suicide or euthanasia is a violation of fundamental freedoms of conscience;THAT during testimony at the Special Joint Committee for Physician Assisted Dying, witnesses stated that the protection of conscience should be included in the government's legislative response to Carter v Canada (AG);THAT the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) confirmed that conscience protection for physicians would not affect access assisted suicide or euthanasia because 30% of physicians (24,000) would be willing to do it;THAT s.2 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the freedom of conscience and freedom of religion;THEREFORE your petitioners call upon the Parliament of Canada to enshrine in the Criminal Code the protection of conscience for physicians and health care institutions from coercion or intimidation to provide or refer for assisted suicide or euthanasia.DoctorsFreedom of conscience and religionHospitalsMedical assistance in dying43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-00976432-00976 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 26, 2021May 31, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-00972432-00972 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 25, 2021June 8, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-00985432-00985 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 27, 2021June 8, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01059432-01059 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 7, 2021June 8, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01092432-01092 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 11, 2021June 8, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01110432-01110 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 14, 2021June 8, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01133432-01133 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 16, 2021June 8, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01008432-01008 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 31, 2021June 12, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01191432-01191 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 21, 2021June 19, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01054432-01054 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABJune 7, 2021June 20, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01102432-01102 (Environment)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCJune 14, 2021June 19, 2019Petition to the House of CommonsTHEREFORE, YOUR PETITIONERS call on the House of Commons to work with the Government of British Columbia to protect Saanich Inlet by immediately adding it to the list of designated zones where the discharge of raw sewage is not allowed.Saanich InletSewage treatment and disposal43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2285e-2285 (Animals)AudreyWeissSeanCaseyCharlottetownLiberalPEJanuary 2, 2020, at 10:17 a.m. (EDT)May 1, 2020, at 10:17 a.m. (EDT)May 1, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:The Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) certified institutions used 4,308,921 animals for research in 2016, an increase of 20.7% over 2015;The CCAC is responsible for 'maintaining high standards' of animal care and they assess institutions who research on animals and certify those who meet their standards;Certified institutions have committees that are responsible for overseeing all aspects of animal care;In 2016, an undercover investigation released footage at ITR lab which is graphic, self explanatory and can be viewed online, and in 2017, W5 revealed what went on inside an animal research lab;There's no transparency to the number of research facilities who had similar alleged incidents nor how many facilities were denied certification; andMillions of innocent animals have no choice but to unwillingly give their lives to so-called research, and until animal research no longer exists, research animals need our voice.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to amend the Criminal Code to ensure disciplinary consequences for all animal research labs and the CCAC when they breach their responsibilities; to avoid 'conflict of interest', ensure there is no CCAC Board of Director who is also responsible for overseeing an animal research facility in any capacity; conduct independent reviews of animal research labs and the CCAC; have mandatory surveillance cameras in all animal areas before facilities are awarded certification (have the videos 'spot checked' by independent parties); and mandate the CCAC do random assessments rather than the current scheduled visits.Animal experimentationCanadian Council on Animal CareCompliancePermits and licencesRegulation43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01088432-01088 (Taxation)PeterJulianNew Westminster—BurnabyNDPBCJune 11, 2021January 8, 2020Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:WHEREAS, health care is a basic human right and no Canadian should be denied access to the prescription medicine they need to be healthy;WHEREAS, a "medical cannabis product" is a cannabis product sold for medical purposes pursuant to a license for the sale of cannabis for medical purposes granted in accordance with the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act or the Cannabis Act;WHEREAS, although medical cannabis does not have a DIN, it is produced and sold in a highly regulated regime known as the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations;WHEREAS, patients who are legally authorized/prescribed cannabis for medical purposes by a physician and prescribing healthcare practitioner can legally purchase quality-controlled cannabis for medical purposes from a Health Canada licensed producer;WHEREAS, the Canada Revenue Agency considers cannabis for medical purposes a tax-deductible medical expense; andWHEREAS, the Government of Canada allows for reasonable access to medical cannabis for all Canadians who have been authorized to use it by a health care practitioner.THEREFORE, your petitioners call on the Government of Canada to support Motion M-198, reverse its decision to apply an excise duty to cannabis sold for medical purposes; to recognize that medical cannabis should be exempt from the federal Goods and Services Tax; to exempt medical cannabis from any taxes including the new excise tax after the passage of Bill C-74, the budget implementation act; to zero-rate the medical cannabis tax in line with all other prescription medicine and to exempt medical cannabis products from any additional taxes by amending T 3 Amendments to the Excise Act, 2001 (Cannabis Taxation), the Excise Tax Act and Other Related Texts, 69(4) Section 2 of the Act, in order to allow for reasonable access to medical cannabis for all Canadians authorized to use it by a health care practitioner.CannabisPrescription drugsTax exemption43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01145432-01145 (Taxation)PeterJulianNew Westminster—BurnabyNDPBCJune 17, 2021January 8, 2020Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:WHEREAS, health care is a basic human right and no Canadian should be denied access to the prescription medicine they need to be healthy;WHEREAS, a "medical cannabis product" is a cannabis product sold for medical purposes pursuant to a license for the sale of cannabis for medical purposes granted in accordance with the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act or the Cannabis Act;WHEREAS, although medical cannabis does not have a DIN, it is produced and sold in a highly regulated regime known as the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations;WHEREAS, patients who are legally authorized/prescribed cannabis for medical purposes by a physician and prescribing healthcare practitioner can legally purchase quality-controlled cannabis for medical purposes from a Health Canada licensed producer;WHEREAS, the Canada Revenue Agency considers cannabis for medical purposes a tax-deductible medical expense; andWHEREAS, the Government of Canada allows for reasonable access to medical cannabis for all Canadians who have been authorized to use it by a health care practitioner.THEREFORE, your petitioners call on the Government of Canada to support Motion M-198, reverse its decision to apply an excise duty to cannabis sold for medical purposes; to recognize that medical cannabis should be exempt from the federal Goods and Services Tax; to exempt medical cannabis from any taxes including the new excise tax after the passage of Bill C-74, the budget implementation act; to zero-rate the medical cannabis tax in line with all other prescription medicine and to exempt medical cannabis products from any additional taxes by amending T 3 Amendments to the Excise Act, 2001 (Cannabis Taxation), the Excise Tax Act and Other Related Texts, 69(4) Section 2 of the Act, in order to allow for reasonable access to medical cannabis for all Canadians authorized to use it by a health care practitioner.CannabisPrescription drugsTax exemption43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01146432-01146 (Taxation)PeterJulianNew Westminster—BurnabyNDPBCJune 17, 2021January 8, 2020Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:WHEREAS, health care is a basic human right and no Canadian should be denied access to the prescription medicine they need to be healthy;WHEREAS, a "medical cannabis product" is a cannabis product sold for medical purposes pursuant to a license for the sale of cannabis for medical purposes granted in accordance with the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act or the Cannabis Act;WHEREAS, although medical cannabis does not have a DIN, it is produced and sold in a highly regulated regime known as the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations;WHEREAS, patients who are legally authorized/prescribed cannabis for medical purposes by a physician and prescribing healthcare practitioner can legally purchase quality-controlled cannabis for medical purposes from a Health Canada licensed producer;WHEREAS, the Canada Revenue Agency considers cannabis for medical purposes a tax-deductible medical expense; andWHEREAS, the Government of Canada allows for reasonable access to medical cannabis for all Canadians who have been authorized to use it by a health care practitioner.THEREFORE, your petitioners call on the Government of Canada to support Motion M-198, reverse its decision to apply an excise duty to cannabis sold for medical purposes; to recognize that medical cannabis should be exempt from the federal Goods and Services Tax; to exempt medical cannabis from any taxes including the new excise tax after the passage of Bill C-74, the budget implementation act; to zero-rate the medical cannabis tax in line with all other prescription medicine and to exempt medical cannabis products from any additional taxes by amending T 3 Amendments to the Excise Act, 2001 (Cannabis Taxation), the Excise Tax Act and Other Related Texts, 69(4) Section 2 of the Act, in order to allow for reasonable access to medical cannabis for all Canadians authorized to use it by a health care practitioner.CannabisPrescription drugsTax exemption43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01089432-01089 (Taxation)PeterJulianNew Westminster—BurnabyNDPBCJune 11, 2021January 8, 2020Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:WHEREAS, health care is a basic human right and no Canadian should be denied access to the prescription medicine they need to be healthy;WHEREAS, a "medical cannabis product" is a cannabis product sold for medical purposes pursuant to a license for the sale of cannabis for medical purposes granted in accordance with the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act or the Cannabis Act;WHEREAS, although medical cannabis does not have a DIN, it is produced and sold in a highly regulated regime known as the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations;WHEREAS, patients who are legally authorized/prescribed cannabis for medical purposes by a physician and prescribing healthcare practitioner can legally purchase quality-controlled cannabis for medical purposes from a Health Canada licensed producer;WHEREAS, the Canada Revenue Agency considers cannabis for medical purposes a tax-deductible medical expense; andWHEREAS, the Government of Canada allows for reasonable access to medical cannabis for all Canadians who have been authorized to use it by a health care practitioner.THEREFORE, your petitioners call on the Government of Canada to support Motion M-198, reverse its decision to apply an excise duty to cannabis sold for medical purposes; to recognize that medical cannabis should be exempt from the federal Goods and Services Tax; to exempt medical cannabis from any taxes including the new excise tax after the passage of Bill C-74, the budget implementation act; to zero-rate the medical cannabis tax in line with all other prescription medicine and to exempt medical cannabis products from any additional taxes by amending T 3 Amendments to the Excise Act, 2001 (Cannabis Taxation), the Excise Tax Act and Other Related Texts, 69(4) Section 2 of the Act, in order to allow for reasonable access to medical cannabis for all Canadians authorized to use it by a health care practitioner.CannabisPrescription drugsTax exemption43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2362e-2362 (Employment and labour)LeanneKorczakBlakeRichardsBanff—AirdrieConservativeABJanuary 9, 2020, at 5:17 p.m. (EDT)May 8, 2020, at 5:17 p.m. (EDT)May 11, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:The Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA) report entitled “Supporting Families After the Loss of a Child” and its seven recommendations are a path forward for ensuring that grieving parents do not have to endure further hardship or suffer any undue financial or emotional distress as a result of the design of government programming;Nearly a year has passed since the HUMA committee report was tabled, and no concrete action has been taken by the government; andGrieving parents will no longer accept excuses from this government and expect action to be taken immediately to provide better support and compassion for those who have suffered as a result of pregnancy and infant loss.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to immediately enact the seven recommendations of the HUMA committee report entitled “Supporting Families After the Loss of a Child”, including creating a new 12-week bereavement leave for parents grieving the death of a child.Deaths and funeralsEmployment insuranceInfantsLeave from work43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-00950432-00950 (Animals)DanAlbasCentral Okanagan—Similkameen—NicolaConservativeBCMay 11, 2021February 4, 2020PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONSWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:THAT animal testing is unnecessary to prove the safety of cosmetic products and alternative safety tests tend to be faster, more accurate and cheaper to perform than tests conducted using animals;WHEREAS a ban on cosmetic animal testing would not impact current cosmetic products for sale in Canada;WHEREAS the European Union (EU), one of the largest cosmetic markets in the world, banned cosmetic animal testing in 2013, and their cosmetic industry continues to grow;WHEREAS with the completion of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), it makes sense to harmonize cosmetic safety regulations with the EU to encourage trade;WHEREAS numerous countries have already successfully made the switch to using alternative safety tests, including: India, Turkey, Israel, Guatemala, Norway, Iceland, Serbia, New Zealand and Switzerland;WHEREAS Canadians overwhelmingly support a ban on cosmetic animal testing, with over half a million residents signing a petition calling for a global ban;THEREFORE, your petitioners call upon the House of Commons to support Bill S-214 and ban the sale and/or manufacture of animal tested cosmetics and their ingredients in Canada moving forward.Animal experimentationAnimal rights and welfareCosmetic products and toiletries43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2418e-2418 (Media and telecommunications)MarkJeftovicHon.MichaelChongWellington—Halton HillsConservativeONFebruary 6, 2020, at 4:13 p.m. (EDT)June 5, 2020, at 4:13 p.m. (EDT)June 5, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication, are fundamental freedoms guaranteed in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the foundation of a free and democratic society;On January 29, 2020, the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Legislative Review Panel (BTLR) submitted its final Report, Canada’s communications future: Time to act, to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, and the Minister of Heritage, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, that contains 97 recommendations “on modernizing the legislation governing Canada’s communications sector”;Many of the recommendations propose that the Government of Canada regulate free speech, free expression and the free press on the internet;Many of the recommendations propose that the Government of Canada regulate all media content on the internet, both domestic and foreign, including audio, audiovisual and news content; broadcasters and streaming services such as Netflix, Spotify and Amazon Prime; content aggregators such as Yahoo News; and sharing platforms such as YouTube, Facebook and others; andThese recommendations, if adopted by the Government of Canada, could lead to the largest regulation, and restriction, of free speech, free expression and the free press in Canadian history.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to Reject the recommendations regarding the legislation and regulation of free speech, free expression and the free press made by the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Legislative Review Panel’s final Report, Canada’s communications future: Time to act.Freedom of speechFreedom of the pressMedia and the press43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2364e-2364 (Holidays and observances)NickKerrToddDohertyCariboo—Prince GeorgeConservativeBCFebruary 6, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. (EDT)March 7, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. (EDT)March 9, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The Memorial Cross (more often referred to as the Silver Cross) was first instituted by Order-in-Council 2374, dated December 1, 1919 and is awarded to mothers and widows (next of kin) of Canadian soldiers who died on active duty or whose death was consequently attributed to such duty;Presented towards 109,000 deaths of Canadian soldiers who died on active duty or whose death was consequently attributed to such duty;Once a year the Royal Canadian Legion selects a National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mother to represent the mothers of Canada who lost children in military service at the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa, but unfortunately spouses and family members are excluded from this opportunity;The United States their Golden Star mothers on Gold Star Mother's Day, September 27, and Gold Star Spouses day, April 5; andAugust 14, the date of the first recorded Canadian death in service of WW1, Private Harry B. Little of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, could be the date selected to celebrate Memorial Cross Day.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to recognize Memorial (Silver) Cross mothers, spouses and family members by creating an officially recognized day (Memorial Cross Day). This day would be a tribute to all parents’, spouses and family members who lost a loved one as a result of their military service and to commemorate the contributions, commitments and sacrifices made by those parents, spouses and family members.Canadian ForcesMemorial Cross43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2444e-2444 (Health)MonikaWyrzykowskaRajSainiKitchener CentreLiberalONFebruary 24, 2020, at 3:40 p.m. (EDT)March 25, 2020, at 3:40 p.m. (EDT)April 2, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="253395" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Health</Addressee>Whereas:Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare disease that attacks the body’s muscles and affects one out of every 8,000 to 10,000 people worldwide;Type 1 specifically is the most severe, diagnosed prior to age one;There is a drug, Spinraza, that alleviates symptoms of SMA to an extent but is not a cure and requires ongoing and expensive medication for life;A possible cure, a gene therapy called Zolgensma, produced by the pharmaceutical company Novartis, is approved for sale in the United States;The cost of a one-time dose is a prohibitive $2.8 million and therefore completely out of reach for a middle class family;The federal government committed in 2019 to work with provinces and territories to develop a national strategy for high-cost drugs for rare diseases;Health Canada's Special Access Program “may provide access to a drugs (for serious or life-threatening conditions) that cannot otherwise be sold or distributed in Canada”; andThe program’s guidelines require that “conventional therapies have been considered and ruled out, have failed, are unsuitable, and/or unavailable” in order to be eligible.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Health to urgently and immediately review and revise the eligibility criteria for Health Canada’s Special Access program so that infants taking medications to manage symptoms of SMA Type 1 are not deemed ineligible from applying for life-saving drugs, thus giving the chance at a possible cure from a life-threatening rare disease.InfantsPharmaceuticalsSpecial Access to Drugs and Health Products ProgramSpinal muscular atrophy43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2402e-2402 (Veterans' affairs)JenniferSizerHon.ErinO'TooleDurhamConservativeONFebruary 28, 2020, at 12:28 p.m. (EDT)March 29, 2020, at 12:28 p.m. (EDT)April 2, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Parks Canada only offers free admission for new Canadian citizens and youth 17 and under;More than 155 active service members have taken their own lives since 2010. That nearly equals the 158 killed while serving in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2014;Pursuing outdoor activities like hiking, camping, mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking, and skiing helps veterans cope with PTSD symptoms and transition back into civilian life;The U.S. offers free admission to their veterans and serving members along with accompanying passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle; andThe pass covers the pass owner and three accompanying adults age 16 and older at sites where entrance fees are charged.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to revise Parks Canada fees at all locations such as National Historic Sites, National Marine Conservation Areas, National Parks, National Urban Parks and Hot Springs to a free yearly annual passes to Veterans, Active Duty Members of Canadian Armed Forces, and families of the fallen (Silver cross recipients), since by allowing this, it would relieve financial burdens that these members might face while visiting parks of the country they vowed to risk their lives to defend, increased exposure to the outdoors and help those suffering from physical injuries, mental health issues such as depression and PTSD and help reduce the high suicide rate in the serving and veteran community.Canadian ForcesDisabled veteransMental healthNational, provincial and territorial parks and reservesUser fees43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2451e-2451 (Citizenship and immigration)karenleungHon.AliceWongRichmond CentreConservativeBCMarch 2, 2020, at 9:33 a.m. (EDT)June 30, 2020, at 9:33 a.m. (EDT)September 30, 2020November 16, 2020June 30, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Foreign national tourists are giving birth in Canada solely to obtain Canadian Citizenship for their newborn children;These birth tourists are intentionally using deceitful methods to bypass the legitimate immigration process, which is morally wrong; andBirth tourists draw upon finite Canadian medical resources, but there are instances where they do not pay the costs associated, resulting in increased costs for Canadian taxpayers.We, the undersigned, Canadian citizens, call upon the Government of Canada to stop granting Canadian Citizenship to those born in Canada but whose parents are not Canadian citizens.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoCitizenship acquired through birth on soil is a long-standing policy in Canada. It has been in place since the first Canadian CitizenshipAct in 1947. With the exception of children of persons with diplomatic privileges and immunities, any person born in Canada is automatically a Canadian citizen.Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has measures in place to protect the integrity of Canada's immigration and citizenship programs.Foreign nationals seeking entry to Canada are required to state the purpose of their visit when applying for a visa. Applicants must always be honest about the purpose of their visit. All visitors to Canada must meet the requirements for temporary residence in Canada, as set out in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Visa applications are considered on a case-by-case basis on the specific facts presented by the applicant in each case. Decisions are made by highly trained visa officers in accordance with Canadian immigration law. Visa officers look at many factors when assessing whether an applicant is a genuine temporary resident. Providing false information or documents when dealing with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or Canada Border Services Agency is considered misrepresentation and has significant consequences. While providing false information is considered misrepresentation and has immigration consequences, non-residents ?giving birth in Canada is not considered fraud under the Citizenship Act. Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, a person is not inadmissible nor can they be denied a visa solely on the grounds that they are pregnant or that they may give birth in Canada.The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the public from fraud and unethical consulting practices and protecting the integrity of Canada’s immigration and citizenship programs. To this end, IRCC is currently implementing comprehensive reforms to strengthen measures to address the practices of unscrupulous consultants and exploitation of our programs through misrepresentation. Budget 2019 announced $51.9 million and $10.1 million ongoing to protect Canadians, and those seeking to start a new life in Canada, from unscrupulous immigration consultants. This will increase investigations and enforcement, expand public awareness and strengthen the oversight of consultants.
BirthsCitizenship and identityForeign persons
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2317e-2317 (Government services and administration)MackenzieCampbellLeahGazanWinnipeg CentreNDPMBMarch 13, 2020, at 5:01 p.m. (EDT)July 11, 2020, at 5:01 p.m. (EDT)June 7, 2021July 13, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons in Parliament assembled</Addressee>Whereas:Research supports the fact that quick access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) saves lives; Some provinces and municipalities in Canada have already legislated that AEDs be available in workplaces and public areas; andAs the Federal Government of Canada does not have a consistent approach to the installation of AEDs in it’s workplaces and the areas it’s serves the citizens of Canada in.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to directs departments, agencies and Crown corporations to install and maintain AEDs in all employee workplaces and in all areas that citizens access for government services within and outside Canada, and that this be implemented no later than one year from the date in which this petition is presented in this honorable House.DefibrillatorsGovernment facilitiesWorkplaces43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2442e-2442 (Foreign affairs)AdilAl-SerriIqraKhalidMississauga—Erin MillsLiberalONMarch 18, 2020, at 2:25 p.m. (EDT)July 16, 2020, at 2:25 p.m. (EDT)July 17, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The UN has declared the state of humanitarian emergency in Yemen;Around 80% of the population is in dire need of assistance, food, medical supplies, fuel, and access to safe zones;The media has not given the conflict in Yemen its fair share of coverage, and the situation in Yemen is not any less severe than in Iraq or Syria;Amnesty International has documented many human rights violations by different fighting parties against civilians;Violations include random bombardment of residential areas, kidnapping, and sieges around highly dense cities;The Groups of Five (G5) program allows five (or more) Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor a refugee living abroad to come to Canada, as long as the refugee is registered with the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) or foreign state; however, on October 19, 2012, the Government of Canada has temporarily exempted Syrians and Iraqis fleeing their local conflicts from the requirement of refugee status with the UNHCR; andThe stance of the government of Canada government towards refugees from Syria and Iraq is a world example of compassion and humanity, and Canadians aware of the situation in Yemen are seeking your help to grant them the same support and the ability to sponsor their families and loved ones via the G5 program, along with the exemptions mentioned above.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to extend the G5 exemptions granted to Iraqi and Syrian refugees to Yemeni refugees.Refugee sponsorshipRepublic of Yemen43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2499e-2499 (Health)RolandSchmidtHeatherMcPhersonEdmonton StrathconaNDPABMarch 30, 2020, at 2:16 p.m. (EDT)April 29, 2020, at 2:16 p.m. (EDT)April 30, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Postal workers are on the frontlines providing an essential service helping the public navigate the COVID-19 crisis;Postal workers welcome the opportunity to help Canadians navigate the COVID-19 crisis as long as they are empowered to do it as safely as possible without jeopardizing public safety;Canada Post has obstructed implementation of basic safety protocol as requested by postal workers;The virus can live on cardboard parcels up to 24 hours, and those infected can go unawares for up to 14 days;Two Canada Post facilities have already suspended processing and delivery due to COVID-19 contamination (St John's, NL & North Bay, ON); andThe highest possible safety standards are necessary for all levels of Canada Post operations to reduce the potential for our postal service to become a network spreading COVID-19.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to support the efforts and demands of frontline postal workers and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) for the following:1) To implement, in a timely manner, the best work practices and facility standards for postal workers to minimize the spread of COVID-19 among other postal workers, their families, and the public;2) To task third-party health experts, as agreed upon by CUPW and the Prime Minister's office, to audit Canada Post operations and implement timely changes that will allow postal processing and delivery to maintain safety standards minimizing, as much as possible, the spread of COVID-19; and3) To refuse unsafe working conditions should Canada Post remain unresponsive to the safety concerns of postal workers.Canada Post CorporationCOVID-19Operational reviewsPostal workersWorkplace health and safety43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2470e-2470 (Environment)LeahMcQueenBobZimmerPrince George—Peace River—Northern RockiesConservativeBCMay 7, 2020, at 3:25 p.m. (EDT)September 4, 2020, at 3:25 p.m. (EDT)June 22, 2021September 8, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Community leaders throughout Northeastern British Columbia have expressed grave concern over the lack of consultation with regards to proposed caribou recovery plans;Over 55,000 individuals have signed a petition calling on the provincial government to further consult users, stakeholders, businesses, and local government, immediately begin economic and socio-economic impact studies on the Northeast region, and provide baseline data on populations and relevant science-based studies to support closures and recovery plans;Premier John Horgan has publicly admitted that local leadership will not be formally included in the partnership agreement despite the recommendation made by his now former community liaison on caribou recovery;Premier John Horgan's community liaison on caribou recovery has since resigned; andThe Government of Canada is one of the signatories on the caribou Partnership Agreement.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to work with the province of British Columbia to ensure that local voices are being considered, including consulting further with community leadership and local caribou experts on the ground.British ColumbiaCaribouEndangered speciesPublic consultation43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2555e-2555 (Social affairs and equality)NealJenningsPeterJulianNew Westminster—BurnabyNDPBCMay 26, 2020, at 9:35 a.m. (EDT)July 25, 2020, at 9:35 a.m. (EDT)June 3, 2021July 27, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:Providing a basic income to residents has been shown in tests around the world to improve social outcomes and equity;The government has introduced measures to provide income to those who cannot work due to the COVID-19 crisis;Canada already provides a universal basic income to seniors, the Old Age Security (OAS);Canada also provides other payments such as Employment Insurance (EI), and similar provincial benefits;Canada currently provides low-income residents with tax credits such as the GST/HST credit and Canada workers benefit rather than ensuring no Canadian resident lives in poverty;Canada is facing an economic climate that could lead to substantial permanent job losses, induced not only by the COVID-19 pandemic but also by automation, as well as the transition away from fossil fuels;Lack of income is a leading contributor to Canada's housing and mental health crises; andThe OAS is an existing benefit known to work, easy to administer, taxable, means-tested (through the Part I.2 tax clawback), and includes guaranteed income through the Guaranteed Income Supplement.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to extend, on a permanent basis, the OAS to all Canadian residents aged 18 or over, being the age at which the Canada Child Benefit expires. The new All Age Security should be fixed annually at a dollar amount that exceeds the poverty income level, while retaining the existing taxation and clawback rules for the OAS. This change would allow the elimination of EI, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, and other similar programs.Guaranteed annual income43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2673e-2673 (Social affairs and equality)PatrickPaulinAlainRayesRichmond—ArthabaskaConservativeQCJune 18, 2020, at 4:35 p.m. (EDT)September 16, 2020, at 4:35 p.m. (EDT)September 17, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The lockdown has led institutions, business and community organizations to adapt through the increased, if not exclusive, use of technology and virtual practices for all their services: information, support, assistance, socialization activities, etc., making people with disabilities dependent on a computer and an internet connection in order to access services and maintain social and support links;People with disabilities, who are over-represented in poverty statistics and tend to have poor digital skills, face a financial and skills barrier to using technology and engaging in virtual practices;This barrier to access constitutes a form of exclusion and discrimination, as well as poses a risk to physical and psychological health (access to information, support, etc.) and reinforces the social isolation of people with disabilities; andPeople with disabilities are also over-represented in the statistics concerning the co-occurrence of disabilities and health conditions that pose a medical risk related to COVID-19, a situation that does not allow them to expect a return to normal activities (once the lockdown is eased) in the short or medium term.We, the undersigned, people with disabilities in Quebec, call upon the Government of Canada to financially support people with disabilities living in poverty so they can have access to computer equipment and an affordable internet connection, modelled on the existing federal “Connecting Families” program, as well as all community-based disability organizations so that they can assist people with disabilities acquire digital skills.COVID-19Information technologyPandemicPersons with disabilities43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2690e-2690 (Democratic process)BrianKerrJamieSchmaleHaliburton—Kawartha Lakes—BrockConservativeONJune 26, 2020, at 4:11 p.m. (EDT)October 24, 2020, at 4:11 p.m. (EDT)June 11, 2021October 26, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons in Parliament assembled</Addressee>Whereas:There is currently no election law at the federal level that allows elected politicians to be removed from Parliament before their four year term by eligible to vote Canadian citizens.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to pass a bill that allows for recall referendums.Federal electionsVoiding of an election43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2720e-2720 (Citizenship and immigration)ClaudeSaizonouBrianMasseWindsor WestNDPONAugust 18, 2020, at 9:40 a.m. (EDT)October 17, 2020, at 9:40 a.m. (EDT)October 20, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:COVID- 19 has exposed Canada’s desperate need for workers and immigrants to drive our economy;While many people could work from home during the pandemic, many asylum seekers and undocumented foreign nationals did not stop working and continued to provide essential, necessary support to help the sick and vulnerable;Many refugee claimants are already absorbed or acclimatized to Canadian system and have been employed, settled, contributing and paying taxes for many years; andThese refugees and undocumented immigrants who have or can contribute to Canada's economy and society must be given the opportunity to continue to do so with legal status and its benefits.We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to 1) Temporarily suspend deportation orders issued pursuant to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act subsection 41(a), section 19 and section 20(1)(a) to refugee claimants; 2) Allow refugees, including failed refugees, and undocumented immigrants, to apply for permanent residency in the economic categories from within Canada; and 3) Recognize the work done by undocumented migrants and refugees, and recognize any work periods interrupted by COVID-19, as part of working time requirements for permanant residency applications.COVID-19Immigration and immigrantsPandemicRefugees43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2722e-2722 (Holidays and observances)CamilleKerrGaryAnandasangareeScarborough—Rouge ParkLiberalONJuly 17, 2020, at 1:32 p.m. (EDT)November 14, 2020, at 1:32 p.m. (EDT)June 21, 2021November 16, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Canada is home to a large and vibrant Caribbean-Canadian community in excess of 800,000, a diverse group representing 43 Caribbean nations, regions and territories, and a uniquely wide range of ancestries, such as Indigenous, European, South American, African and Asian, and a multitude of languages including the six official languages (English, French, Dutch, Spanish, Creole and Papiamento);October is an important month for Caribbean-Canadians, since Caribbean immigration and settlement within Canada significantly increased after improvements were made to the immigration regulations in October 1967;The Government of Canada recognizes the significant, long-standing contributions that Caribbean-Canadians have made, dating back to the eighteenth century, to Canada’s social, economic, political and cultural fabric; andBy designating the month of October as Caribbean Heritage Month, the Government of Canada would provide an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about Caribbean-Canadians and the important and inspirational role that they have played and continue to play in communities across Canada.We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to proclaim the month of October as “Caribbean Heritage Month”.Caribbean CanadiansCaribbean Heritage MonthCultural heritage43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2744e-2744 (Parliament and politics)Danah-LeeKriegerMichaelBarrettLeeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau LakesConservativeONJuly 21, 2020, at 2:44 p.m. (EDT)August 20, 2020, at 2:44 p.m. (EDT)August 24, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="6" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Prime Minister</Addressee>Whereas:After several serious breaches of Canadian ethical laws (fully admitted by the Prime Minister), we propose that Justin Trudeau step down to keep the integrity of the Prime Minister's office; A full investigation must take place; Laws must be followed by all Canadians, including elected officials who work for the Canadian people; andThe standard must be higher and completely transparent when working for the public and receiving your pay cheque from the public purse.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Prime Minister to step down while a full investigation takes place regarding his ethical breach with the WE organization.Canada Student Service GrantCharitable organizationsConflict of interestConflict of Interest and Ethics CommissionerCOVID-19Full-time studentsGovernment contractsInquiries and public inquiriesPandemicPrime MinisterTrudeau, JustinVolunteering and volunteersWE Charity43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2756e-2756 (Health)ShaniquaWrightGaryAnandasangareeScarborough—Rouge ParkLiberalONAugust 25, 2020, at 3:13 p.m. (EDT)November 23, 2020, at 3:13 p.m. (EDT)November 24, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Black Toronto residents are 20 times more likely to be shot and killed by police than white residents;Most Canadian residents killed by police since 2000 struggled with their mental health or abused substances;Toronto trains their officers over 24 weeks - mental health and anti-discrimination training is not included;One in three Canadians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime;In Ontario, wait times for counselling can be anywhere from 6 months to a year; andMobile Crisis Intervention Teams cannot be called directly and to access them, you must call either 9-1-1 or the non-emergency police number. This can cause misinformation/miscommunication.We, the undersigned, concerned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to establish an emergency crisis line (ECL). We are asking that this line have a national number (ex. 808) that people in crisis and/or people concerned for someone in crisis can call to get support. This number will operate similar to 9-1-1, but instead of calling 9-1-1, folks will call ECL and a dispatcher will arrange for a first responder to be on scene as soon as possible. With an existing emergency crisis line we ask for the immediate defunding and abolishment of the Mobile Crisis Intervention Teams in Toronto and identical/similar services all over Canada. We ask that ECL members have full control and jurisdiction of all crisis and/or mentally ill driven situations and that police have none. Establishing an emergency crisis line will also create jobs but above all and most importantly ECL will save lives.Emergency servicesMental healthSafety43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2815e-2815 (Taxation)LeanneKorczakBlakeRichardsBanff—AirdrieConservativeABAugust 28, 2020, at 3:38 p.m. (EDT)December 26, 2020, at 3:38 p.m. (EDT)December 29, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="6" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Prime Minister</Addressee>Whereas:The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has come to an agreement with the University of British Columbia (UBC) worth $250,000 to research a federal home equity tax;Researchers from the same university referred to homeowners as “lottery winners with an unfair tax advantage” in 2019;Millions of Canadians have purchased homes as not only a place to live, but an investment they hope to see grow in value over the years;It is wrong to punish homeowners with added taxes when they sell their home after years of investment; andThe Prime Minister and cabinet have failed to fully reject the idea of a home equity tax.We, the undersigned, Canadian citizens, call upon the Prime Minister to:1. Immediately cancel the agreement made between the CMHC and UBC to study the idea of a home equity tax; and2. Reject any possibility of this tax being implemented in the future.Canada Mortgage and Housing CorporationCapital gains taxColleges and universities partnershipsHome ownershipUniversity of British Columbia43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2817e-2817 (Public safety)EDYJoachimGregFergusHull—AylmerLiberalQCSeptember 15, 2020, at 8:31 a.m. (EDT)December 14, 2020, at 8:31 a.m. (EDT)December 14, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:There are persistent gross inequalities, police brutality, racial profiling and the rise of systemic racism, which has been scientifically analyzed and documented in Canada;The Prime Minister recognized in his June 7, 2020, speech that systemic racism is a problem everywhere in Canada, in all our institutions, including our police forces;There is an urgent need for effective measures to combat systemic racism in Canada; andIt is necessary to adequately sort through reports of real racism, false alarms and other crisis situations unrelated to racism.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to make a resolution requiring the federal government to urgently activate a “Racism Alert” number (111). This reporting tool, available throughout Canada, will be for potential victims of racist incidents that endanger human life and social peace.Crime reportingHelp line servicesRacial equality43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01136432-01136 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 16, 2021September 16, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01112432-01112 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 14, 2021September 16, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01053432-01053 (Foreign affairs)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABJune 7, 2021September 16, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2841e-2841 (Justice)MyrabellePoulinAndréanneLaroucheSheffordBloc QuébécoisQCSeptember 25, 2020, at 10:47 a.m. (EDT)December 24, 2020, at 10:47 a.m. (EDT)December 24, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Psychological violence is defined as a form of violence directed at someone else that does not involve physical violence and that, in the context of intimate partner violence, is characterized by morally aggressive coercion and control of an intimate partner;Psychological violence leads to significant psychological trauma resulting in various symptoms requiring long-term care: anxiety, excessive worry, hypervigilance, insomnia, pain, depersonalization, depression, suicide risk, post-traumatic stress disorder, behavioural disorders, loss of confidence and self-esteem, etc.;The Criminal Code does not prohibit any form of psychological violence, particularly in the context of intimate partner violence;Using psychological violence, a spouse belittles, insults, intimidates, isolates, monitors, financially controls, accuses, throws objects, threatens to kill or injure, threatens to share intimate images, threatens to kill or injure a child, causes property damage, etc., all as a way to assert dominance over his partner;Jurisdictions such as France, England and Wales have already criminalized psychological violence to better protect women who are victims of intimate partner violence; andCanada has been slow to adequately protect women and children who are victims of psychological domestic violence.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to table legislation criminalizing domestic psychological violence.Controlling or coercive conductCriminalizationDomestic violence43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2857e-2857 (Foreign affairs)HenryEvans-TenbrinkeNikiAshtonChurchill—Keewatinook AskiNDPMBSeptember 29, 2020, at 9:14 a.m. (EDT)January 27, 2021, at 9:14 a.m. (EDT)January 27, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons in Parliament assembled</Addressee>Whereas:Meng Wanzhou, Huawei Corporation CFO, committed no crime in Canada;Realizing her arrest was politically motivated because President Trump declared he might release Meng if he secured a favourable trade deal with China and because he told John Bolton that Meng was “a bargaining chip” in his negotiations;Noting that before her arrest in Vancouver on December 1, 2018, Meng travelled through many countries all of which refused US requests to extradite her;Observing that, in their letter of October 11, 2018, US senators Rubio and Wagner of the Select Intelligence Committee advised PM Trudeau to exclude Huwaei Corporation from the deployment of 5G technology in Canada;Understanding that the US is illegally trying to exercise extraterritoriality in prosecuting Meng to enforce its unilateral and illegal sanctions against Iran;Alarmed that Meng’s arrest caused a major deterioration in Canada-China relations with serious negative consequences for many Canadians, while providing no benefit for Canada and instead contributing to a new cold war with China; andRecognizing that it is entirely within the discretion of Immigration Minister Mendicino and in accordance with the rule of law for him to end extradition proceedings against Meng.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1) Cease extradition proceedings against Meng and release her immediately;2) Protect Canadian jobs by permitting Huawei Canada to participate in the Canadian deployment of a 5G internet network; and3) Initiate a long-overdue foreign policy review to develop an independent foreign policy for Canada.ChinaForeign policyHuawei Technologies Co., Ltd.Imprisonment and prisonersTelecommunications networksWanzhou, Meng43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01063432-01063 (Holidays and observances)PeterJulianNew Westminster—BurnabyNDPBCJune 8, 2021October 5, 2020PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONSWHEREAS, connecting people to community is key to successful long-term addiction recovery; WHEREAS, a socio-cultural approach to recovery involves both the individual and their social and physical environment; WHEREAS, supporting the community plays a significant role in helping the community at large to learn about recovery, save lives with inspiration and educate people on how to access the health care system; WHEREAS, community inspires recovery when it is founded on the principles of compassion, trust, faith, integrity, diversity, fun and unity to provide therapeutic environments in which individuals and families are assisted in developing skills necessary to live free in recovery; WHEREAS, Recovery Service Providers across Canada are working together to overcome addiction;WHEREAS, Recovery Day events held across Canada in September are open for all to attend, people in recovery, those who support recovery, and those who are still in active addiction looking for solutions are invited to participate, andWHEREAS, many local and provincial governments support the initiative to have the month of September declared "National Addiction Recovery Awareness Month". We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to support Motion M-40, which calls on Canada to designate the month of September, every year, as National Recovery Awareness Month to recognize and support Canadians recovering from addiction and to demonstrate that recovery from addiction is possible, attainable and sustainable.National Recovery Awareness MonthRecovery and healing43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01192432-01192 (Media and telecommunications)Hon.RobMooreFundy RoyalConservativeNBJune 21, 2021October 13, 2020Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament Assembled The Petition of the undersigned residents of Hwy 114 and Mechanic Settlement of Kings county New Brunswick, humbly sheweth that the Honorable assembled members of this House, provide or have provisioned for, we the petitioners to have consistent and reliable Cellular Phone coverage and High speed internet in our area to allow us to:
  1. Have an internet connection with sufficient strength, quality, speed and low latency to allow persons to work from home (uninterrupted two way conferences), students to complete their schoolwork and studies from home.
  2. Be able to make and receive cell phone calls, for business, emergency and general communications from home and area, without the fear of calls being dropped because of insufficient signal strength, quality or both.
As our society moves relentlessly toward the need for ever faster devices and services we the petitioners have very spotty if any cellular service and our so called high speed internet is provided by high orbit satellite which is saddled with a high return latency rates of up to 1 second that completely disallows any real time events due to it's very nature. Although the download speed is sufficient allowing for adequate one way streaming the upload speed coupled with the latency precludes any useful real time two way interactions. During this troubling time of COVID-19 the need for reliable communications internet and cellular services has become increasingly important. With businesses requiring employees to work from home, participating in online meetings, children and adults completing school courses and assignments from home. While instituting these work and study from home procedures and programs this requirement will become more prevalent and permanent going forward. Making our request ever more urgent.Whereof your petitioners humbly pray that your Honorable House may be please to take the appropriate action to grant our request as in duty bound your petitioners will ever pray.
Broadband Internet servicesNew BrunswickRural communities
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01061432-01061 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 7, 2021October 21, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2896e-2896 (Media and telecommunications)HughWallisJamieSchmaleHaliburton—Kawartha Lakes—BrockConservativeONOctober 15, 2020, at 6:38 p.m. (EDT)December 14, 2020, at 6:38 p.m. (EDT)June 11, 2021December 15, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:In 2016, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) declared high-speed Internet an essential service;The Government of Canada has indicated that the provision of high-speed Internet to all areas of Canada, including rural areas and indigenous communities, is a priority;Existing Internet services are either inadequate, unaffordably priced, or non-existent for many areas of Canada, especially rural areas and Indigenous communities;On May 20, 2020, SpaceX filed a request to the CRTC to obtain a BITS License, Ref. 8190-S206-202002799, which has still not been approved;The request has received wide support from the general public, especially those living or running businesses in underserved rural areas and Indigenous communities in Canada as evidenced by over 2000 supportive interventions filed to the CRTC, in respect of this request;Objections have mostly come from competitive companies who are, nevertheless, unable or unwilling to provide satisfactory service, or even any service at all, to currently underserved rural areas and indigenous communities; andSpaceX has indicated that, following the currently running, successful, private beta test, they will very shortly be in a technical position to start a public beta test of this service in both the northern USA and southern Canada.We, the undersigned, citizens or residents of Canada, who are concerned at the inordinate delay in approving necessary licences to SpaceX for their Starlink service, call upon the Government of Canada to encourage the CRTC to expedite the approval of SpaceX's request for any and all licencing required to begin providing Starlink high-speed Internet service to Canadians, to ensure that all Canadians, especially the many rural and Indigenous businesses who are presently unable to obtain satisfactory Internet service, are not left behind and competitively disadvantaged.Broadband Internet servicesCanadian Radio-television and Telecommunications CommissionCommunication satellite industryGovernment contractsIndigenous reservesRural communitiesSpaceX43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2855e-2855 (Parliament and politics)RichardGuerraMichaelBarrettLeeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau LakesConservativeONNovember 4, 2020, at 9:42 a.m. (EDT)December 4, 2020, at 9:42 a.m. (EDT)December 7, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons in Parliament assembled</Addressee>Whereas:Canada's Conflict of Interest Act does not provide any sanctions for breaches found by the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner other than an administrative penalty of $500;There appears to be no shame for having been found guilty of breaching the Conflict of Interest Act;Increasing the amount of the fine would be effectively irrelevant to most Members of the House of Commons of Canada; andRemoval of the honorific "Honourable" from those Members of Parliament found guilty of violating the Conflict of Interest Act would serve as a greater deterrent;We, the undersigned, the citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to amend the Standing Orders of the House of Commons to prohibit Members of Parliament from using the honorific "Honourable Member" to address a fellow Member of Parliament that has been convicted of violating the Conflict of Interest Act.Conflict of interestMembers of ParliamentProtocol and etiquetteStanding Orders of the House of Commons43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2958e-2958 (Environment)MichaelPrideHon.MichaelChongWellington—Halton HillsConservativeONNovember 5, 2020, at 4:19 p.m. (EDT)March 5, 2021, at 4:19 p.m. (EDT)March 8, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The Liberal Government campaigned on a promise to ban some single use plastics; By declaring plastic as a toxic substance, they have taken a bold step in the fight against our addiction to plastic; We applaud these measures; however, they do not go far enough;The energy needed to make bottled water is up to 2000 times the energy needed for the equivalent volume of tap water; It takes more water to create the plastic bottle than the water bottle will actually hold. (Gleick, P.H. and Cooley, H.S. “Energy implications of bottled water.” (Environmental Research Letters 4 (2009)) ;Water bottlers have zero responsibility when it comes to the waste their bottles create;Every human is ingesting nearly 2000 particles of plastic a week, five grams of plastics, the equivalent of one plastic credit card; More than half the plastic on Earth has been created since 2002, and it’s on pace to double by 2030 (Planet Plastic, Rolling Stone, March 3,2020); A landmark study in the journal Science Advances found that 91% of the 6.3 trillion kilograms of plastic waste has never been recycled, not even once; Unlike aluminum, which can be recycled again and again, plastic degrades in reprocessing; Recycling has a limited value and we cannot rely on it as a solution; andIn Ontario alone, one billion plastic water bottles are sent to landfill every year (Environmental Defence).We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to include plastic water bottles on the list of single use plastics that need to be phased out permanently in 2021.BanBottled water and water bottlesPlastics43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01019432-01019 (Public safety)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABMay 31, 2021November 12, 2020Petition to the Government of Canada We, the undersigned Citizens and Residents of Canada draw the attention of the Government of Canada to the following:
  • That highly damaging noise levels repeatedly reach the ears of firearm users despite the use of traditional hearing protection;
  • That section 7 of our Charter of Rights and Freedoms recognises an individual's right to personal health and safety;
  • That sound moderators are the only universally recognised health and safety device that has a criminal prohibition in Canada;
  • That, as affirmed in Bedford v. Canada at the Supreme Court of Canada, one cannot be prevented from taking reasonable steps to improve personal safety in a hazardous situation;
  • That the majority of G7 nations and many others have recognised the health and safety benefits involved, and allow the legal use of sound moderators by hunters and sport shooters;
  • That sound moderators reduce noise pollution and noise complaints in communities with shooting ranges, in rural and farm communities, and in areas used for recreational activities where hunting and target shooting is legal;
  • That sound moderators facilitate significantly increased humane husbandry of game animals, livestock, and pets as hunting companions;
  • That hearing damage is a significant quality of life and public health issue costing taxpayers millions annually.
THEREFORE, your petitioners call upon the Government of Canada to:
  • Take a stand and empower Canadians to be responsible for their own health and safety by removing the prohibition of sound moderators from the Criminal Code of Canada;
  • Allow the legal acquisition, possession, and use of sound moderators on firearms by all licensed firearms users in Canada;
  • Call upon the provinces and territories to amend provincial and territorial prohibitions and allow the use of sound moderators while engaged in all legal hunting and sport shooting activities.
Gun controlHearing health
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01212432-01212 (Public safety)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABJune 22, 2021November 12, 2020Petition to the Government of Canada We, the undersigned Citizens and Residents of Canada draw the attention of the Government of Canada to the following:
  • That highly damaging noise levels repeatedly reach the ears of firearm users despite the use of traditional hearing protection;
  • That section 7 of our Charter of Rights and Freedoms recognises an individual's right to personal health and safety;
  • That sound moderators are the only universally recognised health and safety device that has a criminal prohibition in Canada;
  • That, as affirmed in Bedford v. Canada at the Supreme Court of Canada, one cannot be prevented from taking reasonable steps to improve personal safety in a hazardous situation;
  • That the majority of G7 nations and many others have recognised the health and safety benefits involved, and allow the legal use of sound moderators by hunters and sport shooters;
  • That sound moderators reduce noise pollution and noise complaints in communities with shooting ranges, in rural and farm communities, and in areas used for recreational activities where hunting and target shooting is legal;
  • That sound moderators facilitate significantly increased humane husbandry of game animals, livestock, and pets as hunting companions;
  • That hearing damage is a significant quality of life and public health issue costing taxpayers millions annually.
THEREFORE, your petitioners call upon the Government of Canada to:
  • Take a stand and empower Canadians to be responsible for their own health and safety by removing the prohibition of sound moderators from the Criminal Code of Canada;
  • Allow the legal acquisition, possession, and use of sound moderators on firearms by all licensed firearms users in Canada;
  • Call upon the provinces and territories to amend provincial and territorial prohibitions and allow the use of sound moderators while engaged in all legal hunting and sport shooting activities.
Gun controlHearing health
43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2968e-2968 (Foreign affairs)AnzalaMurtazJagSahotaCalgary SkyviewConservativeABNovember 12, 2020, at 5:11 p.m. (EDT)March 12, 2021, at 5:11 p.m. (EDT)March 16, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Mass detention and genocidal acts against Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims in concentration camps in Xinjiang, China;Forced population control of females of Uyghur/Turkic Muslim descent in Xinjiang, China;Coercive labour done by detainees of Uyghur/Turkic Muslim descent in Xinjiang, China;The detainees, including children, are exposed to various forms of violation of fundamental human rights; These include being exposed to physical, emotional, sexual abuse, invasive means of coercive population control and abortions, and forced labour done by detainees; andThe United Nations' definition of crimes against humanity include the murder, imprisonment, enforced sterilization of a group of people and the very Nazi-like detainment of Uyghur and other Turkic Muslims certainly falls in that category.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to impose the Magnitsky Act against the government of China for the detention of 2 million Uyghur and other Turkic Muslims in Xinjiang, China. ChinaCivil and human rightsEconomic sanctionsForeign policyUyghur43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2984e-2984 (Indigenous affairs)DavidPitawanakwatMatthewGreenHamilton CentreNDPONNovember 17, 2020, at 8:47 a.m. (EDT)February 15, 2021, at 8:47 a.m. (EDT)February 15, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:The Haudenosaunee people have a well-documented claim to the 1784 Haldimand Tract, a treaty between the Haudenosaunee and the British Crown on 950,000 acres of land, running six miles on each side of the Grand River, from its mouth to its source;Unresolved land claims at Six Nations Territory have existed since 1982;Structural racism entrenched in our courts and law enforcement have resulted in the discriminatory use of laws to target, harass, and intimidate land defenders; andLand defenders have been defamed as “terrorists” for protecting their lands in an effort to ensure future generations have access their ancestral lands and territories.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:1. Return 1492 Landback Lane to the Haudenosaunee peoples and put a moratorium on developments on all disputed lands in the Haldimand Tract, to prevent irreparable harm to both Indigenous peoples and innocent third parties; 2. Ensure that that the Crown negotiates with the Haudenosaunee Confederacy Council;3. Recognize Haudenosaunee Law as an equally legitimate, binding authority in the eyes of Canadian and provincial courts;4. Implement mandatory training that all judges and law practitioners in Canada must undertake to ensure they are practicing, interpreting and upholding Indigenous legal orders; 6. Prevent injunctions from being used as a tool to prevent Indigenous people from lawfully defending their land and following their duties in accordance with Indigenous legal orders; and7. Ensure that municipalities are not excused from upholding the honour of the Crown, a direct contravention of Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Haudenosaunee ConfederacyHistoric treatiesIndigenous land claimsIndigenous policyLaw enforcement43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2988e-2988 (Media and telecommunications)LineLégaréStéphaneLauzonArgenteuil—La Petite-NationLiberalQCNovember 18, 2020, at 4:31 p.m. (EDT)January 17, 2021, at 4:31 p.m. (EDT)January 18, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas: Access to high-speed internet is not equitable in Saint-Adolphe-d’Howard in the province of Quebec;Internet service is uneven, inadequate or simply non-existent;The pandemic has aggravated problems and regional inequities with respect to telework and distance education;Lockdown measures have and will have many impacts;Distance education should be available to all students;The Internet facilitates and maintains communication for families, loved ones and caregivers;The Internet promotes access to media, information, culture and the arts;This tool is essential to regional economic development and recovery and service failures have major consequences; andMany regions are ready to roll out the network but cannot because of barriers involving applications for permits to access support structures (poles) belonging to businesses that own these sites. We, the undersigned, residents of Saint-Adolphe-d’Howard in the province of Quebec, call upon the Government of Canada to invest heavily and quickly to expand rural broadband connectivity by meeting the 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload targets set by the CRTC in 2016, to foster healthy competition and equitable access in terms of cost, to urge large corporations to roll out infrastructure providing Internet access and to hold large corporations accountable for their actions.Broadband Internet servicesRural communities43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2986e-2986 (Education and training)Brandon RhéalAmyotLaurelCollinsVictoriaNDPBCNovember 18, 2020, at 4:33 p.m. (EDT)January 17, 2021, at 4:33 p.m. (EDT)February 4, 2021March 22, 2021January 18, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Canada's post-secondary education system requires students to take on unprecedented debt to obtain an education that is increasingly a necessity;As of 2016, student debt in Canada exceeds $36 billion with $18 billion owed federally and is the cause of one in six bankruptcies;39% of students are struggling with food insecurity due to the rising and unaffordable cost of food, tuition fees, and housing;Canada's youth unemployment rate reached an all-time high of 29.4% in May and is still at crisis levels (18.8% as of October) while further deterioration remains a strong possibility due to the second wave; andBold national leadership is required to transform the current piecemeal funded post-secondary system into a high-quality, well-resourced system that will benefit students and Canada as a whole.We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, students studying in Canada, and post-secondary education stakeholders, call upon the Government of Canada to implement a plan for pandemic relief and stimulus for Canada’s post-secondary sector and students that:1. Utilizes the funds originally allocated for the CSSG and remaining funds from the $9 billion allocated for post-secondary students in April to extend the CESB while also including International students;2. Includes newly graduating students and recent graduates (retroactive to Fall 2019) in Employment Insurance and the new CRB program;3. Extends the moratorium on student debt loan interest and payments until May 1, 2021, with consideration of further extensions based on the public health and economic situation, and commits to significant student debt relief;4. Expands the Canada Student Grant, returns to 50-50 cost-sharing with provinces and territories, and increases funding for post-secondary institutions.
Response by the Minister of SeniorsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Government of Canada recognizes the challenges that students face in accessing post-secondary education and remains committed to ensuring that post-secondary education is affordable and student debt is manageable, even as the cost of education continues to rise.Over the course of the last few years, the Government of Canada has invested significantly to support post-secondary education students. Starting in Budget 2016, the Government of Canada increased Canada Student Grants by 50% and expanded eligibility to more students, especially benefiting students from low-income families. As a result, over 478,000 students from low- and middle-income families are receiving up to $3,000 per year in support they do not need to repay, and students with disabilities and those with children receive even more through targeted grants. Thanks to these enhancements, almost one third of a student’s total federal financial assistance comes from grants that do not need to be repaid, and this contributes to lowering their overall debt load in the long-run.In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada also expanded eligibility for the Repayment Assistance Program, which provides support to borrowers who have difficulty repaying their Canada Student Loans. Canada Student Loan borrowers using Repayment Assistance Program do not have to make a payment until they earn at least $25,000, an increase over the previous level of $20,210. Repayment Assistance Program also makes it easier for student loan borrowers to manage their debt by paying back what they can reasonably afford, and ensures that borrowers who qualify will have an affordable monthly payment. In 2018-2019, more than 330,000 borrowers benefited from Repayment Assistance Program, of which 85% were not required to make any payments on their loans. Announced in Budget 2019 and beginning November 1, 2019, the Government lowered the interest rate on Canada Student Loans and made the six-month non-repayment period interest-free. The floating interest rate, the rate chosen by approximately 99% of Canada Student Loan borrowers, was lowered to prime, from its previous rate of prime plus 2.5%. The fixed rate was also reduced from prime plus 5% to prime plus 2%. Together, these measures will help over 1.1 million borrowers and provide the average borrower with savings of approximately $2,000 over the life of their loan.Taken together, these measures have benefited students such that the three-year default rate on direct loans has fallen to an all time low of 9% and Canada Student Loan debt has, in real terms, plateaued over the last decade.The Government of Canada also provides targeted supports for Indigenous students, through an investment of $327.5 million over five years in the Post-Secondary Student Support Program for First Nations learners, $125.5 million over 10 years for Inuit student access to post-secondary education, and $362 million over 10 years for Métis student access to post-secondary education. In addition, the Government of Canada is investing over $11.8 million annually from 2019-20 to 2021-22 (and then $3.8 million ongoing) in Indspire, an Indigenous-led registered charity that supports the education of Indigenous people. Indspire provides mentoring, learning supports as well as scholarships and bursaries to First Nation and Inuit students to pursue post-secondary education. In 2018-19, Indspire provided $16.3 million through 5,553 scholarships and bursaries to First Nation, Métis and Inuit students.The Government of Canada recognizes that student are facing unprecedented challenges as a result of the pandemic, including disruptions in their studies and internship opportunities, the transition to new forms of learning, a lack of summer and student employment, a reduced ability to save for school, and greater overall uncertainty about the future. These barriers are occurring at a time when access to post-secondary education is more important than ever for economic success in Canada’s modern and evolving labour market.In order to maintain and expand access to post-secondary education during the pandemic, the Government of Canada, announced a series of measures as part of its COVID-19 Emergency Response Plan that will help Canadian students and recent graduates overcome these challenges and support their future success. For example, the Government of Canada has adopted the following measures:
  • From March 30, 2020, to September 30, 2020, interest accrual was paused on all Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans, and no payments were required. This relief measure was automatically applied and is estimated to have benefited approximately 1.1 million students in repayment. This measure expired at the same time as the introduction of interest- and payment-free leave for a maximum of 18 months for borrowers taking temporary leave from their studies for medical or parental reasons (expected to benefit 5,300 students annually). The Government has also taken steps to ensure that borrowers are aware of Repayment Assistance Program if they continue to face financial challenges following the end of the repayment freeze, and eligible borrowers are encouraged to apply.
  • The Government of Canada introduced the Canada Emergency Student Benefit, which provided financial support from May to August 2020 to students who could not find summer employment due to COVID-19, or were working but did not expect to make more than $1,000 (before taxes) over the four-week period for which they were applying. Eligible students received $1,250 per month, and students with dependants or a disability received an additional $750 per month, for a total of $2,000 per month. More than 700,000 unique students (over 2 million total applications) received close to $3 billion in financial support through the Canada Emergency Student Benefit. The benefit ended on September 30, 2020, and authorities for the funding expired thereafter.
  • The Government of Canada also increased supports available through the Canada Student Loans Program for the 2020-2021 school year, so that students facing financial difficulties could access and afford post-secondary education.
    • The value of Canada Student Grants was doubled for all eligible full-time students (up to $6,000 per year), and part-time students (up to $3,600 per year). Canada Student Service Grant for students with permanent disabilities and dependants were also doubled.
    • The weekly cap on Canada Student Loans was increased from $210 to $350.
    • The expected contribution from students and their spouses in determining the amount of financial aid a student can receive was removed.
Taken together, it is expected that Canada Student Loan measures will benefit approximately 765,000 returning and prospective students.Most recently, in the November 2020 Fall Economic Statement, the Government of Canada announced the temporary elimination of interest on Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans, in order to ease the financial burden of student debt during the economic recovery. Pending parliamentary approvals and at a cost of $329.4 million, this measure will take effect on April 1, 2021, and be in place for one year, bringing much needed relief to 1.4 million Canadians who are looking for work or are otherwise in the early stages of their careers.The Government also recognizes the unique situation faced by international students. A strong quality of life and world-class educational institutions means that Canada attracts a significant number of international students each year. In 2019, there were more than 825,000 international students in Canada. These students not only benefit from the education provided by Canadian post-secondary institutions but also provide tremendous social, cultural and economic benefits to campuses and communities across Canada.The pandemic has changed the calculus for many international students as COVID-19 mitigation measures have limited international and domestic mobility and shifted post-secondary learning from an in-person experience to an approach where learning is delivered almost exclusively online. To help minimize the impacts of the ongoing pandemic on international students, the Government of Canada has implemented a number of facilitation measures, which include the following:
  • Since October 20, 2020, international students attending a designated learning institution, determined by their provincial and territorial government as having a COVID-19 readiness plan in place, have been allowed to travel to Canada.
  • Throughout the pandemic, temporary policy changes have been made to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program to encourage students to continue pursuing their Canadian programs of study. These changes ensure that students can study online in Canada or abroad and remain eligible for the program, thus maintaining the opportunity to work in Canada after they graduate and potentially qualify for permanent residency in the future.
  • In addition, former students in Canada with expired or expiring post-graduation work permits have been given the opportunity to apply for an additional open work permit with a duration of 18 months between January 27, 2021, and July 27, 2021. This will provide former students with additional time to acquire the work experience needed to qualify for permanent residence programs, the ability to support themselves in Canada, and the opportunity to help fill labour market needs.
The Government of Canada also took steps during the pandemic to provide additional assistance to support employment opportunities for students and youth.  Following the cessation of the Canada Emergency Student Benefit, the Government of Canada new income supports included enhanced Employment Insurance benefits and a suite of three recovery benefits, namely the Canada Recovery Benefit, the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit and the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit. Students and recently graduates may receive these benefits provided that meet the eligibility requirements.EI provides regular benefits to individuals who lose their jobs through no fault of their own and are available for and able to work, but cannot find a job. Under the eligibility requirements for Employment Insurance, workers receive Employment Insurance only if they have contributed to the program by paying premiums in the past year, and if they meet qualifying and entitlement conditions. As of September 27, 2020, the Government introduced temporary changes to the EI program to facilitate access to Employment Insurance regular and special benefits. These measures result in a one-time Employment Insurance eligibility requirement of 120 insurable hours across Canada, with a minimum regular benefit rate of $500 per week for at least 26 weeks.The Canada Recovery Benefit is available to those who are not employed or self-employed for reasons related to COVID-19 and are not eligible for Employment Insurance, or are working and have had a reduction of at least 50% in their employment/self-employment income for reasons related to COVID-19. Among other eligibility criteria, individuals applying for the Canada Recovery Benefit must be available and looking for work, and must accept work where it is reasonable to do so. The eligibility criteria for the Canada Recovery Benefit also includes earning at least $5,000 in 2019, 2020, or in the 12 months before the date of application.The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit gives income support to be employed and self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they must care for their child under 12 years old or a family member who needs supervised care. This applies if their school, regular program or facility is closed or unavailable to them due to COVID-19, or because they are sick, self-isolating, or at risk of serious health complications due to COVID-19.The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit gives income support to be employed and self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they are sick or need to self-isolate due to COVID-19, or have an underlying health condition that puts them at greater risk of getting COVID-19.In addition to the above-mentioned income support programs, the Government of Canada also made investments in a number of programs to support job opportunities for youth, including students and recent graduates. For example, the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, Canada Summer Jobs, and the Student Work Placement Programs are key instruments to help youth and students access much needed skills development and support to find employment.The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy aims to ensure that young people (aged 15-30), gain the skills, work experience and abilities they need to make a successful transition into the labour market. In the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, the Government announced investments of $575.3 million over the next two years in the Strategy to provide approximately 45,300 job placements for young Canadians, including students and recent graduates. This is in addition to the investment of $187.7 million in the Strategy announced in Spring 2020 to provide employment placements and skills development supports to up to 9,500  Canadian youth in high-demand and critical sectors such as health, community services, and information technology.The Canada Summer Jobs initiative provides wage subsidies to not-for-profit organizations, public sector employers, and private sector employers with 50 or fewer full-time employees, to create quality work experiences for young people, including students and recent graduates. As announced in the Fall Economic Statement, the Government is investing $447.5 million in the Canada Summer Jobs program next year and supporting up to 120,000 job placements, an increase of 40,000 from 2020-21 levels. This investment will also be used to extend, by one year, program flexibilities introduced in 2020-21, including the ability to hire youth outside of the summer months to allow youth to access employment for a longer period of time. This is in addition to additional investments of more than $60 million provided last June in the Canada Summer Jobs program to expand the work placement target from 70,000 to 80,000, creating 10,000 more placements for young people in 2020-2021.The Student Work Placement program is a wage subsidy program that works with delivery partners and post-secondary institutions to provide post-secondary students with quality work-integrated learning opportunities across Canada. At the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, it is estimated that over 50% of employers were looking to cancel their planned summer student placements. In light of this, a number of program flexibilities were introduced to facilitate participation, including allowing remote placements, flexible dates, and allowing post-secondary institutions to be the employer of record to offer meaningful placements to students. In April and June 2020, the Government announced a total of $266.1 million in additional emergency COVID-19 funding for the Student Work Placement Program to support the creation of up to 40,000 additional paid placements for post-secondary students in 2020-21. Two temporary measures, effective until May 31, 2021, were also introduced to increase the creation of placements: 
  • An increase of the wage subsidy to up to 75% of the cost of wages across all work-integrated learning placements, up to a maximum of $7,500 per placement. This is an increase from 50% for regular placements and 70% for placements for under-represented students (up to a maximum of $5,000 and 7,000, respectively).
  • Waiving the "net new" criteria requiring employers to create more placements than in the past year to be eligible for funding.
Taken together, investments in the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) and Canada Student Loans announced in the Fall Economic Statement 2020 eclipse the amount previously allocated for the Canada Student Service Grant. Those funds will continue to support Canada’s youth and students.Despite the recent investments, the Government of Canada recognizes that more can be done to support access to post-secondary education and job opportunities for youth, especially those most at risk of academic and labour market disengagement. The Government of Canada will continue to seek advice from partners and stakeholders to find additional ways to support youth and students, including international students, and work collaboratively with provincial and territorial governments and others to ensure that post-secondary education in Canada is accessible and affordable and that youth are able to fully participate in economic opportunities.
Canada Student Grants and LoansFederal-provincial-territorial cost sharingGrants and loans for studentsInterest paymentsSocial benefitsStudents
43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2772e-2772 (Health)MadiMuggridgeToddDohertyCariboo—Prince GeorgeConservativeBCNovember 27, 2020, at 4:08 p.m. (EDT)March 27, 2021, at 4:08 p.m. (EDT)March 29, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:As of 2022, US citizens will be able to call 988 to receive help for a mental health crisis; This is supposed to save lives by giving a shorter, easier to remember the suicide hotline;Canada’s current suicide hotline is 10 digits long;This can be long and hard to remember, especially in the time of a crisis;911 receives thousands of calls every day for mental health emergencies even though they are not the most equipped to handle a mental health crisis; With a 3 digit mental health emergency line hopefully less calls will be made to 911 about individuals in crisis;Every year, several individuals are murdered or injured after police are called for a mental health crisis, this risk is especially high for those who are BIPOC; andMy hope is this new number will be more widely known and memorized and we can help redirect mental health help towards mental health professionals and away from police.We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to address the issues above and create a 988 suicide helpline or similar 3 digit crisis line.Help line servicesMental healthSuicides43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3006e-3006 (Transportation)DanteAlbanoBrianMasseWindsor WestNDPONDecember 3, 2020, at 2:33 p.m. (EDT)March 3, 2021, at 2:33 p.m. (EDT)March 4, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="214333" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Transport</Addressee>Whereas:The Windsor International Airport (YQG) has become a success story after more than 20 years of investment and effort by the City of Windsor;The Windsor International Airport is a vital part of our economic and social community;The Windsor International Airport provides robust jobs on location and many jobs related to supporting, supplying and servicing;An uncontrolled Windsor International Airport would eliminate or severely jeopardize commercial passenger air travel creating significant economic repercussions;By removing the air traffic control tower, NAV Canada will not only be jeopardizing the safety of local airspace, but will undermine public safety of the shared Windsor-Essex and Greater Detroit Airspace that includes passenger, private, cargo and military usage;Any reduction in commercial air traffic will undermine families and cultural connections as Windsor-Essex is one of the most diverse communities in Canada with family members spread across the globe and air travel provides stability to these relationships;The Windsor International Airport is a thriving hub for the economy and has had decades of public and private investments to make this a crucial component for future economic development; andThe Windsor International Airport is home to flight schools, training students and a corporate aviation centre, resulting in improved aviation competitiveness for all of Canada.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Minister of Transport to cancel NAV Canada’s decision to consider closure, or reduction of services of the air traffic control tower at the Windsor International Airport, or explicitly express opposition to any decision or recommendation of this nature.Air traffic control and air traffic controllersAirportsWindsor International Airport43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2964e-2964 (Foreign affairs)AmtojUppalKyleSeebackDufferin—CaledonConservativeONDecember 11, 2020, at 2:12 p.m. (EDT)April 10, 2021, at 2:12 p.m. (EDT)June 21, 2021April 12, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:A potential alliance between Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom has been identified and coined as CANZUK by the general public;These four Commonwealth nations enjoyed a special relationship until around the time the United Kingdom joined the European Community in 1973;Only Australia and New Zealand continue that relationship between themselves through their Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement;An opportunity for a new relationship between these four nations has been presented by Brexit but the Government of Canada is currently not acting on it;This is despite widespread support seen in an online petition by CANZUK International that has accumulated over 300,000 signatures to date;Inaction may lead to future struggles in navigating ongoing shifts in the global balance of power which call for nations to join together for success; Freedom of movement and the mutual recognition of professional qualifications would bring limitless opportunities to the citizens of all four nations;These benefits would help make the most of the existing free trade between them in agreements such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Further cooperation through collective bargaining for this group would also allow for a stronger position in talks with large economic partners like the European Union; andCanada must build on the tight bonds it shares with its foremost Commonwealth partners to ensure the values of the nation remain upheld globally.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to negotiate with counterparts in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom to form a new CANZUK alliance with benefits similar to those found in the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement.Agreements and contractsAustraliaInternational relationsNew ZealandTravelUnited Kingdom43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01215432-01215 (Indigenous affairs)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABJune 22, 2021December 18, 2020Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS
  • Under the Charter of Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination;
  • The purpose of the First Nations Transparency and Accountability Act is to enhance the financial accountability and transparency of First Nations;
  • For the purposes of receiving federal funding, every head is counted in the official First Nations band membership numbers, but off-reserve members of bands have been treated as aliens and excluded from disbursement of the funds and services.
We, the undersigned, indigenous peoples and other Canadians, call upon the Government of Canada to enforce the First Nations Financial Transparency Act and to ensure that off reserve band members are provided with equal levels of funding as on reserve members.
First Nations Financial Transparency ActGovernment assistanceIndigenous peoplesOff-reserve
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01016432-01016 (Indigenous affairs)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABMay 31, 2021December 18, 2020Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS
  • Under the Charter of Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination;
  • The purpose of the First Nations Transparency and Accountability Act is to enhance the financial accountability and transparency of First Nations;
  • For the purposes of receiving federal funding, every head is counted in the official First Nations band membership numbers, but off-reserve members of bands have been treated as aliens and excluded from disbursement of the funds and services.
We, the undersigned, indigenous peoples and other Canadians, call upon the Government of Canada to enforce the First Nations Financial Transparency Act and to ensure that off reserve band members are provided with equal levels of funding as on reserve members.
First Nations Financial Transparency ActGovernment assistanceIndigenous peoplesOff-reserve
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3044e-3044 (Business and trade)RonKubekDanAlbasCentral Okanagan—Similkameen—NicolaConservativeBCDecember 16, 2020, at 2:08 p.m. (EDT)February 14, 2021, at 2:08 p.m. (EDT)May 11, 2021February 15, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:Many Canadians are often unable to order Canadian wine, craft beer and spirits from outside of their home province; and Canadians want more consumer choice and to support Canadian producers by being able to order their products.We, the undersigned, Citizens and Residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to support and pass Bill C-260 entitled ‘An Act to Amend the Canada Post Corporation Act’, introduced by Mr. Albas, the Member of Parliament for Central Okanagan–Similkameen–Nicola, so that Canadians can order the wine, craft beer and spirits they wish from Canadian producers, and be able to have those products shipped directly to them by Canada Post and support this important industry at a time when they need us the most.Alcoholic beveragesInterprovincial tradePostal services43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3046e-3046 (Foreign affairs)ChristopherAlessandriniNikiAshtonChurchill—Keewatinook AskiNDPMBDecember 21, 2020, at 9:27 a.m. (EDT)January 20, 2021, at 9:27 a.m. (EDT)January 26, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Amar Fayaz, a Progressive Youth Alliance activist in Pakistan, was taken into custody by Pakistani security services on November 8, 2020, outside Liaqat Medical University in Jamshoro, and still has not reappeared;Amar Fayaz’s family, wife and daughter have not been made aware of his location;No charges have been brought against Amar Fayaz in a public court;Amnesty International and other organisations haved reported that enforced disappearances, extra-judicial killings, violence against women, media censorship and the harassment of ethnic and religious minorities continue to take place in Pakistan; andGuaranteeing the political and democratic rights of all people, regardless of where they live, is of fundamental importance in upholding human dignity and the inalienable nature of human rights.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: - condemn the disappearances of activists in Pakistan and the abduction of Amar Fayaz;- send representatives to address the Pakistani Government and to demand that Amar Fayaz be released or formally bring charges against him; and- demand that the Pakistani government uphold the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.Civil and human rightsForeign policyOppressionPakistan43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3016e-3016 (Justice)JakkiJeffsTedFalkProvencherConservativeMBDecember 21, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. (EDT)April 20, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. (EDT)May 26, 2021April 21, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons in Parliament assembled</Addressee>Whereas:Parliament's most basic duty is to protect innocent human life, and scientific evidence puts it beyond doubt that each new human life has an identifiable biological beginning;The abortion law of 1969 withdrew legal protection from children before birth that they had previously enjoyed; andSince that time, there has been no law at all protecting the lives of children before birth in Canada.We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to enact legislation granting full legal protection to children before birth by defining the "child" not yet born as a human being from the beginning of his or her biological development.AbortionCivil and human rightsFetus and embryo43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3061e-3061 (Justice)DarleneDevenyiDeanAllisonNiagara WestConservativeONDecember 24, 2020, at 9:19 a.m. (EDT)April 23, 2021, at 9:19 a.m. (EDT)June 1, 2021April 23, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Trespassing and theft are crimes;Individuals committing these crimes run the risk of being interrupted by a homeowner; andThese interruptions present the risk for the homeowner of being injured or killed, and as trespassing and theft are premeditated crimes, they should receive proportionate punishment.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to review the laws related to trespassing and theft in order to include more severe punishments to further deter individuals from committing these crimes.Burglary and theftLegislative review43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3014e-3014 (Justice)Étiennevan SteenbergheJenicaAtwinFrederictonGreen PartyNBJanuary 7, 2021, at 3:16 p.m. (EDT)May 7, 2021, at 3:16 p.m. (EDT)May 11, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The Canadian Judicial Council was created by Parliament so that Canadians could express their concerns about the conduct of federally appointed judges;The exclusive presence of judges in the complaints review process makes it difficult to view ethical misconduct on the part of a colleague through a totally impartial lens;Studies have raised doubts about whether it is possible to provide a completely independent review of complaints because of professional ties;Certain behaviours exhibited by a judge require interpretation under the code of ethics, and it would be important to seek multiple opinions in order to adequately consider the admissibility of a complaint;There is no citizen participation in the process for handling public complaints about federally appointed judges; andThe decision cannot be appealed to an independent body.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to modernize the complaints review panel of the Canadian Judicial Council by:1. Instituting a joint committee consisting of citizen representatives and judicial representatives to consider the admissibility of complaints and follow up;2. Making the process for citizens to apply and be appointed to various Canadian Judicial Council panels transparent; and3. Creating an appeal procedure for the complaints review panel.Canadian Judicial CouncilFederal judges43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3074e-3074 (Culture and heritage)RobertMcLeodJohnBarlowFoothillsConservativeABFebruary 2, 2021, at 8:48 a.m. (EDT)June 2, 2021, at 8:48 a.m. (EDT)June 2, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="253376" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Environment and Climate Change</Addressee>Whereas:More than 114,000 of our fallen, in war and conflicts serving Canada, are buried overseas or have no known grave;Many descendants, and relatives are unable to visit the final resting places of those fallen, or the monuments to their sacrifice, because of cost or travel restrictions;With encouragement from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the Never Forgotten National Memorial Foundation (NFNMF) developed a vision for a fitting monument at Green Cove, in Cape Breton National Park, on its eastern shore, to those Canadians who died helping preserve our freedoms;It depicts Mother Canada welcoming home to Canada, the souls of these 114,000 fallen;Being in Canada, this will be an accessible memorial that descendants and relatives of the fallen can visit;A Parks Canada License of Occupation is needed by NFNMF for a fundraising campaign to construct this monument; Parks Canada conditions, before this license could be issued, were the agreement of the Confederation of Mi’kmaq, (completed May 2015), a detailed impact analysis, (completed February 2016), and proof of $30 million Phase 1 funding, with 5% for the maintenance for the first year (this was being negotiated, as NFNMF would not do public fundraising without a license to build); andParks Canada didn’t issue the license, and withdrew from the negotiating table, so NFNMF was blocked from raising the funds for the monument.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the minister of Environment and Climate Change to return to the bargaining table and issue a License of Occupation by year end 2021 to allow fundraising to begin the Never Forgotten National Memorial.Building permitsNational, provincial and territorial parks and reservesNever Forgotten National Memorial43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01214432-01214 (Health)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABJune 22, 2021January 27, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWE, THE UNDERSIGNED RESIDENTS OF CANADA, draw the attention of the House to the following:WHEREAS sexually explicit material — including demeaning material and material depicting sexual violence — can be easily accessed on the Internet by young persons; Whereas a significant proportion of the sexually explicit material accessed online is made available on the Internet for commercial purposes and is not protected by any effective age-verification method; WHEREAS the consumption of sexually explicit material by young persons is associated with a range of serious harms, including the development of pornography addiction, the reinforcement of gender stereotypes and the development of attitudes favourable to harassment and violence — including sexual harassment and sexual violence — particularly against women; WHEREAS Parliament recognizes that the harmful effect of the increasing accessibility of sexually explicit material online for young persons is an important public health and public safety concern; WHEREAS online age-verification technology is increasingly sophisticated and can now effectively ascertain the age of users without breaching their privacy rights; WHEREAS anyone making sexually explicit material available on the Internet for commercial purposes has a responsibility to ensure that it is not accessed by young persons; WHEREAS online age-verification was the primary recommendation made by stakeholders during a 2017 study by the Standing Committee on Health.THEREFORE your petitioners call upon the House of Commons to adopt Bill S-203, Protecting Young Persons from Exposure to Pornography Act.InternetLegal agePornographyYoung people43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3080e-3080 (Health)CarrieAndrewsJenniferO'ConnellPickering—UxbridgeLiberalONJanuary 25, 2021, at 4:27 p.m. (EDT)May 25, 2021, at 4:27 p.m. (EDT)June 22, 2021May 26, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Coerced and forced sterilization is in contravention of Canadian Human Rights legislation as it denies women of their basic human right to have children. The widespread practice of coerced and forced sterilization of Indigenous women has been occurring across Canada since the 1930s;There is minimal awareness of the issue of coerced and forced sterilization of Indigenous women among health care providers, the general public and Indigenous women. The 2017 report written by Dr. Judith Bartlett and Dr. Yvonne Boyer - External Review: Tubal Ligation in the Saskatoon Health Region: The Lived Experience of Aboriginal Women - highlighted that the issue persists in Canada;Coerced and forced sterilization of Indigenous women has not been addressed in Canadian public policy although the practice is clearly unlawful under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. There is no national health policy to stop the heinous act of coerced and forced sterilization of Indigenous women and this needs to be changed to protect these women; andIn December 2018, the United Nations Committee Against Torture officially recognized that sterilizing Indigenous women without consent is a form of torture, and called on Canada to take action.We, the undersigned, Business and Professional Women Bowmanville, call upon the Government of Canada to end coerced and forced sterilization of Indigenous women.Civil and human rightsIndigenous peoplesReproductive healthWomen43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3122e-3122 (Foreign affairs)HamzaShaibanMatthewGreenHamilton CentreNDPONJanuary 25, 2021, at 2:17 p.m. (EDT)April 25, 2021, at 2:17 p.m. (EDT)June 18, 2021April 26, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:According to the UN, the humanitarian crisis in Yemen remains the worst in the world with 24.3 million (80% of the population), including 12.2 million children, needing humanitarian assistance;According to UNICEF, a Yemeni child dies every 10 minutes from preventable war-related causes, and 85,000+ have already died;Thousands of schools have closed and more than 2 million children are not in school;The humanitarian crisis has been exacerbated by the blockade imposed by Saudi Arabia on Sana’a Airport and Hudaydah Port;The port city of Hudaydah, where 70% of imports enter the country, is under relentless attack from airstrikes and naval ships. Houses, farms, livestock, businesses, roads, medical facilities and water facilities have all been hit;As of September 9, 2020, a panel of independent experts monitoring the conflict for the UN have publicly named Canada as one of the countries helping fuel the war in Yemen; andImages of what appear to be captured or destroyed Canadian-made light armoured vehicles (LAVs) have been publicized.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1) Halt arms shipments to Saudi Arabia immediately and ensure that any future arms transfers fully comply with Canada’s international legal obligations under the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty;2) Participate in international efforts to bring an immediate end to the deliberate Saudi-led attacks on civilians which constitute war crimes; and3) Demand and support international partners in lifting the siege on Sana’a Airport and Hudaydah Port in order to deliver humanitarian assistance;Civil and human rightsForeign policyMilitary weaponsRepublic of YemenSaudi Arabia43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3114e-3114 (Citizenship and immigration)MichaelMillerNathanielErskine-SmithBeaches—East YorkLiberalONJanuary 25, 2021, at 7:09 p.m. (EDT)April 25, 2021, at 7:09 p.m. (EDT)June 22, 2021April 26, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons in Parliament assembled</Addressee>Whereas:Atheists are persecuted in several countries both by government and the public;Atheist persecution can result in serious injury, imprisonment, or death at the hands of family members, street mobs, or governments;Some countries, including Saudi Arabia, label all atheists as terrorists: this alone should not disqualify them for refugee status;The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled several times that the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the right to freedom from religion as much as the right to freedom of religion, a standard which applies to refugees as well as citizens;Atheists are denied access to the Less Complex Claims Policy of Canada because they are excluded from the list of those who qualify, all of whom are members of a religion; andThis is an urgent matter because the lives of several atheists are currently in danger while awaiting their refugee hearings, which would be avoided if atheists were included in the less complex claims process.We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to change the policy regarding Less Complex Claims to include atheists in the list of people eligible for the status, so that they will be treated equally with those people belonging to the religions currently listed in the Less Complex Claims policy.Freedom of conscience and religionRefugee claims processingReligious discrimination43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01151432-01151 (Infrastructure)ScotDavidsonYork—SimcoeConservativeONJune 18, 2021January 27, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS
  • The Pefferlaw Dam in Pefferlaw, Ontario was constructed across the Pefferlaw River in the 1820s and has become a local landmark, contributing to the distinct charm and character of the area;
  • The Dam's structure has deteriorated and been deemed “unsafe' by the Lake Simcoe Regional Conservation Authority, and requires significant rehabilitation and repair;
  • The local ecosystem will be drastically affected by changes to the water flow and other impacts related to the Dam's deterioration; and
  • The Pefferlaw Dam has cultural, historical, environmental, economic and recreational significance to the residents and visitors of Pefferlaw, Ontario.
We, the undersigned, residents of Pefferlaw and other concerned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to partner with the Government of Ontario and provide the federal funding required to rehabilitate the Pefferlaw Dam.
Maintenance, repair and renovation servicesPefferlaw Dam
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3083e-3083 (Foreign affairs)BehzadMehrabadiHon.HedyFryVancouver CentreLiberalBCJanuary 25, 2021, at 7:44 p.m. (EDT)May 25, 2021, at 7:44 p.m. (EDT)May 31, 2021May 26, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:On January 8, 2020, Ukrainian passenger Flight PS752 was shot down by two Iranian governments missiles; All of its crew and passengers, who were mostly Iranian-Canadian, were killed; The Islamic government, after days of denial, accepted responsibility and blamed this attack on human error; They have refused to cooperate with the investigation and have used delay tactics to cover up facts around this crime; The questions of why this passenger airplane was shot down and who was behind planning and executing this act of terror remain unanswered; Instead, the Iranian government has constantly threatened the victims’ families and tried to close the investigation by promising them some compensation money, if they don’t follow up on their demand for independent inquiry;When Malaysia Flight 17 was shot down in East Ukraine on July 17, 2014, by pro-Russian rebels, the investigation was blocked by Russia; After the demand for an independent investigation was taken to the UN security council, resolution 2166 was passed unanimously and the Russian government cooperated; and The investigators were able to discover the details of how the attack was carried out, and who was behind it.We, the undersigned, concerned citizens across Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to take the matter of investigating the shooting down of Ukrainian passenger Flight 752, whose passengers were mostly citizens and residents of Canada, to the UN Security Council by soliciting support from friendly countries and to request support for an independent investigation.Air accidentsCanadians in foreign countriesInquiries and public inquiriesIranUkraine International Airlines Flight PS75243rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01152432-01152 (Infrastructure)ScotDavidsonYork—SimcoeConservativeONJune 18, 2021January 27, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS
  • The Pefferlaw Dam in Pefferlaw, Ontario was constructed across the Pefferlaw River in the 1820s and has become a local landmark, contributing to the distinct charm and character of the area;
  • The Dam's structure has deteriorated and been deemed “unsafe' by the Lake Simcoe Regional Conservation Authority, and requires significant rehabilitation and repair;
  • The local ecosystem will be drastically affected by changes to the water flow and other impacts related to the Dam's deterioration; and
  • The Pefferlaw Dam has cultural, historical, environmental, economic and recreational significance to the residents and visitors of Pefferlaw, Ontario.
We, the undersigned, residents of Pefferlaw and other concerned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to partner with the Government of Ontario and provide the federal funding required to rehabilitate the Pefferlaw Dam.
Maintenance, repair and renovation servicesPefferlaw Dam
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01014432-01014 (Health)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABMay 31, 2021January 28, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: That, all human life should be regarded with great respect, from conception to natural death.Therefore we, the undersigned request the Canadian Parliament and Government to: Support measures which protect human life.Health care system43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01213432-01213 (Health)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABJune 22, 2021January 28, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: That, all human life should be regarded with great respect, from conception to natural death.Therefore we, the undersigned request the Canadian Parliament and Government to: Support measures which protect human life.Health care system43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3075e-3075 (Foreign affairs)AliManjiJenicaAtwinFrederictonGreen PartyNBJanuary 27, 2021, at 7:03 p.m. (EDT)May 27, 2021, at 7:03 p.m. (EDT)May 28, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:There have been many petitions centring around the illegal offensive in Yemen that has led to the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, including but not limited to: e-2786, e-2742, e-2442, e-1201, e-1903, e-1221;Saudi Arabia’s war in Yemen breaks the conditions of the Geneva Convention by deliberately targeting civilians and civilian structures, schools and places of worship in Yemen, as documented by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Médecins Sans Frontières and the United Nations;The Saudi-lead coalition is imposing a blockade on Yemen, with life-saving supplies of food, medication and fuel often delayed for months; and United Nations aid workers were prevented from entering Yemen on July 18, 2017.We, the undersigned, citizens & residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Immediately halt all transfer of Canadian made weapons to Saudi Arabia; 2. Cancel all active and pending arms deals with Saudi Arabia; 3. Immediately halt the export of LAV's to Saudi Arabia, to cancel the contract outright; 4. Demand the Saudi-lead coalition immediately end its airstrikes and illegal military offensive; 5. Bring the Saudi government to The Hague for war crimes against humanity; 6. Apply restrictions against Saudi Arabia's leaders as per the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Magnitsky Law); 7. Undertake a massive increase of life-saving humanitarian aid to Yemen; and 8. Extend the G5 exemptions granted to Iraqi and Syrian refugees to Yemeni refugees.Foreign policyInternational development and aidMilitary armoured vehiclesMilitary weaponsRepublic of YemenSaudi Arabia43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3129e-3129 (Food and drink)BradBellDerekSloanHastings—Lennox and AddingtonIndependentONJanuary 28, 2021, at 2:24 p.m. (EDT)May 28, 2021, at 2:24 p.m. (EDT)May 29, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Over 90% of leafy green vegetables consumed in Canada are grown in California;Due to run off from cattle feedlots getting into irrigation water, leafy greens now cause more E. coli outbreaks than any other food, including beef;Between 2014 and 2018, there were 51 reported outbreaks linked to leafy greens;When people test positive for an E. coli infection, Public Health is notified;Eventually, if enough people are sickened and a common link is found, a recall is issued;Often, by the time the contaminated greens are identified, most of the damage is already done;In the case of the romaine lettuce outbreak of 2018, people began getting sick on October 11, infections peaked on October 28, trailed off until November 11, and the recall was issued on November 20;In response to the 2006 spinach outbreak that sickened hundreds and killed five people, the California Leafy Green Marketing Agreement (LGMA) was formed;98% of farms growing leafy greens in California are members of the LGMA;Recently, the Government of Canada put in place a temporary import measure that required romaine lettuce grown in California to be accompanied by a certificate from a laboratory confirming that the lettuce had below-detectable levels of E. coli;The import measure went into effect on October 7, 2020, and ended on December 31, 2020; andAll leafy green vegetables are at risk, and outbreaks are happening all year long.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to bring back the import measure, apply it to all vegetables grown by the LGMA, and make it permanent.E. coliFood safetyFruit and vegetables43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3130e-3130 (Citizenship and immigration)DavidPoonRaquelDanchoKildonan—St. PaulConservativeMBJanuary 28, 2021, at 11:40 a.m. (EDT)February 27, 2021, at 11:40 a.m. (EDT)March 2, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Adequate protections are in place to prevent domestic COVID-19 acquisition from contact with a traveller, shown by current statistics;The COVID-19 travel restrictions are likely long term, and must respect mobility rights protected by the charter;Compassionate frameworks for family reunification must be maintained and protected;Safe family reunification must be accessible to all Canadians, permanent and temporary residents;COVID-19 testing is an internationally proven scientific means used to mitigate quarantine lengths safely; andThe current immigration system requires additional resources and cultural change to face post COVID-19 immigration needs.We, the undersigned, Citizens and Residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1) Protect the status of immediate/extended family and compassionate travel exemptions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, including any changes to current travel restrictions;2) Allow pre-arrival and arrival COVID-19 testing to shorten quarantine safely;3) Clarify family reunification rules for temporary residents to be in line with permanent residents;4) Maintain expedient processing of spousal sponsorship, student, work, COPR, compassionate, and extended family applications in a safe, responsible, and humane manner, by improving the available resources to IRCC, changing the system for a post pandemic world. COVID-19Family reunificationHealth screeningImmigrant sponsorshipPandemicTravel restrictions43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3134e-3134 (Health)ERICCASHMOREPaulLefebvreSudburyLiberalONFebruary 1, 2021, at 11:34 a.m. (EDT)June 1, 2021, at 11:34 a.m. (EDT)June 1, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:The global COVID-19 crisis has caused major issues with the mental health wellness of Canadians; andThe opioid and addictions crisis in this country is causing unprecedented deaths and harm to Canadians.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to create and pass legislation to include all mental health and psychological treatments as part of the national healthcare scheme.Health care systemMental health43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01062432-01062 (Economy and finance)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 7, 2021February 12, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House to the following:Whereas, all of Canada's Premiers have called on the Government of Canada to remove the per capita cap on fiscal stabilization payments.Whereas, in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, the Liberals increased the per capita limit on fiscal stabilization payments to $170 from $60. This cap had not been changed since 1987.Whereas, all provinces have received stabilization payments at one time or another. Since 1987, there have been 18 stabilization payments totaling nearly $2.6 billion. In 4 instances payments were capped by the $60 per capita limit.Whereas, the Government of Alberta was requesting an additional $2.4 billion for fiscal years 2015-16 and 2016-17 when its revenue fell by $8.8 billion, or $2,114 per capita. This reflects the $2.9 billion that would have been paid without the cap, less the $500 million Alberta received with the $60 per capita cap.Whereas, for fiscal year 2020-21, based on current revenue projections, Alberta would have qualified for an estimated $3 billion if there was no stabilization cap, but will now only receive about $750 million with the new $170 cap. This is a difference of $2.25 billion.Whereas, without the cap, Alberta should be eligible for $5.9 billion in fiscal stabilization payments over the last five years, but will only receive $1.25 billion, a difference of $4.6 billion.Whereas, the new Liberal fiscal stabilization cap of $170 per capita is a half-measure that does not go far enough to address the unfairness of fiscal stabilization payments.We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to remove the $170 per capita cap on the fiscal stabilization fund, pay the Province of Alberta the $4.6 billion it would have received without the cap, and establish fairness in federal fiscal stabilization payments.AlbertaEqualization payments cap43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01105432-01105 (Taxation)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 14, 2021February 12, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, the current Government's refusal to work with Provinces to amend the equalization formula has contributed to a national unity crisis, whereas Alberta has historically made an oversized contribution to Canada's economic well being, and that the recent global market challenges affecting Alberta's oil and gas industry have been exacerbated by the actions of the current Government; Whereas, the current equalization formula is not responsive to the fiscal and economic realities facing Alberta and other regions of the country that are resource dependant; Whereas, the current formula fails to acknowledge the need for jurisdictions that are long term net recipients of equalization to undertake meaningful economic development and ensure that their actions do not restrict the economic success of other jurisdictions; Whereas, the measures the Government announced in the 2020 Speech from the Throne are wholly insufficient to address the scope of the challenges faced by affected provinces.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government to take the following actions to address the situation:1. That the Government immediately increase and backdate the Fiscal Stabilization Program; and 2. That the Government commit to working with provinces to address the current inequities that exist in the Equalization Formula.Equalization formulaFederal-provincial-territorial fiscal arrangementsFiscal Stabilization Program43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01108432-01108 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 14, 2021February 12, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, property rights are not clearly outlined in Canada's Constitution and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, therefore leading to a clear and obvious lack of ability for citizens to be protected by measures that exist to protect other fundamental rights. Whereas, this exclusion has led to the systematic discrimination against citizens; including landowners, first nations people, minority law abiding firearms owners, and others subject to unfair legislative practises. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government to take the following actions to address the situation:1. That the Government should seek the agreement of the provinces to amend the Constitution to include property rights; and2. That the Government should also take steps to enact legislation to ensure that full, just, and timely compensation will be paid to all persons who are deprived of personal or private property as a result of any federal government initiative, policy, process, regulation or legislation.ConstitutionGovernment compensationProperty rights43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01148432-01148 (Foreign affairs)MatthewGreenHamilton CentreNDPONJune 18, 2021February 10, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS
  • Canada and Cameroon, two of the few English-French bilingual countries in the world, have nearly 60 years of direct diplomatic and development relations with over $1 billion in Canadian bilateral official development assistance provided to Cameroon since the 1960s;
  • In 2016, peaceful demonstrations in Anglophone Cameroon were met with violence by Cameroonian security forces, sparking the four-year, ongoing Anglophone Crisis;
  • Since 2016, human rights groups in Canada and Cameroon have documented hundreds of serious human rights abuses, including crimes against humanity.
  • Thousands of people have lost their lives and more than 200 villages have been burned: Over 650,000 citizens have been displaced.
  • Optical and sensor systems manufactured in Canada are used in many international military applications including helicopters, fixed wing, and drones.
  • L3 Wescam products, manufactured in Ontario, are on two (and perhaps all three) of Cameroon's Cessna Caravan ISR (surveillance) aircraft.
  • There are reports that one or more of these aircraft might have been used in the North West and South West Regions to carry out intelligence and reconnaissance missions to intimidate and suppress peaceful protests and/or assist security forces in conducting operations that have led to human rights abuses and war crimes.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada, to:1. Ensure that no further Canadian Wescam systems, spare parts, or related training or support services are exported to Cameroon given ongoing concerns that these capabilities are used to commit atrocity crimes, including performing intelligence missions to suppress opposition groups and plan extrajudicial attacks on civilians in Cameroon's Anglophone regions.2. Ensure that no other Canadian-made military or dual use technologies, including aircraft engines and spare parts, are exported to Cameroon until there is a peaceful resolution of the Anglophone Crisis.
CameroonExportsHigh technologyInternational conflict and international conflict resolutionMilitary equipment and facilities
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01047432-01047 (Economy and finance)DaneLloydSturgeon River—ParklandConservativeABJune 7, 2021February 12, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House to the following:Whereas, all of Canada's Premiers have called on the Government of Canada to remove the per capita cap on fiscal stabilization payments.Whereas, in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, the Liberals increased the per capita limit on fiscal stabilization payments to $170 from $60. This cap had not been changed since 1987.Whereas, all provinces have received stabilization payments at one time or another. Since 1987, there have been 18 stabilization payments totaling nearly $2.6 billion. In 4 instances payments were capped by the $60 per capita limit.Whereas, the Government of Alberta was requesting an additional $2.4 billion for fiscal years 2015-16 and 2016-17 when its revenue fell by $8.8 billion, or $2,114 per capita. This reflects the $2.9 billion that would have been paid without the cap, less the $500 million Alberta received with the $60 per capita cap.Whereas, for fiscal year 2020-21, based on current revenue projections, Alberta would have qualified for an estimated $3 billion if there was no stabilization cap, but will now only receive about $750 million with the new $170 cap. This is a difference of $2.25 billion.Whereas, without the cap, Alberta should be eligible for $5.9 billion in fiscal stabilization payments over the last five years, but will only receive $1.25 billion, a difference of $4.6 billion.Whereas, the new Liberal fiscal stabilization cap of $170 per capita is a half-measure that does not go far enough to address the unfairness of fiscal stabilization payments.We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to remove the $170 per capita cap on the fiscal stabilization fund, pay the Province of Alberta the $4.6 billion it would have received without the cap, and establish fairness in federal fiscal stabilization payments.AlbertaEqualization payments cap43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01002432-01002 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 31, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01055432-01055 (Public safety)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABJune 7, 2021February 12, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House to the following: Whereas, Under Section 92 (14) of the Constitution, provinces have responsibility for law enforcement including policing. However, only three provinces, Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador have provincial police forces.Whereas, the Fair Deal Panel which consulted tens of thousands of Albertans found that many Albertans, especially rural Albertans, felt that the RCMP had become too bureaucratic and inflexible to the needs of small communities. The RCMP is often unable to adequately staff local communities. Rural crime in the prairie provinces was 36 to 42% higher than in urban areas. In 2017, the RCMP had a vacancy rate of 6.4% in Alberta, despite Alberta paying the full contract price.Whereas, to combat this, in 2006, the Government of Alberta created the Alberta Sheriffs to help mitigate the lack of RCMP officers; however, rather than providing basic assistance as was their original function, they have formed the backbone of rural policing in most communities. In 2011, Alberta renewed its contract with the RCMP for 20 years until 2032. The contract contains a termination clause which allows either party to terminate the agreement with 24 months notice.Whereas, an Alberta Police Service would enable local control over policing and improve employment conditions for personnel. Regional policing districts could pool resources to tackle crime depending on when and where criminals operate. This could happen without waiting for prior approval from Ottawa every time a new initiative is needed to tackle crime. This would also encourage Albertans to become police officers and to support their own local communities.Whereas, a provincial police force would not stop the RCMP from continuing to provide Alberta with services befitting a national police service such as counter-terrorism, antimoney laundering, and organized crime units.Whereas. Alberta had its own police service until 1932. The Fair Deal Panel recommends creating an Alberta Police Service to replace the RCMP.We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to make a public statement that should the Alberta government decide to terminate the community policing agreement with the RCMP as per the recommendation of the Fair Deal Panel there should be no penalty levied against the Province of Alberta from the Government of Canada and that the Government of Canada would support the transition towards a province-wide community police force as is Alberta's constitutional right.AlbertaPolice servicesProvincial jurisdictionRoyal Canadian Mounted Police43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01058432-01058 (Economy and finance)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABJune 7, 2021February 12, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House to the following:Whereas, all of Canada's Premiers have called on the Government of Canada to remove the per capita cap on fiscal stabilization payments.Whereas, in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, the Liberals increased the per capita limit on fiscal stabilization payments to $170 from $60. This cap had not been changed since 1987.Whereas, all provinces have received stabilization payments at one time or another. Since 1987, there have been 18 stabilization payments totaling nearly $2.6 billion. In 4 instances payments were capped by the $60 per capita limit.Whereas, the Government of Alberta was requesting an additional $2.4 billion for fiscal years 2015-16 and 2016-17 when its revenue fell by $8.8 billion, or $2,114 per capita. This reflects the $2.9 billion that would have been paid without the cap, less the $500 million Alberta received with the $60 per capita cap.Whereas, for fiscal year 2020-21, based on current revenue projections, Alberta would have qualified for an estimated $3 billion if there was no stabilization cap, but will now only receive about $750 million with the new $170 cap. This is a difference of $2.25 billion.Whereas, without the cap, Alberta should be eligible for $5.9 billion in fiscal stabilization payments over the last five years, but will only receive $1.25 billion, a difference of $4.6 billion.Whereas, the new Liberal fiscal stabilization cap of $170 per capita is a half-measure that does not go far enough to address the unfairness of fiscal stabilization payments.We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to remove the $170 per capita cap on the fiscal stabilization fund, pay the Province of Alberta the $4.6 billion it would have received without the cap, and establish fairness in federal fiscal stabilization payments.AlbertaEqualization payments cap43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3159e-3159 (Natural resources and energy)RobertKetchesonPaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCFebruary 5, 2021, at 9:26 a.m. (EDT)June 5, 2021, at 9:26 a.m. (EDT)June 14, 2021June 7, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Strip mining in all its forms, including mountain top removal mining, causes irreversible damage to the environment, especially in the mountain environments of western Canada;Strip mining puts watersheds supplying clean source water to millions of Canadians at risk of permanent contamination and damages the groundwater recharge processes that protect water supplies;The impairment of clean water within the Rocky Mountains threatens billions of dollars in revenue and tens of thousands of jobs in agriculture, recreation, tourism, in-migration and supports downstream of the mines;Removing overburden exposes contaminated materials to the elements and destroys the habitats of threatened endangered wildlife including grizzly bear, woodland caribou, westslope cutthroat and bull trout, migratory birds, whitebark pine, and other species of flora and fauna;Current technology cannot remove contaminants generated by strip mining which are the source of wind and water borne pollution hundreds of kilometres downstream and downwind of mines;Current Provincial governments actively promoted destructive industrial activity in the Rocky Mountains without consideration of cumulative effects or consultation with Aboriginal communities and other citizens of their provinces;The Rocky Mountains are a unique environment and truly a Canadian national treasure and the source of water relied on by Canadians in the most water-stressed regions of our nation; andThese intact landscapes are a resource that must be protected and preserved for generations to come.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to impose an immediate ban in the Rocky Mountains on new strip mines opening or closed mines reopening and all existing mine expansion.Environmental protectionMining industryRocky Mountains43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01134432-01134 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 16, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01009432-01009 (Justice)TedFalkProvencherConservativeMBMay 31, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01127432-01127 (Justice)ChrisLewisEssexConservativeONJune 16, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-00997432-00997 (Justice)TamaraJansenCloverdale—Langley CityConservativeBCMay 31, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01023432-01023 (Justice)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservativeABJune 1, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01017432-01017 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABMay 31, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3116e-3116 (Foreign affairs)ANDREYKLEBANOVKarenMcCrimmonKanata—CarletonLiberalONFebruary 9, 2021, at 8:46 a.m. (EDT)May 10, 2021, at 8:46 a.m. (EDT)May 11, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:Russian opposition leader, Alexey Navalny, was poisoned with a chemical weapon (Novichok) in Russia on August 20, 2020;An independent investigation group called "Bellingcat" has identified the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) as being responsible for this attempted murder; andAlexey Navalny has been arrested, after his recovery, based on false accusations.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:1. Take measures against the people in the Russian government who are affiliated with the attempted murder of Alexey Navalny; and2. Make a public statement with a demand to release Alexey Navalny from Russian prison.Economic sanctionsForeign public officialsHomicideImprisonment and prisonersNavalny, AlexeiRussia43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3150e-3150 (Consumer protection)JayJacksonKarenMcCrimmonKanata—CarletonLiberalONFebruary 9, 2021, at 9:27 a.m. (EDT)June 9, 2021, at 9:27 a.m. (EDT)June 9, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:In 2019, the Ministers of Industry, Seniors, and Middle-Class Prosperity were mandated to create a Canadian Consumer Advocate to provide a single point of contact for consumers needing help with their complaints about federally regulated banking, telecom, or transportation-related sectors;To date, the government has failed to deliver on this mandate;While this initiative is important, a need exists for improved consumer protection frameworks for all sectors of the economy;Federal government attention to protecting consumers has eroded over the past several decades and consumers’ voices are absent when important policy, regulatory and legislative decisions are made;COVID-19 has created stress on the consumer protection legal, regulatory and standards frameworks Canada depends upon, exposing gaps in governments’ preparedness and capacity to protect Canadians;The current patchwork approach to consumer protection is a failing strategy as Canadians navigate increasingly complex markets dominated by powerful special interests, and this will hamper a post COVID-19 economic recovery; andProgress in meeting future economic and social challenges lies in the establishment of an independent federal advocate with a sole function to argue for consumers, support their voice through civil society, and stress the relationship of their needs to the decision-making processes within agencies of government.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to establish an independent Canadian Consumer Advocate answerable to Parliament to advance consumer interests and work with civil society to represent the consumer voice.AdvocateConsumers and consumer protection43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3165e-3165 (Democratic process)BrianKerrJamieSchmaleHaliburton—Kawartha Lakes—BrockConservativeONFebruary 9, 2021, at 12:44 p.m. (EDT)June 9, 2021, at 12:44 p.m. (EDT)June 9, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons in Parliament assembled</Addressee>Whereas:There are currently no election laws at the federal level of Canadian government that enable legal Canadian voters, by petition, to propose or repeal legislation or remove an elected official from their elected position before their term has ended.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to put into law "Recall and Initiative" legislation at the federal level of government in Canada.LegislationMembers of ParliamentParticipatory democracyPetitions43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3172e-3172 (Health)ChandraPasmaDanielBlaikieElmwood—TransconaNDPMBFebruary 18, 2021, at 5:44 p.m. (EDT)April 19, 2021, at 5:44 p.m. (EDT)June 11, 2021April 20, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Thousands of Canadians are experiencing Long COVID, lengthy illnesses and symptoms of COVID-19 that persist for many months after initial infection;Long COVID significantly impacts patients' physical and mental well-being, their employment, and their ability to care for themselves and their families;These COVID long haulers are in urgent need of recognition, research and medical therapies, and income supports; andOur current social safety net is allowing Long COVID patients to fall through the cracks.We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Immediately extend Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits to 50 weeks;2. Expand eligibility for the Canada Recovery Benefit to Canadians who are unable to seek employment who provide a medical certificate similar to the one required for EI sickness benefits;3. Invest urgent funding into research on Long COVID through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, including its cause(s), manifestation, long-term consequences and potential therapies; and 4. Convene a cross-committee study of the nature and impacts of Long COVID, including the parliamentary committees on Health, Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, and Indigenous and Northern Affairs.Canada Recovery BenefitCommittee studies and activitiesCOVID-19Employment insurance benefits period extensionEmployment insurance sickness benefitsMedical researchPandemic43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3174e-3174 (Indigenous affairs)NoemieFoleyGordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNDPBCFebruary 18, 2021, at 6:34 p.m. (EDT)June 18, 2021, at 6:34 p.m. (EDT)June 22, 2021June 21, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="253395" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Health</Addressee>Whereas:Health Canada has an open file (no. 10-MM0330) to license a medical marijuana facility at 7827 Beaver Creek Road, in Port Alberni, British Columbia;This Walmart-sized cannabis facility would be located directly across the street (174 m) from Kackaamin, a First Nations Family Trauma and Addictions healing centre that provides treatment to adults, while housing the entire family, with onsite fully accredited daycare and K-12 school;Kackaamin is doing the work of healing from our shared history of colonialism and residential schools;Kackaamin was never consulted in the initial planning of this facility, and has requested that this facility be located elsewhere;The purpose of the Cannabis Act is “to protect public health and public safety”; andThe Government of Canada has commitments to reconciliation, the United Nations Declaration of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)'s Calls to Action.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Health to:1. Acknowledge the implicit racism in the policy choices of Health Canada’s cannabis licensing process and handling of this file;2. Adhere to the purpose of the Cannabis Act and the principle of reconciliation;3. Expedite review of this file and cancel all cannabis licenses and applications at 7827, 7825 and 7821 Beaver Creek Road, Port Alberni, B.C., under s. 62(7)(g) of the Cannabis Act “in the public interest”; and4. Apologize to Kackaamin and reaffirm their commitment to the UNDRIP and the TRC’s Calls to Action.CannabisCrop productionIndigenous policyPermits and licencesPort AlberniRacial equality43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3187e-3187 (Animals)H. SinikkaCroslandNathanielErskine-SmithBeaches—East YorkLiberalONFebruary 18, 2021, at 6:23 p.m. (EDT)June 18, 2021, at 6:23 p.m. (EDT)June 22, 2021June 21, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons in Parliament assembled</Addressee>Whereas:Large draft horses over 17 hands high are air-shipped annually from Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg airports to Japan for human consumption;Three to four horses are loaded into crates smaller than a single horse stall;Numerous horses in these crates lack sufficient head clearance, with ears protruding through crate roofs;Flights are 10.5 to 13.5 hours long, with additional hours spent for ground transportation and the loading and unloading process; During this time, horses have no access to food, water or rest;Deaths and injuries occur on these flights, as well as broken crates and one known incident of damage to aircraft fuselage;Horses air-shipped to Japan for human consumption are usually purpose-bred in Canada;Their well-being can be compromised due to lack of veterinary and farrier care and withholding of drugs prohibited from the human food chain;Scientific evidence shows that horses suffer physically and psychologically during long-distance transport and during loading and unloading;Canadian animal welfare laws have no jurisdiction over the treatment of these horses when they reach Japan;A 2019 Nanos poll revealed that 69% of Canadian respondents are opposed to the slaughter of horses for human consumption; andPublic awareness about this issue is increasing, with media interest and celebrity involvement.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to stop air shipments of horses exported for human consumption, due to ongoing animal welfare concerns inherent in this practice.Air transportationAnimal rights and welfareExportsHorses43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3192e-3192 (Foreign affairs)KumananKunaratnamGaryAnandasangareeScarborough—Rouge ParkLiberalONFebruary 18, 2021, at 6:23 p.m. (EDT)March 20, 2021, at 6:23 p.m. (EDT)March 23, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Sri Lanka has accessed Independence on February 4, 1948, from British rule through the amalgamation of two distinct nations, one being the Tamil nation;Sri Lanka has accessed, and Canada has signed, the United Nations' Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide;Sri Lanka has numerous documented cases of genocidal activities as outlined in Article II of the aforementioned convention;The Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) and its forces have avoided prosecution of those who committed acts of genocide; andThe GoSL continues to oppress the basic human rights of Tamils to this present day, continuing to perpetuate the structural genocide of the Indigenous Tamil people of Eelam.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1) Refer Sri Lanka to the International Criminal Court (ICC);2) Submit for trial to the ICC members of the GoSL and its forces who are significant contributors to the genocidal activities as outlined in Articles III and IV of the Convention;3) Sanction travel bans and asset freezes on the identified war criminals in Sri Lanka to advance accountability and justice in following suit with the United States' Department of State’s travel ban on Shavendra Silva;4) Impose economic sanctions on Sri Lanka;5) Petition the United Nations to conduct an international, impartial and independent mechanism into the conduct of the GoSL and its forces; and6) Ensure the new resolution mandates stopping the ongoing genocide against Tamils and proposes a referendum with international monitors and victims’ participation, to ensure Tamils’ rights to self-determination.Crimes against humanityEconomic sanctionsForeign policyReferendaSri LankaTamils43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3185e-3185 (Social affairs and equality)RandyGuzarBryanMayCambridgeLiberalONFebruary 18, 2021, at 6:34 p.m. (EDT)June 18, 2021, at 6:34 p.m. (EDT)June 22, 2021June 21, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The swastika is an odious and hateful symbol most readily associated with the nefarious Nazi regime;The swastika is hurtful to the victims and families of those who suffered at the hands of the murderous and genocidal Nazis, including Holocaust victims, Jewish people, the LGBTQ+ community, Romani people, and many others;The Canadian Armed Forces fought against the Nazi regime in World War II and thus this name denigrates their sacrifice, and is insulting to veterans and active service people;There is a street in Puslinch, Ontario, called “Swastika Trail” which was named shortly after the Nazi Party co-opted the symbol; andNo public place in Canada should be associated with the swastika where it can be perceived to be in reference to the Nazi Party.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Condemn the use of the “swastika” as a sign, symbol, or name in public areas in a manner where it will, or is likely to, expose Canadians to hatred, insults, or disparages the dignity of any person or group due to their race, religion, nationality, ancestry, or place of origin; and2. Work with the appropriate level of government to take every available measure to ensure that the “swastika” is changed in any public place where it is used as a sign, symbol, or name in such a manner where it will, or is likely to, expose Canadians to hatred, insults, or disparages the dignity of any person or group due to their race, religion, nationality, ancestry, or place of origin.Graphic symbolsHate propagandaNazism and nazisPlacenames43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2853e-2853 (Environment)IanFryerDonDaviesVancouver KingswayNDPBCFebruary 18, 2021, at 6:01 p.m. (EDT)April 19, 2021, at 6:01 p.m. (EDT)June 16, 2021April 21, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The COVID-19 crisis has revealed that swift emergency action and systemic change in the long-term public interest is both necessary and possible;The United Nations has reported that the destruction of nature is the root cause of present and future global pandemics;The Government of Canada acknowledges that the climate and ecological emergency will contribute to worsening public health crises, including the further spread of infectious diseases;Climate change is rapidly outpacing scientific predictions, and the world is fast approaching tipping points that threaten abrupt and irreversible heating and biodiversity loss;Biodiversity loss and species extinction threaten human food systems;The climate crisis is predicted to lead to catastrophic economic losses and worsening political instability;Citizens’ assemblies are representative, democratic instruments well-suited to overcoming political deadlock and addressing complex problems;Citizens’ assemblies produce evidence-based public judgment, and are not equivalent to other forms of public consultation, such as town halls or referendums, which rely solely on the collection of public opinion;Other G7 countries, such as France and the United Kingdom, have created national citizens’ assemblies on climate policy; andThere exists a pre-qualified vendor of record with the Government of Canada, with expertise in the design and delivery of citizens’ assemblies (MASS LBP).We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to create, and implement the recommendations of, a national citizens' assembly on climate and ecological justice.Climate change and global warmingNational Citizens' Assembly on Climate and Ecological JusticePublic consultation43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3194e-3194 (Environment)JenniferLeForestierKyleSeebackDufferin—CaledonConservativeONFebruary 18, 2021, at 6:24 p.m. (EDT)June 18, 2021, at 6:24 p.m. (EDT)June 21, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The Town of Erin has been permitted to dump effluent into the West Credit River at one of the most ecologically sensitive areas that will forever change the water temperature and the life cycle of the brook trout in Belfountain;The downstream community was not informed appropriately of this project and so were not able to participate effectively in the consultation or the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal process;The cumulative impacts and cultural impacts have not been addressed by either the Town of Caledon, the Town of Erin or the provincial Minister of the Environment;The West Credit River is one of the last pristine cold-water fisheries in the Greater Golden Horseshoe, home to native brook trout, and providing enriched biodiversity for communities in the headwaters and downstream to Lake Ontario;The brook trout spawning grounds (nests) were not counted accurately nor at the appropriate time of year;The provincial environmental assessments did not address critical water temperature fluctuations that will impact the life cycle and sustainability of the brook trout, nor did it address the impacts of deoxygenated plumes at the site of the diffuser pipe;The Belfountain community is facing multiple threats from the impacts of aggregate extraction, including increased dust, noise, pollution, road salt and traffic; andAs a UNESCO World Biosphere, more consideration must be given to protect the carbon sink of the Greater Toronto Area.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to redress the discrepancies in the approved provincial environmental assessment by requesting a federal environmental impact assessment.Environmental assessmentFederal-provincial-territorial relationsWest Credit River43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01224432-01224 (Foreign affairs)ChrisBittleSt. CatharinesLiberalONJune 22, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS
  • Canada and Cameroon, both officially English-French bilingual countries, have nearly 60 years of direct diplomatic relations, along with years of cooperation on military training;
  • Since 2016, rights groups in Canada and Cameroon have documented over 3,000 deaths, more than 200 villages burned, and hundreds of serious human rights abuses, including crimes against humanity, during the Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon's English-speaking regions;
  • Members of the Cameroonian government and military have been implicated, directly or through command responsibility, in serious human rights abuses, including atrocity crimes as defined by International Humanitarian Law and documented by impartial, international human rights organizations;
  • Canada's Military Assistance Steering Committee (MASC) oversees the Military Training and Cooperation Programme (MTCP), and is responsible for recommending to the Ministers of National Defence and Foreign Affairs which countries should be suspended or added to the MTCP list;
  • Cameroon does not appear to meet the eligibility criterion of MTCP which states that member countries are non-oppressive and adhere to human rights standards."
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada, to:
  • Suspend or remove Cameroon from the eligible list of MTCP countries.
CameroonCivil and human rightsDefenceInternational relationsMilitary Training and Cooperation Programme
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01119432-01119 (Health)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCJune 15, 2021February 26, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • Statistics Canada cites that approximately 4.8 million Canadians do not have a regular doctor;
  • Despite the number of physicians in Canada growing, the number of Canadians without a regular doctor remains stable;
  • 92 per cent of physicians work in urban centres, while just 8 per cent work in rural areas; and,
  • In Victoria and Sidney, B.C., average wait time for a walk-in clinic are 92 and 180 minutes respectively.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to:
  • Work with all the provinces and territories in Canada to come to a holistic and fair solution to Canada's family doctor shortage.
Family doctorsHealth services accessibility
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01225432-01225 (Economy and finance)LaurelCollinsVictoriaNDPBCJune 22, 2021March 5, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA AND THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned, RESIDENTS OF THE PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, draw the attention of the Government of Canada and the House of Commons to the following that:The current CERS legislation does not allow rent subsidy for non-arm's length tenants. We have been in tourist retail business for 22 years, leasing 4 retail units from a Landlord who is a family member. We have 4 legal lease agreements and both the Landlord and tenant have their own corporations. The tenant pays market rent, has never missed a payment and has never received a concession on rent. We conduct our business relationship in a 100% arm's length manner. Both corporations pay corporate tax independent of one another. The tourist industry has been affected more than most businesses. 90% of our revenue comes from international travellers. Our business is falling through the cracks and we may fail to make it through the pandemic without the rent subsidy. Rent is our largest business expense.Therefore, your petitioners request the Government of Canada and the House of Commons to please change this legislation so that businesses like ours qualify for the CERS rent subsidy.Canada Emergency Rent SubsidyCOVID-19PandemicRentSmall and medium-sized enterprisesTourism43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3214e-3214 (Health)johnhuangHon.MichelleRempel GarnerCalgary Nose HillConservativeABFebruary 24, 2021, at 6:17 p.m. (EDT)March 26, 2021, at 6:17 p.m. (EDT)June 18, 2021March 29, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="6" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Prime Minister</Addressee>Whereas:Over 20,000 Canadians have died of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic;Hospitals across the country are being overwhelmed by a surge of serious COVID-related disease;40% of Canadians have said their mental health has declined since March;Small businesses continue to close in record numbers due to prolonged lockdowns and restrictions;Vaccines against COVID-19 have been developed that strongly protect against serious illness and death;Vaccines present a path forward for reopening Canada’s economy and returning to normal life;Vaccine shipments to Canada continue to be delayed, putting Canadian lives and businesses at risk;Other countries, such as the United States, have released details of their contracts with vaccine manufacturers; andCanadians deserve transparency from their government about when they will get a vaccine and when they can get back to normal life.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Prime Minister to release the details of the federal government's contracts with all COVID-19 vaccine suppliers.COVID-19Government contractsImmunizationPandemic43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01135432-01135 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 16, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01046432-01046 (Foreign affairs)DaneLloydSturgeon River—ParklandConservativeABJune 7, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01056432-01056 (Foreign affairs)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABJune 7, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01147432-01147 (Foreign affairs)Jasraj SinghHallanCalgary Forest LawnConservativeABJune 18, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament AssembledWHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law), sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption;
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of "Truth, Compassion and Tolerance," including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, Qiang Wei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3180e-3180 (Justice)JanetThomsonPeterFragiskatosLondon North CentreLiberalONFebruary 26, 2021, at 7:07 p.m. (EDT)June 26, 2021, at 7:07 p.m. (EDT)June 29, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="245291" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Justice</Addressee>Whereas:Impaired driving continues to be the leading cause of death in Canada;Current laws are not serving as deterrents; andCanada needs to be a leader in road safety.We, the undersigned, ENOUGH ONTARIO - Advocating for stricter laws and penalties for impaired driving, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Amend current laws to a zero tolerance policy, like truck and novice drivers, where no amount of drugs and/or alcohol is acceptable, so that there is no confusion, argument or debate;2. Create new offences for Substance Induced Vehicular Manslaughter (SIVM) and Substance Induced Vehicular Injury (SIVI);3. Ensure that any person accused of SIVM or SIVI is remanded into custody until a trial date has been set;4. Include a maximum sentence of 15 years, without the possibility of parole, for SIVM; and 5. Make a first offence for SIVM or SIVI subject to a five-year driving suspension and the inability to own a vehicle.Dangerous drivingImpaired drivingMandatory sentencingVehicular homicide43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3216e-3216 (Foreign affairs)NAUSHADKHANAdamvan KoeverdenMiltonLiberalONApril 28, 2021, at 10:46 a.m. (EDT)August 26, 2021, at 10:46 a.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="5" affiliationId="252930" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:Canada's obligated to confront the violation of international human rights in China against the Uyghur Muslims and minorities;Canada’s international human rights imply that “advocating on behalf of persecuted religious and belief communities under threat’’...‘‘is an important part of Canada’s constructive engagement in the world’’;The United Nations (UN) general assembly released a statement calling the Chinese detention centers “Internment camps” distinctly similar to the Nazi concentration camps;Canada needs to acknowledge the Chinese government's forced displacement of the Uyghur Muslims in internment camps;Over one million Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and predominantly Muslim minorities are being held in these camps facing methods of torture that include, but are not limited to, beatings, rape, sterilization, electrocution, organ harvesting, and subjugation to medical experiments;The UN secretary-general reports on sexual violence as being a brutal crime, with some UN officials going on to state it as a war crime; andQulbinur Sedik, a Han Chinese teacher sent to the Uyghur internment camps to teach, had undergone and seen the atrocities that the women in these detention centers faced, such as forced intrauterine devices, sterilization, genital examinations, and consistent gang rapes from officers.We, the undersigned, residents of the Town of Milton and citizens of Canada, call upon Adam van Koeverden and the House of Commons to ensure that the human rights of Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and predominantly Muslim minorities are protected by pursuing a resolution subsequently advocating for the human rights of these minorities, and the gathering of realistic data reports on the human rights situation in Xinjiang, China.ChinaCivil and human rightsForeign policyReligious minorities43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3217e-3217 (Veterans' affairs)HaroldDavisJohnBrassardBarrie—InnisfilConservativeONMarch 2, 2021, at 11:25 a.m. (EDT)May 1, 2021, at 11:25 a.m. (EDT)June 3, 2021May 3, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Canada classifies veteran injuries during active service into two distinct classifications of "Wartime Service" or "Special Duty Service" in Veterans Affairs Canada's “Disability Benefits in Respect of Wartime and Special Duty Service – The Insurance Principle” policy;The 34th Parliament ordered Canadians on active service for a globally mandated war against Iraq to liberate Kuwait (United Nations Security Council Resolution 665); This war was not immediately classified as "wartime" as Canada did not declare war, as was true for the Korean War;Korean War veterans, including civilian merchant mariners, were successfully reclassified to "Wartime Service" following a similar policy challenge spanning 30 years;World War II civilians from The Legion, The Lions Club and the Red Cross are classified as ‘Wartime’, as are Allied veterans who immigrate;Canadians were under threat from ballistic missiles and chemical warfare nightly; performed integral combat related duties; captured and processed prisoners of war; provided combat air patrols and performed a disproportionate number of naval interventions; without current Treasury Board benefits, tax free status or vacation; andThe Kuwaiti ambassador has formally acknowledged Canada’s contribution in the liberation of her country, and, along with Minister MacAulay, has thanked veterans for their wartime contributions both personally and through media.We, the undersigned, concerned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to reclassify “Persian Gulf War - The Liberation of Kuwait” from "Special Duty Area" to "Wartime Service" within all Canadian policy on this, the 30th anniversary of the Liberation of Kuwait, to provide equality for "Persian Gulf War – The Liberation of Kuwait" as wartime veterans.Persian Gulf WarVeterans43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01060432-01060 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 7, 2021March 8, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-00970432-00970 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 25, 2021March 8, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-00995432-00995 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 28, 2021March 8, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-00975432-00975 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 26, 2021March 8, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3225e-3225 (Business and trade)JessicaLeHon.MichelleRempel GarnerCalgary Nose HillConservativeABMarch 3, 2021, at 1:15 p.m. (EDT)April 2, 2021, at 1:15 p.m. (EDT)June 18, 2021April 7, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="6" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Prime Minister</Addressee>Whereas:A year into the pandemic, tools to prevent spread and reduce serious illness, like rapid tests, data on how COVID-19 spreads, therapeutics, and vaccines, are available, and being utilized globally, but are not being effectively deployed in Canada;Canadians need hope and a clear, permanent path out of lockdowns to preserve their mental health, and a plan to save their livelihoods while using tools to prevent COVID-19 deaths;Other countries have released data-driven plans to permanently end lockdowns and lift restrictions;Mass economic lockdowns should never have been viewed as a long term measure to prevent spread of COVID-19 but rather they should be temporary and designed to allow governments time to develop more sustainable solutions;Prolonged lockdowns across Canada have led to large increases in domestic violence, opioid deaths, mental health crises, business closures, unemployment, and they create inequality;The Liberal government has failed to implement a national rapid testing plan;Canada is months behind other countries in vaccination; andGovernment budgets depend on economic projections that cannot be responsibly developed without a plan to end mass lockdowns and restrictions.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Prime Minister to: 1. Immediately present a clear plan to get Canadians safely out of lockdown, and that this plan include data-driven goals, a plan of action and a timeline to achieve those goals; and 2. Ensure that this plan is articulated to Canadians so that they can have hope about when life and business will return to normal.COVID-19Economic conditionsPandemic43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3224e-3224 (Veterans' affairs)DavidPalmerChandraAryaNepeanLiberalONMarch 2, 2021, at 5:02 p.m. (EDT)May 31, 2021, at 5:02 p.m. (EDT)June 3, 2021June 1, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM) recognized veterans serving 547 consecutive days from September 3rd, 1939, to March 1st, 1947; After March 1st, 1947, no service medal exists for inclusive recognition for service of Canada's veterans since the end of World War II;A service medal for Cold War veterans and all veterans serving 547 consecutive days does not exist;The Canadian Forces' Decoration is “a long service medal” for 12 years of service and does not cover veterans of the Cold War or veterans serving honourably for periods of 547 days or longer;The creation of a military service medal would bring “Recognition, Inclusiveness and Remembrance” for all our veterans;Since cessation of the CVSM, there no longer exists a medal where possible future bars of notable service could be affixed; A new Canadian military service medal would serve this purpose; andHonouring these veterans, by a new Canadian Forces service medal, would re-establish an inclusive and sincere act of remembrance and kindness by embracing all veterans, becoming embedded in Canadian history, a lasting legacy of Canada’s traditions and heritage for our nation and for those Canadians that have served yet to this day remain unacknowledged.We, the undersigned, Canadians, call upon the Government of Canada to create a new medal to honour and include Canadian veterans, which honourably served our nation, completing 547 days of uninterrupted honourable duty from September 2nd, 1945, to the present by the issuing of a new and inclusive Canadian military service medal to recognize their service.Awards presentationsVeterans43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3235e-3235 (Transportation)TavengwaRunyowaNikiAshtonChurchill—Keewatinook AskiNDPMBMarch 4, 2021, at 4:27 p.m. (EDT)June 2, 2021, at 4:27 p.m. (EDT)June 21, 2021June 2, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Sections 44 and 44.1 of the Railway Safety Act effectively authorize Canada’s private railway corporations to own and control police forces that exercise full criminal law enforcement powers;These railway corporations’ police officers are both public servants and private corporate employees who report and answer to company management in operational matters and criminal investigations;Apart from one ad hoc criminal investigation that the RCMP launched in December 2020, private railway police forces have invariably asserted exclusive criminal jurisdiction over railway disasters, including cases where the railway police forces’ corporate owners were implicated;In a democratic Canada, criminal investigations of fatalities and serious injuries must be entrusted to independent police forces, not the private corporations that may be responsible;Systematically enabling private corporations to criminally investigate themselves violates the rule of law, police independence, and the integrity of Canada’s criminal justice system;The Government of Canada has the duty to determine why, for over a century, and despite the primacy of police independence, the RCMP and Canada’s public police forces have invariably allowed private railway corporations to criminally investigate themselves through their company police forces; andPrivate railway companies’ self-investigation model has deprived thousands of Canadians of their right to independent and accountable criminal investigations of railway tragedies.We, the undersigned, Canadian citizens, call upon the Government of Canada to establish a national inquiry under the Inquiries Act to determine the causes and consequences of Canada’s private railway self-investigation model on the criminal investigation of thousands of railway fatalities, serious injuries, explosions, and environmental disasters.Inquiries and public inquiriesRail transport safetySecurity services43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3228e-3228 (Economy and finance)SandraLevesqueMarilèneGillManicouaganBloc QuébécoisQCMarch 4, 2021, at 4:29 p.m. (EDT)July 2, 2021, at 4:29 p.m. (EDT)July 5, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:Defined benefit pension plans are deferred wages, which are negotiated by labour and management and approved by a collective agreement;The Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act and the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act are failing to protect retirees’ defined benefit pension and group insurance plans; andAppropriating deferred wages and cutting insurance coverage have a significant negative impact on retirees’ economic, physical and psychological wellbeing.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to amend the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act and the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act as proposed in Bill C-253, An Act to amend the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act and the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (pension plans and group insurance plans), to better protect defined benefit pension plans and group insurance plans and, as a result, retirees.BankruptcyEmployment benefitsPensions and pensioners43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01109432-01109 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 14, 2021March 8, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3240e-3240 (Employment and labour)PamelaFraserNikiAshtonChurchill—Keewatinook AskiNDPMBMarch 8, 2021, at 3:24 p.m. (EDT)June 6, 2021, at 3:24 p.m. (EDT)June 21, 2021June 7, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:All Canadians must be free to report any wrongdoing they discover in the course of their work without fear of retaliation;Confidence in public institutions is enhanced by establishing effective procedures for the disclosure of wrongdoing and the protection of public servants who make such disclosures;The Canadian Transportation Accident Investigation and Safety Board Act (CTAISBA) prohibits the Transport Safety Board of Canada’s (TSB) investigators from finding fault and making criminal referrals to law enforcement, including cases where the TSB investigators find evidence of potential criminal conduct by the transport companies they are investigating;The TSB demoted its incident investigator, Mr. Don Crawford, for disclosing potential criminality to the media regarding the fatal derailment of the Canadian Pacific Railway’s train 301 near Field, British Columbia, on February 4, 2019;To date, TSB has effectively deprived TSB investigators of whistleblower protections and a safe environment to report potential criminal wrongdoing that the investigators have uncovered during their investigations; andPublic servants, such as Mr. Crawford, should be lauded, rather than punished, for directing public attention to potential criminal conduct that endangers workers and the public.We, the undersigned, Canadian citizens, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Add a section 33.1 to the CTAISBA that authorizes TSB investigators to make referrals of potential criminal violations to the RCMP, independent police of jurisdiction, and Canada’s attorneys general; and2. Amend the CTAISBA to expressly include TSB investigators and personnel as “public servants” who are eligible for whistleblower protection under the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act.Canadian Transportation Accident Investigation and Safety BoardDisclosure of wrongdoing in the workplacePublic Service and public servantsTransportation safety43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-00966432-00966 (Health)JamesCummingEdmonton CentreConservativeABMay 14, 2021March 15, 2021Petition to the Honorable Patricia Hajdu, Minister of Health, Government of CanadaWHEREAS
  • Orthodontic cranial growth stunting is a long-time used practice that began in the Victorian-era as means to align teeth based on the cultural belief that the face could over-grow;
  • The practice is employed via appliances such as cervical headgears;
  • The use of such appliances has been clinically demonstrated to be prejudicial to the health of a child, such that they stunt cranial, facial and pharyngeal growth of children, resulting in stunted and narrower than normal airways, predisposing them to life-long and life threatening conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea;
  • Alternatives to such appliances to align teeth that do not rely on stunting cranial, facial and pharyngeal growth are abundant;
  • The 1959 UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child states in Principle 2: The child shall enjoy special protection, and shall be given opportunities and facilities, by law and by other means, to enable him to develop physically, mentally, morally, spiritually and socially in a healthy and normal manner and in conditions of freedom and dignity. In the enactment of laws for this purpose, the best interests of the child shall be the paramount consideration; and
  • The 1989 International Convention on the Rights of the Child to which Canada is a binding party states in Article 24.3: States Parties shall take all effective and appropriate measures with a view to abolishing traditional practices prejudicial to the health of children.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Honorable Patricia Hajdu, Minister of Health to:
  • Abolish orthodontic practices that stunt the natural growth of a child's skull, including the use of cervical headgears.
ChildrenOral and dental healthOrthodontics
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3131e-3131 (Media and telecommunications)GillesRathierWilliamAmosPontiacLiberalQCMarch 10, 2021, at 1:12 p.m. (EDT)May 9, 2021, at 1:12 p.m. (EDT)May 25, 2021May 11, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="5" affiliationId="252653" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The Municipality of Denholm, Quebec, is located in the Ottawa Valley, just 55 kilometres north of the National Capital;About 30% of our municipality is covered by a satellite Internet system that is totally inadequate and very expensive;Most of the time, we have trouble connecting and staying connected;Many of us would like to be able to work, study, be entertained, etc., from home;It is completely unacceptable that, as 2021 dawns, we cannot, for example, complete online transactions, telework or even communicate virtually with our loved ones during the pandemic;All this hampers the development of our community;Some years ago, the government announced subsidies to connect communities that were not connected or to improve services for others;Most of these subsidies were provided to the major industry player, but the results have fallen short;Likewise, cellular coverage is wholly deficient;Barely 20% of our area receives a signal;It is imperative that the providers of this service meet our needs; andIn addition, the current conventional telephone system is outdated, costly and constantly down.We, the undersigned, residents of Denholm, Quebec, and the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau RCM, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Take concrete action and provide the same Internet and cellular services available in urban centres; and2. Implement tangible measures immediately, with no further delay.Broadband Internet servicesRural communitiesWireless communication43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3226e-3226 (Foreign affairs)ChristopherRheeDavidSweetFlamborough—GlanbrookConservativeONMarch 10, 2021, at 1:13 p.m. (EDT)June 8, 2021, at 1:13 p.m. (EDT)June 8, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Dr. Ilham Tohti, a prominent Uyhgur economics professor at Central Minzu University in Beijing and human rights advocate, was detained by Chinese authorities on January 15, 2014, in his home;Dr. Tohti was charged of separatism and sentenced to life for his peaceful advocacy work in support of the rights of China’s Uyghur minority as well as his website (Uighurbiz.net), the website promoted dialogue and reconciliation between the Han Chinese and the Uyghurs;Public information regarding Dr. Tohti’s situation, including where he is being held and his physical and mental health, is still unavailable;Contrary to the Chinese constitution, which permits family visits for prisoners, Dr. Tohti has been denied regular access to his family;The House of Commons has declared China’s treatment of the Uyghurs a genocide; andThe Government of Canada is proud to be identified as a proponent against the fight for human rights both home and abroad.We, the undersigned, students of POLI 464F at the University of British Columbia, call upon the Government of Canada to call for the release and full acquittal of Professor Ilham Tohti from Chinese custody.ChinaPolitical prisonersTohti, Ilham43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3064e-3064 (Animals)JaniceMartensNathanielErskine-SmithBeaches—East YorkLiberalONMarch 25, 2021, at 3:03 p.m. (EDT)July 23, 2021, at 3:03 p.m. (EDT)July 26, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The plight of millions of mink in Europe has been highlighted in the news around the world due to the mink being culled after the spread of COVID-19 on mink farms between mink and between mink and humans;In December 2020, a COVID-19 breakout was confirmed at a mink farm in the Fraser Valley, BC, where eight workers were also infected; Scientists confirm there is a real risk of a mutation of the virus occurring by these human to mink, back to human transmissions that could adversely affect the success of future vaccines;Mink are intelligent and curious animals native to Canada and are far ranging in movement in their natural setting;However, on these farms, mink are kept in small wire, feces-covered cages tightly stacked together, stressed and often sick and injured, for their entire existence which lasts approximately 8-12 months before they are killed for their pelts;Several countries, including the United Kingdom, Croatia, Austria, France, Slovakia, Norway and most recently the Netherlands, have already implemented bans on mink farming; andAccording to a Northstar Research Partners poll published in July 2020, 80% of Canadians do not support capturing, breeding, and trading wild animals for either the exotic pet industry or for their fur.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to ban the farming of mink in the entire country.Cruelty to animalsFur farmingMink43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3253e-3253 (Business and trade)MaximeNicoleAlexandreBoulericeRosemont—La Petite-PatrieNDPQCMarch 11, 2021, at 2:49 p.m. (EDT)April 10, 2021, at 2:49 p.m. (EDT)June 8, 2021April 12, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Air Canada is receiving hundreds of millions of dollars in assistance from the Government of Canada; Air Canada helps create jobs outside the country using Canadian taxpayer dollars; and 20,000 employees have been laid off by Air Canada in 2020. We, the undersigned, citizens, call upon the Government of Canada to ensure that Air Canada planes parked outside of Canada are brought back to Canadian soil so that maintenance is done by Air Canada employees in Canada.Air CanadaAircraft maintenance and repairs43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3256e-3256 (Business and trade)vickyhusbandElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCMarch 12, 2021, at 4:11 p.m. (EDT)May 11, 2021, at 4:11 p.m. (EDT)June 3, 2021May 11, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The Vancouver-based company, ReconAfrica, is engaging in oil and gas exploration and potential hydraulic fracturing in the protected Kavango Basin region of Namibia and Botswana;The Kavango Basin region is a biodiversity hotspot with conservation areas and parks, wildlife reserves, the Okavango Deltat and the Tsodilo Hills, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites;The ReconAfrica project poses threats to the human rights of the indigenous San people of southern Africa and local Namibian and Botswana citizens;Local people have reported respiratory problems such as asthma, sinusitis and other conditions after years of inhaling dust from nearby mining activity; andBy failing to act, Canada will undermine various international commitments signed for the purposes of protecting the Okavango Delta and the local inhabitants of the region.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Investigate the complaints coming from concerned Namibians, Botswana citizens, environmentalists, global citizens, and the San people of southern Africa regarding ReconAfrica’s project in the Kavango Basin region; 2. Adequately fund and equip the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) to properly conduct this investigation and respond to these types of complaints;3. Ensure that CORE reports on their findings, recommends the appropriate remedy for abuses and monitor their implementation; and4. Provide a response that clearly explains how the Kavango basin region and the people of Botswana and Namibia will be protected and respected by Canadian companies operating in the region.Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible EnterpriseEnvironmental protectionKavango BasinOil and gasSocial responsibility43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3252e-3252 (Transportation)DanielPinsonneaultClaudeDeBellefeuilleSalaberry—SuroîtBloc QuébécoisQCMarch 12, 2021, at 2:55 p.m. (EDT)May 11, 2021, at 2:55 p.m. (EDT)May 13, 2021May 11, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="271245" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Transport</Addressee>Whereas:Since February 2020, the needs of the land and marine users of draw bridges 9 and 10 have been clearly expressed to the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC);The Maisonneuve Region bridge status page on the SLSMC website is outdated and does not provide users with real-time information on the operations of draw bridges 9 and 10;A source of real-time information would allow emergency services to choose which of the two draw bridges to use in order to quickly access the scene of an accident or a hospital;The lack of reliable information on the operations of draw bridges 9 and 10, marine incidents and equipment failures causes serious inconvenience to all users and has a significant economic impact on the quality of services for businesses throughout the region; andLand and sea transportation is crucial to the economic development of the municipalities in the riding of Salaberry-Suroît and in Quebec.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Minister of Transport to: 1. Require the SLSMC’s Maisonneuve Region bridge status website to be modernized for the 2021 season so that users can plan their trips in real time; and2. Require the modernization of the section of its website that allows users to file complaints and submit requests for information.BridgesSt. Lawrence Seaway Management CorporationWeb sites43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01015432-01015 (Health)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABMay 31, 2021March 16, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWE, THE UNDERSIGNED RESIDENTS OF CANADA, draw the attention of the House to the following:WHEREAS sexually explicit material — including demeaning material and material depicting sexual violence — can be easily accessed on the Internet by young persons; Whereas a significant proportion of the sexually explicit material accessed online is made available on the Internet for commercial purposes and is not protected by any effective age-verification method; WHEREAS the consumption of sexually explicit material by young persons is associated with a range of serious harms, including the development of pornography addiction, the reinforcement of gender stereotypes and the development of attitudes favourable to harassment and violence — including sexual harassment and sexual violence — particularly against women; WHEREAS Parliament recognizes that the harmful effect of the increasing accessibility of sexually explicit material online for young persons is an important public health and public safety concern; WHEREAS online age-verification technology is increasingly sophisticated and can now effectively ascertain the age of users without breaching their privacy rights; WHEREAS anyone making sexually explicit material available on the Internet for commercial purposes has a responsibility to ensure that it is not accessed by young persons; WHEREAS online age-verification was the primary recommendation made by stakeholders during a 2017 study by the Standing Committee on Health.THEREFORE your petitioners call upon the House of Commons to adopt Bill S-203, Protecting Young Persons from Exposure to Pornography Act.InternetLegal agePornographyYoung people43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3219e-3219 (Foreign affairs)KyawLuBradRedekoppSaskatoon WestConservativeSKApril 6, 2021, at 10:35 a.m. (EDT)May 6, 2021, at 10:35 a.m. (EDT)June 8, 2021May 7, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:Military in Myanmar staged a coup and detained democratically elected members of parliament, civilian government senior officials including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint, and civil society leaders on February 1, 2021;Tens of thousands of people who valued democracy and justice peacefully protested against the coup in many cities of Myanmar, but the military and police cracked down the protests with live ammunition during day time and conducted night-time raids to arrest the people;Myanmar’s Assistance Association for Political Prisoners reported that more than 540 individuals were arrested and three were shot dead by police since February 1, 2021;The number of people arrested and fatalities due to use of lethal force by police are growing everyday; andCanada shall not remain silence on these violations of human rights done by the Myanmar military.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to: 1. Use the Special Economic Measures (Burma) Regulations to impose sanction against all members and their business entities of the State Administration Council of Myanmar (SAC) which is chaired and assembled by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing following the February 2021 coup;2. Form a subcommittee under the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development to monitor, study and report the human rights violations of SAC and to support a peaceful democratic transition in Myanmar;3. Condemn the fatal shootings and arresting the people who oppose the military coup; and4. Support all non-violent movements in Myanmar and Canada who are against the military coup.Civil and human rightsEconomic sanctionsForeign policyMyanmar43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3233e-3233 (Consumer protection)SigneMillerRobMorrisonKootenay—ColumbiaConservativeBCMarch 12, 2021, at 4:45 p.m. (EDT)May 11, 2021, at 4:45 p.m. (EDT)June 1, 2021May 11, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The cost of fuel in Kootenay—Columbia continues to fluctuate erratically, with prices prone to wide variations between communities, without reasonable explanation;The organizations responsible for the supply of fuel to Kootenay—Columbia remain complacent in the effort to provide competitively priced fuel; andThe federal government has taken no action to ensure that fuel prices are fair and competitive, despite numerous complaints from citizens and watchdog groups.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Focus on the affordability aspects of fuel, as it has done for telecom services;2. Investigate, through the Federal Competition Act, for any evidence of anticompetitive conduct in the fuel sector; and3. Move to protect consumers from price gouging by fuel suppliers.Consumers and consumer protectionGasolinePrice determination43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3221e-3221 (Environment)GailWylieJenicaAtwinFrederictonGreen PartyNBMarch 12, 2021, at 4:47 p.m. (EDT)May 11, 2021, at 4:47 p.m. (EDT)May 11, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The goal is to limit global warming to below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels, as established through the Paris Agreement;The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2018 special report warns of extreme weather and dire living conditions if global warming exceeds 1.5 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels;The Government of Canada’s current targets for reducing green house gas emissions fall far short of its commitment under the Paris Agreement, including the absence of a target for the year 2025 and by allowing continued emissions through offset mechanisms in its 2050 target to reach ''net zero'';Government targets are not based on objective, scientific information; andThe federal government emissions-reporting plan fails to address unreservedly the urgency of the climate crisis by delaying the accountability period to 2030.We, the undersigned, your petitioners, call upon the Government of Canada to increase emissions reductions ensuring that our country will meet the Paris Agreement targets and to make sure that the advisory body created to provide the Minister of Environment with advice with respect to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 be comprised exclusively of scientific experts.Advisory bodiesGreenhouse gases43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3249e-3249 (Democratic process)BlairZinkhanTomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservativeABMarch 12, 2021, at 4:48 p.m. (EDT)July 10, 2021, at 4:48 p.m. (EDT)July 12, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The Prime Minister seeks to expand his firearms confiscation regime through Bill C-21 and is driving a false narrative against law-abiding firearms owners;"Assault rifles", or fully automatic firearms, have been banned in Canada since 1977;The term "variant" used in Bill C-21 remains undefined in Canada's firearms framework;The list of firearms to be prohibited is arbitrary and not based on functionality or other clear criteria;Bill C-21 would ban airsoft guns; effectively ending tactical simulation sports in Canada and cause irreparable economic harm to that industry;The majority of firearms used in violent crimes are obtained illegally or are smuggled into Canada and criminals who have illegally obtained firearms will not be impacted by Bill C-21;Legal firearms owners in Canada are subject to daily "continuous eligibility screening” to maintain their license;Before the May 1, 2020, Order in Council, Canada was already a global leader in comprehensive legislation surrounding responsible and legal private firearms ownership;International data demonstrates that confiscation regimes would not stop firearms violence in Canada; andThe federal government is ignoring community advocates, as well as current and former police officers and executives, who have stated that firearms bans are ineffective.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to immediately scrap the May 1, 2020, Order in Council and Bill C-21, and pass legislation that will target criminals, those who illegally obtain firearms, international smuggling operations and fund community-based gun violence prevention programs.C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms)FirearmsParliamentary democracy43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3272e-3272 (Taxation)GauravAhujaBrianMasseWindsor WestNDPONMarch 12, 2021, at 4:49 p.m. (EDT)May 11, 2021, at 4:49 p.m. (EDT)May 11, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="214329" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of National Revenue</Addressee>Whereas:Border restrictions enforced upon us effective March 2020, prevented us from working in our cities of employment;Therefore, we resumed work place responsibilities, remotely from our homes in Canada;At no point were we informed that working remotely would later be leveraged against us by Revenue Canada; In order to protect our community, and places of employment, we followed legal protocols established by the Government of Canada and of the United States;At this time many Canadians have already filed their U.S. tax & Canadian tax returns as in the previous years based on advice by numerous CRA agents;Assessment of any amendment to U.S. taxes would take upwards of 6 months for resolution at each tax jurisdiction level before any refund payments are sent;Also, many of the U.S.-based employers are not set up to deduct Canadian taxes at the source, and may not be receptive to make any changes to accommodate this requirement; and It is highly probable that U.S. employers may start letting Canadians go if they are being expected to make any administrative changes as their payroll system will not be changed for Canadians.We, the undersigned, the cross border community residing in Canada, call upon the Minister of National Revenue to immediately redact undue taxation upon our constituency, and to ask that Revenue Canada continue to honour previous taxation processes, maintaining status quo, and immediately halt any further undue action towards cross-border workers, which will ultimately result in extreme hardship and mental duress in an already challenging time. Personal income taxTax policyUnited States of America43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01222432-01222 (Foreign affairs)Hon.MikeLakeEdmonton—WetaskiwinConservativeABJune 22, 2021March 17, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas the Canadian Parliament has unanimously passed the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, also known as the Sergei Magnitsky Act, to sanction corrupt foreign officials who, among others, are responsible for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights;Whereas since 1999, the Former Chinese Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin and his cohorts personally ordered, launched, orchestrated and executed the eradication campaign against Falun Gong using its state apparatus, including the extrajudicial torture and killing of Falun Gong practitioners in large numbers with impunity for their beliefs in "truthfulness, compassion and tolerance"; and whereas Falun Gong practitioners have been killed for their organs in China on a massive scale, which has been well documented and widely reported;Whereas Canadian Citizen Ms. Sun Qian has been sentenced to 8 years in prison and another eight Falun Gong practitioners with Canadian ties are suffering imprisonment in China, with sentences of up to 16 years, for their belief; andWhereas extensive evidence points to fourteen key officials and former officials of the Chinese Communist Regime who demonstrate prime culpability in the human rights atrocities committed against Falun Gong practitioners in China.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against these perpetrators under the Sergei Magnitsky Act.ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01090432-01090 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 11, 2021March 10, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01223432-01223 (Foreign affairs)Hon.MikeLakeEdmonton—WetaskiwinConservativeABJune 22, 2021March 16, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law), sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption;
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of "Truth, Compassion and Tolerance," including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, Qiang Wei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang.We also call upon the Government of Canada to refuse immigration/visitor visa to those who persecuted Falun Gong practitioners in China.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3274e-3274 (Foreign affairs)MichaelLimaTomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservativeABMarch 18, 2021, at 12:13 p.m. (EDT)June 16, 2021, at 12:13 p.m. (EDT)June 23, 2021June 16, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:Canada has publicly committed itself to the international defence of human rights;The Cuban regime has repeatedly ignored recommendations made by Canada in the September 2018 Universal Periodic Review to immediately stop arbitrary, short term detentions and intimidation of activists;Cuban authorities continue to arbitrarily detain, intimidate and imprison independent artists, journalists and members of the political opposition as stated by Amnesty International and other organizations; andA nationwide movement of Cuban artists, intellectuals and human rights activists are raising their voices in support of individual liberties in Cuba and they have made urgent calls to the international community for solidarity and support.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to: 1. Make a public statement in solidarity with the San Isidro Movement, the Patriotic Union of Cuba and all civil society groups leading the peaceful struggle for human rights in the island;2. Unequivocally condemn the arbitrary detentions and intimidation of activists in Cuba, as has been done in the cases of Venezuela, Belarus and other nations;3. Urge the Canadian government to join Amnesty International and the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and demand the release of Cuban political prisoners Aymara Nieto Muñoz, Melkis Faure Hechevarría and Edilberto Arzuaga Alcalá, as well as hundreds of others arbitrarily imprisoned by the Cuban regime for political reasons; and4. Exhort the Canadian government to invite human rights activists to its embassy in Havana and listen to their accounts of repression in Cuba.Civil and human rightsCubaForeign policy43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3270e-3270 (Business and trade)XavierPallaresXavierBarsalou-DuvalPierre-Boucher—Les Patriotes—VerchèresBloc QuébécoisQCMarch 18, 2021, at 12:16 p.m. (EDT)April 17, 2021, at 12:16 p.m. (EDT)June 8, 2021April 19, 2021 Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:Air Canada receives hundreds of millions of dollars in assistance from the Government of Canada;Air Canada contributes to creating aircraft maintenance and repair jobs outside the country; andAir Canada laid off 20,000 employees in 2020.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Ensure that Air Canada (and Air Canada Rouge) aircraft maintenance and repair done abroad or by subcontractors is brought back to Canada and done here by Air Canada employees; and2. Ensure that these jobs are brought back and kept in Canada in exchange for government financial support to Air Canada.Air CanadaAircraft maintenance and repairsJob creation43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3254e-3254 (Business and trade)SergeGélinasRichardMartelChicoutimi—Le FjordConservativeQCMarch 18, 2021, at 12:17 p.m. (EDT)April 17, 2021, at 12:17 p.m. (EDT)June 8, 2021April 19, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas: Air Canada is receiving hundreds of millions of dollars in assistance from the Government of Canada; Air Canada is helping create jobs outside the country with Canadian taxpayers’ money; and Air Canada laid off 20,000 employees in 2020.We, the undersigned, citizens, call upon the Government of Canada to require that converting Boeing 767 aircraft from passenger to cargo be done by Air Canada employees in Canada.Aerospace industryAir Canada43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3244e-3244 (Justice)AliciaChristinaHon.Kerry-LynneFindlaySouth Surrey—White RockConservativeBCMarch 18, 2021, at 12:20 p.m. (EDT)July 16, 2021, at 12:20 p.m. (EDT)July 20, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Children face negative impacts when exposed to domestic abuse jeopardizing their emotional health, mental health, and physical safety;Children who have grown up witnessing domestic violence are more likely to become involved in domestic abuse in their adult life;Canada’s family law and judicial system can be ill-equipped to deal with allegations of domestic abuse in custody and visitation decisions;The tragic murder of two sisters, Chloe Berry, six years old, and Aubrey Berry, four years old, was due in part to a court decision that allowed an alleged domestic abuser access to his children; andStudies by the Rise Women’s Legal Center have concluded that Canada’s current family law legislation makes it possible for domestic abusers to continue to have access to their children.We, the undersigned, people of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to pass amendments to the Divorce Act and other federal family law legislation that:1. Recognize the rights of survivors of domestic abuse and their children to be protected from future domestic abuse; and2. Revoke custody access and visitation rights from a parent found guilty of a violent crime against their partner or primary caregiver of the children in question.Child custodyDomestic violence43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3264e-3264 (Government services and administration)MarcelChartrandWilliamAmosPontiacLiberalQCMarch 23, 2021, at 11:25 a.m. (EDT)May 22, 2021, at 11:25 a.m. (EDT)May 25, 2021May 25, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Public Services and Procurement</Addressee>Whereas:On February 20, 2021, the Dispute Advisory Panel (DAP) established under the Payments in Lieu of Taxes Act (PILT) advised Tobi Nussbaum, CEO of the National Capital Commission (NCC), of their recommendation to increase the NCC payment to the Municipality of Chelsea and comply with the rules under the PILT Act;In December 2019, a separate DAP made similar recommendations to the NCC regarding outstanding payments to the City of Gatineau; Now, the NCC is using the DAP process to delay payments to the Municipality of Pontiac;Tax rates and valuations for PILT have been litigated all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada in 2010 (Montreal vs the CBC and the Montreal Port Authority, the Court ruled that the Crown cannot set the rate of taxation), and in 2012 (Halifax vs Canada PWGSC, the Court established that the Crown cannot unreasonably set the value of the land); andBy failing to accept these recommendations and fully pay the amounts owing to the three municipalities the NCC is unfairly burdening the taxpayers of Chelsea, Gatineau and Pontiac with the cost of maintaining essential infrastructure serving NCC properties.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Minister of Public Services and Procurement to:1. Direct the NCC to accept the two DAP reports; and2. Promptly pay all outstanding amounts to the municipalities of Chelsea, Gatineau and Pontiac.Cities and townsNational Capital CommissionPayments in lieu of taxes43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3288e-3288 (Social affairs and equality)ClaudiaCalabroDanielBlaikieElmwood—TransconaNDPMBMarch 24, 2021, at 4:04 p.m. (EDT)April 23, 2021, at 4:04 p.m. (EDT)June 11, 2021April 26, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The economic shutdown in response to COVID-19 disproportionately impacted Indigenous, racialized, gendered, disabled, young people and people living on low incomes;The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) design and communication flaws led to confusion for applicants and agency staff; Many recipients were advised by government and social services staff to apply for CERB but are now being deemed ineligible;The Government of Canada has already committed to a repayment amnesty for self-employed workers;The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) acknowledges undue hardship warrants relief from tax obligations;Marginalized people living in poverty will experience undue hardship resulting from CERB repayments, further entrenching poverty in Canada; andIn some cases, repayment of CERB debt by people living on low incomes who have been deemed ineligible to receive it may only be possible by withholding regular government benefits, causing undue hardship.We, the undersigned, people of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Implement a repayment amnesty for all people who received CERB whose incomes are below or just above the poverty line (as measured by the Census Family Low Income Measure After Tax thresholds according to family size) and for all youth transitioning out of care; 2. Develop reduced repayment plans for those whose annual income is less than 15% above the poverty line (as measured by the Census Family Low Income Measure After Tax thresholds); and3. Cease treating CERB as taxable income for individuals if their 2020 income falls below the poverty line (as measured by the Census Family Low Income Measure After Tax thresholds).Canada Emergency Response BenefitCOVID-19Low incomePandemic43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3293e-3293 (Foreign affairs)mimileeJennyKwanVancouver EastNDPBCMarch 25, 2021, at 3:48 p.m. (EDT)April 24, 2021, at 3:48 p.m. (EDT)April 26, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Canada had outsourced its visa application processing to VFS Global, a company with notable links to the Chinese Government;VFS Global’s use of the Beijing city police as a subcontractor for a Visa Application Center (VAC) raises serious concerns about the security of information being provided through the VAC;The federal government was aware of all VFS Global subcontractors when the contract was signed in 2012, and renewed in 2018; andIt is dangerous and naive to pass on our immigration information to any foreign governments, further to one that has been identified as a threat to Canada's national security.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Revoke the contract to outsource Canada's VAC services to VFS Global and return the control of information directly into the hands of the Government of Canada;2. Create immigration measures with a humanitarian approach with specific provisions for Hong Kongers facing persecution for their pro-democracy views; and3. Work with allied countries to impose Magnitsky sanctions to the Chinese government in response to human rights abuses.ChinaForeign policyGovernment contractsPassports and visasPrivacy and data protection43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3265e-3265 (Health)KanjiNakatsuDeanAllisonNiagara WestConservativeONMarch 25, 2021, at 3:52 p.m. (EDT)April 24, 2021, at 3:52 p.m. (EDT)June 1, 2021April 26, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Many Canadians will not be offered COVID-19 vaccinations for many months and in the meantime many will get sick or die from SARS CoV-2;Protection by a vaccine takes weeks to develop;New variants may be resistant to current vaccines;The Government of Canada has not articulated a plan for protection of our children against COVID-19;Ivermectin has been determined to be remarkably effective in prophylaxis (~86% fewer cases) and treatment (-68% fewer deaths) for COVID-19 prophylaxis by the British Ivermectin Recommendation Development panel;Ivermectin has proven to be very safe, as one-third of the world’s population (~7,850,000,000) has taken ivermectin as part of mass community treatment to prevent many different parasite (worm) infections and where only 16 deaths and 4673 adverse events have been reported through World Health Organization and Uppsala University VigiAccess database for pharmacovigilance from 1992 to 2021;Several countries, including Japan, Slovakia, Bulgaria, India, Egypt, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, have made ivermectin readily available to their citizens (often over-the-counter purchase or free);Ivermectin is already approved in Canada for anti-parasitic use and is now generic and inexpensive; andIvermectin would be a candidate to provide protection and prevention against COVID-19.We, the undersigned, physicians, scientists, and other concerned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to urgently examine the evidence in favour of ivermection and give due consideration to making ivermectin available immediately to Canadians as a schedule II medication, which can be obtained directly from a pharmacist.COVID-19IvermectinPandemic43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3236e-3236 (Civil and human rights)NicolasOuelletteDerekSloanHastings—Lennox and AddingtonIndependentONMarch 24, 2021, at 3:48 p.m. (EDT)July 22, 2021, at 3:48 p.m. (EDT)July 22, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Section 6 of the Charter of Rights and Freedom says Canadians have the right to enter, remain in and leave Canada;Section 2a of the Charter of Rights and Freedom says Canadians have freedom of conscience and religion;Section 15 of the Charter of Rights and Freedom says Canadians are not allowed to be discriminated against based on, for example, mental or physical ability (health);COVID-19 passports are being spoken of as the way to revive the travel industry but they stand to put the final nail in the coffin of the travel industry;Canadians have the right to informed choice when it comes to vaccines and other medical treatments, they cannot be forced or coerced;COVID-19 passports could be used to restrict the rights of people who have refused a COVID-19 vaccine, which would be unacceptable and create a society of have and have-nots, and the gap between those groups has only grown thanks to COVID-19, and we stand at the precipice of the gap getting larger still;This is not a partisan issue, it affects Canadians of all stripes and for various personal reasons, and therefore should not be treated as such; andCanadians want their freedom of movement and right to privacy of their personal health data to be positively affirmed by the government.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to commit to not rolling out any e-vaccination status/immunity passport to the Canadian public for travel, work, public events or otherwise.COVID-19ImmunizationPandemicPatient records43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3259e-3259 (Health)MarilynBanfieldLaurelCollinsVictoriaNDPBCMarch 25, 2021, at 2:07 p.m. (EDT)July 23, 2021, at 2:07 p.m. (EDT)July 23, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The opioid crisis is one of the largest public health emergencies with a death toll of over 17,629 people in Canada of an opioid overdose between January 2016 to June 2020;Other countries have reduced drug deaths with reforms such as legal regulation of illicit drugs, developed safe supply and decriminalization for personal use;The federal government indicated it is premature to discuss these measures until there are comprehensive supports for people to recover;Measures that save lives are essential if people are to survive and access supports;The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police suggests “decriminalization for simple possession” to reduce the public health and safety harms associated with “substance use”;The government states it is “deliberating” over decriminalization; andThe overdose crisis rages, no signs of abating.We, the undersigned, residents and citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Declare the overdose crisis a national public health emergency;2. Involve people affected by this crisis and meet with the provinces to develop a comprehensive, pan-Canadian action plan, comprehensive supports and reforms other countries have adopted to reduce drug-related fatalities and stigma;3. Create and fund a national safe supply program that extends beyond the COVID-19 pandemic to regulate illicit drugs and ensure the safe supply of pharmaceutical alternatives to toxic drugs;4. Decriminalize all drugs, people who possess drugs for their own use;5. Expand the legal protection in the Good Samaritan Act to all drug-related charges, and protect those with warrants for their arrest and without citizenship status; and6. Expand federal funding for Overdose Prevention Sites (OPS) and Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS).DecriminalizationDrug use and abuseOpiates and opioidsPublic health43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3296e-3296 (Social affairs and equality)JoyceArthurLindsayMathyssenLondon—FanshaweNDPONMarch 26, 2021, at 4:12 p.m. (EDT)April 25, 2021, at 4:12 p.m. (EDT)May 26, 2021April 26, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Recent media coverage has revealed that several hate groups and anti-LGBT groups and at least 45 anti-choice groups received CEWS funding (through the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy so companies can pay staff during the pandemic);The Canada Summer Jobs program has criteria that disqualify applicants whose activities “actively work to undermine or restrict a woman’s access to sexual and reproductive health services” and those who restrict access to programs, services, or employment via discrimination; andPublic funds of the government should not be directed to organizations that support discrimination and are anti-choice.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Change the criteria for the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy funding to exclude anti-choice groups and hate groups; and2. Revoke CEWS funding previously given to anti-choice groups and hate groups.Associations, institutions and organizationsCanada Emergency Wage SubsidyCOVID-19DiscriminationIncome and wagesPandemic43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01080432-01080 (Environment)RachelBlaneyNorth Island—Powell RiverNDPBCJune 11, 2021March 29, 2021Petition to the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health WHEREAS We do not consent to and are strongly opposed to:
  • The use and application of herbicides and surfactants by the forestry industry, which is detrimental to the environment, local flora and fauna, and water sources;
  • Herbicides being used by the forestry industry to prevent the natural return of the forest's biodiversity, increasing the risk to forest fires and in turn accelerating climate change, risking a loss of economic value, and threatening communities and the overall health of Canadians.
We, the electors of Canada, call upon the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health to:
  • Ban the commercial use of herbicides in the forestry industry in Canada, with the exception of addressing invasive species that are well documented.
Forest products industryHerbicides
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01074432-01074 (Justice)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservativeBCJune 8, 2021March 29, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWHEREAS:
  • The U.S. Department of State's 20th Trafficking in Persons Report indicates that Canada "meets the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking";
  • The TIP Report notes that Canadian governments "did not provide comprehensive data" on investigations, prosecutions, convictions, or victims' services;
  • The range, quality, and timely delivery of trafficking-specific services varies across Canada, including persistent funding shortages;
  • Coordination between the federal and provincial governments on anti-trafficking measures is poor;
  • The TIP Report urges Canadian governments to increase the use of proactive law enforcement techniques, increase training for prosecutors and judges, and increase partnerships with the private sector to prevent human trafficking.
THEREFORE: We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to strengthen the Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act to address Canada's shortcomings as mentioned in the TIP Report so that Canada exceeds the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, and that it cooperates and coordinates more closely with the provinces, the private sector, and other stakeholders to combat human trafficking in Canada.
Human traffickingProtection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01093432-01093 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 11, 2021March 29, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-00988432-00988 (Health)RachelBlaneyNorth Island—Powell RiverNDPBCMay 28, 2021March 29, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons in Parliament Assembled to the following:Whereas over 4000 Canadians died in 2017 and over 2,800 in 2016 due to preventable opioid overdose resulting from fentanyl-poisoned sources. The number of preventable deaths has surpassed the total number of deaths of all other Public Health Emergencies in the last 20 years including SARS, H1N1, and Ebola. Those who have died as a result of a preventable opioid overdose from fentanyl-poisoned sources were valued citizens of this country; our children, siblings, spouses, parents, family members, clients, friends. And whereas Substance use is a normal part of human experience; documented across centuries and all over the world. The current war on drugs has been costly and grossly ineffective and resulted in widespread stigma towards addiction and against those who use illicit drugs. Criminalization of particular substances has resulted in the establishment of a drug trade that now traffics dangerous and lethal products, such as fentanyl. Regulating to ensure safe sources, with proper measures and bylaws, will reduce the criminal element associated with street drugs. Problematic substance use is a health issue and is not resolved through criminalizing personal possession and consumption. Decriminalization of personal possession is associated with dramatically reducing overdose deaths in the countries that have modernized their drug policy.Therefore, We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to:
  1. Declare the current opioid overdose and fentanyl poisoning crisis a National Public Health Emergency under the Emergencies Act in order to manage and resource it with the aim to reduce and eliminate preventable deaths.
  2. Reform current drug policy to decriminalize personal possession.
  3. Create with urgency and immediacy a system to provide safe unadulterated access to substances so that people who use substances, experimentally, recreationally or chronically, are not at imminent risk of overdose due to a contaminated source.
DecriminalizationDrug use and abuseOpiates and opioidsPublic health
43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3297e-3297 (Employment and labour)DanielBiaforeChrisLewisEssexConservativeONMarch 30, 2021, at 10:46 a.m. (EDT)July 28, 2021, at 10:46 a.m. (EDT)July 29, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="253386" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness</Addressee>Whereas:Those who export their advanced manufacturing products and services to the United States are deemed as essential by the provinces and not the federal government;They must meet their contractual obligations, including the provisions of products with people, their employees and their U.S. customers;They have best in class COVID-19 prevention programs and performance; and Windsor-Essex has over 1000 related manufacturers and thousands with U.S. work visas, which generate over $3.3B and $1B in GDP respectively with 80% exported to the U.S., that are currently at risk.We, the undersigned, the citizens and the advanced manufacturing sector of Windsor-Essex and Canada, call upon the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness to:1. Permit those who have legal access into the U.S. and Canada for the purposes of essential business and those who are deemed “essential workers” as part of their respective provincial legislation to be:(a) Exempt from any quarantine action upon entry or re-entry into Canada on any frequency (regularly or intermittently) while meeting the following conditions:(i) agreeing to self-monitor and follow all Health Canada, provincial and local health unit guidelines and requirements for essential workers,(ii) receiving a negative rapid test result at the port of entry, or by having a valid Health Canada-approved COVID-19 vaccination (administered in Canada or the U.S.);(b) Subject to quarantine with an adequate plan only when:(i) receiving a positive quick test result at the port of entry, (ii) receiving a positive PCR test result;2. Ensure that any costs associated with rapid testing at the port of entry be borne by Canada, and that an appeal provision be provided at the point of entry for any disputes.BordersCOVID-19Essential servicesManufacturing industryPandemicTravel restrictions43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3303e-3303 (Environment)AnnaBarfordGordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNDPBCMarch 31, 2021, at 9:55 a.m. (EDT)April 30, 2021, at 9:55 a.m. (EDT)May 13, 2021May 3, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Canadians care deeply about the health of the ocean, and depend on a thriving ocean ecosystem;In 2019, over one million cruise ship passengers travelled off British Columbia on their way to Alaska;These ships generate significant amounts of pollutants that are harmful to human health, aquatic organisms and coastal ecosystems;Canada’s regulations under the Canada Shipping Act addressing the discharge of sewage and greywater are much less stringent than those in US Pacific coastal states;Canada permits sewage to be discharged with 18 times greater fecal coliform counts than does Alaska;Canada does not require that ships built before 2013 treat greywater discharges; 22 of the 25 cruise ships sailing off British Columbia in 2019 were built before 2013;The Salish Sea in Washington State is a no-discharge zone prohibiting the discharge of sewage in order to protect public health, water quality, and sensitive marine resources; Canada has zero no-discharge zones off British Columbia;Canada does not require third party independent observers on board cruise ships as is required by Alaska; andCanada’s less stringent regulations encourage cruise ships to discharge their waste off British Columbia.We, the undersigned, concerned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Set standards for cruise ship sewage and greywater discharges equivalent to or stronger than those in Alaska;2. Designate no-discharge zones to stop pollution in marine protected areas, the entirety of the Salish and Great Bear Seas, and in critical habitat for threatened and endangered species; and3. Require regular independent third-party monitoring while ships are underway to ensure discharge requirements are met.British ColumbiaCruise shipsSewage treatment and disposalWater quality43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3282e-3282 (Social affairs and equality)MichelLe BlondDonDaviesVancouver KingswayNDPBCMarch 31, 2021, at 10:14 a.m. (EDT)May 30, 2021, at 10:14 a.m. (EDT)June 16, 2021May 31, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) was created to provide financial support to employed and self-employed Canadians who were directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic;The CERB program was drawn up in haste and the federal government pledged that it would be adjusted to ensure that no one would be left behind;At the onset of the program, it was stated that the $5000 income requirement for the CERB was arbitrary and that the federal government’s intention was to get support to as many Canadians as possible and as quickly as possible;The stated intent of the CERB was income replacement in an economy constrained by pandemic control measures;The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives estimates that 175,000 workers did not qualify for the CERB, despite being laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, because they did not meet the $5,000 income requirement;The federal government asked Canadians not yet included in the CERB eligibility criteria to be patient as the program was adjusted and expanded;Individuals who did not qualify for the CERB due to the $5000 income requirement waited in good faith, but the CERB program was not adjusted as promised;The replacement Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) maintained the $5000 income requirement; and Both programs have fundamentally failed to deliver on their stated mandates for a significant number of working Canadians.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to retroactively remove the CERB and CRB’s $5000 income requirement to allow individuals to receive both backdated and future payments for which they were previously ineligible due to this requirement.Canada Emergency Response BenefitCanada Recovery BenefitCOVID-19Income and wagesPandemic43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3292e-3292 (Environment)MichaelGillanKyleSeebackDufferin—CaledonConservativeONMarch 31, 2021, at 10:05 a.m. (EDT)April 30, 2021, at 10:05 a.m. (EDT)June 21, 2021May 3, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Washer fluid jugs contribute upwards of 70 million unrecyclable cartons of plastic waste to Canadian landfills every year;Due to the methanol, these cartons are too costly to recycle and are subsequently thrown away; andThere are readily available alternatives to this, as this form of plastic packaging is no longer needed. We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Invest in technologies that offer alternatives to plastic packaging used for washer fluid jugs; and2. Add plastic packaging to the growing list of banned single use plastics. Containers, packages and parcelsEnvironmentally friendly productsPlasticsPollution43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3298e-3298 (Social affairs and equality)CARLOSBUSTOSTomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservativeABApril 9, 2021, at 11:55 a.m. (EDT)August 7, 2021, at 11:55 a.m. (EDT)August 9, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Children have the right to spend equal time with both of their parents in instances where parents separate;When one parent is awarded primary custody without due cause it deprives a child of the right to spend time with both parents;Studies show that children should spend as much time as possible with both parents to prevent relational disengagement;The justice system often gives primary custody to the mother, if the parents disagree;Most parental conflicts involve the child’s care; andIf care is shared equally by default, the parents could focus their energy on their child(ren) instead of on the conflict.We, the undersigned, residents and citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to update legislation dealing with divorce and parental separation so that shared custody be the default option for children if their parents separate, and that both sides in a custody dispute be made to show why a 50-50 parenting arrangement would not be in the best interest of the child(ren).Family lawJoint child custody43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3242e-3242 (Social affairs and equality)StanTatarynKevinLamoureuxWinnipeg NorthLiberalMBApril 9, 2021, at 12:17 p.m. (EDT)June 8, 2021, at 12:17 p.m. (EDT)June 8, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:The various laws which refer to “hatred” do not define it; The Supreme Court had explained the meaning of the term in various cases which have come before the Court; andThe R. v. Keegstra case mentions that "Hatred is predicated on destruction, and hatred against identifiable groups therefore thrive on insensitivity, bigotry and destruction of both the target group and of the values of our society" and that "Hatred in this sense is a most extreme emotion that belies reason; an emotion that, if exercised against an identifiable group, implies that those individuals are to be despised, scorned, denied respect, and made subject to ill-treatment on the basis of group affiliation". We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to: 1. Accept that there are vocations, most notably police officers, that single them out as an identifiable group and that individuals and organizations are targeting that vocation for the sole purpose of implying “ that those individuals are to be despised, scorned, denied respect, and made subject to ill-treatment on the bases of group affiliation”; and 2. Add the word “ vocation” to the identifiable groups against which hatred cannot be publically directed in word or written form.Hate propagandaPeople and roles43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-00989432-00989 (Health)RachelBlaneyNorth Island—Powell RiverNDPBCMay 28, 2021April 12, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWhereas the opioid crisis is one of the largest public health emergencies of our lifetime, with a death approximately every two hours (on average) and a death toll of almost 15,400 in a mere four years (January 2016 to December 2019).Whereas the overdose crisis rages, showing few signs of abating.We, the undersigned, call upon the Government of Canada:
  • 1) to declare the overdose crisis a national public health emergency so that is taken seriously and funded appropriately.
  • 2) to immediately work with provinces and territories to develop a comprehensive, pan-Canadian action plan, which includes full consideration of reforms that other countries have used to significantly reduce drug-related fatalities and stigma, such as legal regulation and decriminalization for simple possession of illicit drugs.
DecriminalizationDrug use and abuseOpiates and opioidsPublic health
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3314e-3314 (Parliament and politics)ClaudeCarignanLucBertholdMégantic—L'ÉrableConservativeQCApril 9, 2021, at 11:59 a.m. (EDT)June 8, 2021, at 11:59 a.m. (EDT)June 17, 2021June 8, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The Right Honourable Julie Payette was appointed Governor General on July 13, 2017;She resigned on January 21, 2021;She did not complete the usual five-year term, serving only three years and six months in office;Although she held her position for a very short time, since resigning Ms. Payette automatically receives an annual pension of $150,000 and a hospitality budget of $206,040 for the rest of her life;The circumstances under which she left office are deeply disturbing;80% of Canadians support ending her financial benefits; and Ms. Payette, by her behaviors, has brought the institution of the Governor General into disrepute.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Immediately amend the Governor General’s Act so that only governors general who have held office for a minimum of five years are eligible for a pension and financial benefits; and2. Withdraw the lifetime pension and hospitality budget of any former governor general who has not held office for at least five consecutive years, as proposed in Senator Claude Carignan’s bill, effective immediately upon the coming into force of the bill.Government expendituresGovernor GeneralPensions and pensionersPolitical appointments43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01076432-01076 (Health)RandallGarrisonEsquimalt—Saanich—SookeNDPBCJune 8, 2021April 12, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWhereas opioid crisis is one of the most deadly public health emergencies of our lifetime, with a death taking place on average about every two hours and a death toll of almost 15,400 in the past four years alone (January 2016 to December 2019);Whereas the overdose crisis rages;We, the undersigned, call upon the Government of Canada to declare the overdose crisis a national public health emergency and:
  • Take steps to end overdose deaths and overdose injuries
  • Immediately collaborate with provinces and territories to develop a comprehensive, pan-Canadian overdose action plan
  • Ensure that any plan considers reforms that other countries have used, such as legal regulation of drugs to ensure safe, supply, decriminalization for personal use, and changes to flawed drug policy and policing.
  • Ensure this emergency is taken seriously with adequately funded programming and supports.
Drug use and abuseHealth emergenciesOpiates and opioidsPublic health
43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3310e-3310 (Awards and honours)LucasBibbyCherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservativeONApril 9, 2021, at 12:23 p.m. (EDT)August 7, 2021, at 12:23 p.m. (EDT)August 9, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="253406" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Canadian Heritage</Addressee>Whereas:Canada has, since Confederation, enjoyed a rich traditional relationship with the Monarchy;The Chancellery of Honours, through the Governor General of Canada's office has indicated that there are currently no plans to create a platinum jubilee medal with which to honour outstanding Canadians;Canada has always in the past created awards to coincide with the Queen's Jubilee;The Queen's Platinum Jubilee is a unique, historic and momentous occasion the likes of which have never been seen before and may never be seen again;Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee is far too an important occasion for our young, budding nation to show its immaturity in such a manner as to fail to hold to this longstanding tradition;Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has already graciously approved plans to issue her own platinum jubilee medal, to be given to those who work in public service, including the Armed Forces, the emergency services and the prison services in the UK; andCanadians should, all of us, remember that it was under the rule of this Monarch, this Matriarch and only by Her Majesty's Grace that Canada even exists as an independent state.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Minister of Canadian Heritage to maintain tradition, respect this unique and momentous celebration of Her Majesty's long and illustrious tenure and indeed make plans to create a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal with which to extend her Majesty's Grace in awarding recognition to outstanding Canadians deserving of such a medal.Awards presentationsPlatinum jubilee43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3312e-3312 (Foreign affairs)KarenRodmanSalmaZahidScarborough CentreLiberalONApril 12, 2021, at 11:02 a.m. (EDT)June 11, 2021, at 11:02 a.m. (EDT)June 18, 2021June 11, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:The protection of the rights of children around the world is a priority of the Canadian government;As signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Israel has an obligation to ensure basic due process rights and the absolute prohibition against torture and ill-treatment of children in accordance with international juvenile justice standards;The Secretary General of the United Nations 2019 report on children and armed conflict on June 20, 2019, reiterated the Special Representative’s "call upon Israel to uphold international juvenile justice standards, as well as to cease the use of administrative detention for children and end all forms of ill-treatment in detention, and to cease any attempted recruitment of detained children as informants”;Israel automatically and systematically prosecutes children in military courts that lack fundamental fair trial rights and protections;For over 30 years, Defense for Children International Palestine, Al-Haq and other human rights groups have investigated, documented, and exposed human rights violations against children; andUnder Article 1 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, all high signatories, of which Canada is one, are required to take actions to ensure that violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention do not occur under any circumstance.We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to call for an urgent study by the Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development to review Israel’s treatment of children in Israeli occupied Palestine and compliance with its obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.ChildrenCivil and human rightsIsraelPalestine43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01051432-01051 (Justice)TamaraJansenCloverdale—Langley CityConservativeBCJune 7, 2021April 19, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3329e-3329 (Taxation)MathieuMireaultSorayaMartinez FerradaHochelagaLiberalQCApril 16, 2021, at 2:22 p.m. (EDT)May 16, 2021, at 2:22 p.m. (EDT)May 31, 2021May 17, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="263831" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Finance</Addressee>Whereas:The purchase of medical devices is a necessity, not a luxury;To help Canadians get the medical support they need, the Department of Finance makes medical devices tax exempt if they meet the eligibility criteria, namely, they are specifically designed to help a person with a chronic illness, physical disability or physical impairment and have no other possible use;The department has released GST/HST memorandum 4.2, which includes the comprehensive list of zero rated medical devices;Many medical devices are still taxed even though they meet the criteria set out in GST/HST memorandum 4.2; andThere is no process to include new medical devices on the list of zero-rated medical devices even if they meet the criteria of GST/HST memorandum 4.2;We, the undersigned, Citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Finance to: 1. Ensure that all devices that meet the criteria set out in GST/HST memorandum 4.2 are automatically GST exempt and added to the list; and2. Create a process to request that items be added to the list of zero-rated devices in GST/HST memorandum 4.2.Consumption taxesMedical and assistive devicesTax exemption43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3327e-3327 (Economy and finance)RaymondWongBradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservativeBCApril 16, 2021, at 2:31 p.m. (EDT)August 14, 2021, at 2:31 p.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:Quantitative easing is a type of monetary policy in which a nation’s central bank tries to increase the liquidity in its financial system, typically by purchasing long-dated government bonds from that nation’s largest banks;Quantitative easing creates wealth inequality, asset inflation, and keeps interest rates artificially low;According to the Bank of Canada, they have printed $400 billion dollars to add to the financial markets and continue to purchase bonds at $4 billion per week and now own 40% of the bond market. This enriches the wealthy at the expense of the working class;Money supply in Canada has increased by 14% but the Consumer Price Index has inflation measured at approximately 2%, thus devaluating the Canadian currency;The manipulation of interest rates is driving real estate and asset inflation, encouraging high levels of debt, and punishing savers; andThe decisions made by the Bank of Canada impact everyday lives. They decide who gets rich, who stays poor, how consumers spend, and if the economy values saving.We, the undersigned, concerned citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to: 1. Limit or cap the amount of residential mortgages issued from chartered banks;2. Tighten credit for investors by charted banks (minimum 40% down payment);3. Increase and strengthen the OSFI B-20 stress test; and4. Ask the Bank of Canada to consider ‘housing’ as part of their decision to either hike or drop interest rates.Banks and bankingEconomic conditionsMortgages43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3337e-3337 (Justice)DavidMivasairMatthewGreenHamilton CentreNDPONApril 19, 2021, at 10:24 a.m. (EDT)August 17, 2021, at 10:24 a.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Justice</Addressee>Whereas:The Foreign Enlistment Act states: “Any person who, within Canada, recruits or otherwise induces any person or body of persons to enlist or to accept any commission or engagement in the armed forces of any foreign state or other armed forces operating in that state is guilty of an offence.”;The Israeli consulate in Toronto has advertised on several occasions an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) representative available for personal appointments for those wishing to join the IDF, not just those who are required to do mandatory service;The IDF has shot and injured at least two Canadian citizens since 2015;The IDF has repeatedly contravened the Fourth Geneva Convention, and illegally attacked Syria and Lebanon by missile or by drone;Israel is a nuclear powerThe Ambassador of Canada conducted an event on January 16, 2020 honouring Canadians serving in the IDF; andA formal complaint has been filed regarding recruiting taking place within Canada to enlist persons into the IDF.We, the undersigned, citizens or residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Justice to undertake a thorough investigation of those who have recruited or facilitated recruiting for the Israel Defense Forces, and, if warranted, lay charges against those involved in recruiting and encouraging recruiting for the IDF.Foreign policyIsrael Defense ForcesMilitary recruitment43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01045432-01045 (Foreign affairs)DaneLloydSturgeon River—ParklandConservativeABJune 7, 2021April 20, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas the Canadian Parliament has unanimously passed the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, also known as the Sergei Magnitsky Act, to sanction corrupt foreign officials who, among others, are responsible for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights;Whereas the Former Chinese Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin and his cohorts personally ordered, launched, orchestrated and executed the eradication campaign against Falun Gong using state apparatus, including the extrajudicial torture and killing of Falun Gong practitioners in large numbers with impunity for the past 19 years for their beliefs in "truthfulness, compassion and tolerance”; and whereas Falun Gong practitioners have been killed for their organs in China on a massive scale, which has been well documented and widely reported;Whereas extensive evidence points to fourteen key officials and former officials of the Chinese communist regime who demonstrate prime culpability in the human rights atrocities committed against Falun Gong practitioners in China.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against these perpetrators under the Sergei Magnitsky Act.ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01057432-01057 (Foreign affairs)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABJune 7, 2021April 20, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas the Canadian Parliament has unanimously passed the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, also known as the Sergei Magnitsky Act, to sanction corrupt foreign officials who, among others, are responsible for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights;Whereas the Former Chinese Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin and his cohorts personally ordered, launched, orchestrated and executed the eradication campaign against Falun Gong using state apparatus, including the extrajudicial torture and killing of Falun Gong practitioners in large numbers with impunity for the past 19 years for their beliefs in "truthfulness, compassion and tolerance”; and whereas Falun Gong practitioners have been killed for their organs in China on a massive scale, which has been well documented and widely reported;Whereas extensive evidence points to fourteen key officials and former officials of the Chinese communist regime who demonstrate prime culpability in the human rights atrocities committed against Falun Gong practitioners in China.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against these perpetrators under the Sergei Magnitsky Act.ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01050432-01050 (Foreign affairs)TamaraJansenCloverdale—Langley CityConservativeBCJune 7, 2021April 20, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas the Canadian Parliament has unanimously passed the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, also known as the Sergei Magnitsky Act, to sanction corrupt foreign officials who, among others, are responsible for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights;Whereas the Former Chinese Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin and his cohorts personally ordered, launched, orchestrated and executed the eradication campaign against Falun Gong using state apparatus, including the extrajudicial torture and killing of Falun Gong practitioners in large numbers with impunity for the past 19 years for their beliefs in "truthfulness, compassion and tolerance”; and whereas Falun Gong practitioners have been killed for their organs in China on a massive scale, which has been well documented and widely reported;Whereas extensive evidence points to fourteen key officials and former officials of the Chinese communist regime who demonstrate prime culpability in the human rights atrocities committed against Falun Gong practitioners in China.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against these perpetrators under the Sergei Magnitsky Act.ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3338e-3338 (Social affairs and equality)ZahraDhananiJulieDabrusinToronto—DanforthLiberalONApril 20, 2021, at 11:59 a.m. (EDT)July 19, 2021, at 11:59 a.m. (EDT)July 20, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Throughout 2020-21, nooses, racial slurs and other expressions of hatred against Black people have been reported at various construction sites within Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia;Black workers have reported being harassed, assaulted, and have felt unsafe while working on site;In response, a number of community forums have occurred involving representatives from all levels of government, as well as representatives from the construction industry, and labour organizations;Communities have protested to call for lasting changes and appropriate consequences for perpetrators to deter others from carrying out these hateful acts;Representatives from within the industry have acknowledged that anti-Black racism is commonplace; andAll of these reported incidents are in contravention of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Labour Code, Criminal Code, Human Rights Act, and applicable provincial health and safety legislation.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Create a National Task Force on Racial Violence in Construction to lead an investigation into the conditions on commercial construction sites, with a report on recommendations; this, in order to create a culture shift towards a safe and healthy environment for all workers, especially Black workers; and2. Require recipients of any federal construction contract to conduct anti-racism training, with a focus on anti-Black racism, for all workers, supervisors, managers and executives, including any subcontractors, and to provide a project-specific anti-racism strategy and incident response plan, with an emphasis on ensuring contractor evaluation and compliance.Black CanadiansBuilding and construction industryRacial equality43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3343e-3343 (Fisheries)EmilyOrrRachelBlaneyNorth Island—Powell RiverNDPBCApril 20, 2021, at 12:28 p.m. (EDT)June 19, 2021, at 12:28 p.m. (EDT)June 23, 2021June 21, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="253373" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard</Addressee>Whereas:The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) mandate includes promoting the stability and economic viability of fishing operations;DFO has recently re-interpreted the existing fishery regulations to assert that a tub of frozen-at-sea spot prawn tails no longer meets their requirement that fish are ‘readily determined’ for inspection purposes;No clear reason has been provided for the re-interpretation, and no means for compliance for tubs of prawn frozen at sea has been provided;The practice of freezing-at-sea spot prawn tails in tubs has been ongoing for 50 years without incident or concern;Prawn size limits are a market issue, not a conservation issue, and there is no minimum prawn size regulations for recreational or for food, social and ceremonial (FSC) harvest;The commercial prawn fishery in British Columbia (BC) has been consistently recognized, both internally by DFO and externally by third party assessment, as a sustainable fishery;By preventing fishermen from the practice of freezing-at-sea prawn tails, which is the primary format for domestic sales, the DFO is effectively forcing the freezing vessels to create an export-only product;This sudden change will decrease the stability and economic viability of prawn fishing operations, fishing families, coastal economies and restaurants; andThis reinterpretation will increase the export of BC prawns and weaken local food security.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada,, call upon the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard to require the Pacific Region enforcement and management personnel to develop a process or procedure that will permit the continued practice of freezing-at-sea prawn tails in tubs.Fisheries policyFrozen foodsSpot prawn43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01091432-01091 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 11, 2021April 20, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas the Canadian Parliament has unanimously passed the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, also known as the Sergei Magnitsky Act, to sanction corrupt foreign officials who, among others, are responsible for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights;Whereas the Former Chinese Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin and his cohorts personally ordered, launched, orchestrated and executed the eradication campaign against Falun Gong using state apparatus, including the extrajudicial torture and killing of Falun Gong practitioners in large numbers with impunity for the past 19 years for their beliefs in "truthfulness, compassion and tolerance”; and whereas Falun Gong practitioners have been killed for their organs in China on a massive scale, which has been well documented and widely reported;Whereas extensive evidence points to fourteen key officials and former officials of the Chinese communist regime who demonstrate prime culpability in the human rights atrocities committed against Falun Gong practitioners in China.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against these perpetrators under the Sergei Magnitsky Act.ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-00968432-00968 (Public safety)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservativeBCMay 25, 2021May 3, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • Illicit drug production, distribution, and use is occurring within the Village of Cache Creek, British Columbia;
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has been overshadowed by the opioid crisis in British Columbia, with more than 1,500 overdose deaths reported in 2020, exceeding all deaths to date from COVID-19 in the province;
  • Residents' calls, messages, and pleas with municipal authorities and local law enforcement are regularly met with indifference or incapacity due to jurisdictional issues;
  • Residents are fearful of retaliation from criminal organizations, are fearful that they or their children could be exposed to drugs or other noxious substances, and are fearful for the future cohesion of their communities;
  • Residents want to feel safe and secure in their own homes, in their neighbourhoods, and in their communities;
THEREFORE: We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to collaborate constructively, measurably, and tangibly with municipalities, local law enforcement agencies, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to root out and shut down illegal drug production and distribution sites, and to prosecute any persons involved in the production, distribution, and sale of illicit drugs.
Crime preventionDrug-related crime
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01018432-01018 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABMay 31, 2021April 21, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • Sex selection abortion is legal as Canada has no legal restrictions on abortion;
  • Sex selective abortion is antithetical to our commitment to equality between men and women;
  • A 2019 DART & Maru/Blue poll, conducted for the National Post, showed that 84% of Canadians believe it should be illegal to have an abortion if the family does not want the child to be a certain sex;
  • International organizations including the World Health Organization, United Nations Women, and United Nations Children's Fund have identified unequal sex ratios at birth as a growing problem internationally;
  • Canada's health care profession recognizes sex selection as a problem.
Therefore, we the undersigned citizens of Canada call upon the House of Commons to pass a Criminal Code prohibition of sex selective abortion.
AbortionSexual discrimination
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01007432-01007 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 31, 2021April 21, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • Sex selection abortion is legal as Canada has no legal restrictions on abortion;
  • Sex selective abortion is antithetical to our commitment to equality between men and women;
  • A 2019 DART & Maru/Blue poll, conducted for the National Post, showed that 84% of Canadians believe it should be illegal to have an abortion if the family does not want the child to be a certain sex;
  • International organizations including the World Health Organization, United Nations Women, and United Nations Children's Fund have identified unequal sex ratios at birth as a growing problem internationally;
  • Canada's health care profession recognizes sex selection as a problem.
Therefore, we the undersigned citizens of Canada call upon the House of Commons to pass a Criminal Code prohibition of sex selective abortion.
AbortionSexual discrimination
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-00990432-00990 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKMay 28, 2021April 21, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • Sex selection abortion is legal as Canada has no legal restrictions on abortion;
  • Sex selective abortion is antithetical to our commitment to equality between men and women;
  • A 2019 DART & Maru/Blue poll, conducted for the National Post, showed that 84% of Canadians believe it should be illegal to have an abortion if the family does not want the child to be a certain sex;
  • International organizations including the World Health Organization, United Nations Women, and United Nations Children's Fund have identified unequal sex ratios at birth as a growing problem internationally;
  • Canada's health care profession recognizes sex selection as a problem.
Therefore, we the undersigned citizens of Canada call upon the House of Commons to pass a Criminal Code prohibition of sex selective abortion.
AbortionSexual discrimination
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-00963432-00963 (Economy and finance)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABMay 13, 2021April 27, 2021Petition to the Government CanadaWHEREAS
  • Pay cheques feed families;
  • Working citizens' pay cheques, not government aid cheques, feed families and lead to a prosperous future for all Canadians;
  • Current restrictions and lockdowns are applied and enforced without due regard to scientific evidence;
  • Countries around the globe have approached the pandemic with varying degrees of strictness effecting very little measurable difference in the severity of infection and death rates;
  • The World Health Organization admits lockdowns are needlessly destructive on both the longterm health and livelihood of people and to be avoided as anything but a desperate last measure;
  • While opening the economy during a time of widespread illness does have its risks, free citizens must be afforded the right to make their own informed decisions for the wellbeing of themselves and their families.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call on the Government of Canada to work with all levels of government to immediately rescind harmful lockdown measures and reopen the economy, enabling pay cheques to once again feed families.
COVID-19Economic conditionsPandemic
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3347e-3347 (Social affairs and equality)GillianReissHanDongDon Valley NorthLiberalONApril 23, 2021, at 1:15 p.m. (EDT)May 23, 2021, at 1:15 p.m. (EDT)June 15, 2021May 25, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The Canada Child Benefit is the signature piece of Canada’s first Poverty Reduction Strategy;The Government of Canada has committed to a rights-based approach to poverty reduction based on the principles of universality, non-discrimination and equality;Current legislation denies many children who are residents of Canada – including those who are Canadian born – access to Canada Child Benefit payments because of the immigration status of their parents;The current legislation reinforces pre-existing gendered poverty because women are still the primary caregivers for children in most Canadian families;The current legislation adversely impacts racialized communities that already face a higher risk of poverty; andThe current legislation forces some children and their primary care providers to remain in abusive relationships in order to maintain access to Canada Child Benefit payments.We, the undersigned, residents of Canada concerned about children in our communities, call upon the Government of Canada to reduce child poverty and alleviate the hardships faced by children and women in Canada by allowing all children who are residents of Canada access to Canada Child Benefit payments, irrespective of the immigration status of their parents.Benefits for childrenChildrenImmigration status43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3319e-3319 (Justice)JenniferNeville-LakeHon.Judy A.SgroHumber River—Black CreekLiberalONApril 23, 2021, at 2:16 p.m. (EDT)May 23, 2021, at 2:16 p.m. (EDT)June 3, 2021May 25, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:Bill C-32, An Act to enact the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights and to amend certain Acts, was passed in 2015;Bill C-32 created the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights;Section 2.1 of Bill C-32 said, “Five years after section 2 comes into force, a committee of Parliament is to be designated or established for the purpose of reviewing the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights…”;The Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime, in her 2020 Progress Report: The Canadian Victims Bill of Rights, concluded “…the objectives set out in the Act have not been met. The Act falls far short of delivering the real rights it promised.”;The Department of Justice, in its 2019 report, Final Report on the Review of Canada’s Criminal Justice System, found that victims often feel re-victimized and acknowledged major changes are needed to support the rights of victims, survivors and their families; andThe Canadian Victims Bill of Rights must be strengthened to prioritize victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system.We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to designate or establish a committee of Parliament to review the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights.Canadian Victims Bill of RightsStatutory reviewVictims of crime43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3351e-3351 (Health)StevenSoosDeanAllisonNiagara WestConservativeONApril 29, 2021, at 5:12 p.m. (EDT)August 27, 2021, at 5:12 p.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:Several provinces have declared emergencies on various circumstances over time;Canada is allowed to declare national emergencies under the Emergencies Act, 1985;Approximately 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental health problem or illness;The economic burden of mental illness in Canada is estimated at 51 billion dollars per year (including healthcare costs, lost productivity, and reductions in health-related quality of life) (CAMH);Not addressing mental health issues/illness is costly in the long-term to Canada's economy; andAccording to a recent Morneau Shephard poll, 50% of Canadians reported that their mental health has worsened with the COVID-19 pandemic, with mental health related hospitalizations, crisis-line use, and addiction rates skyrocketing.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to launch a study in the Standing Committee on Health (HESA) on the merits of declaring a national emergency on mental health.Health emergenciesMental health43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3357e-3357 (Foreign affairs)IanKowalskiGarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 29, 2021, at 5:13 p.m. (EDT)August 27, 2021, at 5:13 p.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1) Recognize that the People’s Republic of China’s disregard for democracy, human rights, international law, and the territorial integrity of its neighbors, including Taiwan, pose a grave threat to the rules-based international order;2) Deepen engagement with the Republic of China (Taiwan), and Support Taiwanese participation in multilateral agencies such as the WHO and ICAO;3) Recognize that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a robust and vibrant democracy which is particularly vulnerable to the aggressive actions of the government of the People’s Republic of China;4) Immediately sign a foreign investment protection agreement with Taiwan and strengthen Canada's trading relationships with democratic societies, and stand with those fighting for their freedom, such as the people of Taiwan; and5) Show solidarity with Taiwan’s armed forces against the military aggression of the People’s Liberation Army with regular transits by the Royal Canadian Navy through the Taiwan strait, and investigate the possibility of signing a Defence Treaty with Taiwan.ChinaCivil and human rightsForeign policyTaiwan43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3330e-3330 (Indigenous affairs)Jim EvaManlyPaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCApril 29, 2021, at 6:05 p.m. (EDT)June 28, 2021, at 6:05 p.m. (EDT)June 29, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada released its final report in 2015;The Commission’s 94 Calls to Action require a comprehensive response if we hope to see reconciliation between Indigenous Peoples and all Canadians;Calls to Action #53 to 56 call for the establishment of a National Council for Reconciliation as an oversight body with both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal members in order to “monitor, evaluate, and report annually to Parliament and the people of Canada's post-apology progress on reconciliation” to ensure government accountability; andCanada urgently needs this Council to generate and maintain progress in the reconciliation process.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Take immediate action to establish a National Council of Reconciliation as called for in the final report of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (Calls to Action #53 to 56) “as an independent national oversight body with membership jointly appointed by the Government of Canada and national Aboriginal organizations and consisting of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal members” to:(i) monitor, evaluate and report annually to Parliament and the people of Canada on Canada’s progress in reconciliation to ensure government accountability; and(ii) act as a catalyst for further action both by government and society at large.2. Provide multi-year funding including the endowment of a National Reconciliation Trust;3. Provide annual reports and any current data requested by the Council with specific information on the progress of reconciliation; and4. Outline plans for advancing reconciliation in annual reports issued by the Prime Minister.Indigenous peoplesIndigenous policyOversight mechanism43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01120432-01120 (Environment)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCJune 15, 2021May 20, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWhereas:
  • Indigenous peoples have rights and title to their traditional territories and have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial;
  • the climate crisis requires action by all levels of government and industry;
  • old-growth forests provide immeasurable benefits, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity, culture, recreation, education, food and more;
  • valley-bottom high productivity old-growth ecosystems in British Columbia are endangered;
  • of the remaining 2.7% of original high productivity old-growth forests in British Columbia, 75% are still slated to be logged;
  • only 9% of the original 360,000 hectares of valley-bottom high productivity old-growth on Vancouver Island remain today; only 2.6% of those forests are protected in parks;
  • the last unprotected intact old-growth valley on Southern Vancouver Island, Fairy Creek, is slated for logging, along with the upper Walbran Valley and other remaining pockets of old growth;
  • most Canadians support sustainable harvesting of second and third growth forests, but do not support logging old-growth trees or destroying their surrounding ecosystems.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Work with the provinces and First Nations to immediately halt logging of endangered old-growth ecosystems; 2. Fund the long-term protection of old-growth ecosystems as a priority for Canada's climate action plan and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;3. Support value-added forestry initiatives in partnership with First Nations to ensure Canada's forestry industry is sustainable, and based on the harvesting of second and third growth forests;4. Ban the export of raw logs and maximize resource use for local jobs;5. Ban the use of whole trees for wood pellet biofuel production.
Environmental protectionForest policyIndigenous policy
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01103432-01103 (Environment)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCJune 14, 2021May 20, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWhereas:
  • Indigenous peoples have rights and title to their traditional territories and have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial;
  • the climate crisis requires action by all levels of government and industry;
  • old-growth forests provide immeasurable benefits, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity, culture, recreation, education, food and more;
  • valley-bottom high productivity old-growth ecosystems in British Columbia are endangered;
  • of the remaining 2.7% of original high productivity old-growth forests in British Columbia, 75% are still slated to be logged;
  • only 9% of the original 360,000 hectares of valley-bottom high productivity old-growth on Vancouver Island remain today; only 2.6% of those forests are protected in parks;
  • the last unprotected intact old-growth valley on Southern Vancouver Island, Fairy Creek, is slated for logging, along with the upper Walbran Valley and other remaining pockets of old growth;
  • most Canadians support sustainable harvesting of second and third growth forests, but do not support logging old-growth trees or destroying their surrounding ecosystems.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Work with the provinces and First Nations to immediately halt logging of endangered old-growth ecosystems; 2. Fund the long-term protection of old-growth ecosystems as a priority for Canada's climate action plan and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;3. Support value-added forestry initiatives in partnership with First Nations to ensure Canada's forestry industry is sustainable, and based on the harvesting of second and third growth forests;4. Ban the export of raw logs and maximize resource use for local jobs;5. Ban the use of whole trees for wood pellet biofuel production.
Environmental protectionForest policyIndigenous policy
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01096432-01096 (Environment)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCJune 11, 2021May 20, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWhereas:
  • Indigenous peoples have rights and title to their traditional territories and have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial;
  • the climate crisis requires action by all levels of government and industry;
  • old-growth forests provide immeasurable benefits, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity, culture, recreation, education, food and more;
  • valley-bottom high productivity old-growth ecosystems in British Columbia are endangered;
  • of the remaining 2.7% of original high productivity old-growth forests in British Columbia, 75% are still slated to be logged;
  • only 9% of the original 360,000 hectares of valley-bottom high productivity old-growth on Vancouver Island remain today; only 2.6% of those forests are protected in parks;
  • the last unprotected intact old-growth valley on Southern Vancouver Island, Fairy Creek, is slated for logging, along with the upper Walbran Valley and other remaining pockets of old growth;
  • most Canadians support sustainable harvesting of second and third growth forests, but do not support logging old-growth trees or destroying their surrounding ecosystems.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Work with the provinces and First Nations to immediately halt logging of endangered old-growth ecosystems; 2. Fund the long-term protection of old-growth ecosystems as a priority for Canada's climate action plan and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;3. Support value-added forestry initiatives in partnership with First Nations to ensure Canada's forestry industry is sustainable, and based on the harvesting of second and third growth forests;4. Ban the export of raw logs and maximize resource use for local jobs;5. Ban the use of whole trees for wood pellet biofuel production.
Environmental protectionForest policyIndigenous policy
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01081432-01081 (Environment)PatrickWeilerWest Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky CountryLiberalBCJune 11, 2021May 20, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWhereas:
  • Indigenous peoples have rights and title to their traditional territories and have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial;
  • the climate crisis requires action by all levels of government and industry;
  • old-growth forests provide immeasurable benefits, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity, culture, recreation, education, food and more;
  • valley-bottom high productivity old-growth ecosystems in British Columbia are endangered;
  • of the remaining 2.7% of original high productivity old-growth forests in British Columbia, 75% are still slated to be logged;
  • only 9% of the original 360,000 hectares of valley-bottom high productivity old-growth on Vancouver Island remain today; only 2.6% of those forests are protected in parks;
  • the last unprotected intact old-growth valley on Southern Vancouver Island, Fairy Creek, is slated for logging, along with the upper Walbran Valley and other remaining pockets of old growth;
  • most Canadians support sustainable harvesting of second and third growth forests, but do not support logging old-growth trees or destroying their surrounding ecosystems.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Work with the provinces and First Nations to immediately halt logging of endangered old-growth ecosystems; 2. Fund the long-term protection of old-growth ecosystems as a priority for Canada's climate action plan and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;3. Support value-added forestry initiatives in partnership with First Nations to ensure Canada's forestry industry is sustainable, and based on the harvesting of second and third growth forests;4. Ban the export of raw logs and maximize resource use for local jobs;5. Ban the use of whole trees for wood pellet biofuel production.
Environmental protectionForest policyIndigenous policy
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01100432-01100 (Environment)PaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCJune 14, 2021May 20, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWhereas:
  • Indigenous peoples have rights and title to their traditional territories and have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial;
  • the climate crisis requires action by all levels of government and industry;
  • old-growth forests provide immeasurable benefits, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity, culture, recreation, education, food and more;
  • valley-bottom high productivity old-growth ecosystems in British Columbia are endangered;
  • of the remaining 2.7% of original high productivity old-growth forests in British Columbia, 75% are still slated to be logged;
  • only 9% of the original 360,000 hectares of valley-bottom high productivity old-growth on Vancouver Island remain today; only 2.6% of those forests are protected in parks;
  • the last unprotected intact old-growth valley on Southern Vancouver Island, Fairy Creek, is slated for logging, along with the upper Walbran Valley and other remaining pockets of old growth;
  • most Canadians support sustainable harvesting of second and third growth forests, but do not support logging old-growth trees or destroying their surrounding ecosystems.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Work with the provinces and First Nations to immediately halt logging of endangered old-growth ecosystems; 2. Fund the long-term protection of old-growth ecosystems as a priority for Canada's climate action plan and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;3. Support value-added forestry initiatives in partnership with First Nations to ensure Canada's forestry industry is sustainable, and based on the harvesting of second and third growth forests;4. Ban the export of raw logs and maximize resource use for local jobs;5. Ban the use of whole trees for wood pellet biofuel production.
Environmental protectionForest policyIndigenous policy
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01095432-01095 (Environment)PaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCJune 11, 2021May 20, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWhereas:
  • Indigenous peoples have rights and title to their traditional territories and have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial;
  • the climate crisis requires action by all levels of government and industry;
  • old-growth forests provide immeasurable benefits, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity, culture, recreation, education, food and more;
  • valley-bottom high productivity old-growth ecosystems in British Columbia are endangered;
  • of the remaining 2.7% of original high productivity old-growth forests in British Columbia, 75% are still slated to be logged;
  • only 9% of the original 360,000 hectares of valley-bottom high productivity old-growth on Vancouver Island remain today; only 2.6% of those forests are protected in parks;
  • the last unprotected intact old-growth valley on Southern Vancouver Island, Fairy Creek, is slated for logging, along with the upper Walbran Valley and other remaining pockets of old growth;
  • most Canadians support sustainable harvesting of second and third growth forests, but do not support logging old-growth trees or destroying their surrounding ecosystems.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Work with the provinces and First Nations to immediately halt logging of endangered old-growth ecosystems; 2. Fund the long-term protection of old-growth ecosystems as a priority for Canada's climate action plan and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;3. Support value-added forestry initiatives in partnership with First Nations to ensure Canada's forestry industry is sustainable, and based on the harvesting of second and third growth forests;4. Ban the export of raw logs and maximize resource use for local jobs;5. Ban the use of whole trees for wood pellet biofuel production.
Environmental protectionForest policyIndigenous policy
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01201432-01201 (Environment)NathanielErskine-SmithBeaches—East YorkLiberalONJune 22, 2021May 20, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWhereas:
  • Indigenous peoples have rights and title to their traditional territories and have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial;
  • the climate crisis requires action by all levels of government and industry;
  • old-growth forests provide immeasurable benefits, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity, culture, recreation, education, food and more;
  • valley-bottom high productivity old-growth ecosystems in British Columbia are endangered;
  • of the remaining 2.7% of original high productivity old-growth forests in British Columbia, 75% are still slated to be logged;
  • only 9% of the original 360,000 hectares of valley-bottom high productivity old-growth on Vancouver Island remain today; only 2.6% of those forests are protected in parks;
  • the last unprotected intact old-growth valley on Southern Vancouver Island, Fairy Creek, is slated for logging, along with the upper Walbran Valley and other remaining pockets of old growth;
  • most Canadians support sustainable harvesting of second and third growth forests, but do not support logging old-growth trees or destroying their surrounding ecosystems.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Work with the provinces and First Nations to immediately halt logging of endangered old-growth ecosystems; 2. Fund the long-term protection of old-growth ecosystems as a priority for Canada's climate action plan and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;3. Support value-added forestry initiatives in partnership with First Nations to ensure Canada's forestry industry is sustainable, and based on the harvesting of second and third growth forests;4. Ban the export of raw logs and maximize resource use for local jobs;5. Ban the use of whole trees for wood pellet biofuel production.
Environmental protectionForest policyIndigenous policy
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01202432-01202 (Environment)NathanielErskine-SmithBeaches—East YorkLiberalONJune 22, 2021May 20, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWhereas:
  • Indigenous peoples have rights and title to their traditional territories and have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial;
  • the climate crisis requires action by all levels of government and industry;
  • old-growth forests provide immeasurable benefits, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity, culture, recreation, education, food and more;
  • valley-bottom high productivity old-growth ecosystems in British Columbia are endangered;
  • of the remaining 2.7% of original high productivity old-growth forests in British Columbia, 75% are still slated to be logged;
  • only 9% of the original 360,000 hectares of valley-bottom high productivity old-growth on Vancouver Island remain today; only 2.6% of those forests are protected in parks;
  • the last unprotected intact old-growth valley on Southern Vancouver Island, Fairy Creek, is slated for logging, along with the upper Walbran Valley and other remaining pockets of old growth;
  • most Canadians support sustainable harvesting of second and third growth forests, but do not support logging old-growth trees or destroying their surrounding ecosystems.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Work with the provinces and First Nations to immediately halt logging of endangered old-growth ecosystems; 2. Fund the long-term protection of old-growth ecosystems as a priority for Canada's climate action plan and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;3. Support value-added forestry initiatives in partnership with First Nations to ensure Canada's forestry industry is sustainable, and based on the harvesting of second and third growth forests;4. Ban the export of raw logs and maximize resource use for local jobs;5. Ban the use of whole trees for wood pellet biofuel production.
Environmental protectionForest policyIndigenous policy
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01128432-01128 (Environment)PaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCJune 16, 2021May 20, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWhereas:
  • Indigenous peoples have rights and title to their traditional territories and have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial;
  • the climate crisis requires action by all levels of government and industry;
  • old-growth forests provide immeasurable benefits, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity, culture, recreation, education, food and more;
  • valley-bottom high productivity old-growth ecosystems in British Columbia are endangered;
  • of the remaining 2.7% of original high productivity old-growth forests in British Columbia, 75% are still slated to be logged;
  • only 9% of the original 360,000 hectares of valley-bottom high productivity old-growth on Vancouver Island remain today; only 2.6% of those forests are protected in parks;
  • the last unprotected intact old-growth valley on Southern Vancouver Island, Fairy Creek, is slated for logging, along with the upper Walbran Valley and other remaining pockets of old growth;
  • most Canadians support sustainable harvesting of second and third growth forests, but do not support logging old-growth trees or destroying their surrounding ecosystems.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Work with the provinces and First Nations to immediately halt logging of endangered old-growth ecosystems; 2. Fund the long-term protection of old-growth ecosystems as a priority for Canada's climate action plan and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;3. Support value-added forestry initiatives in partnership with First Nations to ensure Canada's forestry industry is sustainable, and based on the harvesting of second and third growth forests;4. Ban the export of raw logs and maximize resource use for local jobs;5. Ban the use of whole trees for wood pellet biofuel production.
Environmental protectionForest policyIndigenous policy
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01137432-01137 (Environment)PaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCJune 17, 2021May 20, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWhereas:
  • Indigenous peoples have rights and title to their traditional territories and have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial;
  • the climate crisis requires action by all levels of government and industry;
  • old-growth forests provide immeasurable benefits, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity, culture, recreation, education, food and more;
  • valley-bottom high productivity old-growth ecosystems in British Columbia are endangered;
  • of the remaining 2.7% of original high productivity old-growth forests in British Columbia, 75% are still slated to be logged;
  • only 9% of the original 360,000 hectares of valley-bottom high productivity old-growth on Vancouver Island remain today; only 2.6% of those forests are protected in parks;
  • the last unprotected intact old-growth valley on Southern Vancouver Island, Fairy Creek, is slated for logging, along with the upper Walbran Valley and other remaining pockets of old growth;
  • most Canadians support sustainable harvesting of second and third growth forests, but do not support logging old-growth trees or destroying their surrounding ecosystems.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Work with the provinces and First Nations to immediately halt logging of endangered old-growth ecosystems; 2. Fund the long-term protection of old-growth ecosystems as a priority for Canada's climate action plan and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;3. Support value-added forestry initiatives in partnership with First Nations to ensure Canada's forestry industry is sustainable, and based on the harvesting of second and third growth forests;4. Ban the export of raw logs and maximize resource use for local jobs;5. Ban the use of whole trees for wood pellet biofuel production.
Environmental protectionForest policyIndigenous policy
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01158432-01158 (Environment)PaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCJune 18, 2021May 20, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWhereas:
  • Indigenous peoples have rights and title to their traditional territories and have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial;
  • the climate crisis requires action by all levels of government and industry;
  • old-growth forests provide immeasurable benefits, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity, culture, recreation, education, food and more;
  • valley-bottom high productivity old-growth ecosystems in British Columbia are endangered;
  • of the remaining 2.7% of original high productivity old-growth forests in British Columbia, 75% are still slated to be logged;
  • only 9% of the original 360,000 hectares of valley-bottom high productivity old-growth on Vancouver Island remain today; only 2.6% of those forests are protected in parks;
  • the last unprotected intact old-growth valley on Southern Vancouver Island, Fairy Creek, is slated for logging, along with the upper Walbran Valley and other remaining pockets of old growth;
  • most Canadians support sustainable harvesting of second and third growth forests, but do not support logging old-growth trees or destroying their surrounding ecosystems.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Work with the provinces and First Nations to immediately halt logging of endangered old-growth ecosystems; 2. Fund the long-term protection of old-growth ecosystems as a priority for Canada's climate action plan and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;3. Support value-added forestry initiatives in partnership with First Nations to ensure Canada's forestry industry is sustainable, and based on the harvesting of second and third growth forests;4. Ban the export of raw logs and maximize resource use for local jobs;5. Ban the use of whole trees for wood pellet biofuel production.
Environmental protectionForest policyIndigenous policy
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01182432-01182 (Environment)PaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCJune 21, 2021May 20, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWhereas:
  • Indigenous peoples have rights and title to their traditional territories and have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial;
  • the climate crisis requires action by all levels of government and industry;
  • old-growth forests provide immeasurable benefits, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity, culture, recreation, education, food and more;
  • valley-bottom high productivity old-growth ecosystems in British Columbia are endangered;
  • of the remaining 2.7% of original high productivity old-growth forests in British Columbia, 75% are still slated to be logged;
  • only 9% of the original 360,000 hectares of valley-bottom high productivity old-growth on Vancouver Island remain today; only 2.6% of those forests are protected in parks;
  • the last unprotected intact old-growth valley on Southern Vancouver Island, Fairy Creek, is slated for logging, along with the upper Walbran Valley and other remaining pockets of old growth;
  • most Canadians support sustainable harvesting of second and third growth forests, but do not support logging old-growth trees or destroying their surrounding ecosystems.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Work with the provinces and First Nations to immediately halt logging of endangered old-growth ecosystems; 2. Fund the long-term protection of old-growth ecosystems as a priority for Canada's climate action plan and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;3. Support value-added forestry initiatives in partnership with First Nations to ensure Canada's forestry industry is sustainable, and based on the harvesting of second and third growth forests;4. Ban the export of raw logs and maximize resource use for local jobs;5. Ban the use of whole trees for wood pellet biofuel production.
Environmental protectionForest policyIndigenous policy
43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3362e-3362 (Health)adamwardTomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservativeABApril 30, 2021, at 3:48 p.m. (EDT)June 29, 2021, at 3:48 p.m. (EDT)June 29, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:Canada has taken a position in favour of harm reduction for many products;Scientific studies have found vaping products are up to 95% less harmful than smoking cigarettes;Vaping products have provided a lifeline for millions of Canadian smokers seeking to quit cigarettes;Smokers trying to quit cigarettes in favour of vaping are seeking to disassociate vaping with the taste of smoking tobacco;Adult consumers prefer a range of vaping product flavours beyond tobacco;Health Canada is considering regulations to ban vaping product flavours beyond tobacco;Losing flavoured vaping products would make the transition away from smoking much harder;The House of Commons, not unelected bureaucrats, should be deciding on policies that impact the lives of millions of Canadians; andCanada remains a country where individual choice and personal responsibility are paramount.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to protect the rights and health of adult vapers by ensuring that a reasonable range of flavoured products remains available to help them quit smoking and adopt a healthier alternative.Vaping products43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-00964432-00964 (Animals)TracyGrayKelowna—Lake CountryConservativeBCMay 13, 2021May 3, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS
  • Animal suffering occurs at every stage of the commercial wildlife trade;
  • Canada imported at least 320,081 wild animals in 2019. Over 75% of the animals imported were not subject to any import restrictions, and 80% were destined for the exotic pet industry;
  • Despite existing regulations, Canada fuels the supply and demand for wildlife and wildlife products and contributes to the growth in this trade;
  • 70% of Canadians want the government to support a global ban on the commercial trade in wild animals and stronger laws to reduce the wild animal trade in Canada.
We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to commit to end the international and domestic trade in wild animals and their products that causes immense suffering of wildlife globally.
Wildlife trafficking
43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3383e-3383 (National defence and military operations)JohnAndersonPaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCMay 7, 2021, at 2:51 p.m. (EDT)July 6, 2021, at 2:51 p.m. (EDT)July 8, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of National Defence</Addressee>Whereas:The Department of National Defense (DND) lands in Nanaimo fall within the Regional District of Nanaimo Area C and the City of Nanaimo, British Columbia;Nanaimo and area population has grown from a few thousand to over 100,000 since the DND firing range was established in the 1950’s;The DND lands now border Westwood Lake Park, the Morrell Nature Sanctuary, Mount Benson Regional Park, and a new extension to Colliery Dams Park;These parks contain a significant trail network, used weekly by thousands of recreationists, naturalists, families, and children’s educational programs. This use has increased during the pandemic;These trail networks connect to a series of trails that crisscross the DND lands;The DND intermittently uses large calibre automatic weapons during the day and night at the firing range; andThe noise created by heavy automatic gunfire has deleterious health consequences for immediate residents, including the potential to re-traumatize residents with PTSD, disturbs wildlife and bird populations within the vicinity and can be heard more than six kilometres away by residents in Nanaimo’s south end.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of National Defence to: 1. Clarify the safe operation of the DND Rifle Range;2. Conduct a social and environmental impact assessment of the range;3. Order a feasibility study on relocating the range to a more suitable, less populated, site; and4. Consult the community, including recreational users, the Regional District of Nanaimo, the City of Nanaimo and the Snuneymuxw First Nation about future DND land use.Department of National DefenceLand useMilitary facilities43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3388e-3388 (Justice)RobAlexanderBlaineCalkinsRed Deer—LacombeConservativeABMay 7, 2021, at 3:05 p.m. (EDT)August 5, 2021, at 3:05 p.m. (EDT)August 9, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The Ending the Long-gun Registry Act received royal assent on April 5, 2012, ordering the deletion of the wasteful and ineffective Long-gun Registry;The Long-gun registry did nothing to enhance public safety in Canada; andIt has come to light that the RCMP have unlawfully retained a copy of the personal data that was ordered deleted by Parliament and continues to use said data.We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to 1. Ensure that the Ending the Long-gun Registry Act is fully upheld and that all personal data associated with the Long-gun Registry, including copies retained by the RCMP and other law enforcement agencies, is fully and permanently deleted;2. Ensure the deletion is independently verified;3. Launch an arm’s length public commission under the Inquiries Act to investigate the disregard for the rule of law exhibited by the parties that retained the Long-gun Registry data, that commissioners be appointed, that the commission be authorized to engage the services of the necessary experts, including legal counsel, to assist them in the inquiry, and that the results of the commission be made public.Document shredding and destructionFirearms registryRoyal Canadian Mounted Police43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01003432-01003 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 31, 2021May 20, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, on February 23rd the Trudeau Government endorsed a Senate amendment to Bill C-7 that would allow Canadians with mental illness as their sole medical condition to access euthanasia. This expansion would automatically come into effect two years after Bill C-7 becomes law; Whereas, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) stated, "As a recovery-oriented organization, CMHA does not believe that mental illnesses are irremediable.";Whereas, suicidality is often a symptom of mental illness. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Canadians between the age of 10 and 19;Whereas, legal and medical experts are deeply concerned that permitting Canadians suffering from depression and other mental illnesses to access euthanasia would undermine suicide prevention efforts.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the government of Canada to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Reject the Senate amendment to present those struggling with mental illness with the option of an assisted death. 2. Protect Canadians struggling with mental illness by facilitating treatment and recovery, not death.C-7, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying)Health care systemMedical assistance in dyingMental health43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01052432-01052 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABJune 7, 2021May 20, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, on February 23rd the Trudeau Government endorsed a Senate amendment to Bill C-7 that would allow Canadians with mental illness as their sole medical condition to access euthanasia. This expansion would automatically come into effect two years after Bill C-7 becomes law; Whereas, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) stated, "As a recovery-oriented organization, CMHA does not believe that mental illnesses are irremediable.";Whereas, suicidality is often a symptom of mental illness. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Canadians between the age of 10 and 19;Whereas, legal and medical experts are deeply concerned that permitting Canadians suffering from depression and other mental illnesses to access euthanasia would undermine suicide prevention efforts.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the government of Canada to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Reject the Senate amendment to present those struggling with mental illness with the option of an assisted death. 2. Protect Canadians struggling with mental illness by facilitating treatment and recovery, not death.C-7, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying)Health care systemMedical assistance in dyingMental health43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-00952432-00952 (Veterans' affairs)Hon.EdFastAbbotsfordConservativeBCMay 12, 2021May 12, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWe, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the Government of Canada to the following:Whereas:
  • At one time the Government of Canada issued "The Canadian Volunteer Service Medal" (CVSM), a Volunteer Service Medal to recognize Canadians who served voluntarily for a minimum of 547 days or 18 months of uninterrupted service in the Canadian Forces, voluntary service from 3 September 1939 to 1 March 1947; and
  • Since the cessation of the CVSM on the 1st of March 1947, there does not exist any formal medal to maintain the inclusiveness, recognition and tradition of honouring Canada's Veterans that have honourably served since the end of WWII; and
  • There does not exist a Canadian Forces Service Medal to honour our Cold War Veterans, and Veterans that have honourably served during the past seven and a half decades; and
  • The Canadian Forces' Decoration (CD) is "a long service medal" for 12 years of good conduct, the CD does not cover volunteer service, the CD does not cover service for the Cold War and the CD does not cover shorter periods of honourable service where Canada's Veterans with conviction did serve for a period of time of not less than 547 days or 18 months and even today are serving honourably; and
  • The creation of a Canadian Forces Service Medal would bring about dignity, recognition and acknowledgment and inclusiveness of our Veterans and our Troops, and
  • Should the government elect to honour and indicate specific events by means of a bar or clasp, such as was done for the Hong Kong Bar, the Dieppe Bar and the Bomber Command Bar, all worn on the CVSM;
  • With the cessation of the CVSM on the 1st of March 1947 there no longer exists a Canadian Forces Medal where such possible future bars could be affixed, the introduction of a Canadian Forces Military Service Medal would serve this purpose; and
  • For our government to honour these Veterans, by the creation of a Canadian Forces Service Medal, it would be of integrity and inclusiveness for those men and woman that have served our nation, thus becoming a great part of the continuing tradition and heritage of recognizing our Veterans and a national legacy for those who have honourably served in the Canadian Forces since the end of World War II,
THEREFORE, your petitioners call upon the Government of Canada to recognize the service by Canadians in the Regular Forces, Reserve Military Forces, and others whom have taken oath and swore to defend our nation and who have completed 547 days or 18 months of uninterrupted honourable duty in the service of their country Canada, since September 2nd, 1945, to the present day and in perpetuity, by means of creating and issuing a new "Canadian Military Service Medal" (CMSM), to be designated "The Canadian Military Service Medal".
Awards presentationsVeterans
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3393e-3393 (Media and telecommunications)KrystalMannDaveEppChatham-Kent—LeamingtonConservativeONMay 11, 2021, at 9:58 a.m. (EDT)June 10, 2021, at 9:58 a.m. (EDT)June 16, 2021June 10, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:Bill C-10 unjustly infringes citizens’ right to freedom of expression outlined in Section 2(b) of The Charter of Rights and Freedoms;The speech that Canadians engage in on digital platforms is crucial to their conveying their basic individual expressions;The Charter protects the rights of the audience and the expresser from unjust censorship;Bill C-10 poses a threat to the foundation and principles of Canada’s democracy;The removal of section 4.1 renders Bill C-10’s original Charter statement put forth by the Justice Minister null and void;Bill C-10 provides the CRTC with the authority to control and regulate user-generated content on digital platforms that Canadians use every day, to censor what Canadians post and see on social media and the Internet, as well as sweeping powers over how Canadians communicate or express themselves online;Bill C-10 provides the CRTC with the power to silence and oppress marginalized groups online; andThe federal government has failed to protect the citizens of Canada’s Charter rights and their democracy by furthering legislation that permits the CRTC to control the marketplace of ideas and censor user-generated content.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to reform Bill C-10’s recent transformational edits that provide the CRTC with authority to censor, control, as well as regulate user-generated content online by reinstating explicit protections to ordinary internet users, in turn protecting the Charter right of Canadians to free expression and democracy itself.BroadcastingC-10, An Act to amend the Broadcasting Act and to make related and consequential amendments to other ActsFreedom of speechInternet43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3320e-3320 (Information and privacy)AdamYahnJamesCummingEdmonton CentreConservativeABMay 11, 2021, at 10:03 a.m. (EDT)July 10, 2021, at 10:03 a.m. (EDT)July 12, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Today’s cars are gathering enormous amounts of data about the vehicle and its driver, including important maintenance and repair information;By 2022, 70 to 95 percent of new cars in Canada will be equipped with wireless technology that transmits this data in real time;Data transmitted wirelessly goes only to the automakers, giving them full control over how it is used and who to share it with;Without direct access to and control of this data, vehicle owners may face higher costs and have fewer options when it comes to who maintains and repairs their vehicles, restricting their ability to choose more affordable repair options;Vehicle owners deserve the right to direct where their vehicle data goes, so they have a choice in where they repair their vehicle; andThe government has introduced Bill C-11, which enshrines principles including data control and consent, portability, and transparency into law.We, the undersigned, residents and citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Protect Canadian vehicle owners by giving them access and control of the data generated from their own vehicle;2. Pass legislation which acknowledges the importance of data ownership and portability; and3. Take steps to ensure that data control and consent, transparency, and portability remain core principles of the federal government's data and privacy agenda.Automotive industryConsumers and consumer protectionPrivacy and data protection43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3386e-3386 (Media and telecommunications)MurdochMacleodHon.MichelleRempel GarnerCalgary Nose HillConservativeABMay 11, 2021, at 10:06 a.m. (EDT)June 10, 2021, at 10:06 a.m. (EDT)June 18, 2021June 10, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Canadian Heritage</Addressee>Whereas:Many Canadians are deeply concerned by the proposed changes the government has put forward in Bill C-10;Freedom of expression is a Canadian value and enshrined in the Charter;Recently, Members of the government caucus have voted against the section of their own bill that would have at least partially exempted individual users who upload videos to social media sites like YouTube and Facebook from CRTC regulation under the Bill;The government has also promised to introduce a new amendment to regulate apps;Bill C-10 is another unacceptable attempt to target the freedoms of individual internet users in Canada, and;This is unacceptable in a society that values its freedom.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Canadian Heritage to immediately stop his attack on freedom of speech and expression.BroadcastingC-10, An Act to amend the Broadcasting Act and to make related and consequential amendments to other ActsFreedom of speechInternet43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3412e-3412 (Foreign affairs)CurtisSmecherRandallGarrisonEsquimalt—Saanich—SookeNDPBCMay 11, 2021, at 3:09 p.m. (EDT)June 10, 2021, at 3:09 p.m. (EDT)June 21, 2021June 11, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:L, a Canadian citizen, was abducted at age 6 in 2019, to Paraguay by her mother Aida Esquivel Servin and her mother’s boyfriend Justin Meskas;Alexis Smecher is her loving father; He has not seen his daughter in person since November 2019, or had reasonable contact despite best attempts;L’s parenting is shared between her mother and father under a comprehensive 2017 BC Supreme Court parenting agreement;Canada and Paraguay are signatories to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, which emphasizes resolution within six weeks;Since the abduction, L’s father has exhausted all timely legal remedies in Paraguay and Canada and through the Interamerican Court of Human Rights (IACHR); Paraguay has not rendered a final decision on the return or protected L’s fundamental rights; andIt is common for abducting parents to use the change of jurisdiction to deprive their children of home, family and identity, causing lasting damage.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1- Engage Paraguay to ensure that Paraguay meets its obligations under the Hague Convention and international human rights law;2- Engage the Interamerican Court of Human Rights and United Nations Special Envoy to resolve Paraguay’s non-compliance;3- Establish L’s location in Paraguay;4- Accept ongoing responsibility for bringing L and her mother home should Paraguay’s legal system prove insufficient; and5- Communicate clearly and regularly the status of these and other available actions to L’s father.Canadians in foreign countriesChild abductionInternational relationsParaguay43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3409e-3409 (Civil and human rights)RobertLaceyDaneLloydSturgeon River—ParklandConservativeABMay 11, 2021, at 3:18 p.m. (EDT)July 10, 2021, at 3:18 p.m. (EDT)July 12, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Section 6 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms secures the right of Canadians to move freely within Canada as well as in and out of Canada;Participation in community, social, and economic life in Canada requires freedom of movement within and between communities, provinces, Canada and other jurisdictions;Vaccine passports or certificates are being considered as a means of countering the spread of COVID-19 and its variants;Proposed vaccine passports or certificates could make vaccination a requirement to move freely and participate fully in social, communal and economic life;Vaccine passports or certificates could introduce discriminatory measures against persons who choose not to be vaccinated, or pressure people into being vaccinated who would otherwise be unwilling to do so;Vaccine passports or certificates could impact different sectors of the economy (travel, tourism, hospitality for instance) and the quality of life of many Canadians and residents of Canada;It is the sacred duty of the Government of Canada to guard against discrimination and guarantee the freedoms secured to Canadians.We, the undersigned, citizens and resident of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1- Ensure that freedom of movement and participation in life in Canada is not contingent on being vaccinated or having a vaccine passport or certificate, and2- Work with international partners and jurisdictions to enable the freest possible movement of Canadians abroad without the requirement of vaccination or of a vaccine passport or certificate.COVID-19ImmunizationImmunization recordPandemic43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3410e-3410 (Media and telecommunications)KatherinePowellDanAlbasCentral Okanagan—Similkameen—NicolaConservativeBCMay 11, 2021, at 3:10 p.m. (EDT)July 10, 2021, at 3:10 p.m. (EDT)July 12, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="6" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Prime Minister</Addressee>Whereas:Section 2(b) of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms assures "Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms: freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media communication"; andBill C-10 gives control to the government to censor what Canadians see, read, watch, post and listen to.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Prime Minister to withdraw Bill C-10 and respect Canadians Constitutional right to free speech.BroadcastingC-10, An Act to amend the Broadcasting Act and to make related and consequential amendments to other ActsFreedom of speechInternet43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3407e-3407 (Business and trade)JudithCoatesJohnBrassardBarrie—InnisfilConservativeONMay 11, 2021, at 3:20 p.m. (EDT)June 10, 2021, at 3:20 p.m. (EDT)June 11, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:More than 12,000 Independent Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for more than one year due to Government imposed COVID-19 Travel restrictions, and these Small Business owners are Sole Proprietors; andFederal Assistance Programs like Canada Emergency Business Account, Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy, Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) exclude the majority of these Small Business Owners, leaving them to slip through the cracks and forcing them into bankruptcy.We, the undersigned, Citizens and Residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to: 1- Provide sector specific funding for Independent Travel Advisors; and2- Extend the qualifications of the RRRF in Urban areas to include Sole Proprietors.Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response PlanCOVID-19PandemicTravel agencies43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3417e-3417 (Foreign affairs)KyleNixonDaveMacKenzieOxfordConservativeONMay 11, 2021, at 3:22 p.m. (EDT)September 8, 2021, at 3:22 p.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>We, the undersigned, Canadian Citizens For Israel, call upon the Government of Canada to move the Canadian embassy in Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.Diplomacy and diplomatsEmbassies and consulatesIsrael43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01049432-01049 (Business and trade)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservativeABJune 7, 2021May 20, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWHEREAS
  • More than 12,000 Independent Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions, and these Small Business owners are Sole Proprietors
  • 100% of Travel Advisors' income comes from commissions earned from their Travel Suppliers, and because of their delayed revenue stream, it takes between 5 and 11 months for Travel Advisors to be paid for work done on the booking of clients' trips.
  • The CRB has been the sole source of assistance for most Independent Travel Advisors, who are still actively working in their businesses, but unable to earn revenue
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Extend the CRB for 6 months past the lifting of all Travel Advisories, for Travel Advisors
Canada Recovery BenefitCOVID-19PandemicTravel agencies
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01048432-01048 (Business and trade)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservativeABJune 7, 2021May 20, 2021Petition to the House of Commons WHEREAS
  • More than 12,000 Independent Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions, and these Small Business owners are Sole Proprietors;
  • Federal Assistance Programs like CEBA, CERS, CEWS & RRRF exclude the majority of these Small Business Owners, leaving them to slip through the cracks and forcing them into bankruptcy.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Provide Sector specific funding for Independent Travel Advisors;
  • Extend the qualifications of the RRRF in Urban areas to include Sole Proprietors.
Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response PlanCOVID-19PandemicTravel agencies
43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3421e-3421 (Social affairs and equality)SamuelLévesqueAndréanneLaroucheSheffordBloc QuébécoisQCMay 12, 2021, at 3:02 p.m. (EDT)September 9, 2021, at 3:02 p.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Old Age Security is a universal benefit for eligible individuals aged 65 and over;On March 8, 2021, the House of Commons passed a motion endorsing a $110 per month increase in Old Age Security starting at age 65;In the latest budget, for 2021–2022, the federal government is insisting on creating two classes of seniors, and as a result, it is ignoring over 3 million people aged 65 to 74;The pandemic increased costs of all kinds for all seniors; andBenefits needed to catch up even before the pandemic.We, the undersigned, residents of the riding of Shefford and other Canadian ridings, call upon the Government of Canada to:1- Significantly and immediately increase the Old Age Security pension so that, after three years, all eligible seniors aged 65 and over receive $110 more per month; and2- Increase the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) by $50 per month for single individuals and $70 per month for seniors with a partner.Guaranteed Income SupplementOld Age SecuritySenior citizens43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01000432-01000 (Transportation)TracyGrayKelowna—Lake CountryConservativeBCMay 31, 2021May 31, 2021Petition to the Government of Canada WHEREAS:
  • Canada experiences on average 145 fatalities and 3,400 hospitalizations every year due to All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) rollover accidents;
  • The use of a Crush Protection Device (CPD) installed on these vehicles would reduce the number and severity of these accidents significantly;
  • Other industrialized nations have recognized this issue and mandated implementation of CPD's by manufacturers, safety authorities, and industry users.
THEREFORE, we, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to:
  • Require manufacturers to include Crush Protection Devices on all new sales of All-Terrain Vehicles.
All-terrain vehiclesSafety devicesTransportation safety
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01026432-01026 (Justice)JohnWilliamsonNew Brunswick SouthwestConservativeNBJune 1, 2021May 20, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWhereas, the discriminatory practice of sex-selective abortions is currently legal in Canada;Whereas, the equality between men and women must be affirmed from the earliest stages of development; andWhereas, it is necessary to condemn the practice of sex-selective abortions in Canada in order to demonstrate our commitment to women's rights.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to pass a Criminal Code prohibition of sex-selective abortions.AbortionSexual discrimination43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01227432-01227 (Foreign affairs)LaurelCollinsVictoriaNDPBCJune 22, 2021May 26, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsDespite repeated appeal by the international community for the peaceful resolution of the war declared on Tigray and the recent demand by the United States and world governments for the withdrawal of Eritrean, Amhara and other Ethiopian army allied forces from Tigray, there are disturbing reports that PM Abiy Ahmed and Isaias Afwerki have mobilized additional forces and launched waves of new attacks to subdue Tigray and its people.The aggression by these invading forces is increasingly exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis in Tigray. The US government has publicly stated that ethnic cleansing is taking place in Tigray, and many reputable international media such as the NY Times, CNN, BBC and others as well as International organizations such as Amnesty have described the situation as war crimes, crime against humanity leading to genocide. How can democratic governments like Canada fail to take concrete action 5 months into the war, while the people of Tigray suffer from massacres, rape of children and women, and government-induced starvation?The threat posed by PM Abiy Ahmed and his mentor Isaias Afwerki is an act of extermination and genocide on the people of Tigray and is causing major destabilization in Ethiopia, the Horn of Africa, and the Middle East at large. The world knows how many citizens Rwanda lost between the 7th of April and the 15th of July 1994. In Tigray, it has been 5 months since PM Abiy Ahmed and President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea waged an all-out war, blocked all necessities, and have passed collective punishment on the people of Tigray through mass starvation. Tigray has no access to water, food, banking, electricity, transportation, telecommunications, medical supplies, and independent media. Reports show that people are already dying of government-induced hunger in Tigray. Once again, the world is witnessing genocide in the making in Tigray.We ask for an immediate UNSC enforcement of the call for the immediate withdrawal of Eritrean and the brutal Amhara forces.Contrary to the founding principles of the UNSC, the world is witnessing a genocide in Tigray never seen before. According to some estimates close to 60,000 people have been killed, and millions are displaced. As Canadians stading for peace and justice, we would like to draw your utmost attention to the following summary of facts that constitute war crimes and genocide on the ground in Tigray and thus call for the immediate and strong collective action by Canada, and the international community,More than 4.5 million Tigrayans need emergency humanitarian aid as famine has started and people are dying of starvation due to Ethiopia's criminal action that contravenes UN Res. 2417 (2018). i. Thousands have died by blanket bombing of villages in rural areas for quick military victory by the Eritrean and Ethiopian fighter jets using Soviet era cluster bombs; satellite images show that villages are completely erased and building structures destroyed.ii. Massacre of innocent civilians in rural and urban areas, has continued unabated with more than 60,000 Ethnic Tigrayans killed due to the genocidal war.iii. Tens of thousands of women and underage girls are being raped and as a result committing suicide.iv. Ethnic Tigrayans throughout Ethiopia have been profiled, fired from their jobs (about 100,000 people including more than 17,000 military personnel including those who served in UN peacekeeping operations in Africa) and indiscriminately arrested and jailed for months.v. More than 75 % of hospitals, health facilities and schools in Tigray have been looted and destroyed. vi. Almost 100 % of crops in the fields in Tigray burnt to the ground as the timing of the war was preplanned to occur during harvest season; food items and house utensils were looted from households by Eritrean forces supported with caravans of camels to reach inaccessible rural areas.vii. More than 80 % of livestock in Tigray were killed and/or looted (Tigray's traditional farmers still use oxen to plough their fields and may take at least 10 years to recover).viii. Private and public factories and enterprises in Tigray have been looted and transferred to Eritrea and Amhara region including thousands of private and public passengers and commercial vehicles.ix. Villages and small towns were and are still being bombarded with artilleries.x. Magnificent world heritages in Tigray like Al-Nejashi Mosque, Debredamo and other monasteries were destroyed, and their valuable religious artifacts and manuscripts looted.xi. More than two and half million people in Tigray are internally displaced; 4.5 million are in urgent need of humanitarian aid while more than 65,000 refugees fled to the Sudan.
  • We ask for an immediate UNSC enforcement of the call for the immediate withdrawal of Eritrean and the brutal Amhara forces.
  • The unfettered access to all humanitarian organizations for the distribution of aid to avoid famine in Tigray.
  • The immediate cessation of hostilities and commitment to finding peaceful political solutions with the participation of all political parties.
  • Unimpeded full access to international media, lift internet blackout and restoration of all communications.
  • The independent investigation of war crimes committed in Tigray by independent organizations that doesn't include the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission.
  • The immediate imposition of travel bans on Eritrean and Ethiopian government authorities and military leaders suspected of committing war crimes and genocide on the people of Tigray. That includes freezing their financial bank accounts abroad.
  • The immediate imposition of an arms embargo on both Eritrea and Ethiopia for committing human rights violations, war crimes and genocide on Tigray and its people.
  • Immediate suspension of the millions of Canadian tax payers' money given to Ethiopia on annual basis until the war stops and the crimes are investigated independently.
Civil and human rightsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workersInternational conflict and international conflict resolution
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01228432-01228 (Foreign affairs)LaurelCollinsVictoriaNDPBCJune 22, 2021May 26, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsDespite repeated appeal by the international community for the peaceful resolution of the war declared on Tigray and the recent demand by the United States and world governments for the withdrawal of Eritrean, Amhara and other Ethiopian army allied forces from Tigray, there are disturbing reports that PM Abiy Ahmed and Isaias Afwerki have mobilized additional forces and launched waves of new attacks to subdue Tigray and its people.The aggression by these invading forces is increasingly exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis in Tigray. The US government has publicly stated that ethnic cleansing is taking place in Tigray, and many reputable international media such as the NY Times, CNN, BBC and others as well as International organizations such as Amnesty have described the situation as war crimes, crime against humanity leading to genocide. How can democratic governments like Canada fail to take concrete action 5 months into the war, while the people of Tigray suffer from massacres, rape of children and women, and government-induced starvation?The threat posed by PM Abiy Ahmed and his mentor Isaias Afwerki is an act of extermination and genocide on the people of Tigray and is causing major destabilization in Ethiopia, the Horn of Africa, and the Middle East at large. The world knows how many citizens Rwanda lost between the 7th of April and the 15th of July 1994. In Tigray, it has been 5 months since PM Abiy Ahmed and President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea waged an all-out war, blocked all necessities, and have passed collective punishment on the people of Tigray through mass starvation. Tigray has no access to water, food, banking, electricity, transportation, telecommunications, medical supplies, and independent media. Reports show that people are already dying of government-induced hunger in Tigray. Once again, the world is witnessing genocide in the making in Tigray.We ask for an immediate UNSC enforcement of the call for the immediate withdrawal of Eritrean and the brutal Amhara forces.Contrary to the founding principles of the UNSC, the world is witnessing a genocide in Tigray never seen before. According to some estimates close to 60,000 people have been killed, and millions are displaced. As Canadians stading for peace and justice, we would like to draw your utmost attention to the following summary of facts that constitute war crimes and genocide on the ground in Tigray and thus call for the immediate and strong collective action by Canada, and the international community,More than 4.5 million Tigrayans need emergency humanitarian aid as famine has started and people are dying of starvation due to Ethiopia's criminal action that contravenes UN Res. 2417 (2018). i. Thousands have died by blanket bombing of villages in rural areas for quick military victory by the Eritrean and Ethiopian fighter jets using Soviet era cluster bombs; satellite images show that villages are completely erased and building structures destroyed.ii. Massacre of innocent civilians in rural and urban areas, has continued unabated with more than 60,000 Ethnic Tigrayans killed due to the genocidal war.iii. Tens of thousands of women and underage girls are being raped and as a result committing suicide.iv. Ethnic Tigrayans throughout Ethiopia have been profiled, fired from their jobs (about 100,000 people including more than 17,000 military personnel including those who served in UN peacekeeping operations in Africa) and indiscriminately arrested and jailed for months.v. More than 75 % of hospitals, health facilities and schools in Tigray have been looted and destroyed. vi. Almost 100 % of crops in the fields in Tigray burnt to the ground as the timing of the war was preplanned to occur during harvest season; food items and house utensils were looted from households by Eritrean forces supported with caravans of camels to reach inaccessible rural areas.vii. More than 80 % of livestock in Tigray were killed and/or looted (Tigray's traditional farmers still use oxen to plough their fields and may take at least 10 years to recover).viii. Private and public factories and enterprises in Tigray have been looted and transferred to Eritrea and Amhara region including thousands of private and public passengers and commercial vehicles.ix. Villages and small towns were and are still being bombarded with artilleries.x. Magnificent world heritages in Tigray like Al-Nejashi Mosque, Debredamo and other monasteries were destroyed, and their valuable religious artifacts and manuscripts looted.xi. More than two and half million people in Tigray are internally displaced; 4.5 million are in urgent need of humanitarian aid while more than 65,000 refugees fled to the Sudan.
  • We ask for an immediate UNSC enforcement of the call for the immediate withdrawal of Eritrean and the brutal Amhara forces.
  • The unfettered access to all humanitarian organizations for the distribution of aid to avoid famine in Tigray.
  • The immediate cessation of hostilities and commitment to finding peaceful political solutions with the participation of all political parties.
  • Unimpeded full access to international media, lift internet blackout and restoration of all communications.
  • The independent investigation of war crimes committed in Tigray by independent organizations that doesn't include the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission.
  • The immediate imposition of travel bans on Eritrean and Ethiopian government authorities and military leaders suspected of committing war crimes and genocide on the people of Tigray. That includes freezing their financial bank accounts abroad.
  • The immediate imposition of an arms embargo on both Eritrea and Ethiopia for committing human rights violations, war crimes and genocide on Tigray and its people.
  • Immediate suspension of the millions of Canadian tax payers' money given to Ethiopia on annual basis until the war stops and the crimes are investigated independently.
Civil and human rightsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workersInternational conflict and international conflict resolution
43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3426e-3426 (Health)MichalBorkowskiJulieDabrusinToronto—DanforthLiberalONMay 13, 2021, at 2:06 p.m. (EDT)September 10, 2021, at 2:06 p.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons in Parliament assembled</Addressee>Whereas:Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) is an aggressive brain tumour found in the brainstem; It slowly takes away all vital functions while cognitive functions remain intact, making the child a prisoner in their own body; It is inoperable and incurable with 0% survival rate; DIPG is the second most common malignant brain tumor in children and the leading cause of brain tumour deaths in children; It occurs equally across gender and affects children typically between 5 - 7 years old; The prognosis and treatments have not improved in more than 40 years;The current strategic plan of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) identifies High Fatality Cancers as high priority and supports innovative research targeting these cancers; the CIHR has allocated only an average of $154k annually to DIPG;Due to limited funding to support research in DIPG, it remains largely unknown or misunderstood to the general public; Most people are unaware that DIPG is the leading cause of brain tumour deaths in children, often not finding out about this disease until they know someone whom it affects; andThis declaration would help to educate the public about this disease, encourage funding to support ongoing research, increase dialogue in the professional medical community, further publicize and promote Canada's involvement in the fight against DIPG, and honour the victims of this terrible disease.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to declare May 17 of every year as the National DIPG Day of Awareness across Canada.Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomaNational DIPG Day of Awareness43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3391e-3391 (Health)AndreaMartellDanielBlaikieElmwood—TransconaNDPMBMay 13, 2021, at 10:22 a.m. (EDT)September 10, 2021, at 10:22 a.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:There are 580,000 Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) in Canada;ME/CFS has double the disease burden of HIV (Mirin et al, 2020);ME/CFS has lower quality of life than congestive heart failure (Komaroff, 1996);ME/CFS has no diagnostic test, and no approved treatment;ME/CFS is only funded $280,000 a year;ME/CFS is developing in a subset of Long-Haul COVID-19 patients;Statistics Canada has not collected objective data on the economic impact of ME/CFS patients;The Economic Impact of ME/CFS is $51 Billion Dollars a year in the US (Jason et al, 2020);80% of ME/CFS patients are women; andMore Black, Indigenous, People of Colour will develop ME/CFS from long-haul COVID-19 because these populations have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Set Aside $50 Million Dollars for ME/CFS biomedical research;2. Commission the Chief Statistician of Canada, Anil Arora, to study the economic impact of ME/CFS according to the Canadian Consensus Criteria; and3. Work with the provinces to set aside funding to rapidly accelerate a diagnostic test for ME/CFS so that patients can be rapidly diagnosed.Economic impactHealth screeningMedical researchMyalgic encephalomyelitis43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01027432-01027 (Justice)JohnWilliamsonNew Brunswick SouthwestConservativeNBJune 1, 2021May 20, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWhereas, the discriminatory practice of sex-selective abortions is currently legal in Canada;Whereas, the equality between men and women must be affirmed from the earliest stages of development; andWhereas, it is necessary to condemn the practice of sex-selective abortions in Canada in order to demonstrate our commitment to women's rights.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to pass a Criminal Code prohibition of sex-selective abortions.AbortionSexual discrimination43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01010432-01010 (Environment)AlexRuffBruce—Grey—Owen SoundConservativeONMay 31, 2021May 31, 2021Petition to the Member of Parliament for Bruce-Grey-Owen SoundWhereasThe negative impacts of TC Energy's project will have on our pristine water, local landscape and environment, community, property values and emotional wellbeing must be addressed.We the undersigned, as concerned residents of the Municipality of Meaford and neighbouring towns, call upon all levels of Municipal, Provincial, and Federal Government, to stop TC Energy from building a pumped storage facility on the shores of Georgian Bay and nearby residents of the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre.Environmental protectionGeorgian BayRenewable energy and fuel43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01012432-01012 (Environment)AlexRuffBruce—Grey—Owen SoundConservativeONMay 31, 2021May 31, 2021Petition to Member of Parliament Alex RuffWhereas
  • The negative impacts that TC Energy's project will have on our pristine water, our landscape, our community, our property values and our emotional well being must be addressed.
We the undersigned are concerned residents of the Municipality of Meaford and neighbouring towns. Call upon all levels of government, Municipal, Provincial and Federal to stop TC Energy from building a Pumped Power Storage Plant on the shores of Georgian Bay at the Army Base in Meaford Ontario.
Environmental protectionGeorgian BayRenewable energy and fuel
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01013432-01013 (Environment)AlexRuffBruce—Grey—Owen SoundConservativeONMay 31, 2021May 31, 2021Petition to the Parliament of CanadaWe the undersigned are concerned about the negative impacts that TransCanada Energy "Pumped Hydroelectric storage project" will have on our family's health, our property values, Hydro rates and environmental impacts on our community.We hereby call upon the 3 levels of Government to stop the above project, due to the fact that project will use 500 acres of expropriated farm land.Environmental protectionGeorgian BayRenewable energy and fuel43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01011432-01011 (Environment)AlexRuffBruce—Grey—Owen SoundConservativeONMay 31, 2021May 26, 2021Petition to the Member of Parliament for Bruce-Grey-Owen SoundWhereasThe negative impacts that TC Energy's project will have on our pristine water, our landscape, our community our property values and our emotional well being must be addressed.We the undersigned are concerned residents of the Municipality of Meaford and neighbouring towns call upon all levels of government, Municipal, Provincial and Federal to stop TC Energy from building a Pumped Power Storage Plant on the shores of Georgian Bay at the Army Base in Meaford Ontario.Environmental protectionGeorgian BayRenewable energy and fuel43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01039432-01039 (Taxation)GordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNDPBCJune 3, 2021May 26, 2021Petition to Government of CanadaWhereas:
  • Volunteer firefighters account of 83% of Canada's total firefighting essential first responders;
  • In addition, approximately 8,000 essential search and rescue volunteers respond to thousands of incidents every year;
  • The tax code of Canada currently allows volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers to claim a $3,000 tax credit if 200 hours of volunteer services were completed in a calendar year;
  • This works out to a mere $450 per year, which we allow these essential volunteers to keep of their own income from their regular jobs, $2.25 an hour;
  • If they volunteer more than 200 hours, which many do, this tax credit becomes even less;
  • These essential volunteers not only put their lives on the line and give their time, training, and efforts to Canadians, but they also allow cities and municipalities to keep property taxes lower than if paid services were required;
  • Increasing this tax credit would allow these essential volunteers to keep more of their hard-earned money, likely to be spent in the communities in which they lives; and
  • It would help retain these volunteers in a time when volunteerism is decreasing.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to support Private Members' Bill C-264 and increase the tax exemption from $3,000 to $10,000 for lines 31220 and 31240 to help our essential volunteer firefighters and volunteer search and rescue people across the country.
C-264, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (volunteer firefighting and search and rescue volunteer services)Emergency servicesTax creditsVolunteering and volunteers
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-00987432-00987 (Business and trade)GordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNDPBCMay 27, 2021May 26, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS
  • COVID-19 resulted in a crisis in the Small Business sector;
  • During the pandemic, revenues were catastrophically impacted as a result of closures, capacity limits & social restrictions;
  • Operating costs have spiked; and
  • The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS), Canada Emergency Business Account and Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program have played a critical role in saving jobs, but some businesses remain ineligible due only to the timing of their projects.
We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Adjust eligibility for these programs to include both New and Newly-Expanded Businesses, who can demonstrate that their project was non-reversible at the outset of the pandemic; 2. Implement an alternate method for determining CEWS and CERS rates for these businesses; 3. Back pay to March 15th, 2020 both CEWS and CERS to these businesses based on the alternate rate.
Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response PlanCOVID-19PandemicSmall and medium-sized enterprises
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01144432-01144 (Business and trade)GordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNDPBCJune 17, 2021May 26, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS
  • COVID-19 resulted in a crisis in the Small Business sector;
  • During the pandemic, revenues were catastrophically impacted as a result of closures, capacity limits & social restrictions;
  • Operating costs have spiked; and
  • The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS), Canada Emergency Business Account and Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program have played a critical role in saving jobs, but some businesses remain ineligible due only to the timing of their projects.
We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Adjust eligibility for these programs to include both New and Newly-Expanded Businesses, who can demonstrate that their project was non-reversible at the outset of the pandemic; 2. Implement an alternate method for determining CEWS and CERS rates for these businesses; 3. Back pay to March 15th, 2020 both CEWS and CERS to these businesses based on the alternate rate.
Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response PlanCOVID-19PandemicSmall and medium-sized enterprises
43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3401e-3401 (Environment)Jeffrey OrvilleOlsonNikiAshtonChurchill—Keewatinook AskiNDPMBMay 14, 2021, at 4:07 p.m. (EDT)September 11, 2021, at 4:07 p.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="253376" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Environment and Climate Change</Addressee>Whereas:The $4 billion Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Expansion was proposed by the Government of Saskatchewan and supported by the Government of Canada in the summer of 2020;There are very real and important environmental impacts of this type of activity including the increased use of agricultural inputs, and water availability in Lake Diefenbaker; andThe Canada Impact Assessment Agency has not received any information needed to start the environmental assessment process.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to: 1- Immediately order that the proponent(s) of the Saskatchewan Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Expansion proposal submit a description of the project including information prescribed by regulations made under paragraph 112(1)(a) of the Impact Assessment Act;2- Provide free access to that and any future information provided to the Impact Assessment Agency; and3- Commence meaningful consultation with the concerned public, environmental organizations, First Nations and Metis communities.Environmental assessmentIrrigationLake DiefenbakerPublic consultation43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3411e-3411 (Justice)AndreaSilverstoneRandallGarrisonEsquimalt—Saanich—SookeNDPBCMay 14, 2021, at 4:08 p.m. (EDT)June 13, 2021, at 4:08 p.m. (EDT)June 21, 2021June 14, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="245291" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Justice</Addressee>Whereas:Rates of intimate partner violence in Canada have risen during the pandemic by up to 30%;A woman is killed by her intimate partner approximately every 6 days in Canada;The current understanding of intimate partner violence and domestic violence needs to be changed to include coercive and controlling behaviour to fully reflect the many shapes that violence takes; andPolice and the justice system lack adequate tools to effectively intervene in situations of coercive and controlling behaviour because they are not captured in current criminal law.We, the undersigned, Residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Justice to: 1. Act expeditiously on the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights report entitled “The Shadow Pandemic: Stopping Coercive and Controlling Behaviour in Intimate Relationships” including establishing the task force called for in the report as soon as possible;2. Recognize the urgency of tabling legislation in the House that would add a coercive and controlling behaviour offence to the Criminal Code of Canada without delay; and3. Ensure substantive recommendations are presented to the federal, provincial, and territorial governments on how to improve supports for survivors of coercive and controlling behaviour in their interactions with the legal system and in re-establishing their lives.Controlling or coercive conduct43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3404e-3404 (Transportation)AnnaBarfordLaurelCollinsVictoriaNDPBCMay 18, 2021, at 10:53 a.m. (EDT)June 17, 2021, at 10:53 a.m. (EDT)June 22, 2021June 17, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Vessel traffic in Canadian waters has increased significantly in the past decades putting greater strain on coastal communities and ecosystems;Rather than using cleaner low-sulfur fuels, many vessels in Canadian waters employ Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) in order to continue to use heavy fuel oils;EGCS use is more harmful to the environment than switching to a low-sulfur fuel. While decreasing the sulfur content of the exhaust plume, EGCS increase other air pollutants of concern, such as particulate matter, and black carbon as well as greenhouse gases; The washwater produced by EGCS contains known carcinogens and heavy metals, and is highly thermal and acidic;Section 111(4) of Canada’s Vessel Pollution & Dangerous Chemicals Regulations (VPDC Regulations) permits vessels to use EGCS in Canadian waters;The use of EGCS results in the annual discharge of billions of litres of washwater off the coast of British Columbia alone; andMany countries around the world have restricted or prohibited the use of EGCS and required vessels to use cleaner low-sulfur fuels instead.We, the undersigned, concerned Canadians, call upon the Government of Canada to repeal section 111(4) of VPDC Regulations, or otherwise legally prohibit vessels operating in waters under Canadian jurisdiction from using EGCS.PollutionShips and boatsSulphur dioxideVessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemicals Regulations43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3311e-3311 (Environment)SYDNEYMORGANLaurelCollinsVictoriaNDPBCMay 18, 2021, at 10:33 a.m. (EDT)July 17, 2021, at 10:33 a.m. (EDT)July 20, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:Inspired by House Bill 418 that passed unanimously in Illinois in March, going into effect in 2022 once it gets approved; banning the release of balloons and sky lanterns into the sky is needed in Canada as it is detrimental to the environment and our wildlife;Often found in waterways, more than 18,000 balloon pieces were found in the Great Lakes between 2016 and 2018 according to the Detroit Free Press; Wildlife may mistake it for food and accidentally ingest it;Sky lanterns are known for causing fires and injuring livestock; The Krefeld Zoo fire in Germany was caused by sky lanterns;Like Canada’s upcoming single-use plastic ban, this would be a great step in the right direction towards eliminating litter and microplastics in waterways;Some Canadian townships have already banned lanterns due to concern over starting fires (Muskoka Lakes, Dysart et al, Trent Lakes);Several states in the United States such as California, Florida and cities across the globe have banned the release of balloons; andWhile some people may argue that these actions help them let go of things, celebrate events or remember a loved one, there are many alternatives to do these things without harming the planet such as blowing bubbles, plant native trees or flowers, or use lights or candles. We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to ban the release of helium balloons and sky lanterns to protect Canada’s environment, wildlife and to avoid fires, and fine those who disobey the ban and choose to disrespect nature.BalloonsFiresPollution43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01028432-01028 (Justice)JohnWilliamsonNew Brunswick SouthwestConservativeNBJune 1, 2021May 20, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWhereas, the discriminatory practice of sex-selective abortions is currently legal in Canada;Whereas, the equality between men and women must be affirmed from the earliest stages of development; andWhereas, it is necessary to condemn the practice of sex-selective abortions in Canada in order to demonstrate our commitment to women's rights.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to pass a Criminal Code prohibition of sex-selective abortions.AbortionSexual discrimination43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01098432-01098 (Foreign affairs)Hon.Kerry-LynneFindlaySouth Surrey—White RockConservativeBCJune 14, 2021May 26, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of meditation exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance; Whereas, in July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched an intensive, nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwashing centres and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and thousands died as a result; Whereas, Canadian lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour conducted an investigation in 2006 and concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death a large number, in tens of thousands, of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at high price; Whereas, The Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) has got about 1.5 million petition signatures from over 50 countries and presented to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for immediate action to end the unethical practice of forced organ harvesting in China and calls for an end of the persecution of Falun Gong; Whereas, the European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the organ harvesting abuses in China and calls on the Government of China to end immediately the practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience;Therefore we, the undersigned request the Canadian parliament and government to:
  1. Pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs.
  2. Amend Canadian legislations to combat forced organ harvesting.
  3. Publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3423e-3423 (Business and trade)NancyWilsonJohnBrassardBarrie—InnisfilConservativeONMay 18, 2021, at 10:59 a.m. (EDT)June 17, 2021, at 10:59 a.m. (EDT)June 17, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="263831" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:More than 12,000 Independent Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID-19 travel restrictions, and these Small Business owners are Sole Proprietors;100% of Travel Advisors’ income comes from commissions earned from their Travel Suppliers, and because of their delayed revenue stream, it takes between 5 and 11 months for Travel Advisors to be paid for work done on the booking of clients’ trips; andThe Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) has been the sole source of assistance for most Independent Travel Advisors, who are still actively working in their businesses, but unable to earn revenue.We, the undersigned, Citizens and Residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to extend the CRB for six months past the lifting of all Travel Advisories, for Travel Advisors, and maintain the CRB at the current amount ($2,000/ month) for the sectors hardest hit by COVID-19, including Travel Advisors.Canada Recovery BenefitCOVID-19PandemicTravel agencies43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3424e-3424 (Foreign affairs)BellaGharibyanBryanMayCambridgeLiberalONMay 18, 2021, at 11:01 a.m. (EDT)June 17, 2021, at 11:01 a.m. (EDT)June 22, 2021June 17, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:On September 27, 2020, at the height of global pandemic, Azerbaijan backed by Turkey launched an unprovoked military attack against the Artsakh population;The ceasefire statement brokered by the Russian Federation was signed on November 9, 2020, by Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia to end the second Artsakh war;To this day Azerbaijan holds captive more than 200 Armenian prisoners of war (POWs) in violation of the Geneva Conventions and the aforementioned ceasefire statement section 8 “the Parties shall exchange prisoners of war, hostages and other detained persons, and dead bodies;”According to an HRW report, Azerbaijani forces degrade and torture Armenian POWs; and Azerbaijan is bound by the prohibition of torture and inhumane treatment in international law as articulated in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the European Convention of Human Rights.We, the undersigned, Canadians and human rights advocates, call upon the Government of Canada to 1. Urge Azerbaijan to fully and expeditiously complete the exchange process of all Armenian POWs, detainees, and remains;2. Assume the role that is historically acclaimed by Canada in peacebuilding and demand Azerbaijan to implement the ceasefire statement as a precondition for negotiating a lasting peace in the Southern Caucasus;3. Condemn Azerbaijan for violating the international humanitarian laws and the third Geneva convention, which Azerbaijan, Canada, and Armenia had signed; and4. Assume the leadership role in defending the victims of human rights violations and implement sanctions towards Azerbaijan as a countermeasure tool for violating the Geneva Conventions and refusing to immediately return all Armenian POWs.ArmeniaAzerbaijanCeasefireCivil and human rightsForeign policyPrisoners of war43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3431e-3431 (Transportation)ChrisAlemanyGordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNDPBCMay 19, 2021, at 9:18 a.m. (EDT)August 17, 2021, at 9:18 a.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees under Section 6(2) that every citizen and permanent resident has the right to move to and take up residence in any province and to pursue the gaining of a livelihood in any province;Greyhound Canada and other carriers have severely curtailed or ended their national, inter-provincial and intercity transportation services stranding millions of Canadians with no affordable or safe alternative to move about their regions and the country; andThe Government of Canada itself and in partnership with the Provinces and Territories has historically demonstrated an ability through services like VIA Rail and other public transportation entities as well as using its legislative and executive powers to guarantee affordable and accessible public transportation to all citizens and permanent residents of Canada.We, the undersigned, Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to create or empower a national public corporation to provide transportation by bus and rail to all Canadians with the mission of connecting all communities within every province and territory with safe, affordable, accessible and integrated service.Public transitTransport corridors43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3348e-3348 (Foreign affairs)ElaineBrierePaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCApril 30, 2021, at 3:49 p.m. (EDT)July 29, 2021, at 3:49 p.m. (EDT)August 3, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:The Ottawa Initiative on Haiti was a meeting held at the Government of Canada’s Meech Lake conference centre from January 31-February 1, 2003;At this meeting, participants reportedly discussed the political situation in Haiti and the removal of Haiti’s elected president;Participants included top officials from Canada, France, the United States, and the Organization of American States (OAS), but did not include any Haitian officials;The Ottawa Initiative on Haiti has been linked to the formation of the Core Group, an alliance of foreign ambassadors in Haiti, including the Ambassadors of Canada, Brazil, France, Germany, Spain, the European Union, the United States, and Special Representatives of the United Nations Secretary-General and the OAS;The Core Group is believed by many to have brought the Haitian governments of Michel Martelly and current president Jovenel Moïse to power;Both Martelly and Moïse have been accused of corruption and repression, and many Haitians and rights experts fear that Moïse is currently returning the country to autocracy; andCanada’s alleged political interference in Haiti must be investigated.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to 1. Order the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development to conduct a comprehensive study on Canada’s alleged political interference in Haiti, including the Ottawa Initiative on Haiti and its role in the creation of the Core Group; and2. Order the publication of all documents related to the Ottawa Initiative on Haiti.Access to informationForeign policyHaiti43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3360e-3360 (Environment)DenisBoucherYvesPerronBerthier—MaskinongéBloc QuébécoisQCMay 3, 2021, at 5:25 p.m. (EDT)August 31, 2021, at 5:25 p.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The St. Lawrence River seaway is an increasingly important economic engine for all of Canada;The upcoming arrival of an airport fuel terminal in Montréal-Est will increase marine traffic;The tonnage of vessels transiting the St. Lawrence River has been increasing significantly over the years;Dredging work has been carried out by the federal government;The federal government ended the Shoreline Protection Program in 1997;The government, through over 21 years of inaction, has abdicated its responsibility for maintaining the shore protection works it installed; andThe scale of St. Lawrence River shoreline erosion, particularly in the Montreal/Lake St. Pierre section, is causing growing concern for the environment, public safety and well-being, and the integrity of private property.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada and residents of shoreline municipalities, call upon the Government of Canada to implement a program to protect the St. Lawrence River shoreline and to take appropriate action to counter this phenomenon and to ensure a safe environment, such as bringing in regulations imposing a maximum speed limit specific to the type of vessel and building and maintaining shore protection works, all in order to establish a relationship of trust and invaluable cooperation between the federal government, the users of the Seaway and shoreline communities and that every effort be made to avoid or limit the impact of seasonal flooding by ensuring proper water level management.Shoreline erosion and protectionSt. Lawrence RiverVessel traffic43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3369e-3369 (Employment and labour)AmandaSelmserBlakeRichardsBanff—AirdrieConservativeABMay 3, 2021, at 5:31 p.m. (EDT)July 2, 2021, at 5:31 p.m. (EDT)July 5, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:Grieving parents deserve to have their government stand shoulder to shoulder with them when they require support;Families facing loss from miscarriage, still birth, or the loss of an infant child, can face grief as well as physical and mental health issues, which can take time to heal;The seven recommendations of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA) report entitled Supporting Families After the Loss of a Child are a path forward for ensuring that grieving parents do not have to endure further hardship or suffer any undue financial or emotional distress as a result of the design of government programming;Well over two years has passed since the HUMA report was tabled, and no concrete action has been taken by the government; andNew Zealand parliament has already taken action - unanimously passing legislation with all-party support – to provide paid bereavement leave for all couples, including for surrogacy following a miscarriage or still birth.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to immediately enact the seven recommendations of the Supporting Families After the Loss of a Child report, including creating a new bereavement leave for parents grieving the death of a child and also take action like New Zealand parliament to provide paid leave, inclusive of all family makeups following a miscarriage or still birth.Deaths and funeralsEmployment insuranceInfantsLeave from work43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3379e-3379 (Media and telecommunications)NateHudsonKyleSeebackDufferin—CaledonConservativeONMay 3, 2021, at 5:32 p.m. (EDT)June 2, 2021, at 5:32 p.m. (EDT)June 21, 2021June 3, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Bill C-10 empowers the government to regulate and control what canadian citizens say and view on social media;The government originally promised to exclude “user-generated content” (online posts by citizens) from new regulations, but then amended its own bill to regulate posts by citizens; andBill C-10 threatens the prospects of a free and open Internet.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to immediately withdraw or repeal Bill C-10, and respect our freedom of expression, our right to equal access of content online, and the flourishing of a free and open Internet.BroadcastingC-10, An Act to amend the Broadcasting Act and to make related and consequential amendments to other ActsFreedom of speechInternet43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01022432-01022 (Taxation)TaylorBachrachSkeena—Bulkley ValleyNDPBCJune 1, 2021May 3, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned residents of Canada draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:1. The residents of Haida Gwaii experience high costs of living due to the remote archipelago's isolated geography; 2. The Northern Residents Deductions were established to provide tax relief to residents of northern and isolated communities, thereby offsetting the higher cost of living and accessing services in these areas; 3. The Northern Residents Deductions were also intended to help employers recruit and retain workers in northern and isolated areas, such as Haida Gwaii; 4. Haida Gwaii residents previously received the maximum allowable Northern Residents Deductions before their benefit was cut in half in 1993.THEREFORE, we call upon the House of Commons to:1. Immediately restore the eligibility of Haida Gwaii residents to claim the full amount of the Northern Residents Deductions in recognition of their high cost of living.Haida GwaiiNorthern residents deduction43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01001432-01001 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 31, 2021May 20, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWhereas:
  • Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the rule of law respect for human rights;
  • Bill S-226, the Sergei Magnitsky Law (Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act), states that the Canadian Government can apply sanctions against a foreign national, responsible for or complicit in, gross violations of human rights, and against a foreign public official, or an associate, responsible for or complicit in ordering, controlling, or otherwise directing acts of significant corruption;
  • Russia is the most corrupt country in Europe and ranking 129 out of 180 in the world based on Corruption Index;
  • Alexey Navalny, a Russian opposition leader, was poisoned with a Russian government controlled chemical weapon, Novichok, and imprisoned on February 3, 2021 on charges declared illegitimate and politically motivated by the European Court of Human Rights, as an act of political persecution for his anti-corruption activism;
  • Over 10,000 people have been detained during peaceful protests against the unlawful imprisonment of Alexey Navalny;
  • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, The President of the United States' Administration, G7 Foreign Ministers and European leaders have expressed their condemnation of Alexey Navalny's imprisonment and detentions of Russian citizens, practicing their right to the freedom of assembly and expression through peaceful protest;
  • The Canadian government failed to join its allies, the United States, United Kingdom and the European Union, on March 2, 2021 in applying any sanctions on Russian officials or oligarchs connected to the poisoning of Alexey Navalny on a multilateral basis.
We, the undersigned, citizens and permanent residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Impose sanctions, such as the Special Economic Measures Act and/or the Sergei Magnitsky Law, against individuals and entities who are associated with the regime of Russian President, Vladimir Putin, and who:i. are responsible for human rights violations against Russian activists; ii. have been identified by anti-corruption and rights activists as enablers of the government of President Vladimir Putin through corrupt practices; and,iii. are responsible for interfering in Canada through malign influence operations, such as intimidation campaigns targeting Canadian activists and critics of the government of Vladimir Putin and also disinformation campaigns that promote Russian government aligned disinformation. 2. Offer asylum to Russian activists and dissidents who face political persecution for expressing their political views or attending peaceful protests. 3. Adopt as part of Canada's foreign policy agenda with Russia, advocacy to end political violence and persecution against journalists and activists in Russia, and also advocacy for the immediate release of all unjustly detained political prisoners in Russia.
Civil and human rightsEconomic sanctionsForeign policyRussia
43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3400e-3400 (Foreign affairs)RogerClarkDonDaviesVancouver KingswayNDPBCMay 10, 2021, at 6:22 p.m. (EDT)July 9, 2021, at 6:22 p.m. (EDT)July 12, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="6" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Prime Minister</Addressee>Whereas:Canadian citizen Hassan Diab was extradited to France in 2014, in a case widely acknowledged as a miscarriage of justice;Hassan’s extradition was based on a discredited handwriting analysis (“Bisotti report”), described by the extradition judge as “very problematic” and “suspect”;There is significant evidence which exculpates Hassan, including exculpatory fingerprint and palmprint evidence;Hassan was held in France, without charge, mostly in solitary confinement, from 2014 to 2018;French investigating judges found “consistent evidence” supporting Hassan’s innocence, concluded that he could not have been in France at the time of the 1980 bombing, and ordered his release;The French prosecutor appealed the Order of Dismissal against Hassan, and a new handwriting analysis was ordered;The new analysis agreed with defense handwriting experts that the Bisotti report used an improper methodology and is unreliable;Despite all evidence, in January 2021, a French Court of Appeal overturned Hassan’s release and ordered a trial;Aggressive lobbying in France has fostered political pressure for further prosecution and scapegoating of Hassan; andOn 20 June 2018, PM Trudeau declared that “we have to recognise that what happened to [Hassan] never should have happened… and make sure that it never happens again.”We, the undersigned, citizens or residents of Canada, call upon the Prime Minister to give immediate assurances to Hassan Diab that Canada will not accept nor accede to a second request for his extradition, and will urge France to put an immediate end to this continuing miscarriage of justice.Deportation, extradition and removal of foreignersDiab, HassanFrance43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3378e-3378 (Health)JamesMaskalykMarcusPowlowskiThunder Bay—Rainy RiverLiberalONMay 11, 2021, at 10:12 a.m. (EDT)June 10, 2021, at 10:12 a.m. (EDT)June 10, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="253395" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Health</Addressee>Whereas:Separate provincial and territorial licensing of medical professionals impedes timely deployment of health care workers across provincial, territorial and Indigenous borders in times of crisis, compromising accessibility of care;Reciprocal arrangements between these forms of governance, allowing health care professionals licensed in one to practice in another, including in the virtual space, at the invitation of the community, would contribute to the universality of health care;Abiding arrangements to allow health care workers to work beyond provincial, territorial or federal borders is preferable to emergency measures allowing the same;Conditional reciprocity for these licenses, dependent on a health care professionals intention to work with populations made vulnerable by systemic inequities, including Indigenous Peoples, newcomers, those without citizenship and in northern, rural, and remote locations, would allow for specific training to better meet their requirements, improving comprehensiveness; andimproving the ability of provincial, territorial, federal and Indigenous governance structures to draw on qualified virtual help is necessary to keep such care publicly administered, and affordable.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada and Indigenous Nations, call upon the Minister of Health to:1) Immediately establish a reciprocal agreement between provinces, territories, indigenous and federal governments allowing doctors and nurses licensed in one permission to work in the other, on request, for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic; and2) Develop a plan to extend the reciprocal licensing arrangement to address ongoing need for in-person and/or virtual care throughout Canada, with particular attention to improving care in rural, remote, and First Nations communities.Caregivers and health care professionalsFederal-provincial-territorial relationsLabour force mobilityTelehealth43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3408e-3408 (Environment)AdrianHoughPaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCMay 11, 2021, at 10:22 a.m. (EDT)September 8, 2021, at 10:22 a.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Indigenous peoples have rights and title to their traditional territories and have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial;The climate crisis require action by all levels of government and industry;Old-growth forests provide immeasurable benefits, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity, culture, recreation, education, food and more;Valley-bottom high productivity old-growth ecosystems in British Columbia are endangered;Of the remaining 2.7% of original high productivity old-growth forests in British Columbia, 75% are still slated to be logged;Only 9% of the original 360,000 hectares of valley-bottom high productivity old-growth on Vancouver Island remain today; only 2.6% of those forests are protected in parks;The last unprotected intact old-growth valley on Southern Vancouver Island, Fairy Creek, is slated for logging, along with the upper Walbran Valley and other remaining pockets of old growth; andMost Canadians support sustainable harvesting of second and third growth forests, but do not support logging old-growth trees or destroying their surrounding ecosystems.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Work with the provinces and First Nations to immediately halt logging of endangered old-growth ecosystems;2. Fund the long-term protection of old-growth ecosystems as a priority for Canada’s climate action plan and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;3. Support value-added forestry initiatives in partnership with First Nations to ensure Canada’s forestry industry is sustainable, and based on the harvesting of second and third growth forests;4. Ban the export of raw logs and maximize resource use for local jobs; and5. Ban the use of whole trees for wood pellet biofuel production.Environmental protectionForest policyIndigenous policy43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3439e-3439 (Justice)MeaganHallJohnBarlowFoothillsConservativeABMay 21, 2021, at 9:04 a.m. (EDT)September 18, 2021, at 9:04 a.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>We, the undersigned, residents of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, call upon the House of Commons to: 1- Re-examine the sections of SOR/98-462 that criminalizes the carrying of vital defence tools such as mace or tasers, specifically: Part 1 No. 3 Section 1, Part 3 No. 1 Section 1, Part 3 No. 2 Section 5, Part 3 No. 3 Section 6, Part 3 No. 8 Section 15; 2- Re-examine the sections of Bill C-26 that criminalizes the carrying of vital defence tools such as mace or tasers, specifically Section 34(2)(d);3- Re-examine grey areas in this legislation that suggest tools such as kitty key chains would fall under categorization of 'weapons' as well; and4- Provide clear provisions in these bills for the use of weapons in self-defence manners.Self-defenceWeapons43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01198432-01198 (Indigenous affairs)MarcSerréNickel BeltLiberalONJune 22, 2021May 26, 2021Petition to the Minister of Indigenous ServicesWe, the undersigned concerned citizens of the Mattawa/North Bay Algonquin First Nation Community, call upon the Honourable Minister Marc Miller to take action on the following:
  • unfairness & discriminatory selection of memberships by the Algonquin Nation, their consultant Joan Holmes Associates Inc., their solicitor Mr Pott;
  • review all memberships revoked based on April 2020 PROPOSED BENEFICIARY CRITERIA with contradicting interpretation from the consultant office and the Mattawa/North Bay community office. There was no input from the members as required under section 10(2). Memberships were revoked under this Proposed Beneficiary Criteria (some had their membership for 10+ years);
  • all chiefs to comply with the same criteria as the members including proof of documentation on their Algonquin ancestry to be verified by an independent genealogist;
  • delay election of members of council until membership discrepancies has been rectified;
  • Appeals to be heard prior to the next election in order to allow successful appeal individuals the right to vote and not suppressed;
  • re-instate membership to members that were qualified prior to the PROPOSED BENEFICIARY CRITERIA as per section 10 (4) re:- Acquired rights;
  • Mattawa/North Bay Algonquin community, and consultant should be audited for funding of expenditures for possible misuse of funds;
  • refrain from finalizing the existing agreement in principle between the Algonquins of Ontario, Federal and Provincial governments until all concerns have been resolved;
  • members to retain their membership until a thorough review of the aforementioned concerns have been resolved;
  • investigate why the decision of a board of appeal was overturned by the enrolment officer;
  • investigate the reason why some members of the same family with the same genealogy have been approved while others have not?
AlgonquinStatus Indians
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01240432-01240 (Ethical issues)MelArnoldNorth Okanagan—ShuswapConservativeBCJune 23, 2021June 2, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas the government of Canada no longer represents the best interests of Canadians and serves only to benefit partisan allies; we, the citizens of Canada, are thereby required to act to return integrity to our country and exercise our civil rights, granted to us under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:
  • Task the RCMP to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the Trudeau, WE, and SNC-Lavalin scandals.
  • Investigate the role of the Prime Minister and his Privy Council in the obstruction of justice in the aforementioned WE and SNC-Lavalin scandals.
  • Investigate the monetary connections between the Trudeau family and the WE "Charity"
Conflict of interestGovernment contractsInquiries and public inquiriesPrime MinisterSNC-Lavalin Group Inc.Trudeau, JustinWE Charity
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01157432-01157 (Health)RichardCanningsSouth Okanagan—West KootenayNDPBCJune 18, 2021June 3, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWhereas opioid crisis is one of the most deadly public health emergencies of our lifetime, with a death taking place on average about every two hours and a death toll of almost 15,400 in the past four years alone (January 2016 to December 2019);Whereas the overdose crisis rages;We, the undersigned, call upon the Government of Canada to declare the overdose crisis a national public health emergency and:
  • Take steps to end overdose deaths and overdose injuries
  • Immediately collaborate with provinces and territories to develop a comprehensive, pan-Canadian overdose action plan
  • Ensure that any plan considers reforms that other countries have used, such as legal regulation of drugs to ensure safe, supply, decriminalization for personal use, and changes to flawed drug policy and policing.
  • Ensure this emergency is taken seriously with adequately funded programming and supports.
Drug use and abuseHealth emergenciesOpiates and opioidsPublic health
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01130432-01130 (Justice)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservativeBCJune 16, 2021June 2, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWHEREAS
  • The federal government has introduced Bill C-21, which includes sections prohibiting the majority of replica firearms, such as Airsoft guns, and embedding in legislation Order in Council P.C. 2020-298 of May 1, 2020 which prohibits and limits the possession of firearms listed therein;
  • Bill C-21 will criminalize hundreds of thousands of law-abiding Canadians for possessing legally obtained firearms;
  • Bill C-21 will financially devastate thousands of Canadians reliant on the sale of firearms for all or part of their income;
  • Hunting has a longstanding history in Canada, for both Indigenous and non-indigenous Canadians, and needlessly revoking citizens' firearms erases and discounts our history and traditions;
  • The vast majority of gun crimes are committed with illegally obtained firearms, and confiscating firearms from law abiding citizens does nothing to stop dangerous criminals and gangs who obtain their guns illegally;
THEREFORE:We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to stop targeting law abiding citizens for possessing legally obtained firearms, to protect the rights and freedoms of Canadians by ensuring firearms legislation is based on evidence not ideology, and to withdraw Bill C-21.
C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms)Firearms
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01124432-01124 (Foreign affairs)Hon.EdFastAbbotsfordConservativeBCJune 16, 2021June 2, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWHEREAS:
  • Canada and India share a longstanding and peaceful bilateral relationship;
  • Canadians uphold basic human rights, such as the freedom of expression and the freedom of peaceful assembly, as the hallmarks of a just, democratic, and pluralistic society;
  • Farmers from the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana have, for several months, been peacefully protesting a domestic legislative change that affects their agricultural enterprises;
  • Recent footage and images from India show violent aggressions carried out on protesting farmers that appear to be perpetrated by state police and security forces.
THEREFORE: We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to express condemnation of the violence perpetrated against peacefully protesting Indian farmers, and to convey our sincere belief in the rights of individuals to freedom of expression and to peaceful assembly.
Civil and human rightsFarming and farmersForeign policyIndiaProtests
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01206432-01206 (Animals)JeremyPatzerCypress Hills—GrasslandsConservativeSKJune 22, 2021June 2, 2021Petition to Health Canada and the Hon. Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health Whereas, uncontrolled Richardson's ground squirrels' populations can potentially expose Canadians to the risk of harm or injury in rural areas;Whereas, uncontrolled Richardson's ground squirrels' populations can pose serious threats to the Canadian agricultural industry and can result in serious injuries to livestock;Whereas, strychnine, when used properly, is the most effective and efficient measure to control populations of Richardson's ground squirrels;Whereas, there are currently no viable alternatives to strychnine to control populations of Richardson's ground squirrels;Whereas, Health Canada's decision to ban the use of strychnine will have unintended negative consequences for the Canadian economy and, particularly, the economies of the prairie provinces; and,Whereas, the Governments of Saskatchewan and Alberta have stated their opposition to Health Canada's decision, citing the limited environmental effects of the product when used properly;We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon Health Canada and the Hon. Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, to reverse their decision to ban the sale and use of strychnine under the authority of the Pest Control Products Act, and to conduct research to study potential alternatives to strychnine which would serve to control the populations of Richardson’s ground squirrels that are comparable to strychnine in effectiveness, efficiency, and costs.Pest Control Products ActPesticidesResearch and researchersRichardson ground squirrelsStrychnine43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01043432-01043 (Health)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservativeBCJune 7, 2021June 2, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWhereas opioid crisis is one of the most deadly public health emergencies of our lifetime, with a death taking place on average about every two hours and a death toll of almost 15,400 in the past four years alone (January 2016 to December 2019);Whereas the overdose crisis rages;We, the undersigned, call upon the Government of Canada to declare the overdose crisis a national public health emergency and:
  • Take steps to end overdose deaths and overdose injuries
  • Immediately collaborate with provinces and territories to develop a comprehensive, pan-Canadian overdose action plan
  • Ensure that any plan considers reforms that other countries have used, such as legal regulation of drugs to ensure safe, supply, decriminalization for personal use, and changes to flawed drug policy and policing.
  • Ensure this emergency is taken seriously with adequately funded programming and supports.
Drug use and abuseHealth emergenciesOpiates and opioidsPublic health
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01207432-01207 (Natural resources and energy)JeremyPatzerCypress Hills—GrasslandsConservativeSKJune 22, 2021June 2, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS
  • The development of Canada's natural resources is a central sector of the national economy as a whole;
  • Canadian energy companies are key investors and stakeholders for developing renewable energy while, at the same time, they produce oil and gas according to high standards;
  • Community infrastructure and municipalities have been relying on significant funding provided by this industry;
  • Canada's natural resource sector, including oil and gas, will provide stability as a source of jobs and investment for economic recovery;
  • Prior to declared states of emergency and restrictions in response to COVID-19, there were an estimated 200,000 jobs lost since 2015;
  • Statistics Canada recorded an additional 23,600 jobs lost in the energy industry as of September 2020;
  • According to Statistics Canada, for each job lost in the oil and gas industry there are six jobs lost in other industries.
THEREFORE, we, the undersigned residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to take immediate action, at every opportunity, for supporting and promoting Canadian energy projects and industry domestically and internationally - for the benefit of workers, families, and communities.
Employment opportunitiesEnergy and fuel
43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3428e-3428 (Foreign affairs)BelloMansourGregFergusHull—AylmerLiberalQCMay 27, 2021, at 12:58 p.m. (EDT)June 26, 2021, at 12:58 p.m. (EDT)June 29, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:On April 20, 2021, Chad’s military staged a coup and confiscated all powers in violation of the country’s constitutionA Transitional Military Council (CMT) formed and led by Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno seized power by force;Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno is the son of the former president;The CMT removed the President of the National Assembly, who is the constitutional successor, and dissolved the Assembly and the legitimate government; Canada must not remain silent in the face of these violations of Chad’s constitution and democratic rights.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:1. Officially condemn this coup and put pressure on the putschists to restore constitutional order immediately and in accordance with the relevant sections of the African Union’s African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance;2. Use the Special Economic Measures Act to impose sanctions against all members of the CMT;3. Form a subcommittee of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development to monitor, study and report on human rights violations by the Transitional Military Council and support Chad’s rapid transition to a peaceful and inclusive democracy; and4. Support all peaceful demonstrations in Chad and Canada against the military coup.ChadCoup d'etatForeign policy43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3398e-3398 (National defence and military operations)CliffordTurnerPaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCMay 27, 2021, at 12:28 p.m. (EDT)August 25, 2021, at 12:28 p.m. (EDT)Petition to <Addressee type="5" affiliationId="252987" mp-riding-display="1">the House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:Global conditions which have a critical impact on the sovereignty, security and well-being of all Canadians are changing at an alarming and unprecedented rate as a result of climate change, demographics, advances in technology and other factors; andThe Canadian Armed Forces play a critical role in the preservation and protection of Canada’s interests both domestically and internationally.We, the undersigned, Canadian citizens and residents, call upon the House of Commons to redefine our nation’s defence policy and the functions of our armed forces to prioritize: a. the protection of Canada’s sovereignty in the Arctic and elsewhere within our borders; b. meeting United Nations commitments and reasonable participation in peacekeeping and humanitarian missions; and c. properly equipping the military, including with the equipment needed to respond to an expected increase of natural disasters related to climate change, including floods and wildfires, and to assist in the necessary engineering needed for mitigation of climate-related changes to the environment.Canadian Arctic sovereigntyCanadian ForcesClimate change and global warmingMilitary equipment and facilitiesPeacekeeping and peacemaking43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01190432-01190 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 21, 2021June 4, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, the escalation of extremist violence targeting Christians in Nigeria has led a growing numbers of experts to suggest that Christians in some parts of the country are facing an ongoing genocide.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada step up its efforts to defend the rights and security of Christians in Nigeria.Christianity and ChristiansCivil and human rightsNigeria43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01113432-01113 (Civil and human rights)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 14, 2021June 5, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, religious freedom is protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and by various international human rights agreements to which Canada is a party.Whereas, restrictions on public gathering during a pandemic are legitimate as long as those restrictions are evidence based and are applied on an equal basis.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to seek dialogue with faith communities in Canada with an eye to the development of mutually-agreeable guidelines for allowing public worship to occur during times of pandemic while also preventing the spread of disease.COVID-19Freedom of conscience and religionPandemicPublic health43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3454e-3454 (Health)JeanBenoitDerekSloanHastings—Lennox and AddingtonIndependentONMay 28, 2021, at 9:23 a.m. (EDT)June 27, 2021, at 9:23 a.m. (EDT)June 29, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:A risk vs benefit calculation does not support giving COVID-19 vaccines to children under the age of 18;COVID-19 vaccines use novel technologies and are still in Phase 3 trials to determine safety and efficacy, and are only authorized for use in Canada under emergency protocols; andAlthough they are characterized as "rare," in fact many adverse events and deaths from COVID-19 vaccines, for both children and adults are now being reported around the world, including in Canada.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to suspend the injection of COVID-19 products from Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Astra-Zeneca, Johnson & Johnson, and any other COVID-19 injectable product manufacturers in children less than 18 years of age, until adequate short-term safety trials, and long-term fertility and chronic disease trials are complete, and all findings are published and peer-reviewed with long-term data.ChildrenCOVID-19ImmunizationPandemic43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3449e-3449 (Foreign affairs)KenHiebertPaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCMay 27, 2021, at 1:08 p.m. (EDT)June 26, 2021, at 1:08 p.m. (EDT)June 29, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas: Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) are unlawful under international law, as recognized by the United Nations Security Council, including in UN Security Resolution 2334, which reaffirmed that the establishment by Israel of settlements in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, has no legal validity and constitutes a flagrant violation under international law;Israeli authorities have issued a decision to forcibly evict hundreds of Palestinian families from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of East Jerusalem;This forced ethnic displacement is considered the spark that ignited the latest round of violence and bloodshed in Israel, the OPT and Gaza;Israeli forces have demolished 219 Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem since the beginning of 2020, and approved the establishment of thousands of Jewish-only settlement units in East Jerusalem; andUnder Article 1 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, all high signatories, of which Canada is one, are required to take actions to ensure that violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention do not occur under any circumstance.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:Call on Israel to stop the forced ethnic displacement of the Palestinian families in Sheikh Jarrah, and its carrying out of policies which will result in the permanent appropriation of Palestinian land by the State of Israel in flagrant violation of international law; andTake the steps required to pressure Israel to stop its violations of international law, including its continued building of settlements and forced displacement in the OPT including East Jerusalem, and to end Israel’s blockade of Gaza.Displaced personsEviction from rented accommodationForeign policyIsraelJerusalemPalestine43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3349e-3349 (Social affairs and equality)AlainBabineauMatthewGreenHamilton CentreNDPONMay 28, 2021, at 9:26 a.m. (EDT)August 26, 2021, at 9:26 a.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="253386" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness</Addressee>Whereas:The practice of racial profiling by law enforcement seriously threatens the equal rights, democracy and justice for all Canadians;The Supreme Court has acknowledged that systemic racial profiling is a “day-to-day reality” for Black and Indigenous Canadians;In 2017, a UN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent found that racial profiling is “endemic” in Canadian law enforcement, and urged this country to immediately discontinue this practice in all of its forms;While some provinces have passed regulations and moratoriums prohibiting these practices, pretextual pedestrian “street checks” and “stops” of Black motorists (aka "driving while black") persist;There is a clear link between public confidence in policing and public safety, the erosion of police legitimacy has profound consequences for our justice system, the cost effectiveness of police services and billions of taxpayers’ dollars paid annually;To date, there has been no concrete meaningful action from governments to effect systemic changes in policing to eliminate the practice of racial profiling; andCanada has the constitutional power to legislate in respect to “peace, order and good government”.We, the undersigned, citizens (or residents) of Canada, call upon the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness to request the enacting of legislation to prohibit racial profiling and influence the policing culture in this country, by requiring law enforcement agencies to establish policies and procedures to eliminate it from their practices in order to qualify to receive Federal funding.Police servicesRacial profiling43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01187432-01187 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 21, 2021June 5, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Pakistan's blasphemy law continues to be used to target religious minorities in personal disputes, and applies grossly disproportionate penalties to innocent people. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to strongly advocate for the repeal or reform of Pakistan's blasphemy law.Civil and human rightsPakistanReligious minorities43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3456e-3456 (Foreign affairs)IsaacSaneyNikiAshtonChurchill—Keewatinook AskiNDPMBMay 28, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. (EDT)September 25, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The government of the United States has imposed economic sanctions, amounting to an economic war, against Cuba for more than 60 years, constituting the principal obstacle to Cuba’s social and economic development, having cost in excess of $100 billion;The Government of the United States has pressured and coerced other countries to participate in its regime of economic sanctions against Cuba;The United States economic sanctions and the campaign of subversion against Cuba are a violation of international law, the right of self-determination and the human rights of the people of Cuba; andSince 1992, the international community, including Canada, has rejected United States economic sanctions against Cuba through overwhelming votes in the United Nations General Assembly.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Call on the Government of the United States to end all economic sanctions against Cuba;2. Call on the Government of the United States to cease its campaign of subversion and policy of hostility and aggression against Cuba;3. Call on the Government of the United States to remove Cuba from the United States Department of State’s List of State Sponsors of Terror;4. Take immediate steps and actions through the implementation and enforcement of, among others, the Foreign Extraterritorial Measures Act, in order to preserve Canadian sovereignty and ensure that Canadian companies and other entities do not participate in United States economic sanctions against Cuba; and5. Ensure that its relations with Cuba be based on equality and the respect of sovereignty, independence and the right of self-determination.CubaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyUnited States of America43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01176432-01176 (Transportation)TamaraJansenCloverdale—Langley CityConservativeBCJune 21, 2021June 5, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWhereas, thousands of Canadian consumers have had their trips cancelled because of border closures and the lockdowns put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19;Whereas, thousands of these consumers are being given travel credits instead of refunds by air carriers and tour operators;Whereas, many consumers are currently experiencing financial hardship as a result of reduced income or job loss due to the pandemic;Whereas, these travel credits come with restrictive terms and conditions, including that they must be used within 24 months, that they are nontransferable or that they do not provide any price guarantee; andWhereas, many consumers will not be able to use these credits within the time limits imposed by air carriers due to financial or health problems or the fact that the risks related to COVID-19 have not yet been eliminated.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to require airlines and other carriers under federal jurisdiction to allow customers whose trips have been cancelled due to the current pandemic to obtain a refund and to provide support to airlines to make this possible if necessary.AirlinesCancellationCOVID-19PandemicReimbursement43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01177432-01177 (Justice)TamaraJansenCloverdale—Langley CityConservativeBCJune 21, 2021June 6, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas Canadians are free to seek council from religious leaders;Whereas, some Canadians wish to address their sexual desires and behaviours which they themselves do not desire. These may a include an addiction to pornography, adulterous sexual desire and behaviour, out-of-wedlock sexual desire and behaviour, and homosexual desire and behaviour;Whereas, within reasonable boundaries (where a parent's wish to hinder the sexual behaviour of their child is considered reasonable), parents have a right to raise their children as they see fit;Whereas, Bill C-6 seeks to criminalize certain conversations where people may seek council, from religious leaders or other mentors and counsellors, to address sexual proclivities that they themselves do not wish to experience, as well as to strip away certain parental rights mentioned above; Therefore we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to reject Bill C-6 in order to preserve parental rights and prevent the criminalization of conversations in Canada.C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapySexual minorities43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01175432-01175 (Health)TamaraJansenCloverdale—Langley CityConservativeBCJune 21, 2021June 6, 2021Petition to the Minister of HealthWhereas, the existing regime governing the production of medical marijuana, particularly the Part 2 or “designated growers” regime, is rife with abuse as a result of loopholes in the current legislation that impede local officials' and law enforcement’s investigations of growing operations that appear to be in violation of the law, of a lack of oversight from Health Canada of growing facilities, and of individuals obtaining extraordinarily large prescriptions to be grown by designated growers, and said prescriptions being magnitudes in excess of what a normal medical use prescription would be;Whereas, many Type 2/Designated growing operations have reached the scale of commercial operations, yet are not required to implement the types of controls in their facilities that safeguard the products they grow or minimize odour, or environmental impact of neighbouring areas; andWhereas, indications are that a growing number of designated growing facilities are linked to organized crime and are suppling the contraband market.We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Health to:
  • 1. Take immediate action to address the aforementioned issues within Canada's Medical Marijuana framework;
  • 2. Eliminate the existing loopholes; and
  • 3. Provide law enforcement with the tools they need to swiftly and successfully investigate and prosecute unlawful designated grow operations and implement safeguards to ensure that these facilities do not negatively impact the quality of life of Canadian residents.
Law enforcementMarijuanaMarijuana grow operationPrescription drugs
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01216432-01216 (Environment)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABJune 22, 2021June 4, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, the Liberals promised that they wouldn't increase the carbon tax during the 2019 Federal Election, but they have gone against their word;Whereas, during a global pandemic, the federal government is planning to add to and increase the carbon tax by 240%, which severely impacts and penalizes those who don't have public transit options, along with those living in rural and farming communities;Whereas, CBC has reported that the carbon tax will force gas prices at the pump to increase more than 37 cents per litre;Whereas, this increased carbon tax will further raise the cost of heating and groceries for all Canadian families especially those living in the west and north;Whereas, several provinces have challenged the overreach and constitutionality of the Federal government imposing a carbon tax; andWhereas, instead of working and cooperating with the provinces, the Federal government is trying to bring about a one-size-fits-all policy in addressing the climate.Therefore we, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Respect its election promise by not increasing the carbon tax, which disproportionately attacks the livelihoods and wellbeing of rural and western Canadians;2. Develop a plan to protect the climate and environment, by cooperating with the provinces, instead of imposing a tax that may be unconstitutional;3. Support and cooperate with businesses in developing made-in-Canada solutions and green technologies; and4. Support and speedily pass Bill C-206, An Act to amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (qualifying farming fuel), which exempts qualifying farmers from having to pay the carbon tax on their fuel.Carbon taxGreenhouse gases43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01183432-01183 (Health)MichaelCooperSt. Albert—EdmontonConservativeABJune 21, 2021June 4, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, in Alberta, the unemployment rate for 25 to 29-year-old men who are actively seeking work, is twice that of similarly aged women, the second-largest gender gap in all the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries;Whereas, men are three times more likely to commit suicide with suicide being the second leading cause of death for men aged 15 to 34;Whereas, in a 2017 discussion paper, the Mental Health Commission described the connection between mental health and work stating, "Employment not only provides a paycheck, but also a sense of purpose, opportunities to learn and a chance to work with others";Whereas, unemployment rates in Alberta have exceeded 10%, with the province having one of the highest unemployment rates in Canada; andWhereas, unemployment, increased drug use, high suicide rates and economic instability have each negatively contributed to the well being and mental health of Albertan families.Therefore we, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Work with businesses, communities and the government of Alberta to help lower the unemployment rate;2. Encourage and support community organizations, churches and families who help connect, support, and inspire men; and;3. Quickly create the 988 national suicide hotline, which was unanimously adopted by the House of Commons on December 11, 2020.Help line servicesJob creationMenMental health43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01164432-01164 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABJune 18, 2021June 4, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, the Parliament of Canada recognizes the social harm caused by the objectification of women and the commodification of sexual activity;Whereas, in the last few months, there have been multiple corroborated cases of sex trafficking and child sexual abuse films found hosted on Pornhub;Whereas, a 15-year-old girl who had been missing for a year was finally found after 58 such videos of her rape and sexual abuse were discovered on Pornhub;Whereas, 22 women were deceived and coerced by the owners of GirlsDoPorn, into performing sex acts on film that were subsequently uploaded to Pornhub;Whereas, the Internet Watch Foundation has investigated and confirmed over 100 cases of children being sexually abused on Pornhub;Whereas, Pornhub has no reliable system in place to verify that the people in the videos it hosts are not being trafficked or minors being sexually exploited;Whereas, more than 100 survivors and 500 NGOs have written a letter calling for a full criminal investigation into MindGeek; andWhereas, the Justice Committee has heard shocking and conflicting testimony from Pornhub's executives and others, which included the hosting of videos including coercion, violence and underage minors.Therefore we, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Investigate and prosecute companies in Canada that host content featuring sex trafficking and child sexual abuse to the fullest extent of the law;2. Review legislative and regulatory frameworks to ensure Canada's laws fully prohibit online sexually explicit content featuring minors, violence, torture, cruelty, and coercion; and; 3. Introduce legislation that requires companies to possess reliable systems in place to verify that the people in sexually explicit images and videos uploaded and hosted online are not minors or being trafficked.Child sexual abuse and exploitationOversight mechanismPornographyWeb sites43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01165432-01165 (Public safety)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABJune 18, 2021June 3, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, in Canada, almost a quarter of the people who leave our correctional systems reoffend within two years of being released;Whereas, safe and peaceful communities require resources and a plan to help people not become repeat offenders;Whereas, people who have been incarcerated should have the necessary resources and employment opportunities to be able to transition back into the community and avoid falling back into their old ways;Whereas, victims are at the heart of the justice system and the best way to protect them is to reduce crime and recidivism; and;Whereas, Canada doesn't have a current strategy to reduce recidivism.Therefore we, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Support and quickly pass Bill C-228, An Act to establish a federal framework to reduce recidivism, helping to ensure that our society is safer, more peaceful, prosperous and just; and2. Support local communities and organizations that work to help those leaving correctional facilities become re-integrated into society.C-228, An Act to establish a federal framework to reduce recidivismRecidivistsSocial integration43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01166432-01166 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABJune 18, 2021June 4, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, coercion, intimidation or other forms of pressure intended to force physicians and health institutions to become parties in assisted suicide or euthanasia is a violation of fundamental freedoms of conscience;Whereas, during testimony at the Special Joint Committee for Physician Assisted Dying, witnesses stated that the protection of conscience should be included in the government's legislative response to Carter v. Canada (AG)Whereas, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) confirmed that conscience protection for physicians would not affect access assisted suicide or euthanasia because 30% of physicians (24,000) would be willing to do it; and;Whereas, section 2 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the freedom of conscience and freedom of religion.Therefore your petitioners call upon the Parliament of Canada to:1. Enshrine in the Criminal Code the protection of conscience by supporting and passing bill C-268, the Protection of Freedom of Conscience Act, to protect the Charter Rights of medical professionals who have chosen to not take part, directly or indirectly, in euthanasia or medical assistance in dying. 2. Ensure that all medical practitioners and health care institutions are free from coercion or intimidation related to providing or referring a patient for assisted suicide or euthanasia.C-268, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (intimidation of health care professionals)Caregivers and health care professionalsFreedom of conscience and religionMedical assistance in dying43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01126432-01126 (Health)CharlieAngusTimmins—James BayNDPONJune 16, 2021June 5, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWhereas opioid crisis is one of the most deadly public health emergencies of our lifetime, with a death taking place on average about every two hours and a death toll of almost 15,400 in the past four years alone (January 2016 to December 2019);Whereas the overdose crisis rages;We, the undersigned, call upon the Government of Canada to declare the overdose crisis a national public health emergency and:
  • Take steps to end overdose deaths and overdose injuries
  • Immediately collaborate with provinces and territories to develop a comprehensive, pan-Canadian overdose action plan
  • Ensure that any plan considers reforms that other countries have used, such as legal regulation of drugs to ensure safe, supply, decriminalization for personal use, and changes to flawed drug policy and policing.
  • Ensure this emergency is taken seriously with adequately funded programming and supports.
Drug use and abuseHealth emergenciesOpiates and opioidsPublic health
43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3465e-3465 (Transportation)DanielMalletteClaudeDeBellefeuilleSalaberry—SuroîtBloc QuébécoisQCJune 8, 2021, at 9:19 a.m. (EDT)September 6, 2021, at 9:19 a.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="271245" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Transport</Addressee>Whereas: The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) is mandated by the federal government to manage the safe and efficient movement of marine traffic through St. Lawrence Seaway facilities;On June 14, 2021, SLSMC will relocate its employees from the Beauharnois maintenance centre to the Brossard maintenance centre and St. Lambert locks;This decision will increase response times in the event of a bridge or lock failure and emergency response times to pollution spills, since the Brossard centre and Salaberry-de-Valleyfield are 80 km apart;The public will be held hostage during these failures and will be affected by response times;The Larocque Bridge in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield and the St-Louis-de-Gonzague Bridge in this municipality are two strategic arteries in the region; andMaritime transport is critical to the economy of Salaberry—Suroît.We, the undersigned, residents of the Province of Quebec, call upon the Minister of Transport to: 1. Demand that SLSMC cancel the relocation of its employees from Beauharnois to the Brossard maintenance centre and St. Lambert locks;2. Ask SLSMC for a response plan showing that SLSMC will be able to more efficiently and safely respond to a failure in the Beauharnois and Salaberry-de-Valleyfield areas from the Brossard centre; and3. Ask SLSMC why the portion in Quebec covers more than 80 km while the entire system in the Niagara region covers 36 km.BeauharnoisFacilitiesMaintenance, repair and renovation servicesSt. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01162432-01162 (Taxation)GordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNDPBCJune 18, 2021June 7, 2021Petition to Government of CanadaWhereas:
  • Volunteer firefighters account of 83% of Canada's total firefighting essential first responders;
  • In addition, approximately 8,000 essential search and rescue volunteers respond to thousands of incidents every year;
  • The tax code of Canada currently allows volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers to claim a $3,000 tax credit if 200 hours of volunteer services were completed in a calendar year;
  • This works out to a mere $450 per year, which we allow these essential volunteers to keep of their own income from their regular jobs, $2.25 an hour;
  • If they volunteer more than 200 hours, which many do, this tax credit becomes even less;
  • These essential volunteers not only put their lives on the line and give their time, training, and efforts to Canadians, but they also allow cities and municipalities to keep property taxes lower than if paid services were required;
  • Increasing this tax credit would allow these essential volunteers to keep more of their hard-earned money, likely to be spent in the communities in which they lives; and
  • It would help retain these volunteers in a time when volunteerism is decreasing.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to support Private Members' Bill C-264 and increase the tax exemption from $3,000 to $10,000 for lines 31220 and 31240 to help our essential volunteer firefighters and volunteer search and rescue people across the country.
C-264, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (volunteer firefighting and search and rescue volunteer services)Emergency servicesTax creditsVolunteering and volunteers
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01161432-01161 (Business and trade)LenWebberCalgary ConfederationConservativeABJune 18, 2021June 7, 2021Petition to the House of Commons WHEREAS
  • More than 12,000 Independent Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions, and these Small Business owners are Sole Proprietors;
  • Federal Assistance Programs like CEBA, CERS, CEWS & RRRF exclude the majority of these Small Business Owners, leaving them to slip through the cracks and forcing them into bankruptcy.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Provide Sector specific funding for Independent Travel Advisors;
  • Extend the qualifications of the RRRF in Urban areas to include Sole Proprietors.
Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response PlanCOVID-19PandemicTravel agencies
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01159432-01159 (Business and trade)LenWebberCalgary ConfederationConservativeABJune 18, 2021June 7, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWHEREAS
  • More than 24,000 Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions;
  • These Travel Advisors are being asked by Canadian Airlines and their subsidiary Travel Companies to repay commissions earned at the end of 2019 & beginning of 2020 on their clients' trips that were cancelled due to said Travel Restrictions, known as "commission recalls" or "Commission claw-backs".
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Ensure that any financial assistance to Airlines and their subsidiary Travel Companies, will be conditional on the protection of Travel Advisor commissions;
  • Ensure that commissions already clawed back by the Airlines & their subsidiary Travel Companies will be repaid to Travel Advisors in a timely manner.
AirlinesCOVID-19PandemicReimbursementTravel agencies
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01160432-01160 (Business and trade)LenWebberCalgary ConfederationConservativeABJune 18, 2021June 7, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWHEREAS
  • More than 12,000 Independent Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions, and these Small Business owners are Sole Proprietors.
  • 100% of Travel Advisors' income comes from commissions earned from their Travel Suppliers, and because of their delayed revenue stream, it takes between 5 and 11 months for Travel Advisors to be paid for work done on the booking of clients' trips.
  • The CRB has been the sole source of assistance for most Independent Travel Advisors, who are still actively working in their businesses, but unable to earn revenue.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Extend the CRB for 6 months past the lifting of all Travel Advisories, for Travel Advisors
  • Maintain the CRB at the current amount ($2,000/ month) for sectors hardest hit by COVID, including Travel Advisors
Canada Recovery BenefitCOVID-19PandemicTravel agencies
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01118432-01118 (Infrastructure)RobMorrisonKootenay—ColumbiaConservativeBCJune 15, 2021June 10, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS1. The Columbia River Treaty impacts the lives of all Kootenay-Columbians2. The Federal, Provincial and Regional Governments have varying levels of responsibility for the protection of Canadian interests with all aspects of the Columbia River Treaty negations.3. The Columbia River Treaty requires the cooperative development of water resources, flood risk management, power generation and recreation like Lake Koocanusa. The treaty displaced over 279,999 acres of our ecosystem, including local farmers, ranchers and indigenous communities.WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, CITIZENS OF CANADA, call upon the Government of Canada to focus on the importance of the Columbia River Treaty and, to meet that priority, develop the planning and construction of a weir on the Canadian side of the International border on Koocanusa Lake, British Columbia.Canada-United States relationsColumbia River TreatyDamsLake Koocanusa43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01242432-01242 (Environment)RachelBlaneyNorth Island—Powell RiverNDPBCJune 23, 2021June 10, 2021Petition to the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeWhereas:
  • The Qualicum Institute submitted an environmental petition to the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development and to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change on May 27, 2017 (No. 408) and the Minister's response was unsatisfactory;
  • We continue to be deeply concerned that the Canadian government is ignoring the overwhelming scientific evidence on the principal drivers of climate change and biodiversity loss; and
  • With the COVID-19 pandemic impacting our health, economy, and environment, we cannot return to what was normal as continuous economic growth can not be reconciled with a healthy environment; this crisis presents an opportunity to implement true science-based policies to address the current climate and biodiversity crises.
We, the undersigned scientists, concerned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to:1. Recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic presents a unique opportunity to address the errors resulting from policy decisions of the past, specifically those related to the climate and biodiversity crises;2. Ensure that all future federal government economic initiatives are founded on a scientific understanding of the limits of economic and population growth;3.Align the national economy with Canadians' well-being and within the carrying capacity of the environment-not wealth generation or economic growth;4. Ensure the health and welfare of all Canadians by moving to a low-carbon-emission, steady state economy with a stable population; and5. Prevent further biodiversity loss, and restore our degraded life-supporting ecosystems.
Environmental protectionSustainable development
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01101432-01101 (Business and trade)WarrenSteinleyRegina—LewvanConservativeSKJune 14, 2021June 8, 2021Petition to the House of Commons WHEREAS
  • More than 12,000 Independent Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions, and these Small Business owners are Sole Proprietors;
  • Federal Assistance Programs like CEBA, CERS, CEWS & RRRF exclude the majority of these Small Business Owners, leaving them to slip through the cracks and forcing them into bankruptcy.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Provide Sector specific funding for Independent Travel Advisors;
  • Extend the qualifications of the RRRF in Urban areas to include Sole Proprietors.
Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response PlanCOVID-19PandemicTravel agencies
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01086432-01086 (Indigenous affairs)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservativeBCJune 11, 2021June 10, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWHEREAS:
  • Stories of the atrocities that occurred within the residential school system have been around for years;
  • On May 27, 2021, the remains of 215 Indigenous children were found on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School;
  • Various levels of government have been aware of these stories for a long time and have done nothing to help find the remaining children who never came home;
  • Families who have lost loved ones deserve to find closure, to be able to help the spirits rest;
THEREFORE: We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to proceed with using technology like ground-penetrating radar to search the grounds of all residential school sites, and to provide a reasonable timeline for the conduct these searches.
Human remainsIndigenous residential schoolsInquiries and public inquiries
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01094432-01094 (Environment)PaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCJune 11, 2021June 8, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe the undersigned respectfully request that the House of Commons give serious consideration to the following:WHEREAS, the climate crisis and destruction of ecosystems (ecocide) are the result of many years of harmful industrial activities permitted by law, with many of the risks having been known for decades by the companies choosing to continue these practices and the governments who subsidize those activities;THAT, Canadian citizens and residents can and must take some responsibility for what is consumed, but it is industry, finance and government who make high-level investment and policy decisions;THAT, the international community lacks a legal framework ensuring shared-nation responsibility for financing humanitarian and environmental aid and assistance to ecocide territories despite numerous treaties, agreements and civil lawsuits;THAT, as a UN Member state Canada shares a collective legal duty "to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom" in terms of the Preamble to the UN Charter 1945; andTHAT, Amending the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court to include ecocide as a crime, alongside genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and crimes of aggression, could provide a simple, effective deterrent for those in positions of corporate and financial responsibility and mandate a duty to protect for government officials, enforceable within existing criminal justice systems.THEREFORE, we, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to declare its support for an ecocide law amendment to the Rome Statute, and advocate its adoption internationally in the knowledge that many countries must stand together for the long-term protection of all life on Earth.Environmental protectionForeign policyInternational lawRome Statute43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01172432-01172 (Environment)TracyGrayKelowna—Lake CountryConservativeBCJune 18, 2021June 8, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe the undersigned respectfully request that the House of Commons give serious consideration to the following:WHEREAS, the climate crisis and destruction of ecosystems (ecocide) are the result of many years of harmful industrial activities permitted by law, with many of the risks having been known for decades by the companies choosing to continue these practices and the governments who subsidize those activities;THAT, Canadian citizens and residents can and must take some responsibility for what is consumed, but it is industry, finance and government who make high-level investment and policy decisions;THAT, the international community lacks a legal framework ensuring shared-nation responsibility for financing humanitarian and environmental aid and assistance to ecocide territories despite numerous treaties, agreements and civil lawsuits;THAT, as a UN Member state Canada shares a collective legal duty "to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom" in terms of the Preamble to the UN Charter 1945; andTHAT, Amending the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court to include ecocide as a crime, alongside genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and crimes of aggression, could provide a simple, effective deterrent for those in positions of corporate and financial responsibility and mandate a duty to protect for government officials, enforceable within existing criminal justice systems.THEREFORE, we, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to declare its support for an ecocide law amendment to the Rome Statute, and advocate its adoption internationally in the knowledge that many countries must stand together for the long-term protection of all life on Earth.Environmental protectionForeign policyInternational lawRome Statute43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01173432-01173 (Citizenship and immigration)TracyGrayKelowna—Lake CountryConservativeBCJune 18, 2021June 13, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • The Government of Canada recently created a pathway to permanent residency for recent international student graduates;
  • Part of this process requires passing a language proficiency test in either official language;
  • Language proficiency tests measure listening, reading, writing, and speaking;
  • These skills are put to the test, for any student, during the course of completing an academic program in Canada including through writing papers, verbal presentations, reading textbook materials, and listening to lectures;
  • In order to complete coursework and graduate, an international student must be able to listen, read, write, and speak in either official language;
  • Graduation from an eligible post-secondary program in and of itself is a demonstration of official language proficiency;
  • The financial costs associated with testing are also an unnecessary burden that has been exacerbated by the economic realties of life under the COVID-19 pandemic.
THEREFORE, we, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to:
  • Waive the requirement for language proficiency tests for international graduates of eligible Canadian postsecondary programs to be able to obtain permanent residency.
Foreign studentsLanguage testingPermanent resident status
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01203432-01203 (Veterans' affairs)BobZimmerPrince George—Peace River—Northern RockiesConservativeBCJune 22, 2021June 10, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWe, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the Government of Canada to the following:Whereas:
  • At one time the Government of Canada issued "The Canadian Volunteer Service Medal" (CVSM), a Volunteer Service Medal to recognize Canadians who served voluntarily for a minimum of 547 days or 18 months of uninterrupted service in the Canadian Forces, voluntary service from 3 September 1939 to 1 March 1947; and
  • Since the cessation of the CVSM on the 1st of March 1947, there does not exist any formal medal to maintain the inclusiveness, recognition and tradition of honouring Canada's Veterans that have honourably served since the end of WWII; and
  • There does not exist a Canadian Forces Service Medal to honour our Cold War Veterans, and Veterans that have honourably served during the past seven and a half decades; and
  • The Canadian Forces' Decoration (CD) is "a long service medal" for 12 years of good conduct, the CD does not cover volunteer service, the CD does not cover service for the Cold War and the CD does not cover shorter periods of honourable service where Canada's Veterans with conviction did serve for a period of time of not less than 547 days or 18 months and even today are serving honourably; and
  • The creation of a Canadian Forces Service Medal would bring about dignity, recognition and acknowledgment and inclusiveness of our Veterans and our Troops, and
  • Should the government elect to honour and indicate specific events by means of a bar or clasp, such as was done for the Hong Kong Bar, the Dieppe Bar and the Bomber Command Bar, all worn on the CVSM;
  • With the cessation of the CVSM on the 1st of March 1947 there no longer exists a Canadian Forces Medal where such possible future bars could be affixed, the introduction of a Canadian Forces Military Service Medal would serve this purpose; and
  • For our government to honour these Veterans, by the creation of a Canadian Forces Service Medal, it would be of integrity and inclusiveness for those men and woman that have served our nation, thus becoming a great part of the continuing tradition and heritage of recognizing our Veterans and a national legacy for those who have honourably served in the Canadian Forces since the end of World War II,
THEREFORE, your petitioners call upon the Government of Canada to recognize the service by Canadians in the Regular Forces, Reserve Military Forces, and others whom have taken oath and swore to defend our nation and who have completed 547 days or 18 months of uninterrupted honourable duty in the service of their country Canada, since September 2nd, 1945, to the present day and in perpetuity, by means of creating and issuing a new "Canadian Military Service Medal" (CMSM), to be designated "The Canadian Military Service Medal".
Awards presentationsVeterans
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01229432-01229 (Health)LaurelCollinsVictoriaNDPBCJune 22, 2021June 8, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWhereas opioid crisis is one of the most deadly public health emergencies of our lifetime, with a death taking place on average about every two hours and a death toll of almost 15,400 in the past four years alone (January 2016 to December 2019);Whereas the overdose crisis rages;We, the undersigned, call upon the Government of Canada to declare the overdose crisis a national public health emergency and:
  • Take steps to end overdose deaths and overdose injuries
  • Immediately collaborate with provinces and territories to develop a comprehensive, pan-Canadian overdose action plan
  • Ensure that any plan considers reforms that other countries have used, such as legal regulation of drugs to ensure safe, supply, decriminalization for personal use, and changes to flawed drug policy and policing.
  • Ensure this emergency is taken seriously with adequately funded programming and supports.
Drug use and abuseHealth emergenciesOpiates and opioidsPublic health
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01230432-01230 (Health)LaurelCollinsVictoriaNDPBCJune 22, 2021June 8, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWhereas opioid crisis is one of the most deadly public health emergencies of our lifetime, with a death taking place on average about every two hours and a death toll of almost 15,400 in the past four years alone (January 2016 to December 2019);Whereas the overdose crisis rages;We, the undersigned, call upon the Government of Canada to declare the overdose crisis a national public health emergency and:
  • Take steps to end overdose deaths and overdose injuries
  • Immediately collaborate with provinces and territories to develop a comprehensive, pan-Canadian overdose action plan
  • Ensure that any plan considers reforms that other countries have used, such as legal regulation of drugs to ensure safe, supply, decriminalization for personal use, and changes to flawed drug policy and policing.
  • Ensure this emergency is taken seriously with adequately funded programming and supports.
Drug use and abuseHealth emergenciesOpiates and opioidsPublic health
43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3496e-3496 (Holidays and observances)LisaWilcoxArifViraniParkdale—High ParkLiberalONJune 9, 2021, at 4:12 p.m. (EDT)July 9, 2021, at 4:12 p.m. (EDT)July 12, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="6" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc confirmed that, on Thursday May 27, 2021, the remains of 215 lost loved ones, children, had been found on the site of the Kamloops Indian Residential School;Survivors of residential schools, their families, and their communities, carry the history and legacy of residential schools, and mourn for the lost children;When we mourn together, we heal together; andReconciliation is rooted in a collective recognition of truths, and the responsibility we all bear to never erase the voices of the voiceless.We, the undersigned, survivors of residential schools, Indigenous, Inuit and Métis families, and the People of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Call for a National Day of Mourning so that all Canadians take the time to reflect and extend a hand of support, understanding, and love to all those in need; and 2. Work with other levels of government to enact the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, beginning with a National Day of Mourning with support for communities, to raise awareness, healing, and understanding for all Canadians.Indigenous residential schoolsNational day of mourning for the lost children of residential schools43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3461e-3461 (Foreign affairs)AliGorjiGarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 11, 2021, at 12:47 p.m. (EDT)October 9, 2021, at 12:47 p.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corporation (IRGC) has been created and employed as an instrument of oppression and terrorism both in Iran, and abroad;The IRGC has a 42-year history of terrorism, suppression, brutality, and murder of innocent people, some of whom were Canadian citizens;The IRGC destroyed Ukrainian Flight PS752, on January 8, 2020, killing all 176 passengers and crew, of which 138 of the passengers were on their way to Canada;The decision of Justice Belobaba, of the Ontario Superior Court, on May 20, 2021, deemed the downing of flight PS752 to be intentional and an act of terrorism;Most of Iran’s economy is under the IRGC’s control, the economy has become one of the most corrupt in the world and Canada is one of its primary destinations for money laundering; andThe Quds Force, the external branch of the IRGC, has been listed as a terrorist entity by Canada, and despite a motion to designate the IRGC as a terrorist entity, which was passed by a large majority of MPs in the House of Commons in 2018, the Government of Canada has not yet enforced this motion.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, many of whom have directly suffered at the hands of the regime of Iran and its agents, call upon the Government of Canada to designate the IRGC a terrorist entity, and direct that it be promptly treated accordingly.Army of the Guardians of the Islamic RevolutionIranTerrorist entities watch lists43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3483e-3483 (Environment)NicoleZanescoElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCJune 11, 2021, at 11:17 a.m. (EDT)September 9, 2021, at 11:17 a.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The deep-sea plays a key role in the health of marine ecosystems and species, making it indispensable for the sustenance of the ocean;The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is tasked with the protection of the international seabed (Area) for the benefit of humankind;The ISA is considering adopting rushed and inadequate regulations for deep seabed mining (DSM) in the Area;There is enormous scientific concern and technological uncertainty surrounding DSM, with scientific consensus it will cause a net loss in biodiversity and irreparable environmental damage;Canada’s domestic legislation, The Fisheries Act, effectively bans DSM to protect fish;Per Canada’s international commitments, Canada has a responsibility to protect the Area for future generations;Canada has an unfulfilled opportunity at the ISA to be a leader on environmental stewardship and good governance;The draft regulations do not require full public consultation, nor will they effectively protect the marine environment, thereby undermining the mission of the ISA;The green energy transition must be fuelled by a circular economy, not increased extraction; andPrecedent exists for international moratoria that effectively ban activities threatening the health and sustainability of the environment.We, the undersigned, Oceans North, MiningWatch Canada, the Canadian Parks & Wilderness Society, Nature Canada, Northern Confluence, West Coast Environmental Law, and the citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Support a moratorium on deep seabed mining in the Area, as an immediate first step; and2. Immediately halt the granting of exploration contracts and the development of regulations for exploitation by the ISA, per the recommendations of the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, of which Canada is a member.Marine conservationMining industrySea floor43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01129432-01129 (Environment)KodyBloisKings—HantsLiberalNSJune 16, 2021June 10, 2021Petition to Minister Bernadette Jordan WHEREAS , On March 19th, 2021, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans ordered a full drain of lake pisiquid at every low tide and subsequent ingress of salt water for 10 minutes (min) beginning March 19th and continuing to this day, the following effects have occurred:
  • The environmental effects of accelerated stream bank erosion, vegetation loss and silt buildup at lakefront and along shoreline; Loss of freshwater habitat and damage to ecosystem
  • Impending potential for fish kill due to silt and shallow waters.
  • The social impact of the end to the pisiquid canoe club and its importance to 150 plus youth and their families for seasonal sport AND outdoor childcare
  • Financial impacts felt by homeowners as they seek alternative options to water supply.
  • Potential end of business for Ski Martock (an employer of 200 people) as there may be no replacement of their fresh water source.
  • Potential risk to community due to lack of emergency backup water supply for firefighting (dry hydrant unusable and lakefront unusable in major fire situation)
  • Agricultural, financial and food security impact as 2021 crop planning and 2021 livestock watering are in jeopardy as well as future years of productivity.
  • Health impacts as the community is complaining of respiratory concerns due to exposed mud flats, and resulting dust "storms"
  • Business concerns (unsightly premises, air quality etc)
  • Potential decline in property value and interest in development due to the decline in overall waterfront conditions from Windsor to the lake areas of Vaughans (if water adjustments are required upstream)
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of West Hants, Nova Scotia, electors of the riding of Kings Hants, residents of the Province of Nova Scotia, call upon Minister Bernadette Jordan to exercise discretion as provided in 34.1 (1)(h) of the Fisheries Act in issuing ministerial orders and commit to a solution that considers the outcomes for the entire community of West Hants.
Avon RiverCausewaysReservoirs
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01186432-01186 (Environment)PatrickWeilerWest Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky CountryLiberalBCJune 21, 2021June 13, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe the undersigned respectfully request that the House of Commons give serious consideration to the following:WHEREAS, the climate crisis and destruction of ecosystems (ecocide) are the result of many years of harmful industrial activities permitted by law, with many of the risks having been known for decades by the companies choosing to continue these practices and the governments who subsidize those activities;THAT, Canadian citizens and residents can and must take some responsibility for what is consumed, but it is industry, finance and government who make high-level investment and policy decisions;THAT, the international community lacks a legal framework ensuring shared-nation responsibility for financing humanitarian and environmental aid and assistance to ecocide territories despite numerous treaties, agreements and civil lawsuits;THAT, as a UN Member state Canada shares a collective legal duty "to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom" in terms of the Preamble to the UN Charter 1945; andTHAT, Amending the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court to include ecocide as a crime, alongside genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and crimes of aggression, could provide a simple, effective deterrent for those in positions of corporate and financial responsibility and mandate a duty to protect for government officials, enforceable within existing criminal justice systems.THEREFORE, we, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to declare its support for an ecocide law amendment to the Rome Statute, and advocate its adoption internationally in the knowledge that many countries must stand together for the long-term protection of all life on Earth.Environmental protectionForeign policyInternational lawRome Statute43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3491e-3491 (Social affairs and equality)meserethaileyesusAnitaVandenbeldOttawa West—NepeanLiberalONJune 14, 2021, at 3:52 p.m. (EDT)September 12, 2021, at 3:52 p.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Economic abuse is a deliberate pattern of control where individuals interfere with their partner’s ability to acquire, use, and maintain economic resources, being excluded from financial decision making, taking on debt unaware of the consequences or not being allowed to work/study;The lack of access to economic resources creates barriers to escaping violent relationships by preventing survivors from securing housing, makes it more difficult to get a credit card, student loan, line of credit, car loan, and potentially a job due to screening by some employers;In Canada, 95% of women who experience domestic violence also experience economic abuse;Women from marginalized groups including newcomers, refugees, racialized and Indigenous women are at a higher risk of economic abuse due to other systemic factors;Economic abuse often continues long after a woman has left the abusive relationship because abusers maintain control through spousal or child support as well as through other financial activities; andThe Government of Canada has failed to address financial abuse and other forms of economic injustices in abusive relationships.We, the undersigned, Citizens and Residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1) Expand the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence and the Divorce Act to include economic abuse;2) Create a statutory definition of family and gender-based violence that is inclusive of economic abuse;3) Mandate Statistics Canada to begin collecting data and conduct studies on economic abuse;4) Expanding funding for services for survivors of domestic violence and economic abuse; and5) Recognize November 26th as the National Day of Awareness for Economic Abuse and Survivors of Economic Injustice.Domestic violencePersonal financeSocial marginalityViolence against women43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3495e-3495 (Indigenous affairs)BrandyCallihooHeatherMcPhersonEdmonton StrathconaNDPABJune 14, 2021, at 4:29 p.m. (EDT)July 14, 2021, at 4:29 p.m. (EDT)July 15, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="233806" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations</Addressee>Whereas:Michel Band, a First Nations band in present day Alberta, signed Adhesion to Treaty 6 on September 3rd 1878, via their representative Michel Callihoo;The Government and settlers in the area of the Michel band’s reserve subsequently illegally pressured band members to surrender their land;The Government of Canada and the Department of Indian Affairs illegally enfranchised the members of the Michel Band in 1958, and are denying treaty and inherent rights of Michel band members and their descendants; andCrown and Indigenous relations are failing to uphold and to honour the Treaty and inherent rights of Michel Band members and are denying treaty benefits of status, education, housing, land and revenue and resource sharing.We, the undersigned, the Michel Band Nation and citizens of Turtle Island, call upon the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations to1. Re-establish a treaty relationship with the Michel Band;2. Create an exploratory table to begin negotiations, so that we can rectify the injustices suffered by our nation.Historic treatiesIndigenous policyIndigenous rightsMichel Band Nation43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3427e-3427 (Business and trade)JohnPappasSvenSpengemannMississauga—LakeshoreLiberalONJune 14, 2021, at 2:10 p.m. (EDT)July 14, 2021, at 2:10 p.m. (EDT)July 14, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Owners of small businesses that operate in buildings that they own, do not qualify for Rent Subsidy since the Federal Government added an “arms length” restriction to the Rent Subsidy policy in September 2020;These owners are not “shell companies” that will take advantage of the Rent Subsidy. They are mainly small business owners that own buildings on traditional main streets;These owners only qualify for property tax and utilities relief or deferral which is a small fraction of Rent Subsidy;Foreigners who own buildings in Canada receive their rent because their tenants qualify for Rent Subsidy;Large corporations that own malls and other huge properties receive their rent because their tenants qualify for Rent Subsidy;Canadian real estate investment trusts (REITs) receive their rent because their tenants qualify for Rent Subsidy;But, hard working Canadian small business owners who invested in their own communities by purchasing the buildings they operate in do not qualify for Rent Subsidy due to the “arms length” restriction. This is unjustifiable and discriminatory; andThe building owner/operators desperately need and deserve the Rent Subsidy just as much as other small businesses shuttered due to Covid lockdowns.We, the undersigned, Board of Directors of The Port Credit BIA, call upon the Government of Canada to lift the “arms length” restriction on Rent Subsidy. We request that our federal government lift the “arms length” restriction on Rent Subsidy immediately to allow small businesses owners that operate in buildings that they own to qualify for Rent Subsidy retroactive to September 2020 and for Rent Subsidy from this date going forward.Canada Emergency Rent SubsidyCOVID-19PandemicRentSmall and medium-sized enterprises43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3505e-3505 (Business and trade)LuxiMathiyaparanamChandraAryaNepeanLiberalONJune 14, 2021, at 5:14 p.m. (EDT)August 13, 2021, at 5:14 p.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The fashion industry is diminishing, and is crucial to our national identity and our diverse population;In 2020, the commencement of COVID-19 and the critical shortage of personal protective equipment proved that the need for “Made in Canada” fashion and production is essential;Canada is one of the world’s largest apparel markets, however the market is predominately from imports, with retail sales in 2019, totalling US $28.04B. Canada has a significant market opportunity for fashion brands, retailers, manufacturers and wholesalers;The Government of Canada must identify fashion as a form of art—Canadians have the fundamental right to exercise the freedom of expression;The ongoing unaddressed issues include: cultural awareness and appropriation, carbon emissions, financial aid, inadequate education curriculum, inclusivity, international development, lack of a community unifying efforts across Canada, media coverage, legal representation, promotion abroad, safety, sustainability, technology, trust and available research preventing and limiting the development of industry;Looking at the successes of dominant global allies in the industry, the opportunities for Canada are exponential, both nationally and internationally, and will further advance the nation’s social and economic infrastructure; andIt is time to bring this issue to the forefront of Canadian industries, develop opportunities for a better future, participate with other leading countries, and support the fashion industry for generations to come.We, the undersigned, residents and citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Pass legislation to promote Canadian fashion in the national interest;2. Add Canada Fashion Network to the list of organizations that make up the Canadian Heritage Portfolio.Canada Fashion NetworkFashion industry43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01197432-01197 (Holidays and observances)Hon.HedyFryVancouver CentreLiberalBCJune 21, 2021June 16, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWhereas:
  • In Canada, 50% of women in information communication & technology exit the industry within the first four years of their career;
  • In Canada, women make up about 10% of the cybersecurity workforce;
  • A lack of diversity and inclusion leads to barriers and challenges unique to women resulting in feelings of "impostor syndrome" & women exiting the industry;
  • Research has shown a diverse workforce increases problem solving, profits & speeds resolutions;
  • Diversity increases the security of our systems, people & data;
  • Working in cybersecurity provides women with stability & economic opportunities for themselves & their families;
  • Canada's national & economic security is at risk due to increasing cyber-attacks & lack of diverse skilled workers to defend Canada's assets;
  • Diverse and inclusive environments where women are valued will strengthen the community, resulting in increased retention and job satisfaction;
  • International Women in Cyber Day (IWCD) fosters recognition of women's achievements in the industry, thereby supporting the retention of women in this workforce; and
  • An IWCD will also demonstrate to young women and girls that they are seen, supported and recognized for their contributions in the cybersecurity industry and provide them with the confidence to succeed.
We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:(a) recognize September 1st of each year as International Women in Cyber Day; and(b) provide funding to develop sustainable programs in raising awareness and removing barriers for women and marginalized groups, with the goal to recruit, retrain and retain these groups by offering training, mentorship, scholarships, conferences, and recognition awards.
e-SecurityInternational Women in Cyber DayWomen
43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3508e-3508 (Justice)MartineJeansonJacquesGourdeLévis—LotbinièreConservativeQCJune 16, 2021, at 11:04 a.m. (EDT)September 14, 2021, at 11:04 a.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:According to the 2019 Statistics Canada report on family violence, 30% of violent crimes reported to police were perpetrated by an intimate partner, and 79% of victims were women;In 2020, the Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability has reported 160 homicides of women and girls, 50% of which are attributed to family violence;In September 2019, the federal ombudsman for victims of crime said the criminal justice system needs essential changes regarding perpetrators of violence and urged the various levels of government to act on the urgency of crime against women;The criminal justice response appears to be inadequate in light of the increase in violence against women and related homicides;We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to 1. Support and endorse bills in the House of Commons and Senate of Canada that relate to amendments to the Criminal Code that will address the issues discussed above, particularly Criminal Code amendments regarding conditions for judicial interim release (s. 515) and peace bonds (s. 810); and2. Act on the means to guarantee the physical safety of victims and on information and prevention resources to address family violence and apply the principles of the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights, regardless of political affiliation.Domestic violenceVictims of crimeViolence against women43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3364e-3364 (Environment)BrodyBellElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCJune 15, 2021, at 1:11 p.m. (EDT)October 13, 2021, at 1:11 p.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="253373" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard</Addressee>Whereas:50% of coral has died due to climate change and pollution, and according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), 10% of this is caused by suncreen;The Government of Canada has pledged to protect oceans;The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says that more than half a billion people depend on coral reefs for food, income, and protection;Coral reefs are considered the 21st century medicine cabinet by the U.S. NOAA as they have been shown to have medicinal uses including treatment of cancers, heart disease, viruses, and more;Oxybenzone, octocrylene, and octinoxate, active ingredients in many suncreens, have been shown to cause detriment to marine ecosystems, according to the NOAA;NIH research into oxybenzone, octocrylene, and octinoxate have revealed harmful effects to human endorcrine systems;Octocrylene degrades into benzophenone which has been shown to induce breast cancer in mice;Oxybenzone and octinoxacte are both present in sunscreens as benzophenones, and are similary listed as possible carcinogens under the State of California's Proposition 65;A NIH study showed a possible link between benzophenones and endometriosis; andThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration only awarded the G.R.A.S.E. (Generally Recognized As Safe and Effective) status to two sunscreen ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard to: 1. Ban the production of sunscreen containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene;2. Additionally, prohibit sales, offers of sales, or distribution of any sunscreen that contains oxybenzone, octocrylene or octinoxate, or both, without a prescription issued by a licensed health care provider; and3. Following the prohibtion, replace the above chemicals with an environmentally friendly substitute, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.Marine conservationSunscreen productsToxic substances43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3474e-3474 (Health)TracyCasavantElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCJune 15, 2021, at 2:03 p.m. (EDT)July 15, 2021, at 2:03 p.m. (EDT)July 15, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Canadians living in every province and territory are at risk during the global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic;Some Canadians have been better protected than others;International experience and Canada's own models indicate this risk will continue for many months; andInsufficient response to COVID-19 within any province or territory could pose a danger to other Canadian residents.We, the undersigned, Citizens & Residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to :1. Deploy whatever resources and means necessary to ensure that Canadian citizens and residents located anywhere in Canada are offered COVID-19 public health and safety response tools, strategies, services, policies, and data collection and analytical methods that meet or exceed comparable guidance issued by the Government of Canada;2. Consider not only legislative powers, but also the use of federal lands and services to ensure the COVID-19 response in each province and territory meets or exceeds federal guidance. For example, rapid test clinics could be established on federal lands in provinces that are unwilling to set up such services; and3. Include, as an example but not limited to, wide-scale deployment of rapid testing technology and of testing for asymptomatic individuals, with respect to what constitutes the Government of Canada COVID-19 public health and safety guidance, and the Report “Priority strategies to optimize testing and screening for COVID-19 in Canada: Report” (Jan 2021).COVID-19Health screeningPandemicPublic health43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3494e-3494 (Justice)DenisBélangerJoëlLightboundLouis-HébertLiberalQCJune 15, 2021, at 1:47 p.m. (EDT)October 13, 2021, at 1:47 p.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:Hockey is our national sport;Hockey is watched by thousands of people; andHockey is played by thousands of people, particularly young people.We, the undersigned, Citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to ensure that the Criminal Code is enforced whenever violent or barbaric acts are committed against an opponent with the intention of causing injury.HockeyViolence in sports43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01218432-01218 (Business and trade)JenniferO'ConnellPickering—UxbridgeLiberalONJune 22, 2021June 15, 2021Petition to the House of Commons WHEREAS
  • More than 12,000 Independent Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions, and these Small Business owners are Sole Proprietors;
  • Federal Assistance Programs like CEBA, CERS, CEWS & RRRF exclude the majority of these Small Business Owners, leaving them to slip through the cracks and forcing them into bankruptcy.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Provide Sector specific funding for Independent Travel Advisors;
  • Extend the qualifications of the RRRF in Urban areas to include Sole Proprietors.
Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response PlanCOVID-19PandemicTravel agencies
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01219432-01219 (Business and trade)JenniferO'ConnellPickering—UxbridgeLiberalONJune 22, 2021June 15, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWHEREAS
  • More than 24,000 Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions;
  • These Travel Advisors are being asked by Canadian Airlines and their subsidiary Travel Companies to repay commissions earned at the end of 2019 & beginning of 2020 on their clients' trips that were cancelled due to said Travel Restrictions, known as "commission recalls" or "Commission claw-backs".
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Ensure that any financial assistance to Airlines and their subsidiary Travel Companies, will be conditional on the protection of Travel Advisor commissions;
  • Ensure that commissions already clawed back by the Airlines & their subsidiary Travel Companies will be repaid to Travel Advisors in a timely manner.
AirlinesCOVID-19PandemicReimbursementTravel agencies
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01125432-01125 (Justice)AlexisBrunelle-DuceppeLac-Saint-JeanBloc QuébécoisQCJune 16, 2021June 16, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there is currently a bill before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill S-204 passed in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01141432-01141 (Consumer protection)GeraldSorokaYellowheadConservativeABJune 17, 2021June 16, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS
  • To have the government, as an independent body, be the regulatory group that investigates complaints of the Satellite Cable Companies, instead of the CCTS (Commission for Complaints of the Telecommunications Service Providers) of which the cable companies are members
  • CCTS does not investigate fraud such as hacking or account billing errors and will not act on these complaints so that consumers are left footing the bill
  • Currently the cable companies are regulating themselves
  • There are no consequences for these massive cable companies at present and they have free reign to charge whatever and to whomever they want
  • Cable companies do not have to abide by any rules or regulations
  • There is no other group for consumers to have their case heard or investigated
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to:
  • Form a governing body, separate from the cable companies, to investigate consumer complaints and compel the business to respond and take actions according to the Government of Canada's findings;
  • Have a system in place for consumers to take their concerns to, that is not affiliated with the cable companies; and
  • Stop the cable companies monopoly on charges and fees that they cannot prove the consumer ordered and accept responsibility for fraudulent charges on consumers accounts or billing errors by their own administration or a third party
Cable service providersConsumers and consumer protection
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01231432-01231 (Natural resources and energy)LaurelCollinsVictoriaNDPBCJune 22, 2021June 15, 2021Petition to the Government of Canada WHEREAS:
  • COVID-19 has caused a prolonged downturn in oil markets. Forecasting agencies are predicting the end of growth in oil demand as countriesshift to clean energy, and major global oil complies are writing off their oil sands investments.
  • The cost of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMX) has more than doubled to $12.6 billion. Given construction delays, the overall price tag could be much higher, and Canadian taxpayers are on the hook.
  • More than 100 Canadian economists and energy policy experts have written a letter to the federal government questioning the economic viability of TMX, and calling on the Finance Minister to delay further spending that puts additional Canadian tax dollars at risk.
  • The federal government bought the Trans Mountain pipeline after the private sector walked away from the project due to financial risk.
  • As of September 2020, only 5.25 per cent of pipe has been laid on the TMX rout, while billions of dollars have yet to be spend and could be reallocated. Other pipeline projects already under development in Canada will meet the future need for the federally subsidized TMX.
  • Ambitious investments in the clean economy is required to meet Canada's Paris climate commitments and will create much needed jobs in sectors hard hit by the pandemic and by the downturn in the oil industry.
  • There is no place for Trans Mountain in the green recovery from COVID-19 that the government has espoused. Instead, public investments must build a resilient low-carbon economy, to address the twin economic and climate crises.
THEREFORE, we the undersigned residents of Canada, call on the Government of Canada to delay further spending on Trans Mountain until an independent cost-benefit analysis that considers economic and market changes since COVID-19 has been completed and to prioritize investments in clean energy now.
COVID-19Government expendituresOil and gasPandemicTrans Mountain pipeline
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01226432-01226 (Environment)LaurelCollinsVictoriaNDPBCJune 22, 2021June 16, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWHEREAS:The Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) is Canada's main law governing pollution prevention and the management of toxic chemicals;Scientific understanding of environmental and health risks of exposure to toxics and pollution has evolved over the past two decades and CEPA 1999 needs to be updated to address today's sources of toxic exposure;Too often, vulnerable and marginalized populations bear a disproportionate burden of environmental harm, yet CEPA 1999 lacks provisions to protect vulnerable populations and safeguard against environmental injustice;The House of Commons Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development reviewed CEPA 1999 and made 87 recommendations to strengthen and modernize the act; andThe Minister of Environment and Climate Change and the Minister of Health are jointly mandated to "better protect people and the environment from toxins and other pollution, including by strengthening the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999."We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to pass legislation to modernize the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 without delay, to ensure (i) better control of toxic substances - notably, banning highly hazardous substances like carcinogens and reproductive toxicants, addressing cumulative effects and requiring substitution with safer alternatives, and disclosure of chemicals in products through better labelling, (ii) enforceable national air and water quality standards, (iii) protection for vulnerable populations, and (iv) recognition of the human right to a healthy environment.Civil and human rightsEnvironmental protectionPublic healthToxic substances43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01142432-01142 (Foreign affairs)MarwanTabbaraKitchener South—HespelerIndependentONJune 17, 2021June 16, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS
  • It is no longer adequate for Canada to ignore the multiple violations of Palestinian human rights by the Israeli Government;
  • Canada must go beyond statements of concern and work with the international community to condemn forced evictions, settlement building, unequal treatment, attacks on journalists, the bombing of humanitarian and medical facilities, the loss of civilian lives, and to require that international law be upheld;
  • The forced transfer of the population under occupation is a grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention;
  • These evictions in Sheikh Jarrah and other parts of the West Bank breach the right to adequate housing, a core human right under international law;
  • It is critical that our government immediately condemn the occupation and the illegal settlements; and
  • There can be no resolution of the issues, as long as Israel absorbs the very land intended for a Palestinian state and displaces Palestinian residents with Israeli settlers.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Call on Israel to end evictions of the Palestinian people in Sheikh Jarrah and any other future cities in which Israeli settlements will take place; 2. Call on Israel to end its apartheid on the Palestinian people and implement a fair government and system for all people in Palestine and Israel; and3. Apply the same diplomatic tools that Canada has used in condemning China's behaviour in Xinjiang Uyghur Antonymous Region, and in sanctioning Russian officials involved in the annexation of Crimea.
Displaced personsForeign policyIsraelPalestine
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01189432-01189 (Media and telecommunications)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 21, 2021June 15, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) already has sweeping regulatory powers over traditional forms of media.Whereas, the original mandate of C-10 was to expand Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulatory powers to include online platforms such as Netflix and Hulu.Whereas, Liberal members of the Heritage Committee voted for an amendment to Bill C-10 that would include social media platforms and other internet platforms within the jurisdiction of CRTC regulation.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the government of Canada to:1. Respect Canadians' fundamental right to freedom of expression. 2. Prevent internet censorship in Canada.BroadcastingC-10, An Act to amend the Broadcasting Act and to make related and consequential amendments to other ActsFreedom of speechInternet43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3512e-3512 (Public safety)DorisMahPeterJulianNew Westminster—BurnabyNDPBCJune 17, 2021, at 12:08 p.m. (EDT)September 15, 2021, at 12:08 p.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons in Parliament assembled</Addressee>Whereas:Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a staggering increase in anti-Asian racism in Canada;Fear and misinformation about the virus may disproportionately impact the sense of personal and community safety of some ethno-cultural groups;Many Asian Canadians feel that they need to adjust their lives in order to avoid run-ins or otherwise unpleasant encounters;Many Asian Canadians worry about their children being bullied in schools.Young Asian Canadians are more likely to have experienced and been affected by anti-Asian racism and bigotry over the last year; andThe hatred and racially motivated murder of the Muslim family in London, Ontario, was yet another reminder that hate and Islamophobia existed in CanadaWe, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to: 1. Put into place a reporting and tracking system for hate crimes and incidents of hate;2. Launch a robust public education campaign across Canada to tackle the systemic racism and its impact of racist actions, gestures and verbal abuse; 3. Ensure that comprehensive victim services are available to all those who are victims of hate crimes or hate incidents;4. Eliminate harmful images and stereotypes present in media and cinema;5. Strengthen all legislation against hate and introduce amendments to the Canadian Human Rights Act to ensure that hate speech no longer occurs with impunity; and6. Ensure that all federal government agencies and institutions consider the prevention of discrimination and the promotion of diversity as guiding principles of their work.Hate crimesHate propagandaRacial equality43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01188432-01188 (Taxation)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 21, 2021June 18, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, the Income Tax Act (ITA) currently requires charities who want to partner with non-qualified donees (including nonprofits, social enterprises, co-ops, civil society groups and businesses) to “direct and control the use of its resources by its partner organization, leading to cumbersome and resource-intensive administrative burden;Whereas, current ITA rules on qualified donees and direction and control” make it exceedingly difficult to form partnerships in a way that puts the needs of communities first;Whereas, principles of equity and inclusivity are underserved by the current policy regime, because organizations serving diverse communities are often not qualified donees, and therefore remain disproportionately unable to benefit from charitable funds;Whereas, the report of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development adopted by unanimous consent recommends that the Government of Canada take immediate action to fix the problems associated with the current “direction and control” regime;Whereas, the Report #1 of the Advisory Committee on the Charitable Sector, made up of 14 sector members of the Advisory Committee on the Charitable Sector, recommends that the Minister of National Revenue work with the Minister of Finance to address the problems associated with the current “direction and control” regime.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the government of Canada to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Replace the original regime and “own activity” test in the ITA that requires registered charities to devote all of their resources to charitable activities carried on by themselves with a regime that permits registered charities to operate in furtherance of their charitable purpose; and 2. Replace current administrative requirements around "direction and control” with a requirement for registered charities to establish reasonable and practical parameters for ensuring resource accountability when working to achieve a charitable purpose through a third party that is not a qualified donee.Financial managementIncome taxRegistered charitable organizations43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01174432-01174 (Transportation)Simon-PierreSavard-TremblaySaint-Hyacinthe—BagotBloc QuébécoisQCJune 21, 2021June 17, 2021Petition to the Minister of Transport of CanadaWHEREAS
  • The intersection of Chemin du Grand-Rang and Highway 116 in Sainte-Marie-Madeleine is a high collision area;
  • Several fatal accidents have occurred at this intersection since the beginning of the year;
  • This intersection is problematic due to the way the railway is aligned;
  • Chemin du Grand-Rang and Highway 116 are the responsibility of Transport Canada;
  • Only Transport Canada and Canadian National have the authority to make changes such as upgrading the track and installing a traffic light and a “prepare to stop” sign;
  • The municipalities of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine and Sainte-Madeleine have passed several resolutions requesting that Transport Canada and Canadian National take action;
  • Requests from the municipalities of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine and Sainte-Madeleine for meetings with Transport Canada and Canadian National have gone unanswered since a meeting took place in November 2018, which did not lead to a solution;
We, the undersigned citizens of Quebec, call upon the Minister of Transport of Canada to immediately hold a meeting with the municipalities of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine and Sainte-Madeleine, Canadian National, the Quebec Department of Transport, the office of the Member of Parliament for Saint-Hyacinthe-Bagot, and the office of the Member of the National Assembly for Borduas, in order to reach a quick solution to increase safety at the intersection of Chemin du Grand-Rang and Highway 116 in Sainte-Marie-Madeleine.
Transportation safety
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01217432-01217 (Civil and human rights)JennyKwanVancouver EastNDPBCJune 22, 2021June 18, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWHEREAS the United Nations Special Rapporteur and the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities have recently expressed concern that Canada's government continues to hold reservations to Article 12, an integral part of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) - Article 12 ensures that persons with disabilities have the right to: refuse treatment, not be deemed incapable, and not be subjected to substitute decision-making;WHEREAS Canada's federal government has claimed in its latest report to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities that Canada has met the standards of the CRPD;WHEREAS persons with psychosocial, intellectual and other disabilities continue to be at grave risk of:
  • being detained in facilities, and/or otherwise subjected to limitations on freedom of movement, including the use of physical restraints and isolation,
  • being forcibly, coercively, or surreptitiously administered drugs which frequently cause toxic and damaging effects, reducing life expectancy (in the case of "antipsychotics") and inducing dependency (in the case of "antidepressants" and "anxiolytics"), and notwithstanding that some people believe these drugs help them,
  • being given electroshock, which has been proven to cause brain damage resulting in devastating memory loss and cognitive problems,
  • and even being subjected to unwanted tubal ligations in recent years, harkening back to Canada's shameful eugenics programs; and
WHEREAS the Accessibility Canada Act now promotes the myth that Canadians with psychosocial and other disabilities will be protected through a process that represents them, even as groups led by family members and professionals are tasked with proceeding with the implementation of CRPD-based initiatives, with no public debate on Article 12,THEREFORE, we, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada (many of us survivors of such abuses, joined by researchers, professionals, family members, and concerned allies), call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to:rescind all reservations to Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and repeal laws that authorize "substitute decision-making" related to treatments for psychosocial and other disabilities, as well as laws that violate the CRPD by continuing to authorize detentions, restraints, isolation, community treatment orders, drugging, electroshock, sterilization and similar impositions.
Convention on the Rights of Persons with DisabilitiesLegal capacityMedical techniques and proceduresPersons with disabilities
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01171432-01171 (Foreign affairs)AnitaVandenbeldOttawa West—NepeanLiberalONJune 18, 2021June 18, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law), sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption;
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of "Truth, Compassion and Tolerance," including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, Qiang Wei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang.We also call upon the Government of Canada to refuse immigration/visitor visa to those who persecuted Falun Gong practitioners in China.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01236432-01236 (Business and trade)DaveMacKenzieOxfordConservativeONJune 23, 2021June 18, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWHEREAS
  • More than 24,000 Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions;
  • These Travel Advisors are being asked by Canadian Airlines and their subsidiary Travel Companies to repay commissions earned at the end of 2019 & beginning of 2020 on their clients' trips that were cancelled due to said Travel Restrictions, known as "commission recalls" or "Commission claw-backs".
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Ensure that any financial assistance to Airlines and their subsidiary Travel Companies, will be conditional on the protection of Travel Advisor commissions;
  • Ensure that commissions already clawed back by the Airlines & their subsidiary Travel Companies will be repaid to Travel Advisors in a timely manner.
AirlinesCOVID-19PandemicReimbursementTravel agencies
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01235432-01235 (Business and trade)DaveMacKenzieOxfordConservativeONJune 23, 2021June 18, 2021Petition to the House of Commons WHEREAS
  • More than 12,000 Independent Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions, and these Small Business owners are Sole Proprietors;
  • Federal Assistance Programs like CEBA, CERS, CEWS & RRRF exclude the majority of these Small Business Owners, leaving them to slip through the cracks and forcing them into bankruptcy.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Provide Sector specific funding for Independent Travel Advisors;
  • Extend the qualifications of the RRRF in Urban areas to include Sole Proprietors.
Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response PlanCOVID-19PandemicTravel agencies
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01234432-01234 (Business and trade)DaveMacKenzieOxfordConservativeONJune 23, 2021June 18, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWHEREAS
  • More than 12,000 Independent Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions, and these Small Business owners are Sole Proprietors.
  • 100% of Travel Advisors' income comes from commissions earned from their Travel Suppliers, and because of their delayed revenue stream, it takes between 5 and 11 months for Travel Advisors to be paid for work done on the booking of clients' trips.
  • The CRB has been the sole source of assistance for most Independent Travel Advisors, who are still actively working in their businesses, but unable to earn revenue.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Extend the CRB for 6 months past the lifting of all Travel Advisories, for Travel Advisors
  • Maintain the CRB at the current amount ($2,000/ month) for sectors hardest hit by COVID, including Travel Advisors
Canada Recovery BenefitCOVID-19PandemicTravel agencies
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01180432-01180 (Social affairs and equality)ChandraAryaNepeanLiberalONJune 21, 2021June 18, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWhereas:
  • a hidden disability symbol should be free, accessible, and used voluntarily;
  • a hidden disability symbol's design should be effective as a self-advocacy and awareness tool, and relevant to and inclusive of all hidden and episodic disabilities without detracting from detectable disabilities;
  • hidden, including episodic, disabilities affect more people than do detectable disabilities, yet are less represented and understood;
  • the hidden disability community (HDC) is growing as COVID-19 survivors are expected to experience permanent impairments;
  • 82% of surveyed HDC members report avoidance of events, places and situations at least once or twice a week;
  • women with hidden disabilities are overrepresented in human trafficking, prison, and homeless populations;
  • the HDC is overrepresented in violent police interactions;
  • the International Symbol of Access (ISA, aka wheelchair symbol) excludes the HDC, resulting in many reports of permit-holding members of the HDC are being accosted at accessible parking spots;
  • a Hidden Disability Symbol is a tool for self-advocacy, increasing social awareness and support, improving information and best practices, recruitment of disabled employees, identification of accommodation needs while respecting individual rights to privacy, and preventing negative police and other public interactions;
  • hidden disability icons, symbols, and memes are in use in various countries and available through differing models;
  • currently a petition is asking the UK government to adopt a hidden disabilities scheme;
  • there is, therefore, a proven and timely need for a hidden disability symbol in Canada, and internationally;
We, the undersigned citizens or residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to adopt and promote a national Hidden Disability Symbol, and lead or participate in actions toward its international adoption.
Graphic symbolsPersons with disabilities
43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3516e-3516 (Culture and heritage)TanisDagertPaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCJune 22, 2021, at 3:12 p.m. (EDT)September 20, 2021, at 3:12 p.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="6" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Prime Minister</Addressee>Whereas:John Alexander Macdonald became the first prime minister of Canada on July 1, 1867;Macdonald is considered the architect of the residential school system that removed First Nations children from their families and communities to assimilate them, between 1880 until the last school closed in 1996;The residential school system is considered to be a form of genocide because of the purposeful attempt from the government and church to eradicate all aspects of Indigenous cultures and lifeworlds;On June 11, 2008, Prime Minister Stephen Harper offered an apology on behalf of Canadians for the Indian Residential School System and recognized that this policy of assimilation was wrong, has caused great harm, and has no place in our country; andOn May 27, 2021, Chief Rosanne Casimir from Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Kukpi7 First Nation confirmed the remains of 215 children who were students at the Kamloops Indian Residential School in a press release.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Prime Minister to publically remove the statue of John Alexander Macdonald from Parliament Hill as an immediate and symbolic act of deep humility, reconciliation and apology to Indigenous Peoples in Canada and all the children who have suffered from trauma because of the Canadian government backed residential school system policy, past and present.Indigenous policyMacdonald, John AlexanderParliament HillStatues43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01221432-01221 (Foreign affairs)GaryAnandasangareeScarborough—Rouge ParkLiberalONJune 22, 2021June 22, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWHEREAS the war on the Tigray region of Ethiopia has led to more than 63,110 refugees fleeing to camps in neighboring Sudan, 2.2 million civilians internally displaced, and over 5.2 million people in need.WHEREAS the war on Tigray has resulted in a man-made famine. The World Food Program estimates that 5.2 million people, 91% of Tigray's population, need emergency food assistance.WHEREAS Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) is systematically used as a weapon of war in Tigray by Eritrean troops and nonregional military forces.WHEREAS Journalists in Ethiopia are being threatened or killed for reporting on the atrocities in Tigray.WHEREAS since November 2020, Canada has provided $37 million in humanitarian assistance to Ethiopia for the crisis in Tigray. However, it is unclear whether this assistance will be used to address the humanitarian needs in Tigray.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Immediately call to establish an UN-Ied inquiry commission to verify the withdrawal of Eritrean and non-regional forces from the Tigray region.
  • Immediately call for unfettered humanitarian access to Tigray. Call for humanitarian discussion under Resolution 2417 (2018).
  • Immediately withhold all non-life-saving funding from Canada to Ethiopia until the cessation of violence is achieved.
  • Provide an update on how funds for humanitarian assistance Canada has given to Ethiopia support the people affected in the Tigray region.
  • Immediately call for Canada to investigate whether the crimes committed in Tigray amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Civil and human rightsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3503e-3503 (Health)YuenMorrisseyZiadAboultaifEdmonton ManningConservativeABJune 28, 2021, at 2:08 p.m. (EDT)August 27, 2021, at 2:08 p.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The recently introduced vaccine injury support program is only open to individuals who have experienced a serious and permanent injury as a result of receiving a Health Canada authorized vaccine, administered in Canada on or after December 8, 2020;I was a completely healthy individual until I received the flu vaccine in October 2019; A few days later, I developed symptoms so severe that I was hospitalized for 10 days and was diagnosed with a rare syndrome called Steven’s Johnson’s syndrome (a syndrome where 1/3 people do not survive);It appears the side effects of this syndrome will be permanent, my vision was the most affected, my eyes are extremely dry and sensitive to light;To keep my eyes open and be able to see, I have to put in eye drops every 15 minutes; The majority of my medical bills are out of pocket expenses;Not only has my physical health declined, the stress of dealing with the consequences of this syndrome has taken a significant toll on my mental health; andAlthough the vaccine I received was administered less than two years ago, I am not eligible for the vaccine injury support compensation.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to make an exemption and allow cases such as my case to be eligible for the Vaccine Injury compensation program so that we can pursue treatments that can help improve our vision and overall quality of life.Government compensationImmunizationInjuriesVaccine Injury Support Program43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01233432-01233 (Environment)RobMorrisonKootenay—ColumbiaConservativeBCJune 23, 2021June 22, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe the undersigned respectfully request that the House of Commons give serious consideration to the following:WHEREAS, the climate crisis and destruction of ecosystems (ecocide) are the result of many years of harmful industrial activities permitted by law, with many of the risks having been known for decades by the companies choosing to continue these practices and the governments who subsidize those activities;THAT, Canadian citizens and residents can and must take some responsibility for what is consumed, but it is industry, finance and government who make high-level investment and policy decisions;THAT, the international community lacks a legal framework ensuring shared-nation responsibility for financing humanitarian and environmental aid and assistance to ecocide territories despite numerous treaties, agreements and civil lawsuits;THAT, as a UN Member state Canada shares a collective legal duty "to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom" in terms of the Preamble to the UN Charter 1945; andTHAT, Amending the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court to include ecocide as a crime, alongside genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and crimes of aggression, could provide a simple, effective deterrent for those in positions of corporate and financial responsibility and mandate a duty to protect for government officials, enforceable within existing criminal justice systems.THEREFORE, we, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to declare its support for an ecocide law amendment to the Rome Statute, and advocate its adoption internationally in the knowledge that many countries must stand together for the long-term protection of all life on Earth.Environmental protectionForeign policyInternational lawRome Statute43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01244432-01244 (Health)DaveEppChatham-Kent—LeamingtonConservativeONJune 23, 2021June 23, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • Licenses for the production of medical cannabis are often abused, with production in excess of personal use amounts diverted for commercial sale on the black market;
  • The amount of cannabis individuals are authorized to possess for medical purposes is impossible for an individual to personally consume;
  • The Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team has identified that organized crime has infiltrated the growing and distribution of black market cannabis production diverted from “medical” purposes;
  • Grow-ops in rural and residential neighbourhoods have negative impacts on nearby residents' health and well-being, such as excessive smells, frequent traffic and reduced property values;
  • Health Canada's yield estimates for cannabis production are grossly inaccurate;
  • Municipal enforcement agencies have little to no power over cannabis grow-ops in their own jurisdictions; and
  • The federal government has failed to subject personal registered medical cannabis production to examination and inspection, allowing grey and black market cannabis operations to flourish under this program.
We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:
  • Reform the licensing and oversight of the production of cannabis for personal medical use, and to grant resources and authority to the provinces in regulating and enforcing the production of cannabis for personal medical use, in turn empowering municipal regulation and enforcement.
CannabisCrop productionFederal-provincial-territorial relationsRegulation
43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3519e-3519 (Taxation)KatherineCappellacciJulieDzerowiczDavenportLiberalONJune 28, 2021, at 11:32 a.m. (EDT)August 27, 2021, at 11:32 a.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The current income tax system for seniors gives couples numerous ways to lower taxes, while singles get none;Senior couples can split their pension income thereby allowing them to pay less tax and qualify for the Age Credit plus Old Age Security (OAS) with limited or no clawbacks;Senior singles have no such benefits, pay higher taxes, often forfeit the Age Credit, and endure OAS clawbacks;When one partner dies within a couple, his/her RRSP/RRIF and TFSA can be rolled into the RRSP/RRIF and TFSA of the remaining partner;A single person’s RRSP/RRIF is cashed upon death and declared as income, which results in higher taxes, often 50%; The cost of living for a single person is two-thirds of the cost of living for a couple; Single person households are growing faster than any other type of household in Canada, according to Statistics Canada; andOf the six million seniors in Canada, over one-third are single seniors, many of them women and this demographic will continue to grow.We, the undersigned, Single Seniors for Tax Fairness and single citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to offer tax benefits to senior singles equal to those now in place for senior couples, which would include:1. Offering single seniors a reduction of 30% on their income to be taxed (for example, if a single senior has a taxable income of $100,000, reduce the taxable amount by 30% to $70,000); and2. Upon death, allowing single seniors with an RRSP/RRIF and/or a TFSA account to transfer it to the RRSP/RRIF and/or TFSA account of a beneficiary of choice.Senior citizensTaxationUnattached individuals43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3523e-3523 (Health)AdrianaAngelidisChrisLewisEssexConservativeONJune 28, 2021, at 3:28 p.m. (EDT)October 26, 2021, at 3:28 p.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas: COVID-19 has had an unprecedented impact on the mental, physical, emotional, and social development of children and youth;In Canada, according to Children’s Healthcare Canada, there has been a 200% increase in hospital admissions for substance abuse, and a 100% increase in suicide attempt admissions compared to last year;The early years of childhood are crucial in the healthy growth and development of youth; andIt is essential supports are in place for all youth to thrive.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to prioritize, at the Standing Committee on Health, a study of measures to promote youth mental health in Canada and to establish safeguards for youth development amidst COVID-19.Mental healthYoung people43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3521e-3521 (Civil and human rights)JimAngelidisChrisLewisEssexConservativeONJune 28, 2021, at 3:26 p.m. (EDT)October 26, 2021, at 3:26 p.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas: Canadians’ fundamental rights enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms are nonnegotiable;COVID-19 must not be used as a political tool to create a category of second-class citizens;The Government of Canada must not take part in instituting segregationist practices that restrict the Charter rights of Canadian citizens; andCanadians’ medical, religious, philosophical, and personal objections to vaccinations must not be trampled upon by instituting a “vaccine passport”.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Not require Canadians to obtain a “vaccine passport” in order to exercise their Charter rights; and 2. Secure Canadians personal autonomy and ensure that they are not coerced, either directly or indirectly, to obtain a vaccine.COVID-19ImmunizationImmunization recordPandemic43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3527e-3527 (Health)StevenPelechDeanAllisonNiagara WestConservativeONJune 30, 2021, at 2:35 p.m. (EDT)July 30, 2021, at 2:35 p.m. (EDT)August 3, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine has been authorized under Interim Order for use in Canadians as young as 12 years;Biodistribution studies show spread of injected vaccine surrogate nanoparticles throughout the body, including accumulation in reproductive and other diverse organs, and the peak levels of these nanoparticles in the organs, and resulting SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, have not been established;The World Health Organization recently confirmed that children and adolescents tend to have milder disease, and there is not yet enough evidence to make recommendations for children to be vaccinated;The reproductive and endocrine organs are sensitive to injuries from infections and inflammation, which may cause infertility and other health issues;The vaccine nanoparticles enveloping the mRNA can induce inflammation;The spike protein, which causes damage to various organs, can circulate in the blood as late as 28 days after vaccination;The American Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System has received submissions of tens of thousands of events involving blood disorders, and various organs, including ovaries; andCurrently, vaccine safety trials do not have the duration or numbers of participants required to rule out many short-term and more importantly long-term adverse reactions including autoimmunity and infertility.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to suspend the use of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant women, children, youth, and adults of child-bearing age, until adequate short and long-term safety trials are completed and published in peer-reviewed journals.COVID-19ImmunizationPandemic43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-2905e-2905 (Civil and human rights)ShadBudgeElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCJuly 2, 2021, at 8:58 a.m. (EDT)October 30, 2021, at 8:58 a.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:Rapid advancements in neurotechnology open unprecedented possibilities for accessing, collecting, sharing, and manipulating information from the brain;Prosthetic limbs can be wired directly into the brain, and operate intuitively as if they were never lost;Neurological devices, including neuroweapons, are constantly becoming more prevalent in society;Legal safeguards surrounding the possibilities for misuse, or unintended consequences, are lagging far behind the escalating state of neurotechnology;There are precedents, across the entire globe, of governmental entities experimenting on unwitting civilians in an effort to expedite advancements within the field of neurotechnology (i.e. Project MKULTRA, etc.); Canada’s current human rights are not absolute, nor are they sufficient enough to protect the population from emerging issues;Development of these rights should be conducted by a panel of decorated neuroscientists, legal experts, technology developers, human rights advocates, and neuroethicists appointed by the House of Commons;The following neuro-specific human rights, cited from the paper “Towards new human rights in the age of neuroscience and neurotechnology” (Ienca and Andorno, 2017), can serve as the foundation for development; andIt is vital that the neuro-specific human rights are enacted into law as absolute rights.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to allow Canada to become one of the first countries to enshrine neuro-specific human rights into legislation, including:1. The right to cognitive liberty;2. The right to mental privacy;3. The right to mental integrity; and4. The right to psychological continuity.Civil and human rightsNeurotechnology43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3541e-3541 (Environment)TimTakaroPeterJulianNew Westminster—BurnabyNDPBCJuly 7, 2021, at 1:33 p.m. (EDT)November 4, 2021, at 1:33 p.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:The International Energy Agency released a special report demonstrating that governments should no longer invest in or construct new fossil energy projects if we’re to avoid catastrophic climate change;The Canada Energy Regulator projects that if Canada meets its commitments to cut more greenhouse gas emissions, the Trans Mountain expansion will not be needed;Due to violations of environmental regulations, construction was stopped in many sections of the project including an order to stop tree cutting and grass mowing across the entire pipeline route;A recent report from the Canada Energy Regulator and the Parliamentary Budget Officer show that in almost all scenarios the Trans Mountain expansion project will not be financially viable;This project does not have the consent of all the First Nations whose lands, territories or other resources would be affected by the Trans Mountain expansion project;The pipeline project puts our health, environment, ecosystems, coastlines, tourism and oceans at risk;The pipeline project enables the expansion of the Alberta oilsands and undermines Canada's climate commitments to the Paris Agreement;The cost of the Trans Mountain expansion project has risen by 70% to $12.6 billion, putting Canadian taxpayers' money, our economy and new jobs creation in renewable energy at risk; andMost other OECD economies are reducing carbon emissions over the past several years while Canada’s emissions continue to grow.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to immediately stop the construction of the Trans Mountain pipeline, as outlined in Motion M-94 and instead invest in a made-in-Canada Green New Deal.Climate change and global warmingGreen economyOil and gasTrans Mountain pipeline43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3518e-3518 (Social affairs and equality)ClaireMcMenemyAdamVaughanSpadina—Fort YorkLiberalONJuly 7, 2021, at 11:22 a.m. (EDT)November 4, 2021, at 11:22 a.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="253366" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Infrastructure and Communities</Addressee>Whereas:We urge you to commit to a long-term, permanent solution providing shelter services to women experiencing homelessness in Ottawa;Cornerstone Housing for Women has lost its temporary shelter space and urgently seeks a new space in a short time frame;This is unacceptable and funding is essential to support Cornerstone in providing a stable, supportive shelter space for women and gender-diverse individuals in need of shelter in Ottawa; andCornerstone needs funding immediately from the National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF) which recently committed to $750 million in new funding, as well as $250 million to support the construction, repair, and operating costs of transitional housing and shelter spaces for women and children fleeing violence.We, the undersigned, Residents of the City of Ottawa, call upon the Government of Canada to commit to immediately release funding from the National Housing Co-Investment Fund or the Rapid Housing Fund to Cornerstone Housing for Women to provide them a permanent shelter and housing location to support 125 women experiencing homelessness in Ottawa.OttawaSheltersWomen43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3545e-3545 (Holidays and observances)DeanCorreiaPamDamoffOakville North—BurlingtonLiberalONJuly 8, 2021, at 2:31 p.m. (EDT)October 6, 2021, at 2:31 p.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:It is incumbent upon all Canadians to never forget the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families;Leaving a legacy of promoting remembrance for future generations of Canadians is becoming more critical as the years go by;There is a need for increased education and awareness initiatives to ensure that the memory of the sacrifices made by veterans and their families are never forgotten, and that the values that they fought for live on in all of us;We need more than one day, November 11, to properly mark the contributions made by Canadian veterans and their families; andCelebrating veterans and their families will only strengthen communities and positively impact society.We, the undersigned, Citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to designate November as Veterans Month. Lest We Forget, Lest We Forget.VeteransVeterans Month43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3549e-3549 (Business and trade)VesoSobotChrisLewisEssexConservativeONJuly 12, 2021, at 4:53 p.m. (EDT)November 9, 2021, at 4:53 p.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:COVID-19 has made clear we need plastics more than ever;Plastics save lives in hospitals every day when used in protective face masks, shields, gowns, oxygen masks and easy to clean surfaces;Plastics have saved millions of people in Canada and around the world from COVID-19;Plastics are ubiquitous in Canadian homes, they are used in TV's, sound systems, cell phones, appliances, siding, fencing decking and piping;Plastics are essential in planes, trains, automobiles, ships, satellites and space stations;Canada exports plastics products worldwide contributing significantly to Canadian prosperity; andCanadian plastic products are environmentally responsible and often have the lowest carbon footprint when compared to alternatives.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. End its unfounded attacks on plastic products; and 2. Empower and support the 100,000 men and women in the industry that create $35 billion worth of versatile products yearly in an environmentally responsible manner.PlasticsPlastics industry43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3500e-3500 (Information and privacy)MurrayFallisCharlieAngusTimmins—James BayNDPONJuly 12, 2021, at 3:55 p.m. (EDT)September 10, 2021, at 3:55 p.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Democracy is strengthened when information is publicly accessible;Presently, Correctional Services Canada (CSC) requires ATIPs be submitted using paper, an envelope, a cheque and a stamp;In contrast, many federal departments already have an online system for filing ATIP requests;CSC previously stated on their website that an electronic system for filing ATIPs would be in place by 2021;Paper-based ATIPs cause delays, as individuals must wait for their ATIPs to be received, acknowledged and responded to by CSC;After using an online My Account system, the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada reduced the number of outstanding requests and improved timeline compliance from 64% to 75%;Prisoners in CSC's care and control are often illiterate and therefore require the assistance of outside support to file an ATIP request;CSC's paper-based ATIP process likely disproportionately harms Indigenous prisoners who are often far from home and do not have extensive local external supports;CSC's paper-based ATIP process has a negative environmental impact as it requires excessive amounts of paper; andPrisoners in CSC's care and control have died before having their ATIP completed by CSC, at which point CSC declares their ATIP moot.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to add an online option to the CSC’s ATIP request process which allows an ATIP requester to file the request and pay for it online.Access to information requestsCorrectional Service of Canadae-Government43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3532e-3532 (Environment)RickLaBonteBrianMasseWindsor WestNDPONJuly 14, 2021, at 2:13 p.m. (EDT)November 11, 2021, at 2:13 p.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Ojibway Shores, 33 acre parcel of land, an ecological treasure hosting rare flora, fauna and countless species-at-risk and is owned by the federal government and overseen by the Windsor Port Authority;The creation of a National Urban Park to protect Ojibway Shores would benefit our environment, tourism, and local economy greatly;The protection of countless endangered species, species-at-risk and protection of green spaces is a vital to the Windsor-Essex;The Windsor Port Authority tried to extract $12 million from the Sandwich Towne Community Benefit Fund meant to offset border impacts in challenged neighbourhoods in exchange for a 30-year lease of Ojibway Shores and was soundly rejected;Other port authorities have transferred lands at no cost to federal government departments;The city of Windsor and the Windsor Port Authority could not come to agreement for the transfer of Ojibway Shores to the city;The Prime Minister has acknowledged the importance of this land but has yet to take action;The city of Windsor council has unanimously endorsed the protection of Ojibway Shores and the creation of a National Urban Park; andThe federal government owns the property and can transfer from the port authority to Environment Canada whose mandate to conserve Canada's natural heritage and is resourced to protect and preserve.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to immediately transfer Ojibway Shores to Environment Canada for its long-term protection, and for the economic, tourism and environmental benefits to Windsor-Essex with the ultimate goal of creating Ojibway Shores National Urban Park.Department of the EnvironmentLand useOjibway ShoresTransfer of government lands43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3473e-3473 (Health)JeremySmithCharlieAngusTimmins—James BayNDPONJuly 15, 2021, at 2:17 p.m. (EDT)September 13, 2021, at 2:17 p.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="6" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:There are limited legislation and regulations in regards to the commercial use of cannabis within the food and beverage industry;The $8.16 billion dollar cannabis industry could expand and create entirely new job opportunities across Canada, growing the economy;Making it possible to provide a safe environment for those who wish to enjoy a vast variety of cannabis consumables;Allowing the government to regulate this new industry by regulating the quality of products, ensuring the best possible safety regulations and standards are in place, benefiting consumers;Allowing those struggling with medical health issues that use cannabis to assist with their conditions in a broader market spectrum, and keep the financial gains out of the pockets of criminals, from the illegal sales of edible cannabis; The regulation of a public cannabis consumption market in restaurants and cafés would make it more difficult for youth to obtain illegal infused cannabis consumables, potentially containing higher or dangerous levels of cannabis;Helping those that consume cannabis for medical (Crohn's, cancer, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, Parkinson's, chronic pain, MS, AIDS, and many more) and recreational purposes to do so as safely as possible; andThere are overall health benefits.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to: 1) Amend legislation to permit the cooking, sale and consumption of cannabis infused consumables at restaurants and cafés;2) Regulate safety protocols and steps into operating a cannabis infused business, including chefs that have attended a cannabis culinary school and implementing limitations of CBD and THC used per consumable item sold; and3) Educate the public in regards to the consumption of edible cannabis.CannabisFood and drink servicesTrading standards43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3515e-3515 (Citizenship and immigration)MhalyBois-CharleboisSébastienLemireAbitibi—TémiscamingueBloc QuébécoisQCJuly 22, 2021, at 9:31 a.m. (EDT)September 20, 2021, at 9:31 a.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The Convention on the Rights of the Child provides that “applications by a child or his or her parents to enter … a State Party for the purpose of family reunification shall be dealt with by States Parties in a positive, humane and expeditious manner”;Temporary residence visas are taking several months to process, resulting in the prolonged separation of families;Biometric data is required to obtain a visitor’s visa; andA common reason for denial of a visa is that the officer has not been satisfied that the applicant will return to his or her country following the visit.We, the undersigned, residents and citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Never deny a visa to a minor child who wishes to visit a parent when basic health and safety requirements are met;2. Develop a simplified renewal system for visitor visas following the expiry of a visa granted in the past when the applicant has already demonstrated an intention to return to his or her own country and when basic health and safety requirements are met;3. Allow biometric data to be provided upon entry into Canada, especially for residents of countries where it is exceptionally impossible to provide such data due to the COVID pandemic or any other reason; and4. Allow close family members planning to stay with a Canadian resident for the duration of their stay to avoid mandatory hotel quarantine.ChildrenFamily reunificationPassports and visas43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3553e-3553 (Justice)MiteshPatelNathanielErskine-SmithBeaches—East YorkLiberalONJuly 22, 2021, at 9:33 a.m. (EDT)October 20, 2021, at 9:33 a.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:Conversion “therapy” is not a form of therapy in any way;This act causes direct, permanent, and serious harm to the victim; Conversion “therapy” is the systematic removal of an individual’s identity that targets an entire minority group for erasure;Bill C-6 is an attempt to end this cruel form of misguided treatment;63 members of Parliament (MPs) voted against Bill C-6 at third reading;There is a lack of knowledge, awareness and sensitivity to the needs and rights of the 2SLGBTQ+ individuals; and All MPs should provide equal representation to constituents, including 2SLGBTQ+ individuals.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to: 1. Ensure the word “therapy” is placed in quotations in Bill C-6 and in any future use of this term in reference to 2SLGBTQ+ individuals; 2. Establish formal training for all MPs and their staff with respect to the health and well-being of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals; and3. Establish protocols for MP offices to ensure that their offices are safe spaces where 2SLGBTQ+ individuals are welcome and can express themselves to their elected representatives.8510-432-50 "Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)" *E-Tabling Front Door*Conversion therapySexual minorities43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3526e-3526 (Social affairs and equality)Sandra PatriciaEscalera GonzalezJoëlLightboundLouis-HébertLiberalQCJuly 22, 2021, at 9:37 a.m. (EDT)September 20, 2021, at 9:37 a.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="214329" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of National Revenue</Addressee>Whereas:The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is designated to help families with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age;Around 5.1 per 1,000 children under 18 years of age die every year in Canada from different causes;Losing a child generates unexpected monetary expenses for grieving families, most of whom had been already struggling with the cost of caring for a seriously ill child;The funeral and burial costs for a child should be considered as part of the costs associated with raising the deceased child;Funeral costs, as well as other expenses associated with death, can be significant and there is no public program to help families to cover said expenses when a child dies;It would be in line with the spirit of the CCB program to continue providing payments for two months after the death of a child to help with the burden of funeral costs; andThis limited extension of the CCB after the death of a child would not represent an excessive burden in the public budget, as the cost would be greatly offset by the benefit this would represent for grieving families.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of National Revenue to immediately act to modify the rules of operation of the CCB to continue CCB payments for two months after the natural death of a child under 18 years old.Benefits for childrenChildrenDeaths and funerals43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3555e-3555 (Foreign affairs)Yandel ValleWayneLongSaint John—RothesayLiberalNBJuly 22, 2021, at 10:50 a.m. (EDT)August 21, 2021, at 10:50 a.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:The Government of Canada is a world defender of human rights;The Government of Cuba has unleashed a wave of violence against peaceful protesters demanding civil liberties on the streets of Cuba since July 11, 2021;The Government of Cuba has issued a combat order to military and civilians who support it to fight peaceful demonstrators on the streets; andThe Cuban Government has implemented measures that undermine the precarious quality of life of its citizens; and that these measures are aimed at preventing the organization of peaceful protests and covering up human rights violations by using internet cuts and power outages.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to: • Call on the Government of Cuba for the immediate cessation of violence and arbitrary arrests against peaceful demonstrators;• Express the disagreement of the Government of Canada with the order of combat given by the Government of Cuba for individuals and organizations to attack peaceful demonstrators;• Convey to the Government of Cuba that peaceful expression of political ideas anywhere in the Cuban national territory is a right of the entire Cuban population and not only of those who support the current government;• Call on the Government of Cuba to cease all violations of rights contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the United Nations General Assembly;• Call on the Government of Cuba to cease cuts to electricity and internet aiming to cover up violence against peaceful demonstrators in violations of their constitutional rights; and • Follow up on the fulfillment of Canada’s requests to the Government of Cuba through its embassy on the island.Civil and human rightsCubaProtests43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3554e-3554 (Indigenous affairs)RICKJOEMarkStrahlChilliwack—HopeConservativeBCJuly 22, 2021, at 11:31 a.m. (EDT)November 19, 2021, at 11:31 a.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas: Indigenous Peoples across Canada are mourning the discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves of Indigenous children at the sites of the former Kamloops, Kootenay, Kuper Island, Brandon and Marieval Indian Residential Schools;Indigenous communities believe that many children who never returned home from residential schools are buried on the former properties, which this discovery further solidifies and documents;Indigenous leaders believe that further unmarked graves exist, which can no longer be ignored;The residential school system is not only a dark chapter in Canadian history, but it continues to have repercussions on its victims, their descendants, and on society as a whole; andIf only 1 out of 139 former residential school properties contained over 751 bodies, we can only begin to imagine how many thousands of Indigenous children are buried throughout all of Canada, and every child matters.We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Pay for the cost of ground-penetrating radar to investigate all former residential school properties, with the expectation that additional Indigenous children in unmarked graves may be properly identified and laid to rest;2. Release all documents related to deaths and burial grounds at all residential schools, and encourage the churches and other levels of governments to do the same;3. Secure the grounds of all residential schools, until proper searches for burial sites can be conducted; and4. Empower Indigenous communities to lead these efforts and provide support that it is meaningful and ongoing, until all the children are properly taken care of.Human remainsIndigenous residential schoolsInquiries and public inquiries43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3560e-3560 (Business and trade)KirstieKippChrisLewisEssexConservativeONJuly 29, 2021, at 10:25 a.m. (EDT)October 27, 2021, at 10:25 a.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="263831" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Finance</Addressee>Whereas:The fitness industry represents over 150 000 jobs and serves over six million Canadians;Many fitness clubs have been forced to close permanently or lay off the majority of employees since the beginning of COVID-19;The fitness industry has received a disproportionate amount of negative media attention throughout the pandemic;Fitness clubs are as safe as grocery stores, medical offices, banks, etc.;Fitness clubs are more efficient at contact tracing as they are tracking their incoming members in their computer systems, showing exactly what time they were there and who was in the building at the same time;All members arriving must sanitize and confirm they have no COVID-19 symptoms;The fitness industry is dependent on commitment based membership fees for their income rather than immediate walk-in fees;Most fitness clubs are seeing 60% of memberships dropped or paused since the beginning of the pandemic;When the provincial restrictions are lifted, the fitness industry will see a delayed return in income and is expected to see a sustained loss of 30% following the accomplishment of herd immunity to COVID-19; and The losses that the fitness industry has sustained will take many years to recover from.We, the undersigned, Citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Finance to:1. Extend the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) for one additional year for the fitness industry; and2. Extend the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) for one additional year for the fitness industry.Canada Emergency Rent SubsidyCanada Emergency Wage SubsidyCOVID-19Fitness centresIncome and wagesPandemicRent43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3531e-3531 (Infrastructure)CandiesKotchapawLeahGazanWinnipeg CentreNDPMBJuly 29, 2021, at 10:23 a.m. (EDT)November 26, 2021, at 10:23 a.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Poor indoor ventilation has been linked to COVID-19 outbreaks;Poor indoor air quality and ventilation have been linked to impacting overall health for vulnerable populations, such as children and seniors, especially as more people are spending more time indoors;Social determinants of health influence the health outcomes of all persons in Canada;COVID-19 has further demonstrated the need to retrofit and improve indoor ventilation systems, especially in older buildings and lower-socioeconomic communities;Canada has international legal obligations to ensure the human rights of all persons in Canada, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child and Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948);Retrofitting units with proper ventilation systems is an effective preventative measure against the proliferation of future pandemics; andIt is also a bold step towards increasing the health and safety of all people in Canada.We, the undersigned, residents and or citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to work with provinces, territories and municipalities to prioritize access to adequate ventilation systems within older apartment buildings located in densely populated Black, Indigenous and other racialized communities.Indoor air qualityRetrofit43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3565e-3565 (Public safety)laviniarojasLaurelCollinsVictoriaNDPBCAugust 12, 2021, at 1:50 p.m. (EDT)November 10, 2021, at 1:50 p.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Wildfires are a growing concern across Canada; Municipalties and provinces are unable to control the sales of fireworks;Firefighters in Ottawa were called to put out eight fires caused by fireworks on Victoria Day;Health infobase Canada reports that the most common type of injuries related to fireworks are burns (71 cases);The BC SPCA considers fireworks to be a serious animal welfare issue for pets, farm animals and wildlife in our communities;The animals that remain unharmed can also be disturbed by fireworks, leading to a reduction in their natural feeding and breeding behaviours, as well as abandonment of their young in nests; andThe Victoria Police stated that between October 1 and November 5, 2020, they received at least 60 reports from the public that relates to the actual or suspected use of fireworks and that they are actively looking for ways to reduce the number of calls for service so that their officers can focus on the most serious public safety priorities.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to support the exploration of legislative changes around the use of fireworks that would result in improved community safety and well being.FireworksSafety43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3443e-3443 (Justice)DavidFowlerAlistairMacGregorCowichan—Malahat—LangfordNDPBCMay 31, 2021, at 2:10 p.m. (EDT)September 28, 2021, at 2:10 p.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="245291" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Justice</Addressee>Whereas:Bill C-7 addresses issues where C-14 is deficient but still does not provide equality to every Canadian;One circumstance that has not been addressed is that in which a person suffers a catastrophic trauma from which there is no hope of survival even though clinical brain death cannot be declared;In all such instances of this scenario under current legislation the only option is palliative care where opioids and sedatives are administered to keep the patient pain-free and "comfortable" until the body poisons itself causing organ failure; andThe viability of organs for donation is lost and the catatonic patient languishes unnecessarily.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Minister of Justice to :1- Amend any existing laws or introduce new legislation so that any mentally competent person who officially avows in advance the end-of-life treatment wanted in conjunction with a stated desire to donate all viable organs upon their demise should be eligible for physician-assisted death in the event that said person suffers an irremediable and irreversible trauma, provided that, in the unanimous opinion of three attending qualified physicians, there is absolutely no hope for survival but a natural death would not be imminent; and2- Ensure that in instances such as the aforementioned, it should be considered both legally and ethically acceptable to maintain organ viability through Standard Life supporting procedures while accelerating brain death through appropriate intravenous medication.Living willsMedical assistance in dyingOrgan donation43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01083432-01083 (Business and trade)TonyBaldinelliNiagara FallsConservativeONJune 11, 2021June 5, 2021Petition to the House of Commons WHEREAS
  • More than 12,000 Independent Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions, and these Small Business owners are Sole Proprietors;
  • Federal Assistance Programs like CEBA, CERS, CEWS & RRRF exclude the majority of these Small Business Owners, leaving them to slip through the cracks and forcing them into bankruptcy.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Provide Sector specific funding for Independent Travel Advisors;
  • Extend the qualifications of the RRRF in Urban areas to include Sole Proprietors.
Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response PlanCOVID-19PandemicTravel agencies
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01082432-01082 (Business and trade)TonyBaldinelliNiagara FallsConservativeONJune 11, 2021June 5, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWHEREAS
  • More than 24,000 Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions;
  • These Travel Advisors are being asked by Canadian Airlines and their subsidiary Travel Companies to repay commissions earned at the end of 2019 & beginning of 2020 on their clients' trips that were cancelled due to said Travel Restrictions, known as "commission recalls" or "Commission claw-backs".
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Ensure that any financial assistance to Airlines and their subsidiary Travel Companies, will be conditional on the protection of Travel Advisor commissions;
  • Ensure that commissions already clawed back by the Airlines & their subsidiary Travel Companies will be repaid to Travel Advisors in a timely manner.
AirlinesCOVID-19PandemicReimbursementTravel agencies
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01163432-01163 (Environment)PeterJulianNew Westminster—BurnabyNDPBCJune 18, 2021June 3, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONSWe, the undersigned Citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:WHEREAS, Climate change has escalated into a global climate emergency; the world is on pace to warm nearly 4 degrees Celsius by 2100 and extreme weather events are growing with increasingly severe impacts, including floods, forest fires, rising temperatures, killer heat-waves, massive storms, sea level rise and disruption to marine and land ecosystems;WHEREAS, in order to act to avert further catastrophic climate change, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) states that the scientific consensus is that we need to immediately move to reduce net human-caused greenhouse gas emissions to 45 per cent below 2010 levels by 2030 and net-zero by 2050;WHEREAS, Canada must address this climatic emergency with the ambition and urgency required, on behalf of present and future generations;WHEREAS, Canadians are living through unprecedented, catastrophic climate events and at the same time, our society is suffering from worsening socio-economic inequalities, with almost half of Canada's population reporting they are $200 away from insolvency at the end of each month;WHEREAS, climate change impacts threaten physical & mental health (particularly young people, the elderly and persons with disabilities), surrounding environments by affecting the food we eat, the world's water supply, the air we breathe, the weather we experience, and how well local communities can adapt to climate change;WHEREAS, the impacts of climate emergency are far more severe for those living through the immediate consequences of climate change; Indigenous Peoples, frontline and vulnerable communities, like people seeking refugee status or asylum and those displaced by climate change, are disproportionality affected, resulting in the increased risks to their health;WHEREAS, it has never been more urgent that Canada reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy to meet the scale and urgency of the climate crisis, while ensuring that all Indigenous Peoples and Canadians benefit from the substantial public investments a low-carbon economy requires, like energy efficiency retrofits, affordable housing, renewable energy, infrastructure, public transit, pharmacare, dental care, childcare and eliminating student debt and tuition fees;WHEREAS, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and the recognition of inherent rights, title and treaty rights, while fully implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), must be at the heart of Canada's approach to addressing the climate emergency;THEREFORE, your petitioners call on the Government of Canada to support Motion M-1, a made-in-Canada Green New Deal, the first initiative before the House of Commons, which calls on Canada to take bold & rapid action to adopt socially equitable climate action to tackle the climate emergency and address worsening socio-economic & racial inequalities at the same time; while ending fossil fuel subsidies, closing offshore tax havens, and supporting workers impacted by the transition and creating well-paying, unionized jobs in the shift to a clean and renewable energy economy.Climate change and global warmingGreen economy43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3466e-3466 (Indigenous affairs)AllysonIonMatthewGreenHamilton CentreNDPONJune 1, 2021, at 10:31 a.m. (EDT)July 31, 2021, at 10:31 a.m. (EDT)August 4, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The Iroquois Confederacy was founded August 18, 909, and has remained a governing body to the present day as the Haudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs Council (HCCC);Between 1927-1951, Indian Act amendments made it illegal for First Nations people to hire lawyers and bring forward land claims without the government’s consent;Colonial provincial and federal court systems remain largely biased against First Nations communities and do not hold jurisdiction over First Nations land rights;In 2006, the Government of Canada acknowledged the HCCC as lead negotiators for Six Nations territory to resolve the Douglas Creek Estates land reclamation (known as Kanonhstaton), thus setting precedent for the current efforts at 1492 LandBack Lane;1492 LandBack Lane is part of the Haldimand Tract that Governor Haldimand granted in 1784 for the Haudenosaunee and their progeny to enjoy forever thereby making the Haudenosaunee the true title holders of this land;In April 2021, the HCCC put in place a moratorium on development in the Haldimand Tract indicating that no development can proceed along the Tract without the Haudenosaunee peoples' consent;This moratorium builds on the HCCC’s 2006 Land Rights Statement to end Haldimand Tract land and resource exploitation; andDevelopers have profited from government bail outs on unceded lands (e.g. $15.8 million to Henco Industries in 2006).We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada and residents throughout Turtle Island, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Uphold the established Treaty relationship with the Haudenosaunee of the Grand River Territory; 2. Honour the moratorium put in place by the HCCC; and3. End the practice of paying out developers who do not honour the moratorium.Haudenosaunee ConfederacyHistoric treatiesIndigenous land claimsLand use43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3463e-3463 (Foreign affairs)HaveenTaibMarwanTabbaraKitchener South—HespelerIndependentONJune 1, 2021, at 10:31 a.m. (EDT)July 31, 2021, at 10:31 a.m. (EDT)August 3, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:It is no longer adequate for Canada to ignore the multiple violations of Palestinian human rights by the Israeli Government; Canada must go beyond statements of concern and work with the international community to condemn forced evictions, settlement building, unequal treatment, attacks on journalists, the bombing of humanitarian and medical facilities, the loss of civilian lives, and to require that international law be upheld;The forced transfer of the population under occupation is a grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention; These evictions in Sheikh Jarrah and other parts of the West Bank breach the right to adequate housing, a core human right under international law;It is critical that our government immediately condemn the occupation and the illegal settlements; and There can be no resolution of the issues, as long as Israel absorbs the very land intended for a Palestinian state and displaces Palestinian residents with Israeli settlers.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Call on Israel to end evictions of the Palestinian people in Sheikh Jarrah and any other future cities in which Israeli settlements will take place;2. Call on Israel to end its apartheid on the Palestinian people and implement a fair government and system for all people in Palestine and Israel; and3. Apply the same diplomatic tools that Canada has used in condemning China’s behaviour in Xinjiang Uyghur Antonymous Region, and in sanctioning Russian officials involved in the annexation of Crimea.Displaced personsForeign policyIsraelPalestine43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3459e-3459 (Environment)KevinSinclairHon.EdFastAbbotsfordConservativeBCJune 1, 2021, at 5:06 p.m. (EDT)August 30, 2021, at 5:06 p.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons in Parliament assembled</Addressee>Whereas:Lead shot is a toxic non-essential metal that provides a route of food chain contamination, to which exposure is considered unsafe at any level to humans and wildlife;High-quality lead-free ammunition is widely available in the Canadian market, is cost- effective, and in many cases, outperforms lead;The Canadian Wildlife Service estimate an average of 240,000 – 360,000 individual waterfowl die of lead poisoning in Canada annually from lead shot ingestion;In the absence of any additional restrictions, the use of lead ammunition is expected to increase over the next decade and the level of lead released into the environment is expected to increase from approximately 5,000 tonnes (2016) to 5,800 tonnes by 2025 (Government of Canada);The Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) is the primary element of the legislative framework for protecting the Canadian environment and human health;Clause 65(3) of the CEPA compels the ministers of Environment and of Health to place on a Virtual Elimination List any substances that meet the following criteria: Toxic as defined under CEPA; Primarily the result of human activity; Persistent - take a long time to break down; Bio-accumulative – collect in living organisms and end up in the food chain; andVirtual elimination is the reduction in the environment of the most dangerous toxic substances to a level below which these releases cannot be accurately measured.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to place lead shot on the Virtual Elimination List under CEPA.AmmunitionLeadToxic substancesVirtual Elimination List43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01079432-01079 (Business and trade)MartinShieldsBow RiverConservativeABJune 11, 2021June 6, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWHEREAS
  • More than 24,000 Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions;
  • These Travel Advisors are being asked by Canadian Airlines and their subsidiary Travel Companies to repay commissions earned at the end of 2019 & beginning of 2020 on their clients' trips that were cancelled due to said Travel Restrictions, known as "commission recalls" or "Commission claw-backs".
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Ensure that any financial assistance to Airlines and their subsidiary Travel Companies, will be conditional on the protection of Travel Advisor commissions;
  • Ensure that commissions already clawed back by the Airlines & their subsidiary Travel Companies will be repaid to Travel Advisors in a timely manner.
AirlinesCOVID-19PandemicReimbursementTravel agencies
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01078432-01078 (Business and trade)MartinShieldsBow RiverConservativeABJune 11, 2021June 6, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWHEREAS
  • More than 12,000 Independent Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions, and these Small Business owners are Sole Proprietors.
  • 100% of Travel Advisors' income comes from commissions earned from their Travel Suppliers, and because of their delayed revenue stream, it takes between 5 and 11 months for Travel Advisors to be paid for work done on the booking of clients' trips.
  • The CRB has been the sole source of assistance for most Independent Travel Advisors, who are still actively working in their businesses, but unable to earn revenue.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Extend the CRB for 6 months past the lifting of all Travel Advisories, for Travel Advisors
  • Maintain the CRB at the current amount ($2,000/ month) for sectors hardest hit by COVID, including Travel Advisors
Canada Recovery BenefitCOVID-19PandemicTravel agencies
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01077432-01077 (Business and trade)MartinShieldsBow RiverConservativeABJune 11, 2021June 6, 2021Petition to the House of Commons WHEREAS
  • More than 12,000 Independent Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions, and these Small Business owners are Sole Proprietors;
  • Federal Assistance Programs like CEBA, CERS, CEWS & RRRF exclude the majority of these Small Business Owners, leaving them to slip through the cracks and forcing them into bankruptcy.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Provide Sector specific funding for Independent Travel Advisors;
  • Extend the qualifications of the RRRF in Urban areas to include Sole Proprietors.
Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response PlanCOVID-19PandemicTravel agencies
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01153432-01153 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKJune 18, 2021June 6, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • Sex selection abortion is legal as Canada has no legal restrictions on abortion;
  • Sex selective abortion is antithetical to our commitment to equality between men and women;
  • A 2019 DART & Maru/Blue poll, conducted for the National Post, showed that 84% of Canadians believe it should be illegal to have an abortion if the family does not want the child to be a certain sex;
  • International organizations including the World Health Organization, United Nations Women, and United Nations Children's Fund have identified unequal sex ratios at birth as a growing problem internationally;
  • Canada's health care profession recognizes sex selection as a problem.
Therefore, we the undersigned citizens of Canada call upon the House of Commons to pass a Criminal Code prohibition of sex selective abortion.
AbortionSexual discrimination
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01154432-01154 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKJune 18, 2021June 6, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • Sex selection abortion is legal as Canada has no legal restrictions on abortion;
  • Sex selective abortion is antithetical to our commitment to equality between men and women;
  • A 2019 DART & Maru/Blue poll, conducted for the National Post, showed that 84% of Canadians believe it should be illegal to have an abortion if the family does not want the child to be a certain sex;
  • International organizations including the World Health Organization, United Nations Women, and United Nations Children's Fund have identified unequal sex ratios at birth as a growing problem internationally;
  • Canada's health care profession recognizes sex selection as a problem.
Therefore, we the undersigned citizens of Canada call upon the House of Commons to pass a Criminal Code prohibition of sex selective abortion.
AbortionSexual discrimination
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01155432-01155 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKJune 18, 2021June 6, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • Sex selection abortion is legal as Canada has no legal restrictions on abortion;
  • Sex selective abortion is antithetical to our commitment to equality between men and women;
  • A 2019 DART & Maru/Blue poll, conducted for the National Post, showed that 84% of Canadians believe it should be illegal to have an abortion if the family does not want the child to be a certain sex;
  • International organizations including the World Health Organization, United Nations Women, and United Nations Children's Fund have identified unequal sex ratios at birth as a growing problem internationally;
  • Canada's health care profession recognizes sex selection as a problem.
Therefore, we the undersigned citizens of Canada call upon the House of Commons to pass a Criminal Code prohibition of sex selective abortion.
AbortionSexual discrimination
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01156432-01156 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKJune 18, 2021June 6, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • Sex selection abortion is legal as Canada has no legal restrictions on abortion;
  • Sex selective abortion is antithetical to our commitment to equality between men and women;
  • A 2019 DART & Maru/Blue poll, conducted for the National Post, showed that 84% of Canadians believe it should be illegal to have an abortion if the family does not want the child to be a certain sex;
  • International organizations including the World Health Organization, United Nations Women, and United Nations Children's Fund have identified unequal sex ratios at birth as a growing problem internationally;
  • Canada's health care profession recognizes sex selection as a problem.
Therefore, we the undersigned citizens of Canada call upon the House of Commons to pass a Criminal Code prohibition of sex selective abortion.
AbortionSexual discrimination
43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3384e-3384 (Food and drink)VickeyBrownGordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNDPBCJune 3, 2021, at 9:38 a.m. (EDT)September 1, 2021, at 9:38 a.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Farmers’ Markets are a key tool for COVID-19 recovery as small business incubators, domestic food system resilience and security builders, and Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program (FMNCP) is a key support for new and existing Farmers’ Market development and their provincial associations or equivalent;FMNCP helps create food security and resiliency by providing vulnerable people access to healthy locally-grown foods and dietary education, while improving the physical and mental health of participants, by increasing the amount and diversity of fruits and vegetables they consume; andFMNCP increases domestic food supply, sustainable farming, and farmers by providing a secure source of income via farmers’ market sales, and these farmers are key stakeholders in climate change mitigation, adaptation, and prevention.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to initiate a national matching program for all provincial FMNCPs across Canada that would match provinces who are already contributing to their FMNCP, and encourage provinces that do not have such a program to implement one by offering matching funding.Farmers' Market Nutrition Coupon ProgramFarmers marketsFood and drinkFood supply43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01033432-01033 (Business and trade)MichaelKramRegina—WascanaConservativeSKJune 3, 2021June 2, 2021Petition to the House of Commons WHEREAS
  • More than 12,000 Independent Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions, and these Small Business owners are Sole Proprietors;
  • Federal Assistance Programs like CEBA, CERS, CEWS & RRRF exclude the majority of these Small Business Owners, leaving them to slip through the cracks and forcing them into bankruptcy.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Provide Sector specific funding for Independent Travel Advisors;
  • Extend the qualifications of the RRRF in Urban areas to include Sole Proprietors.
Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response PlanCOVID-19PandemicTravel agencies
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01034432-01034 (Business and trade)MichaelKramRegina—WascanaConservativeSKJune 3, 2021June 2, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWHEREAS
  • More than 12,000 Independent Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions, and these Small Business owners are Sole Proprietors.
  • 100% of Travel Advisors' income comes from commissions earned from their Travel Suppliers, and because of their delayed revenue stream, it takes between 5 and 11 months for Travel Advisors to be paid for work done on the booking of clients' trips.
  • The CRB has been the sole source of assistance for most Independent Travel Advisors, who are still actively working in their businesses, but unable to earn revenue.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Extend the CRB for 6 months past the lifting of all Travel Advisories, for Travel Advisors
  • Maintain the CRB at the current amount ($2,000/ month) for sectors hardest hit by COVID, including Travel Advisors
Canada Recovery BenefitCOVID-19PandemicTravel agencies
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01032432-01032 (Business and trade)MichaelKramRegina—WascanaConservativeSKJune 3, 2021June 2, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWHEREAS
  • More than 24,000 Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions;
  • These Travel Advisors are being asked by Canadian Airlines and their subsidiary Travel Companies to repay commissions earned at the end of 2019 & beginning of 2020 on their clients' trips that were cancelled due to said Travel Restrictions, known as "commission recalls" or "Commission claw-backs".
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Ensure that any financial assistance to Airlines and their subsidiary Travel Companies, will be conditional on the protection of Travel Advisor commissions;
  • Ensure that commissions already clawed back by the Airlines & their subsidiary Travel Companies will be repaid to Travel Advisors in a timely manner.
AirlinesCOVID-19PandemicReimbursementTravel agencies
43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3478e-3478 (Taxation)ChristineGervaisTedFalkProvencherConservativeMBJune 3, 2021, at 3:43 p.m. (EDT)July 3, 2021, at 3:43 p.m. (EDT)July 5, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The Government of Canada seeks to implement a luxury tax on new personal aircraft valued over $100,000;General aviation (GA) in Canada accounts for 90 percent of aircraft in the Canadian registry, and most airports are home to exclusively GA and personal operations;GA contributes $10 billion annually to the Canadian economy through sales tax, excise fuel tax, carbon tax, property tax on hangars, tax on aircraft maintenance services, tax associated with purchases of avionics and equipment, and through wages and economic spinoff generated by GA;Aircraft valued at $100,000 and above are not high-value luxury items, but 40-year-old well-maintained and retrofitted aircraft;Most new aircraft valued under $8 million are used by small private and commercial operators who operate aircraft of a maximum capacity of 39 passengers to facilitate trade and tourism, and for small businesses like flight training, crop dusting, transportation of goods, and non-passenger carrying service, as allowed by Transport Canada services to remote communities;Future electric aircraft are valued at over $250,000 and benefit from lower maintenance costs;Private flight instructors, flight training units, and owners who wish to lower emissions would see purchase costs increase exponentially; andThe imposition of the luxury tax on small, personal aircraft would hinder the GA future in Canada and cause devastating harm to airports, and the jobs sustained by Canada’s aviation industry.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to exclude new personal aircraft valued at $8 million and under, regardless of its purpose or passenger seat classification, from the Luxury Tax in budget 2021.AircraftTax on select luxury goods43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3484e-3484 (Indigenous affairs)HoneyThomasPaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCJune 3, 2021, at 3:43 p.m. (EDT)October 1, 2021, at 3:43 p.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Indigenous communities across Canada are mourning the discovery of over 200 unmarked graves of Indigenous children at the site of the former Kamloops Residential School;It is a well-known fact throughout Indigenous communities that many children who never returned home from residential schools are buried on the former properties, which this discovery further solidifies and documents;Indigenous leaders believe that further unmarked graves exist at the sites of all former residential schools in Canada, which can no longer be ignored;The residential school system is not only a dark chapter in Canadian history, but it continues to have repercussions on its victims, their descendants, and on society as a whole;Indigenous communities deserve to know what happened to their missing children; andIf only 1 out of 139 former residential school properties contained over 200 bodies, we can only begin to imagine how many thousands of Indigenous children are buried throughout all of Canada, and every child matters.We, the undersigned, citizens or residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to act immediately by:1. Paying for the cost of ground-penetrating radar to investigate all former residential school properties, with the expectation that additional Indigenous children in unmarked graves may be properly identified and laid to rest;2. Releasing all documents related to deaths and burial grounds at all residential schools, and compelling the churches and other levels of governments to do the same; and3. Securing the grounds of all residential schools, until proper searches for burial sites can be conducted.Human remainsIndigenous residential schoolsInquiries and public inquiriesRecords43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01237432-01237 (Business and trade)Hon.CandiceBergenPortage—LisgarConservativeMBJune 23, 2021June 6, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWHEREAS
  • More than 24,000 Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions;
  • These Travel Advisors are being asked by Canadian Airlines and their subsidiary Travel Companies to repay commissions earned at the end of 2019 & beginning of 2020 on their clients' trips that were cancelled due to said Travel Restrictions, known as "commission recalls" or "Commission claw-backs".
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Ensure that any financial assistance to Airlines and their subsidiary Travel Companies, will be conditional on the protection of Travel Advisor commissions;
  • Ensure that commissions already clawed back by the Airlines & their subsidiary Travel Companies will be repaid to Travel Advisors in a timely manner.
AirlinesCOVID-19PandemicReimbursementTravel agencies
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01238432-01238 (Business and trade)Hon.CandiceBergenPortage—LisgarConservativeMBJune 23, 2021June 6, 2021Petition to the House of Commons WHEREAS
  • More than 12,000 Independent Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions, and these Small Business owners are Sole Proprietors;
  • Federal Assistance Programs like CEBA, CERS, CEWS & RRRF exclude the majority of these Small Business Owners, leaving them to slip through the cracks and forcing them into bankruptcy.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Provide Sector specific funding for Independent Travel Advisors;
  • Extend the qualifications of the RRRF in Urban areas to include Sole Proprietors.
Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response PlanCOVID-19PandemicTravel agencies
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01239432-01239 (Business and trade)Hon.CandiceBergenPortage—LisgarConservativeMBJune 23, 2021June 6, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWHEREAS
  • More than 12,000 Independent Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions, and these Small Business owners are Sole Proprietors.
  • 100% of Travel Advisors' income comes from commissions earned from their Travel Suppliers, and because of their delayed revenue stream, it takes between 5 and 11 months for Travel Advisors to be paid for work done on the booking of clients' trips.
  • The CRB has been the sole source of assistance for most Independent Travel Advisors, who are still actively working in their businesses, but unable to earn revenue.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Extend the CRB for 6 months past the lifting of all Travel Advisories, for Travel Advisors
  • Maintain the CRB at the current amount ($2,000/ month) for sectors hardest hit by COVID, including Travel Advisors
Canada Recovery BenefitCOVID-19PandemicTravel agencies
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01138432-01138 (Business and trade)BlaineCalkinsRed Deer—LacombeConservativeABJune 17, 2021June 6, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWHEREAS
  • More than 12,000 Independent Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions, and these Small Business owners are Sole Proprietors.
  • 100% of Travel Advisors' income comes from commissions earned from their Travel Suppliers, and because of their delayed revenue stream, it takes between 5 and 11 months for Travel Advisors to be paid for work done on the booking of clients' trips.
  • The CRB has been the sole source of assistance for most Independent Travel Advisors, who are still actively working in their businesses, but unable to earn revenue.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Extend the CRB for 6 months past the lifting of all Travel Advisories, for Travel Advisors
  • Maintain the CRB at the current amount ($2,000/ month) for sectors hardest hit by COVID, including Travel Advisors
Canada Recovery BenefitCOVID-19PandemicTravel agencies
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01139432-01139 (Business and trade)BlaineCalkinsRed Deer—LacombeConservativeABJune 17, 2021June 6, 2021Petition to the House of Commons WHEREAS
  • More than 12,000 Independent Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions, and these Small Business owners are Sole Proprietors;
  • Federal Assistance Programs like CEBA, CERS, CEWS & RRRF exclude the majority of these Small Business Owners, leaving them to slip through the cracks and forcing them into bankruptcy.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Provide Sector specific funding for Independent Travel Advisors;
  • Extend the qualifications of the RRRF in Urban areas to include Sole Proprietors.
Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response PlanCOVID-19PandemicTravel agencies
43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3492e-3492 (Indigenous affairs)MatthewAntonittiEricDuncanStormont—Dundas—South GlengarryConservativeONJune 4, 2021, at 3:19 p.m. (EDT)July 4, 2021, at 3:19 p.m. (EDT)July 9, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="233806" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations</Addressee>Whereas:Canadians are grieving since learning of the remains of 215 Indigenous children found in a mass grave at the Kamloops Residential School;This tragedy serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the pain Indigenous children, their families, and communities were subjected to through the residential school system; andCanada’s Parliament must acknowledge and commit to reconciliation, including immediate action to address this tragic discovery.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations to develop a comprehensive plan to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action 71 through 76, by July 1, 2021, including these unequivocal commitments:1. Funding the timely and urgent investigations of all former residential schools in Canada where unmarked graves may exist, including the existing site at the Kamloops Residential School;2. Ensure that proper resources are allocated for communities to reinter, commemorate, and honour any individuals discovered through the investigation, according to the wishes of their next of kin; and3. Develop a detailed and thorough set of resources to educate Canadians of all ages on the tragic history of residential schools in Canada.Deaths and funeralsEducation and trainingIndigenous residential schoolsInquiries and public inquiries43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01140432-01140 (Business and trade)BlaineCalkinsRed Deer—LacombeConservativeABJune 17, 2021June 6, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWHEREAS
  • More than 24,000 Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions;
  • These Travel Advisors are being asked by Canadian Airlines and their subsidiary Travel Companies to repay commissions earned at the end of 2019 & beginning of 2020 on their clients' trips that were cancelled due to said Travel Restrictions, known as "commission recalls" or "Commission claw-backs".
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Ensure that any financial assistance to Airlines and their subsidiary Travel Companies, will be conditional on the protection of Travel Advisor commissions;
  • Ensure that commissions already clawed back by the Airlines & their subsidiary Travel Companies will be repaid to Travel Advisors in a timely manner.
AirlinesCOVID-19PandemicReimbursementTravel agencies
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01066432-01066 (Business and trade)JamesBezanSelkirk—Interlake—EastmanConservativeMBJune 8, 2021June 6, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWHEREAS
  • More than 24,000 Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions;
  • These Travel Advisors are being asked by Canadian Airlines and their subsidiary Travel Companies to repay commissions earned at the end of 2019 & beginning of 2020 on their clients' trips that were cancelled due to said Travel Restrictions, known as "commission recalls" or "Commission claw-backs".
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Ensure that any financial assistance to Airlines and their subsidiary Travel Companies, will be conditional on the protection of Travel Advisor commissions;
  • Ensure that commissions already clawed back by the Airlines & their subsidiary Travel Companies will be repaid to Travel Advisors in a timely manner.
AirlinesCOVID-19PandemicReimbursementTravel agencies
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01116432-01116 (Business and trade)MarwanTabbaraKitchener South—HespelerIndependentONJune 15, 2021June 6, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWHEREAS
  • More than 24,000 Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions;
  • These Travel Advisors are being asked by Canadian Airlines and their subsidiary Travel Companies to repay commissions earned at the end of 2019 & beginning of 2020 on their clients' trips that were cancelled due to said Travel Restrictions, known as "commission recalls" or "Commission claw-backs".
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Ensure that any financial assistance to Airlines and their subsidiary Travel Companies, will be conditional on the protection of Travel Advisor commissions;
  • Ensure that commissions already clawed back by the Airlines & their subsidiary Travel Companies will be repaid to Travel Advisors in a timely manner.
AirlinesCOVID-19PandemicReimbursementTravel agencies
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01065432-01065 (Business and trade)ChandraAryaNepeanLiberalONJune 8, 2021June 6, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWHEREAS
  • More than 24,000 Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions;
  • These Travel Advisors are being asked by Canadian Airlines and their subsidiary Travel Companies to repay commissions earned at the end of 2019 & beginning of 2020 on their clients' trips that were cancelled due to said Travel Restrictions, known as "commission recalls" or "Commission claw-backs".
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Ensure that any financial assistance to Airlines and their subsidiary Travel Companies, will be conditional on the protection of Travel Advisor commissions;
  • Ensure that commissions already clawed back by the Airlines & their subsidiary Travel Companies will be repaid to Travel Advisors in a timely manner.
AirlinesCOVID-19PandemicReimbursementTravel agencies
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01115432-01115 (Business and trade)MarwanTabbaraKitchener South—HespelerIndependentONJune 15, 2021June 6, 2021Petition to the House of Commons WHEREAS
  • More than 12,000 Independent Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions, and these Small Business owners are Sole Proprietors;
  • Federal Assistance Programs like CEBA, CERS, CEWS & RRRF exclude the majority of these Small Business Owners, leaving them to slip through the cracks and forcing them into bankruptcy.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Provide Sector specific funding for Independent Travel Advisors;
  • Extend the qualifications of the RRRF in Urban areas to include Sole Proprietors.
Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response PlanCOVID-19PandemicTravel agencies
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01067432-01067 (Business and trade)JamesBezanSelkirk—Interlake—EastmanConservativeMBJune 8, 2021June 6, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWHEREAS
  • More than 12,000 Independent Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions, and these Small Business owners are Sole Proprietors.
  • 100% of Travel Advisors' income comes from commissions earned from their Travel Suppliers, and because of their delayed revenue stream, it takes between 5 and 11 months for Travel Advisors to be paid for work done on the booking of clients' trips.
  • The CRB has been the sole source of assistance for most Independent Travel Advisors, who are still actively working in their businesses, but unable to earn revenue.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Extend the CRB for 6 months past the lifting of all Travel Advisories, for Travel Advisors
  • Maintain the CRB at the current amount ($2,000/ month) for sectors hardest hit by COVID, including Travel Advisors
Canada Recovery BenefitCOVID-19PandemicTravel agencies
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01114432-01114 (Business and trade)MarwanTabbaraKitchener South—HespelerIndependentONJune 15, 2021June 6, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWHEREAS
  • More than 12,000 Independent Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions, and these Small Business owners are Sole Proprietors.
  • 100% of Travel Advisors' income comes from commissions earned from their Travel Suppliers, and because of their delayed revenue stream, it takes between 5 and 11 months for Travel Advisors to be paid for work done on the booking of clients' trips.
  • The CRB has been the sole source of assistance for most Independent Travel Advisors, who are still actively working in their businesses, but unable to earn revenue.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Extend the CRB for 6 months past the lifting of all Travel Advisories, for Travel Advisors
  • Maintain the CRB at the current amount ($2,000/ month) for sectors hardest hit by COVID, including Travel Advisors
Canada Recovery BenefitCOVID-19PandemicTravel agencies
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01064432-01064 (Business and trade)ChandraAryaNepeanLiberalONJune 8, 2021June 6, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWHEREAS
  • More than 12,000 Independent Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions, and these Small Business owners are Sole Proprietors.
  • 100% of Travel Advisors' income comes from commissions earned from their Travel Suppliers, and because of their delayed revenue stream, it takes between 5 and 11 months for Travel Advisors to be paid for work done on the booking of clients' trips.
  • The CRB has been the sole source of assistance for most Independent Travel Advisors, who are still actively working in their businesses, but unable to earn revenue.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Extend the CRB for 6 months past the lifting of all Travel Advisories, for Travel Advisors
  • Maintain the CRB at the current amount ($2,000/ month) for sectors hardest hit by COVID, including Travel Advisors
Canada Recovery BenefitCOVID-19PandemicTravel agencies
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01104432-01104 (Public safety)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 14, 2021June 7, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, bring the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, upholding a high standard of the law should never be done in a way that puts in danger the very citizens that the law intends to protect;Whereas, police forces have been known to impound people's vehicles at night, leaving them alone on the side of the road. This puts citizens in a dangerous and vulnerable situation, especially when it occurs in a remote area or in harsh weather conditions.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the government of Canada to take the following action to address the situation:
  • 1. Provide police with the resources they need to effectively uphold the law, while avoiding putting citizens in positions where they could be vulnerable; and
  • 2. Ensure that vehicles are only impounded at night if it is absolutely necessary for public safety, and that arrangements for the protection of the owner of the vehicle are made by the police in these cases.
Law enforcementMotor vehiclesSafetySeizure of assets
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01072432-01072 (Justice)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservativeBCJune 8, 2021June 7, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWHEREAS:
  • The U.S. Department of State's 20th Trafficking in Persons Report indicates that Canada "meets the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking";
  • The TIP Report notes that Canadian governments "did not provide comprehensive data" on investigations, prosecutions, convictions, or victims' services;
  • The range, quality, and timely delivery of trafficking-specific services varies across Canada, including persistent funding shortages;
  • Coordination between the federal and provincial governments on anti-trafficking measures is poor;
  • The TIP Report urges Canadian governments to increase the use of proactive law enforcement techniques, increase training for prosecutors and judges, and increase partnerships with the private sector to prevent human trafficking.
THEREFORE: We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to strengthen the Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act to address Canada's shortcomings as mentioned in the TIP Report so that Canada exceeds the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, and that it cooperates and coordinates more closely with the provinces, the private sector, and other stakeholders to combat human trafficking in Canada.
Human traffickingProtection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01073432-01073 (Justice)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservativeBCJune 8, 2021June 7, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWHEREAS:
  • The U.S. Department of State's 20th Trafficking in Persons Report indicates that Canada "meets the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking";
  • The TIP Report notes that Canadian governments "did not provide comprehensive data" on investigations, prosecutions, convictions, or victims' services;
  • The range, quality, and timely delivery of trafficking-specific services varies across Canada, including persistent funding shortages;
  • Coordination between the federal and provincial governments on anti-trafficking measures is poor;
  • The TIP Report urges Canadian governments to increase the use of proactive law enforcement techniques, increase training for prosecutors and judges, and increase partnerships with the private sector to prevent human trafficking.
THEREFORE: We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to strengthen the Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act to address Canada's shortcomings as mentioned in the TIP Report so that Canada exceeds the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, and that it cooperates and coordinates more closely with the provinces, the private sector, and other stakeholders to combat human trafficking in Canada.
Human traffickingProtection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01131432-01131 (Justice)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservativeBCJune 16, 2021June 7, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWHEREAS
  • The federal government has introduced Bill C-21, which includes sections prohibiting the majority of replica firearms, such as Airsoft guns, and embedding in legislation Order in Council P.C. 2020-298 of May 1, 2020 which prohibits and limits the possession of firearms listed therein;
  • Bill C-21 will criminalize hundreds of thousands of law-abiding Canadians for possessing legally obtained firearms;
  • Bill C-21 will financially devastate thousands of Canadians reliant on the sale of firearms for all or part of their income;
  • Hunting has a longstanding history in Canada, for both Indigenous and non-indigenous Canadians, and needlessly revoking citizens' firearms erases and discounts our history and traditions;
  • The vast majority of gun crimes are committed with illegally obtained firearms, and confiscating firearms from law abiding citizens does nothing to stop dangerous criminals and gangs who obtain their guns illegally;
THEREFORE:We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to stop targeting law abiding citizens for possessing legally obtained firearms, to protect the rights and freedoms of Canadians by ensuring firearms legislation is based on evidence not ideology, and to withdraw Bill C-21.
C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms)Firearms
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01111432-01111 (Media and telecommunications)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 14, 2021June 7, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) already has sweeping regulatory powers over traditional forms of media.Whereas, the original mandate of C-10 was to expand Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulatory powers to include online platforms such as Netflix and Hulu.Whereas, Liberal members of the Heritage Committee voted for an amendment to Bill C-10 that would include social media platforms and other internet platforms within the jurisdiction of CRTC regulation.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the government of Canada to:1. Respect Canadians' fundamental right to freedom of expression. 2. Prevent internet censorship in Canada.BroadcastingC-10, An Act to amend the Broadcasting Act and to make related and consequential amendments to other ActsFreedom of speechInternet43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01106432-01106 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 14, 2021June 7, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, Following Azerbaijan's 44-day war against the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorono-Karabakh), a trilateral ceasefire agreement was signed between Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia - outside of the purview of the OSCE Minsk Group - ceasing all hostilities on the territory of the Republic of Artsakh.Whereas, while failing to address many challenges facing the region, the agreement specifically included a term relating to the return of prisoners of war and the exchange of the remains of fatalities.Whereas, despite such provisions, as many as 200 Armenian Prisoners of War (POW) illegally remain in Azerbaijani custody, without any transparent mechanisms in place to ensure their safe return.Whereas, since December 2020, Human Rights Watch has published two reports on the status of Armenian POW’s, confirming that they are being subjected to inhuman treatment, torture, humiliation, and other forms of abuse.Whereas, on February 1st, 2021, The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights released a statement, calling for the immediate release of POW’s.Whereas, on May 4, 2021, disturbing reports confirmed that close to 20 POW’s were mutilated and killed by Azerbaijani forces. This is a violation of international law by Azerbaijan, specifically as it relates to the provisions laid out in the Third Geneva Convention, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), all of which are signed by Azerbaijan.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Condemn Azerbaijan's illegal detention of Armenian POW’s and call for their immediate release;2. Use all the diplomatic tools available to advocate for the release of those held captive;3. Condemn the ongoing state-sponsored anti-Armenian hatred in Azerbaijan;4. Denounce all aggressive rhetoric from Turkey and Azerbaijan against Armenia and Artsakh;5. Provide the necessary humanitarian assistance to ensure the safety and viability of the population of Artsakh and facilitate the exchange of the remains of fatalities.ArmeniaAzerbaijanForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workersPrisoners of war43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01107432-01107 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 14, 2021June 7, 2021Petition to the House of Commons of CanadaWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons of Canada to the following:Whereas, Abdul Rahman Khan the Amir of Afghanistan, who was installed by the British government and received a subsidy from them, waged a genocidal campaign against the Hazaras from 1891 to 1893, wiping out the vast majority of this ethnic group;Whereas, tens of thousands of Hazaras were forcefully displaced from their lands while many other thousands were forcefully proselytized (from Shia to Sunni), raped and enslaved from 1891-1893;Whereas, in August 1998 hundreds if not thousands of Hazara men, women, children and elders were slaughtered in the cities of Mazar-e-Sharif and Bamiyan;Whereas, the Hazaras continue to face systemic and targeted persecution in post-2001 Afghanistan, such as the killings of newborn infants in Dasht-e-Barchi`s maternity ward in May 2020 or the targeted attacks in Behsud (Maidan Wardak province), Jibrail (Herat) and Jalalabad (Nangarhar) from January to March of 2021;Whereas, Canada has expended $3.6 billion in assistance to Afghanistan and lost 158 brave men and women in uniform in the fight against the Taliban;Whereas, Afghanistan remains one of the largest recipients of Canada's international financial assistance;Therefore we, the undersigned, call upon the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Formally recognize the 1891-1893 ethnic cleansing perpetrated against the Hazaras as a Genocide. 2. To designate September 25th as Hazara Genocide Memorial Day. 3. Support Bill C-287 to ensure that all development assistance sent from Canada to Afghanistan is contributing to the peace and security of the region for all peoples.AfghanistanGenocideHazarasInternational development and aid43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01132432-01132 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 16, 2021June 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons of CanadaWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons of Canada to the following:Whereas, Abdul Rahman Khan the Amir of Afghanistan, who was installed by the British government and received a subsidy from them, waged a genocidal campaign against the Hazaras from 1891 to 1893, wiping out the vast majority of this ethnic group;Whereas, tens of thousands of Hazaras were forcefully displaced from their lands while many other thousands were forcefully proselytized (from Shia to Sunni), raped and enslaved from 1891-1893;Whereas, in August 1998 hundreds if not thousands of Hazara men, women, children and elders were slaughtered in the cities of Mazar-e-Sharif and Bamiyan;Whereas, the Hazaras continue to face systemic and targeted persecution in post-2001 Afghanistan, such as the killings of newborn infants in Dasht-e-Barchi`s maternity ward in May 2020 or the targeted attacks in Behsud (Maidan Wardak province), Jibrail (Herat) and Jalalabad (Nangarhar) from January to March of 2021;Whereas, Canada has expended $3.6 billion in assistance to Afghanistan and lost 158 brave men and women in uniform in the fight against the Taliban;Whereas, Afghanistan remains one of the largest recipients of Canada's international financial assistance;Therefore we, the undersigned, call upon the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Formally recognize the 1891-1893 ethnic cleansing perpetrated against the Hazaras as a Genocide. 2. To designate September 25th as Hazara Genocide Memorial Day. 3. Support Bill C-287 to ensure that all development assistance sent from Canada to Afghanistan is contributing to the peace and security of the region for all peoples.AfghanistanGenocideHazarasInternational development and aid43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3433e-3433 (National defence and military operations)PitasannaShanmugathasPaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCMay 19, 2021, at 9:21 a.m. (EDT)June 18, 2021, at 9:21 a.m. (EDT)June 21, 2021June 18, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:The Government of Canada plans to purchase 88 new fighter jets for a cost of $19 billion;The No New Fighter Jets Coalition has estimated the full life-cycle costs of these new fighter jets to be $76.8 billion;Public spending on new fighter jets would divert resources away from critical social services, environmental protection and Indigenous communities;Canadian fighter jets have been used to bomb infrastructure and kill people;Former Deputy Minister of National Defence, Charles Nixon, asserted that purchasing new fighter jets were unnecessary to protect Canadian national security or sovereignty;There is no plan to offset the greenhouse gases from the new fighter jets, which will prevent the Government of Canada from decarbonizing and meeting its Paris Agreement target;The Department of National Defence is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHG) among all federal departments, yet all military vehicles and operations are exempt from the federal government’s GHG emission reduction plan; andRecently, more than 100 Canadians across the country engaged in a fast to oppose the federal government’s plans to purchase new fighter jets.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:1- Cancel the $19 billion competition to purchase the 88 new combat aircraft;2- Include all of the carbon emissions from the Department of National Defence’s military vehicles and operations in the federal government’s GHG emission reduction plan and net-zero plan; and3- Invest in a conversion plan that will create thousands of jobs in the green economy and the care economy to help transition Canada away from fossil fuels and armed force.Department of National DefenceFighter aircraftGovernment contractsGreen economyGreenhouse gases43rd Parliament289Closed upon dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3441e-3441 (Veterans' affairs)KevinSewellRachelBlaneyNorth Island—Powell RiverNDPBCMay 19, 2021, at 9:23 a.m. (EDT)August 17, 2021, at 9:23 a.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="246259" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Veterans Affairs</Addressee>Whereas:The 1901 Militia Pensions Act contained a clause, known as the ‘gold-digger clause’ that disallowed pensions to survivors of veterans who married after the age of 60;Spouses of veterans, including common-law partners, who marry after the age of 60 are not entitled to the automatic survivor pensions under the Canadians Forces Superannuation Act;The National Council of Veterans' Associations, the RCMP Veterans Association, and the Armed Forces Pensioner’s/Annuitants’ Association of Canada have advocated for the elimination of the “marriage after 60” clause;The Prime Minister’s 2015 and 2017 mandate letters to his Minister of Veterans Affairs directed the elimination of the “marriage after 60” clause;The “Veterans Survivors Fund” in the 2019 Budget has not been successfully rolled out to survivors of Veterans;The Lifespan of Canadians is much longer now than in the early 20th century;We should not punish Veterans for finding love after the age of 60; andVeterans are choosing to live in poverty now, halving their pension, in order to give their survivor a portion of their pension after their death;We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Minister of Veterans Affairs to immediately act to eliminate the “marriage after 60” clause and ensure that the spouse, or common-law partner, of a Veteran who married after age 60 automatically receives the superannuation benefit.SpousesSurvivor pensionsVeteransVeterans benefits43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021e-3345e-3345 (Culture and heritage)DonaldOliverDarrellSamsonSackville—Preston—ChezzetcookLiberalNSMay 19, 2021, at 11:05 a.m. (EDT)June 18, 2021, at 11:05 a.m. (EDT)June 22, 2021June 18, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:The Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, established in 1983 by the Black Cultural Society of Nova Scotia as the first and largest Museum dedicated to Black History and the African Nova Scotian legacy in Canada; Nova Scotia is the birthplace of Black Culture in Canada and has over 52 historic Black communities, many of which can trace their origins to the 17th century; Nova Scotia is home to the oldest and largest multi-generational indigenous Black Community that predates Canada’s Confederation; The early historic migrations of the Black Loyalists, Jamaican Maroons, Refugees of the War of 1812 and Caribbean Migrants contributed to the diverse landscape of Canada; The Designation of a National Black Cultural Centre and Museum is an important action in deepening Canada’s commitment toward eliminating anti-Black racism in our society and recognizing the historic and ongoing contributions of Black Canadians to our country, communities and the UN Decade for the People of African Descent; and Providing Canadians with a base for a greater understanding of a diverse culture in an inspiring way.We, the undersigned, citizens or residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to designate the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, located on 10 Cherry Brook Road in the community of Cherry Brook in the historic Township of Preston, Nova Scotia, as Canada’s National Black Cultural Centre & Museum.Black CanadiansBlack Cultural Centre for Nova ScotiaCultural heritageNova Scotia43rd Parliament229Not certifiedAugust 13, 2021e-3268e-3268 (Health)SarahWarryMatthewGreenHamilton CentreNDPONApril 13, 2021, at 3:07 p.m. (EDT)August 11, 2021, at 3:07 p.m. (EDT)August 13, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="253395" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Untreated mental health can lead to addiction, suicide, incarceration, job loss, domestic violence and more;People struggling with their mental health have a lowered quality of life which effects their schooling, employment, family and social life, and overall health;Mental health should be viewed no different than physical health and various treatments be publicly funded and accessible;Talk therapy and other treatment programming is proven to be successful in improving mental health both short and long term;Suicide and addiction are growing due to the lack of available and affordable therapy and treatments;These treatments should be covered by provincial health plans as a means to improve the overall health of Canadians;Short and long term inpatient programs need to be available to those with moderate to severe complications from mental health at low to no cost; andNo Canadian should feel suicide is an option because the lack of available and affordable care.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to work with the provinces and territories to recognize mental health in Canada is a growing pandemic and no person or family should struggle due to not being financially able to obtain help.Federal-provincial-territorial relationsHealth services accessibilityMental health43rd Parliament229Not certifiedAugust 3, 2021e-3322e-3322 (Taxation)MargotWilbertPeterSchiefkeVaudreuil—SoulangesLiberalQCMay 3, 2021, at 5:07 p.m. (EDT)August 1, 2021, at 5:07 p.m. (EDT)August 3, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:A Registered Education Savings Plans (R.E.S.P.) is a saving plan set up to help parents pay for their child’s post-secondary education;There are two components to an R.E.S.P. The EAP is made up of the investment earnings and the government grant money which is taxable and included in the students’ income. The parent’s contribution is tax free;The government and financial institutions mislead parents by downplaying the fact that the money the student withdrawals is considered an income and therefore taxed.Financial institutions use catchy words and phrases such as “tax free”, “tax sheltered plans”, “hefty government grants” and “in most cases, the student’s income level and eligible tax credits will mean that little, if any income tax will be payable”;The government wrongly suggest that “money paid out if the R.E.S.P. as an EAP is taxed in the hands of the student. Since many students have little or no income, they can usually withdraw the money tax free”;Students work hard all summer long and many keep jobs during the school year as well.The R.E.S.P. should be taxed, but not count towards net income. The government and financial institutions should not be suggesting that students don’t have to pay any taxes since they don’t work enough; andStudents who work are penalized by the R.E.S.P. when tax season arrives.We, the undersigned, citizen of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to ensure that R.E.S.P. accounts are not considered as income.Personal income taxRegistered education savings plans43rd Parliament229Not certifiedJuly 29, 2021e-3356e-3356 (Health)Miguel ArturoPossamai SolorzanoHon.MichelleRempel GarnerCalgary Nose HillConservativeABMay 28, 2021, at 4:27 p.m. (EDT)July 27, 2021, at 4:27 p.m. (EDT)July 29, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The Canadian Blood Services is seeking urgent blood donations to prevent a blood shortage;The current government has promised to remove the deferral period for men who have sex with men to donate blood;By maintaining the deferral period, the government is complicit in stigmatizing gay men; andThere are many countries around the globe that have adopted a lifestyle-based questionnaire and have lifted the ban on gay blood for examples, Argentina, Israel, Italy, Poland, Russia, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, Ukraine, Peru, Chile, Brazil, Bulgaria.We, the undersigned, Citizens and Residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to lift the ban on gay men’s ability to donate blood.Blood supplyDiscriminationGay and lesbian personsMen43rd Parliament229Not certifiedJuly 22, 2021e-3258e-3258 (Environment)DerekMartellDonDaviesVancouver KingswayNDPBCMarch 23, 2021, at 11:28 a.m. (EDT)July 21, 2021, at 11:28 a.m. (EDT)July 22, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Cigarette butts are the most common category of small litter in Canada;Cigarette butts are more harmful to the environment than other small litter because they are made up of hundreds of toxic chemicals;Many Canadians have looked into this problem and have attempted to ban cigarette butts as a single-use plastic, but the ban was turned down because there are no viable alternatives to plastic cigarette filters; andFinding a viable alternative to plastic cigarette filters would therefore reduce the amount of toxic chemicals that leach into the ground from cigarette litter.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to apply a nationwide fee of $1 per pack of cigarettes to be used as funding for further research into finding a viable alternative to plastic cigarette filters.PlasticsPollutionTobacco products43rd Parliament229Not certifiedJuly 22, 2021e-3334e-3334 (Transportation)ToddKylloMelArnoldNorth Okanagan—ShuswapConservativeBCApril 22, 2021, at 4:29 p.m. (EDT)July 21, 2021, at 4:29 p.m. (EDT)July 22, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="271245" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Transport</Addressee>Whereas:Recreation boating is an activity valued by families across Canada;On an annual basis, 12.4 million Canadians enjoy recreational boating and this activity contributes $5.6 billion to our economy and employs over 75000 Canadians;Transport Canada has proposed to eliminate the Rental Boat Safety Checklist (RBSC) as a form of proof of competency for Canadians wishing to rent a pleasure craft;The RBSC is a proven and effective method for providing renters safety training and information specific to the pleasure craft being rented and the body of water it is operated on;Neither the Minister of Transport nor his Department have provided Canadians with any data or statistics supporting the proposed elimination of the RBSC;Elimination of the RBSC will prevent some Canadians from participating in recreational boating;Elimination of the RBSC will make recreational boating more expensive and less accessible for Canadian families renting pleasure craft;Many Canadian families, especially those recently arrived in Canada, rent pleasure craft before becoming pleasure craft owners themselves; andThe government should promote and increase access to outdoor activities like recreational boating for Canadian families.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Minister of Transport to amend the Department of Transport's proposed changes to the Pleasure Craft Operator Competency Program to ensure Canadian families can continue to use the Rental Boat Safety Checklist to access recreational boating experiences unless the Minister or the Department are able to provide data or statistics clearly demonstrating that the proposed changes are necessary to increase public safety.CredentialsMaritime safetyPleasure craftRental services43rd Parliament229Not certifiedJuly 12, 2021e-2648e-2648 (Public safety)CianaCarleJackHarrisSt. John's EastNDPNLMay 11, 2021, at 10:08 a.m. (EDT)July 10, 2021, at 10:08 a.m. (EDT)July 12, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="253386" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness</Addressee>Whereas:The Canadian Govenment does not officially release data on police-involved deaths in Canada.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness to release racial data on police-involved deaths in Canada.Deaths and funeralsEthnic and cultural communitiesPolice services43rd Parliament229Not certifiedJuly 12, 2021e-3121e-3121 (Employment and labour)AndreeaWentzellLindsayMathyssenLondon—FanshaweNDPONMarch 11, 2021, at 2:48 p.m. (EDT)July 9, 2021, at 2:48 p.m. (EDT)July 12, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The average worker is only productive for 2 hours and 58 minutes of an 8 hour work day;Henry Ford changed the work week from 48 to 40 hours to increase productivity (with success);We've been working 40 hour work weeks since 1914, before advanced computers, the Internet, and programs that have increased our productivity significantly;We are more efficient and productive than we were over 100 years ago;We've changed our work week before, we can do it again;Workers who have a better work-life balance are more efficient and productive;Companies who have implemented 4-day work weeks have seen productivity boosts;Microsoft Japan saw a 40% productivity increase by reducing the work week by one day;When we can be more efficient and productive in less time, there's no need for us to be at work instead of spending more family time;Overtime pay would instead be at at 34 hours instead of 44;This would increase productivity, create a better work-life balance for Canadians, and improve the mental health crisis that the pandemic has worsened for many Canadians; andWe need this change to recover from this pandemic to boost our economy.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to reduce the 40-hour work week to 32 hours by altering the Canada Labour Code standard hours of work from "eight hours in a day and 40 hours in a week" to state that standard hours of work are "eight hours a day and 32 hours a week".Working hours, terms and conditions43rd Parliament229Not certifiedJuly 8, 2021e-3245e-3245 (Government services and administration)JuneMorrisonJenniferO'ConnellPickering—UxbridgeLiberalONMarch 10, 2021, at 1:12 p.m. (EDT)July 8, 2021, at 1:12 p.m. (EDT)July 8, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Health care provider Extendicare Canada Inc. and its subsidiary, Progressive Step Corporation, agreed in the year 2014 to repay US$38 million to resolve allegations of abuse and grossly deficient care provided in the United States;The basket of protections under existing statutes afforded to the Canadian government, and ultimately the taxpayer, is woefully inadequate; The False Claims Act has been the most effective legal tool in combating fraud against the public purse in the United States, with billions of dollars being recovered every year;The legal tool has been so effective that 30 separate U.S. states have followed suit and implemented their own versions of the legislation; andCanadians deserve no less.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada and all its provinces, call upon the House of Commons to pass the Canadian False Claims Act to incentivize whistleblowers to bring credible information forward to government in order to facilitate the investigation of crimes and the recovery of lost proceeds. Disclosure of wrongdoing in the workplaceGovernment contracts43rd Parliament229Not certifiedJuly 8, 2021e-3238e-3238 (Environment)PamelaBryanHeatherMcPhersonEdmonton StrathconaNDPABMarch 8, 2021, at 3:23 p.m. (EDT)July 6, 2021, at 3:23 p.m. (EDT)July 8, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="6" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Prime Minister</Addressee>Whereas:Like every nation on Earth, Canada depends on the Arctic Ocean as a global life support that keeps us cool and healthy, but today that ocean is under threat;There is 75% less Arctic sea ice today than 50 years ago, making the Arctic Ocean vulnerable to exploitation, which exacerbates the problem;A melted Arctic Ocean causes global weather patterns to destabilize, leading to floods, droughts and fires, storms, sea level rise, ocean acidification, food and water shortages, refugees, diseases, and deaths;Leading biologists urge us to protect 50% of the entire planet immediately to prevent mass extinction;As the world’s largest marine protected area at 8 million km2, the Marine Arctic Peace Sanctuary (MAPS) protects 2.2% of the world’s oceans, which fits naturally with the United Nations’ proposed commitment to protect 30% of our oceans by 2030;MAPS also supports nations in meeting their objectives under the Paris Agreement, and helps achieve almost every UN Sustainable Development Goal;The MAPS Treaty updates the Law of the Sea to reflect the reality of our changing climate and the urgent need to protect the Arctic Ocean; andIt declares all ocean waters north of the Arctic Circle off limits to commercialization, militarization and industrialization, and enters into force with the signatures of 99 world leaders of UN member states.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Prime Minister to sign the MAPS Treaty on an urgent basis to protect the citizens and ecosystems of Canada, and all life on Earth.Arctic OceanEnvironmental protectionMarine Arctic Peace Sanctuary Treaty43rd Parliament229Not certifiedJuly 8, 2021e-3420e-3420 (Employment and labour)JoshColesScottDuvallHamilton MountainNDPONJune 7, 2021, at 3:39 p.m. (EDT)July 7, 2021, at 3:39 p.m. (EDT)July 8, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons in Parliament assembled</Addressee>Whereas:The use of scabs undermines workers’ collective power, unnecessarily prolongs labour disputes, and removes the essential power that the withdrawal of labour is supposed to give workers to help end a dispute, that is, the ability to apply economic pressure;The use of scabs contributes to higher-conflict picket lines, jeopardizes workplace safety, de-stabilizes normalized labour relations between workers and their employers and removes the employer inventive to negotiate and settle fair contracts; andStrong and fair anti-scab legislation will help lead to shorter labour disputes, safer workplaces, and less hostile picket lines.We, the undersigned, members of Unifor, and their supporters and allies, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to amend the Canada Labour Code so as to:1. Prohibit employers from using scabs for the duration of any legal strike or lockout, specifically banning the use of any employee or contracted worker to perform the duties of a bargaining unit employee;2. Prohibit employers from using both external scabs (those hired specifically to replace striking or locked out bargaining unit members), as well as internal scabs (new hires, members of the bargaining unit who might otherwise cross the picket line, or any other employees at any of the employer’s establishments, including managers);3. Include significant financial penalties for employers who defy the anti-scab legislation; and4. Allow for the very limited use of temporary workers, only to undertake essential maintenance work to protect the integrity and safety of the workplace, but not to contribute to the ongoing, normal operation of the workplace.Federally regulated employers and employeesLabour codeStrikebreakers43rd Parliament229Not certifiedJune 29, 2021e-3164e-3164 (Employment and labour)ZacharyTyphairElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCMarch 1, 2021, at 9:41 a.m. (EDT)June 29, 2021, at 9:41 a.m. (EDT)June 29, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Many minimum wage workers have to pick up a second, sometimes even a third job, just to survive;An unsustainable wage violates Section 7 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, “the right to life, liberty and security of the person”; andMany minimum wage workers worked through the pandemic because they were deemed essential, not just for the sake of their own survival.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Implement a national living wage that would match the reality in each locality’s economy, for example, the city of Toronto’s living wage would be different from that of Vancouver’s;2. Prioritize the dignity, mental, and physical health of Canadian wage earners, especially for those who have been deemed essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic; and3. Increase the living wage every three years in order to reflect the annual inflation rate.Income and wagesInflation43rd Parliament229Not certifiedJune 29, 2021e-3367e-3367 (Government services and administration)CopperStrenjaRachelBlaneyNorth Island—Powell RiverNDPBCApril 29, 2021, at 7:06 p.m. (EDT)June 28, 2021, at 7:06 p.m. (EDT)June 29, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Savary Island in British Columbia had a Canada Post office between 1913-1980;More than 100 full time residents of Savary Island do not receive mail at their primary address;Canada Post is mandated to provide free mail service to all Canadians at their primary address; andThe residents of Savary Island have a right to be included in the free mail service to all Canadians.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to ensure residents of Savary Island in the Province of British Columbia are serviced by a corporate run post office in their community.Canada Post CorporationPost offices and outletsSavary Island43rd Parliament229Not certifiedJune 29, 2021e-3368e-3368 (Foreign affairs)CoreyMacDonaldDerekSloanHastings—Lennox and AddingtonIndependentONMay 28, 2021, at 9:19 a.m. (EDT)June 27, 2021, at 9:19 a.m. (EDT)June 29, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The Islamic Republic of Iran was elected to the UN Commission on Women's RIghts on April 20th, 2021;Iran has a well-documented history of oppressing women;Iran was elected by a secret ballot, which Canada took part in; andThere is no justification for our public representatives to be voting in secret.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada: To disclose whether Canada voted for or against the addition of Iran onto the UN Commission on Women’s Rights; If Canada did vote in Iran's favour, we demand an honest explanation as to why our officials are throwing their support behind an oppressive dictatorship; and If they voted against Iran, we demand the Government of Canada, at the very least, publicly denounce the UN's decision.Foreign policyIranStatus of womenUnited Nations Commission on the Status of Women43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 23, 2021e-3023e-3023 (Correctional system)MurrayFallisRandallGarrisonEsquimalt—Saanich—SookeNDPBCDecember 16, 2020, at 2:07 p.m. (EDT)April 15, 2021, at 2:07 p.m. (EDT)May 12, 2021June 23, 2021April 19, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:Bill C-83 came into force on November 30, 2019, replacing segregation with Structured Intervention Units (SIU); The SIUs aimed to end long-term solitary confinement in accordance with international law and Canadian court decisions that found its use unconstitutional;The Implementation Advisory Panel, which oversaw SIU implementation, found solitary confinement is ongoing; COVID-19 has exacerbated this situation; Prisoners report they often end up in SIU due to conflict with officers who antagonize and provoke them to act out; andOther evidence suggests that solitary confinement is occurring both within and outside of the SIUs.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Establish a Commission of Inquiry to examine solitary confinement, in all forms, to ensure prisoners’ rights are safeguarded and promote transformational change in the culture of the Correctional Service;2. Immediately define solitary confinement in the Corrections and Conditional Release Act and prohibit its prolonged use, pursuant to the definition in United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners;3. Prohibit all forms of solitary confinement which are not expressly authorized by legislation; 4. Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture; 5. Fund legal aid for federal prisoners to ensure access to counsel; and6. Require all correctional officers to wear body cameras whenever they interact with prisoners.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency PreparednessSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JOËL LIGHTBOUND, M.P.In November 2019, the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA) was amended to implement a new Structured Intervention Unit (SIU) model and abolish the use of administrative and disciplinary segregation in all federal correctional institutions. This new model is fundamentally different from the previous model and constitutes a historic transformation of the federal correctional system. SIUs are meant as a temporary measure and are intended to assist inmates and provide them with the opportunity to engage in targeted interventions and programs to support their safe return to a mainstream inmate population as quickly as possible. Although COVID-19 has created unique challenges throughout the federal correctional system, including SIUs, the Government and the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) are strongly committed to the successful implementation of this new model, both during and after the pandemic. Under the law, inmates in an SIU must be provided with the opportunity to spend a minimum of four hours a day outside of their cell, and two hours of meaningful human contact through interaction with others. In addition, inmates in an SIU have access to targeted programs and interventions.  Furthermore, all inmates, including those placed in SIUs, have reasonable access to counsel and to the courts and are provided with information regarding the availability of legal aid services, upon request. The SIU model responds to obligations under Canadian law. Many safeguards specified in Canada’s legislation were guided by international sources, such as the Mandela Rules. These include the requirement for enhanced health care monitoring and empowering health care practitioners to make recommendations on an inmate’s conditions of confinement. The SIU system was purpose-built to monitor and minimize situations where inmates are spending too much time in a cell, as well as provide strong safeguards such as enhanced health services and external decision-making. With respect to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, work is ongoing on this complex and important treaty. Federal, provincial and territorial government officials have been carefully assessing options for implementation, by studying the approaches taken in various other countries that have already implemented the Optional Protocol. To date, the consideration process has involved two rounds of consultations led by Justice Canada, in 2016 and 2017, with Provincial and Territorial governments, and also within the Government of Canada. While significant progress has been made, there is a range of policy and implementation issues and additional consultations that remain to be undertaken in the future. There were 181 inmates in Structured Intervention Units (SIUs) on May 13, 2021, which roughly represents 1.5% of federal inmates in Canada. SIUs are in place at 15 of our 43 institutions. Inmates can only be transferred to an SIU if they meet one of the three criteria in section 34 (1) of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act and there are no other reasonable alternatives to placement in a SIU. SIUs are meant as a temporary measure to help inmates adopt more positive behaviours that keep the institution safe and secure.  Institutional security is critical, and inmates who are transferred to an ISU pose exceptional and extreme challenges to institutional security. Before transferring an inmate to a SIU, every possible reasonable alternative is explored. Alternatives include, but are not limited to, a transfer to a different unit or range with the institution, involvement of the Inmate Committee or the range representative, mediation or conflict resolution, transfer to another institution or a regional treatment centre, involvement of staff who have influence over the inmate, such as an Elder, Chaplain or Indigenous Liaison Officer.  It is important to note that support for inmates is not a “one-size fits all approach” and involves some difficult and complex situations. For example, inmates with complex health care needs often require interdisciplinary teams to work with them. While some cases can resolve quickly through informal resolution, others take time, and require ongoing care and steady work to help the inmates safely reintegrate within mainstream population. Health Services Within 24 hours of their transfer to an SIU, an inmate is referred to Health Services for an assessment of their health, including mental health, which is repeated every 14 days. This is followed by a mental health assessment within 28 days of being transferred to an SIU. If, at any time, a registered health care professional believes that, due to health reasons, an inmate should not remain in the SIU or that the inmate’s conditions of confinement should be altered, the registered health care professional will make a recommendation in writing to the institutional head. The institutional head must make a decision as soon as practicable. If the institutional head does not implement the recommendation, the case is referred to the Health Committee, which is chaired by the Assistant Commissioner of Health Services. External Oversight Mechanism Through the establishment of an external oversight mechanism, the CCRA provides a critical safeguard. Although CSC maintains its own internal protocols and review processes for SIU transfers, Independent External Decision Makers (IEDMs) across the country operate at arms-length from CSC to provide decision-making oversight of an inmate’s conditions and duration of confinement in a SIU. IEDMs monitor and review inmate cases on an ongoing basis and provide recommendations and decisions to CSC. An IEDM review occurs under the following conditions: IEDMs review an inmate's case under four specific circumstances, as defined in the CCRA and regulations: Length of time 
  • An inmate has been confined in an ISU for 90 consecutive days (and every subsequent 60 days).
 Conditions of Confinement 
  • An inmate has not received a minimum of four hours per day out of their cell, or at least two hours of interaction with others, for five consecutive days, or 15 cumulative days in a 30-day period.
  • If the IEDM finds that CSC has taken all reasonable steps in the above determination, but in the last 10 consecutive days the inmate has not received these opportunities, the IEDM must determine whether the inmate should remain in the SIU.
 Health care 
  • If the Health Committee determines that an inmate’s conditions of confinement in the structured intervention unit should not be altered in accordance with a recommendation of a registered health care professional, the IEDM must determine whether the inmate should remain in the unit or whether the inmate’s conditions of confinement in the unit should be altered.
 IEDMs have binding authority to determine that an inmate should not remain in an SIU, or in some circumstances, order that the conditions of confinement in the SIU to be altered. Each IEDM brings specific expertise to their role. They are comprised of lawyers, professors, and researchers specializing in the fields of criminal justice, mental health, vulnerable populations, human rights, and administrative law. Since the beginning of SIU operations, IEDMs have done significant work, rendering more than 1,400 binding decisions. In addition to the important role played by IEDMs, the Office of the Correctional Investigator maintains broad oversight of federal corrections and is empowered by the CCRA to investigate the operations and decisions of CSC, including those related to SIUs. Further, several external reports prepared by academics have provided valuable insight into the operation of SIUs. Summary Since the implementation of the Structured Intervention Units on November 30, 2019, there are significantly fewer inmates in SIUs than in the former model. This shows that many efforts are being made to proactively manage inmates within a mainstream population and use of SIUs as a last resort.  Five years ago, in March 2016 there were 454 inmates in administrative segregation compared to 182 inmates in SIUs across the country on May 5, 2021. During 2015-16, there were 6,788 admissions to administrative segregation whereas the total number of authorizations for transfer to an SIU that started between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021 was 2,267. We recognizes that there are cases where inmates in SIUs are not taking advantage of opportunities to leave their cell. We are working to provide more options for inmates to engage in time out of cell and opportunities for meaningful human contact. We have  also been taking actions to address some of the trends and regional differences identified through our data and that of external academics and stakeholders. With respect to data, CSC also has a dedicated project team that is currently working to improve the integrity, timeliness and quality of data available. In addition, CSC has gathered best practices and is sharing them across the country. This helps to target common challenges to support frontline operations. Regular meetings and town halls take place with regions to build on lessons learned and determine additional improvements needed. As we continue to learn and make adjustments, CSC remains steadfast in its commitment to ensure the success of this new correctional model while we fulfill our mandate of ensuring the safe rehabilitation of federal inmates in Canada. With respect to body cameras, CSC is not currently exploring their use at this time.
Correctional officersImprisonment and prisonersOptional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or PunishmentSolitary confinementVisual recording
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 23, 2021432-00940432-00940 (Taxation)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservativeABMay 10, 2021June 23, 2021February 12, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, the current Government's refusal to work with Provinces to amend the equalization formula has contributed to a national unity crisis, whereas Alberta has historically made an oversized contribution to Canada's economic well being, and that the recent global market challenges affecting Alberta's oil and gas industry have been exacerbated by the actions of the current Government; Whereas, the current equalization formula is not responsive to the fiscal and economic realities facing Alberta and other regions of the country that are resource dependant; Whereas, the current formula fails to acknowledge the need for jurisdictions that are long term net recipients of equalization to undertake meaningful economic development and ensure that their actions do not restrict the economic success of other jurisdictions; Whereas, the measures the Government announced in the 2020 Speech from the Throne are wholly insufficient to address the scope of the challenges faced by affected provinces.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government to take the following actions to address the situation:1. That the Government immediately increase and backdate the Fiscal Stabilization Program; and 2. That the Government commit to working with provinces to address the current inequities that exist in the Equalization Formula.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about the current equalization formula.The Government recognizes that Alberta is indispensable to the social and economic fabric of Canada and it is committed to supporting Alberta families, workers and businesses.  The Government provides significant financial support to all provinces and territories to support social programs.  In 2021-22, Alberta will receive $6.8 billion through major transfers to help pay for health care, education and other social services.In addition to the funding regularly provided to provinces and territories through major transfers, the Government has announced significant direct support for provinces and territories to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government provided more than $1.9 billion in direct payments to the Government of Alberta through the Safe Restart Agreement, the Safe Return to Class Fund and the Essential Workers Support Fund. Budget 2021 reiterates the Government’s commitment to supporting provinces and territories through COVID-19. For instance, the Government has committed $4 billion to continue supporting Canada’s health care systems, including $465.3 million for Alberta, as well as $1 billion for our country’s immunization plan, including $116.3 million for Alberta. Moreover, thanks as well to the unprecedented investment by the federal government to help stabilize the economy with broad measures to support businesses and individuals, provincial and territorial tax bases will benefit from the economic effects of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, Canada Emergency Business Account and other programs.Equalization is the Government of Canada’s transfer program used to reduce fiscal disparities among provinces.  The principle of Equalization is set out in the Constitution, namely “to ensure that provincial governments have sufficient revenues to provide reasonably comparable levels of public services at reasonably comparable levels of taxation.”  Since its inception in 1957, the Equalization program has provided benefits at some point in time to every province in Canada. Equalization is funded entirely by the federal government from general revenues; provincial governments make no contributions to the Equalization program. The allocation of Equalization payments is based on a measure of fiscal capacity, which represents the revenues a province could raise if it were to tax at the national average tax rate.  Equalization supports provinces that have a lower-than-average ability to raise revenues by filling the gap between a province’s fiscal capacity and the national average fiscal capacity.  Alberta does not receive Equalization because it has a higher-than-average ability to raise revenues, despite its recent economic challenges.  Equalization reduces, but does not eliminate fiscal disparities; the fiscal capacities of non-receiving provinces remain above the national average. Equalization payments are calculated according to a formula set out in the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Actand in regulations made under the Act.  The legislation governing the Equalization program is reviewed on a periodic basis to ensure the program is meeting its objectives and using the most up-to-date and accurate measures in the determination of provincial entitlements.  The federal government consults regularly with provincial governments as part of the review process.  For example, regular working level meetings were held between federal and provincial officials to discuss the 2019 renewal of Equalization.  Provinces were also consulted on the renewal at the December 2017 Federal-Provincial-Territorial Finance Ministers’ Meeting.  Equalization was renewed for a five-year period beginning April 1, 2019 through the Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No. 1, which received Royal Assent on June 21, 2018.  Improvements to the accuracy and efficiency of the calculation of entitlements were made through amendments to the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Regulations, 2007, which were published in the Canada Gazette Part II, Vol. 152, No. 14 on July 11, 2018.  The Government of Canada will continue to work collaboratively with all provinces on Equalization in the lead-up to the next renewal of the program, which must take place before March 31, 2024.Another program – the Fiscal Stabilization Program – provides financial assistance to provinces in the event of sudden, significant declines in revenues, even if the province does not qualify for Equalization.  The program provides financial assistance to any province faced with a year-over-year decrease of more than 5 per cent in its non-resource revenues or of more than 50 per cent in its resource revenues, with adjustments for interactions between the revenue sources.  Payments are currently capped at $60 per person for a given fiscal year.The Fiscal Stabilization program was last reviewed in 1995 and, following calls from provincial and territorial governments and academics for the program to be modernized, the federal government is proposing reforms as announced in the Fall Economic Statement 2020.Specifically, the federal government is proposing to index the maximum payment of $60 per capita, which was set in 1987, to total Canadian economic growth per person since that time.  This means that the cap would nearly triple to about $170 per person in 2019-20 and 2020-21, and would grow thereafter in line with Canadian economic growth per person.  In years when the economy declines, the cap would remain at its preceding year’s level.  The Minister of Finance would retain the discretion to extend interest-free loans for eligible revenue declines above the cap, if requested by a province.  In addition, the federal government is proposing technical changes to modernize and simplify the program. The higher cap would apply to 2019-20 Stabilization claims and onward and could provide billions in additional support to provinces for revenue declines experienced in 2020-21.  For Alberta in particular, the maximum payment for 2020-21 is projected to rise from $265 million to $752 million as a result of this change.  These changes would make the Fiscal Stabilization program more generous when provinces need help the most.The Government recognizes that energy-producing regions are facing the compounding challenges of COVID-19 and the shock to oil prices.  The federal government has therefore announced significant funding to assist oil-producing provinces, including:
  • $1 billion to Alberta;
  • $400 million to Saskatchewan;
  • $320 million to Newfoundland and Labrador; and
  • A fully-repayable loan of $200 million to the Alberta Orphan Well Association, to clean up orphan and inactive oil and gas wells. 
In addition, the federal government is providing support to conventional and offshore oil and gas companies through the Emissions Reduction Fund.
Equalization formulaFederal-provincial-territorial fiscal arrangementsFiscal Stabilization Program
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 23, 2021432-00939432-00939 (Justice)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservativeABMay 10, 2021June 23, 2021February 12, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, property rights are not clearly outlined in Canada's Constitution and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, therefore leading to a clear and obvious lack of ability for citizens to be protected by measures that exist to protect other fundamental rights. Whereas, this exclusion has led to the systematic discrimination against citizens; including landowners, first nations people, minority law abiding firearms owners, and others subject to unfair legislative practises. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government to take the following actions to address the situation:1. That the Government should seek the agreement of the provinces to amend the Constitution to include property rights; and2. That the Government should also take steps to enact legislation to ensure that full, just, and timely compensation will be paid to all persons who are deprived of personal or private property as a result of any federal government initiative, policy, process, regulation or legislation.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiDuring the negotiations and debates prior to the adoption of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982 (which forms part of the Constitution of Canada), it was decided that the final text would not contain a constitutionally-protected right to property. Provinces expressed concerns that property rights would interfere with their authority to make laws relating to property and civil rights as provided for under the Constitution Act, 1867. The Government also notes that the Canadian Bill of Rights, which was adopted by Parliament in 1960, remains in force and is treated by the courts as having "quasi-constitutional" status. Subsection 1(a) protects the right of individuals to the enjoyment of property and the right not to be deprived of that right without due process of law.If a federal law cannot be sensibly construed and applied so that it does not abrogate, abridge or infringe the rights and freedoms recognized and declared by the Canadian Bill of Rights, then such law is inoperative unless Parliament has expressly declared that it shall operate notwithstanding the Canadian Bill of Rights.
ConstitutionGovernment compensationProperty rights
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 23, 2021e-3206e-3206 (Health)PennyMacCourtPaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCFebruary 24, 2021, at 11:52 a.m. (EDT)April 25, 2021, at 11:52 a.m. (EDT)May 10, 2021June 23, 2021April 26, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons in Parliament assembled</Addressee>Whereas:COVID-19 has exposed both the degradation and suffering of vulnerable seniors in many long-term care (LTC) facilities, and the instability of the work force;Privatization and deregulation have eroded the care seniors receive and profit is made at a cost to seniors, workers and taxpayers;The number of direct care hours allocated per resident is neither standardized nor regulated;Profit is made by underpaying and overworking frontline staff, which leads to high turnover and employment in multiple facilities, increasing risk of infections;Profit is made by subcontracting food, laundry and other services often to the lowest bidder;Government doesn’t have an effective monitoring system to identify substandard care in LTC facilities, nor enforceable consequences; andFamily members or councils are often the first to identify inadequate care.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Include long-term care in the public health system under the Canada Health Act;2. Work with provinces to develop national standards for person-centred relational care that includes the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario’s Basic Care Guarantee staffing formula;3. Eliminate profit-making by government-funded corporate for-profit chains by ensuring funds provided are spent as allocated and by banning subcontracting;4. Standardize equitable and living wages and benefits, and implement single-site employment, for all staff;5. Ensure government oversight and initiate strong penalties and claw-backs for facilities not complying with standards and regulations; and6. Require independent family councils with protected rights.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellAs we have seen throughout this pandemic, vulnerable populations have been greatly affected by the consequences of this public health crisis. COVID-19 has resulted in tragedies in long-term care (LTC) facilities and nursing homes right across the country.The provision of long-term care falls under the jurisdiction of the provinces and territories (PTs). The Canada Health Act (CHA) sets out federal requirements for the coverage of insured hospital and physician services that provinces and territories must meet in order to receive their full federal health transfers under the Canada Health Transfer (CHT). As an extended service under the Act, PTs are not obligated to insure LTC, but must cover the cost of physician services delivered at LTC facilities. All PTs have elected to provide additional public funding for long-term care. The Government of Canada will provide a record $43.1 billion in CHT funding for provinces and territories in 2021-22, with funding amounts growing year-over-year. The Government of Canada also announced a onetime $4 billion top-up to the 2020-21 CHT funding, acknowledging the pandemic’s strain on health care systems.While the CHA establishes broad, national principles that govern the Canadian health care insurance system as a whole, the Act does not set standards for the delivery of specific services, including long-term care, which would go beyond the federal jurisdiction.In the 2020 Speech from the Throne, the Government of Canada committed to work with provinces and territories to set new national standards for long-term care so that seniors get the best support possible. The Government also committed to look at further targeted measures for personal support workers, who do an essential service helping the most vulnerable in our communities. Canada must better value their work and their contributions to our society.The government welcomes the news that the Heath Standards Organization and Canadian Standards Association are launching a process to help address the issues identified in long-term care facilities. The Health Standards Organization’s and Canadian Standards Association’s work with governments, stakeholders, and Canadians to develop national standards will help inform our ongoing discussions with provinces and territories on improving the quality of life of seniors in long-term care.Budget 2021 proposes to provide $3 billion over five years to Health Canada to support provinces and territories in ensuring standards for long-term care are applied and permanent changes are made. The federal government will work collaboratively with provinces and territories, while respecting their jurisdiction over health care, including long-term care. This work would ensure seniors and those in care live in safe and dignified conditions. Budget 2021 also proposes to provide funding of $27.6 million over three years for my65+, a Group Tax-Free Savings Account offered by the Service Employees International Union Healthcare, to support incentives for personal support workers, home care workers and essential workers involved in senior care. In addition, the Budget includes $960 million over three years in funding for a new Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program to help sectors design and deliver relevant training, and connect up to 90,000 Canadians with the training they need to access good jobs. This includes sectors like health, including the need for more accredited personal support workers.This is in addition to the 2020 Fall Economic Statement’s commitment of up to $1 billion through the Safe LTC Fund to support infection prevention and control through making improvements to ventilation, hiring additional staff, and topping up wages. The 2020 Fall Economic Statement also included funding to offer an accelerated training for up to 4,000 personal support worker interns to address critical labour shortages in long-term care facilities and home care.To date, the Government has been working alongside provinces and territories to address the impacts of COVID-19 in a number of ways:
  • The Government of Canada and provincial/territorial governments reached a Safe Restart Agreement in 2020. The Agreement involved investment of over $19 billion in federal funding to help provinces and territories restart the economy over a period of six to eight months, while making Canada more resilient for the future. This included $740 million in funding to support our most vulnerable populations, including infection prevention and control measures to protect those in long-term care, and those receiving home care and palliative care.
  • The Public Health Agency of Canada released evidence-informed guidelines to help residents, seniors and health care workers in long-term care homes remain safe and healthy. Infection Prevention and Control for COVID-19: Interim Guidance for Long-Term Care Homes provides recommendations that complement provincial and territorial public health efforts to prevent and control health care-associated infections.
  • Complementing this, the Public Health Agency of Canada released new guidance on the care of residents in long-term care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. This guidance provides health care providers working in long-term care homes with interim advice on important aspects of care for all long-term care residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, and on the timely and safe supportive management of residents with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
  • Up to $3 billion in federal funding has been offered to provinces and territories to support increased wages of low-income essential workers, which can include front-line workers in hospitals and long-term care facilities.
  • In collaboration with partners, Healthcare Excellence Canada has launched the LTC+ initiative to spread promising practices in preventing and mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on long-term care and retirement homes. With an additional $6.4 million from the Fall Economic Statement, the goal of the initiative is to better position participating facilities to prevent and manage any future outbreaks.
  • Health Canada continues to work with the Canadian Red Cross to support provinces and territories facing outbreaks in long-term care. Specifically, the Canadian Red Cross is recruiting and training paid volunteers in order to support epidemic prevention and control, basic care for long-term care residents and long-term care site administration.
  • The Government of Canada has also adapted the Investing in Canada Infrastructure program to respond to the impacts of COVID-19. A new temporary COVID-19 Resilience stream has been created to provide provinces and territories with added flexibility to use existing resources to fund quick-start, short-term projects, including health infrastructure, such as long-term care homes.
These targeted investments are in addition to annual CHT investments of $43.1 billion to provinces and territories, and the $6 billion over ten years for provinces and territories the Government is providing to improve access home and community care services, including palliative care. Although funding is not specifically targeted to facility-based long-term care, this investment is expected to help more Canadians receive the care and services they need so that they may remain at home longer, and also allow the provinces and territories to optimize the long-term care resources at their disposal. COVID-19 has exposed a number of issues and challenges in the way we care for seniors in Canada. With an aging population, increasing rates of chronic disease and cost pressures tied to new drugs and technologies, our health system must adapt if it is to deliver better care and better outcomes at an affordable cost.The Government of Canada will continue to work in collaboration with provinces and territories to address issues in long-term care facilities, in order to help keep seniors safe and improve their quality of life, and ensure seniors and those in care live in safe and dignified conditions.
Health care systemLong-term careRegulation
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 23, 2021e-3193e-3193 (Transportation)ScottPettigrewWarrenSteinleyRegina—LewvanConservativeSKFebruary 18, 2021, at 6:23 p.m. (EDT)April 19, 2021, at 6:23 p.m. (EDT)May 10, 2021June 23, 2021April 21, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="271245" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Transport</Addressee>Whereas:The Regina International Airport is an important public service and economic driver for the province of Saskatchewan;The air travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors have suffered among the most significant financial losses and business disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic;The Regina International Airport’s air traffic control tower provides high quality jobs at a time of extreme employment uncertainty;Reduced service levels at Regina International Airport would eliminate or severely jeopardize commercial passenger air travel creating significant economic repercussions;Canadian Armed Forces members routinely use the Regina area airspace for high-speed flight training operations;This closure would jeopardize the safety of local airspace, and it is imperative that current safety levels remain intact; andReduced flight availability would directly lead to travel accessibility issues for hundreds of thousands of Canadians who live in the large geographical area serviced by Regina International Airport.We, the undersigned, residents of Saskatchewan, call upon the Minister of Transport to:1. Instruct NAV Canada to immediately cancel their service level review of Regina International Airport’s air traffic control tower; and2. Explicitly oppose any decision or recommendation that advocates for the closure or reduction of service levels at Regina International Airport’s air traffic control tower.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraNAV Canada is a private, arm’s length corporation, mandated to manage Canada’s air navigation services. The Minister cannot unilaterally stop the NAV Canada Corporation from conducting a level of service review without contravening the Civil Air Navigation Services Commercialization Act (CANSCA) and the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs):
  • From CANSCA, “the Corporation has the right to plan and manage Canadian airspace and any other airspace in respect of which Canada has responsibility for the provision of air traffic control services, other than airspace under the control of a person acting under the authority of the Minister of National Defence.
  • From CAR 806.02 (1): “Every person who provides a civil air navigation service shall, where the person proposes to terminate the service or to reduce the level of service that is provided, notify the Minister.”
That being said, as safety regulator, Transport Canada will not permit any changes that would introduce unnecessary safety risk into the system. Before undertaking any action, NAV Canada would have to submit aeronautical studies to Transport Canada to identify the risks to aviation safety and how to eliminate or reduce those risks.  The role of the Minister pertaining to the review of service by NAV Canada is toward safety, and to ensure that any proposed changes will not increase unnecessary risk to aviation safety.From CAR 806.02:    
  • On receipt of a notice referred to in subsection (1) from the ANS Corporation, the Minister may request the ANS Corporation to conduct an aeronautical study for the purpose of demonstrating that the risk to aviation safety would not be unacceptably increased by the proposed termination or reduction in the level of service. 
  • Where, after reviewing an aeronautical study conducted pursuant to subsection (2), the Minister is of the opinion that an unacceptable risk to aviation safety would result from the proposed termination or reduction in the level of service, the Minister may, by order, direct the ANS Corporation to maintain its level of service in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in the order.
 
Air traffic control and air traffic controllersAirportsRegina International Airport
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 23, 2021432-00936432-00936 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 10, 2021June 23, 2021March 8, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 23, 2021432-00935432-00935 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 10, 2021June 23, 2021September 30, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the human rights violations by Chinese authorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities face torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, obligatory patriotic and cultural education, as well as forced labour. Reports detail closures and destruction of Uyghur religious sites, including mosques and shrines important to that community’s religious, ethnic, and cultural identity. There are also reports of mass arbitrary forced separation of children from their parents by authorities. There are credible reports of forced sterilization, systematic rape and gender-based sexual violence. Throughout the region, Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities also face repressive physical and digital surveillance, which includes severe restrictions on movement, the forced collection of biometric data, and coercive police surveillance. The actions by the Chinese government are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.Canada has acted to address the repression, which is systematic, state-led and ongoing.  Concerns over the human rights situation in the XUAR were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in the XUAR (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020; February 2021). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong.Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.On January 12, the Government of Canada announced that it is adopting a comprehensive approach to addressing human rights abuses in the XUAR. This included measures to address forced labour, via the prohibition of imports into Canada of goods made in whole or part with forced labour and a business integrity declaration for Canadian exporters. Global Affairs Canada will continue to work closely with Canadian firms doing business in or with China to help them understand and mitigate the risks of doing business with entities possibly implicated in forced labour.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.On March 22, 2021, Canada announced sanctions against 4 officials and 1 entity under the Special Economic Measures (People’s Republic of China) Regulations, based on their participation in gross and systematic human rights violations in the XUAR. The Regulations impose a dealings ban on listed persons, which prohibits any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada from undertaking a broad range of financial and business transactions with any of the listed individuals or entities. The individuals listed in the schedule to the regulations are also rendered inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. These measures were taken in coordination with the United States and the United Kingdom, and in solidarity with the European Union. These sanctions underscore Canada’s grave concerns with the ongoing human rights violations occurring in the XUAR, affecting Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities.Canada will continue to call on the People’s Republic of China to fulfill its international human rights obligations and to allow for meaningful, unfettered access to the XUAR so that impartial experts can observe and report on the situation first-hand. Canada will work collaboratively with partners to address the human rights situation in Xinjiang. We have the responsibility to work with others in the international community to ensure that allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity are investigated by an independent international body of legal experts.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 23, 2021432-00934432-00934 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 10, 2021June 23, 2021May 29, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 22, 2021432-01006432-01006 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 31, 2021June 22, 2021April 20, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas the Canadian Parliament has unanimously passed the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, also known as the Sergei Magnitsky Act, to sanction corrupt foreign officials who, among others, are responsible for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights;Whereas the Former Chinese Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin and his cohorts personally ordered, launched, orchestrated and executed the eradication campaign against Falun Gong using state apparatus, including the extrajudicial torture and killing of Falun Gong practitioners in large numbers with impunity for the past 19 years for their beliefs in "truthfulness, compassion and tolerance”; and whereas Falun Gong practitioners have been killed for their organs in China on a massive scale, which has been well documented and widely reported;Whereas extensive evidence points to fourteen key officials and former officials of the Chinese communist regime who demonstrate prime culpability in the human rights atrocities committed against Falun Gong practitioners in China.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against these perpetrators under the Sergei Magnitsky Act.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 22, 2021432-01005432-01005 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 31, 2021June 22, 2021September 30, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the human rights violations by Chinese authorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities face torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, obligatory patriotic and cultural education, as well as forced labour. Reports detail closures and destruction of Uyghur religious sites, including mosques and shrines important to that community’s religious, ethnic, and cultural identity. There are also reports of mass arbitrary forced separation of children from their parents by authorities. There are credible reports of forced sterilization, systematic rape and gender-based sexual violence. Throughout the region, Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities also face repressive physical and digital surveillance, which includes severe restrictions on movement, the forced collection of biometric data, and coercive police surveillance. The actions by the Chinese government are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.Canada has acted to address the repression, which is systematic, state-led and ongoing.  Concerns over the human rights situation in the XUAR were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in the XUAR (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020; February 2021). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong.Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.On January 12, the Government of Canada announced that it is adopting a comprehensive approach to addressing human rights abuses in the XUAR. This included measures to address forced labour, via the prohibition of imports into Canada of goods made in whole or part with forced labour and a business integrity declaration for Canadian exporters. Global Affairs Canada will continue to work closely with Canadian firms doing business in or with China to help them understand and mitigate the risks of doing business with entities possibly implicated in forced labour.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.On March 22, 2021, Canada announced sanctions against 4 officials and 1 entity under the Special Economic Measures (People’s Republic of China) Regulations, based on their participation in gross and systematic human rights violations in the XUAR. The Regulations impose a dealings ban on listed persons, which prohibits any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada from undertaking a broad range of financial and business transactions with any of the listed individuals or entities. The individuals listed in the schedule to the regulations are also rendered inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. These measures were taken in coordination with the United States and the United Kingdom, and in solidarity with the European Union. These sanctions underscore Canada’s grave concerns with the ongoing human rights violations occurring in the XUAR, affecting Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities.Canada will continue to call on the People’s Republic of China to fulfill its international human rights obligations and to allow for meaningful, unfettered access to the XUAR so that impartial experts can observe and report on the situation first-hand. Canada will work collaboratively with partners to address the human rights situation in Xinjiang. We have the responsibility to work with others in the international community to ensure that allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity are investigated by an independent international body of legal experts.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 22, 2021432-01004432-01004 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 31, 2021June 22, 2021March 8, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 22, 2021432-00961432-00961 (Business and trade)ChrisLewisEssexConservativeONMay 13, 2021June 22, 2021May 3, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWHEREAS
  • More than 12,000 Independent Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions, and these Small Business owners are Sole Proprietors.
  • 100% of Travel Advisors' income comes from commissions earned from their Travel Suppliers, and because of their delayed revenue stream, it takes between 5 and 11 months for Travel Advisors to be paid for work done on the booking of clients' trips.
  • The CRB has been the sole source of assistance for most Independent Travel Advisors, who are still actively working in their businesses, but unable to earn revenue.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Extend the CRB for 6 months past the lifting of all Travel Advisories, for Travel Advisors
  • Maintain the CRB at the current amount ($2,000/ month) for sectors hardest hit by COVID, including Travel Advisors
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability InclusionSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Government of Canada recognizes that many Canadians continue to face financial impacts as a result of the ongoing pandemic. During these unprecedented times, the Government of Canada has focused on putting in place measures to help as many Canadians as possible in a timely manner.The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) was an important and necessary temporary response to support Canadian workers, including the self-employed, who stopped working due to COVID-19. The CERB provided a weekly amount of $500 for up to 28 weeks, between March 15, 2020 and October 3, 2020. As part of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, the Government has transitioned from the CERB to a simplified Employment Insurance (EI) program, effective September 27, 2020, to provide income support to eligible workers who remain unable to work. These measures include, allowing workers to qualify for EI one-time with 120 hours of work, introducing a minimum benefit rate of $500 per week (or $300 for extended parental benefits), providing a maximum entitlement of up to 50 weeks of regular benefits, and temporarily waiving the waiting period for new EI claims established between January 31, 2021 and September 25, 2021.The Government of Canada also introduced a suite of three benefits to support economic recovery and workers who are unable to work due to COVID-19. These three benefits are delivered by the Canada Revenue Agency and are available from September 27, 2020 to September 25, 2021: the Canada Recovery Benefit, the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit, and the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit.The Canada Recovery Benefit gives income support to workers ineligible for EI who, for reasons related to COVID-19, are not employed or self-employed or are working but had their earnings reduced by at least 50 percent. In February 2021, the Government announced changes to the Canada Recovery Benefit that would increase the number of weeks available by 12 weeks extending the maximum duration of benefits from 26 weeks to up to 38 weeks.  To continue to support workers through a transition away from emergency income supports and position Canadians for the recovery, the Government has proposed in Budget 2021 to provide up to 12 additional weeks of Canada Recovery Benefit to a maximum of 50 weeks. The first four of these additional 12 weeks will be paid at $500 per week. As the economy reopens over the coming months, the Government intends that the remaining 8 weeks of this extension will be paid at a lower amount of $300 per week claimed. All new Canada Recovery Benefit claimants after July 17, 2021 would also receive the $300 per week benefit, available up until September 25, 2021.The trajectory of the pandemic and economic recovery remain uncertain. To ensure flexibility as the pandemic progresses, Budget 2021 proposes legislative amendments to provide authority for additional potential extensions of the Canada Recovery Benefit and its associated suite of sickness and caregiving benefits, until no later than November 20, 2021, should they be needed.
Canada Recovery BenefitCOVID-19PandemicTravel agencies
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 22, 2021432-00948432-00948 (Natural resources and energy)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCMay 11, 2021June 22, 2021February 3, 2020PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWe, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:THAT, WHEREAS the Trudeau administration has announced it will spend $4.5 billion of public funds on acquiring the existing Trans Mountain pipeline from Kinder Morgan;WHEREAS this $4.5 billion is not inclusive of construction costs for the expansion, projected to increase the cost of the deal to over $11 billion; WHEREAS the pipeline was valued at $550 million by Kinder Morgan in 2007; WHEREAS the expansion still has to pass the National Energy Board's 157 conditions and over a dozen court challenges before it can be built; WHEREAS during the election, Trudeau promised to overhaul the Harper administration's deeply flawed pipeline approval process, respect Indigenous rights, and end fossil fuel subsidies; WHEREAS a diluted bitumen spill would devastate local ecosystems and economies on the West Coast, or any area surrounding the 800 bodies of water its path crosses; WHEREAS there is no proven way to clean up a diluted bitumen spill in a marine environment; WHEREAS shipping out unprocessed diluted bitumen to refineries in other countries ships out Canadian jobs; and WHEREAS the Trans Mountain expansion will; lock in oil-sands production growth that cannot be reconciled with Canada's greenhouse gas emissions reduction commitments, increase the risk of a diluted bitumen spill, violate the rights of Indigenous communities along the pipeline route, threaten Indigenous communities reliant on the marine environment for their livelihood and cultural practices THEREFORE, we, the undersigned, RESIDENTS OF CANADA, call upon the GOVERNMENT OF CANADA to immediately halt any plans to purchase the Trans Mountain pipeline or otherwise support its expansion.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about Canada’s purchase of the Trans Mountain Corporation (TMC) as well as views on TMC’s Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP).On June 18, 2019, the Government of Canada approved TMEP by directing the Canada Energy Regulator to issue a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity and Environmental Assessment Decision Statement related to TMEP.The environment and the economy go hand-in-hand. When we create prosperity today, we can invest in the clean jobs, technologies, and infrastructure of the future — and help Canadians benefit from opportunities presented by a rapidly changing economy.The key to creating prosperity is finding new markets for our businesses to sell their products and services. Nowhere is the need to diversify greater than for our energy sector, where 99 per cent of our conventional resources are sold to one market — and often at large discounts. Canadians understand that we need to open up new international markets, in order to get a full and fair price, support workers and their families, and foster competitiveness. The Government’s approval of TMEP was based on the confidence that:
  • strong environmental protections have been and continue to be put in place, and that the effects of TMEP can be mitigated through conditions and recommendations outlined by the National Energy Board, as well as measures including the historic $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan and the national climate plan.
  • consultations with Indigenous peoples involved meaningful, two-way dialogue, which fulfilled the legal duty to consult and helped identify new accommodation measures and conditions to appropriately address potential impacts on Indigenous rights and concerns expressed by Indigenous communities.
On February 7, 2020, TMC announced that its Board of Directors had approved a total cost estimate of $12.6 billion to bring TMEP into service by the end of 2022. The Government is confident that the TMEP will generate a positive return for Canadians.TMEP as it stands today is very different from the project that Kinder Morgan proposed in 2017. It has been designed to a higher standard for environmental protection, undergone rigorous consultation with Indigenous groups and will support union jobs in B.C. and Alberta. These enhancements have improved TMEP, ensured that construction proceeds in the right way, and that it will support the Canadian economy today and into the future.The Government also announced that every dollar the federal government earns from TMEP will be invested in Canada’s clean energy transition. It is estimated that additional tax revenues from TMEP alone could generate $500 million per year once the project has been completed. This money will be invested in clean energy projects that will power our homes, businesses, and communities for generations to come.In addition, the Government launched the second step of its engagement process with Indigenous groups on June 9, 2020, to explore the possibility of Indigenous economic participation in the Project. In this step of the engagement process, the Government is focused on building consensus on the form of economic participation in the Project preferred by participating Indigenous groups: equity and/or revenue sharing; and identifying or supporting the formation of one or more entities to represent participating Indigenous groups in negotiations with Canada.By moving forward with TMEP, the Government is creating jobs, diversifying markets, accelerating Canada’s clean energy transition, and opening up new avenues for Indigenous economic prosperity.
NationalizationOil and gasTrans Mountain pipeline
43rd Parliament229Not certifiedJune 22, 2021e-3353e-3353 (Natural resources and energy)RodneySavidgeJenicaAtwinFrederictonGreen PartyNBApril 22, 2021, at 4:47 p.m. (EDT)June 21, 2021, at 4:47 p.m. (EDT)June 22, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Our wild forests built Canada as a nation and in principle are renewable;Canada's forests comprise numerous tree species each fit to survive in particular geographic provenances;Understanding of the physiological basis for intrinsic survival fitness remains rudimentary for all of Canada's tree species and provenances;Rapid climate change is underway and threatens ongoing survival of our forests;Scientific research to understand tree survival fitness is no more long term and no less important than the activities of Canada Space Agency;Advancing scientific knowledge about intrinsic survival fitness of our trees will ensure that Canada's forests can be sustained in perpetuity; andUnder the Department of the Environment Act, Environment and Climate Change Canada has responsibility to preserve and enhance Canada's native flora.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Create and fund the National Council of Tree Science Research within the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Canada;2. Provide funding and infrastructure support comparable to that presently provided to the Canada Space Agency; and3. Emphasize fundamental research to understand and ensure ongoing survival fitness in each of Canada's tree species and its native geographic provenances, and support the research of physiologists, histologists, cell biologists, molecular biologists, biochemists, biophysicists, and geneticists, in each research institution.Scientific research and scientistsTrees43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 21, 2021432-00933432-00933 (Health)PaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCMay 7, 2021June 21, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament AssembledWHEREAS:
  • The majority of COVID-19 communications and mandates by health officials include social distancing, masking, hand sanitizing, contact tracing, and vaccination;
  • Natural, time-tested immune system essentials and holistic health practices have received less attention for their role in preventive healthcare;
  • A holistic and complementary approach to health would be more affordable for taxpayers than treating disease;
  • Many Canadians already invest in natural immunity, proactive self-care and prevention strategies;
  • Eating fresh vegetables, exercising, managing stress, drinking water, walking in fresh air/sunshine and getting adequate sleep are simple and cost-effective measures to improve immune function and overall wellness;
  • Vitamin D has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms associated with COVID-19;
  • Many Canadians are deficient in Vitamin D during winter months and yet are isolating for safety in their homes without supplementing;
  • Other vitamins and nutrients essential for optimal immunity and overall health include Vitamin C, Zinc, Selenium and plant extracts, and show promising results for COVID-19 prevention;
  • Greater attention and education on natural health solutions would help optimize Canadians' immune systems, increasing quality of life and productivity;
THEREFORE, we the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada respectfully request that the Government of Canada: 1) Educate and empower Canadians on holistic approaches to optimize and maintain their natural immunity and wellbeing. 2) Cover practices for health sustainability and wellness care under the Canada Health Act, including chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, and meopathic and naturopathic medicines. 3) Support, promote, and enhance Canadians' access to holistic health services and natural products. 4) Include immune-strengthening measures and practices in COVID-19 prevention messaging.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellThe Government of Canada is responsible for establishing and administering legislation and regulations to ensure the safety, efficacy and quality of natural health products sold in Canada. Health Canada recognizes that, for many Canadians, natural health products are an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including helping to maintain and support immune function.Natural health products in Canada (such as vitamin and mineral supplements and herbal products) are regulated under the Natural Health Products Regulations (NHPR), which were created to differentiate natural health products from prescription and non-prescription drugs, which are regulated under the Food and Drug Regulations.Natural health products are generally low-risk products meant to be used by individuals for minor, non-serious conditions. However, low-risk does not mean no risk. That is why Health Canada reviews the safety, efficacy and quality of natural health products prior to their entry on the Canadian market, in accordance with the NHPR and will take appropriate action. Health Canada has not authorized an application for a product containing Vitamin D with claims to reduce symptoms associated with COVID-19. Claims related to prevention of COVID-19 infection or symptomatic treatment of COVID-19 are considered higher risk and would require a high degree of supporting scientific evidence prior to approval for this use.It may be of interest to note that the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development recently completed audit report of Health Canada’s Natural Health Products Program. A number of recommendations were made as a result, all of which Health Canada agrees with.Although the federal government plays a crucial role in supporting health care by providing funding to the provinces and territories, the provincial and territorial governments have primary jurisdiction in the administration and delivery of health care services. This includes determining which services to cover under their respective health care insurance plans. Under the Canada Health Act, a province or territory must provide coverage for medically necessary hospital and physician services (i.e., insured health services, including access to holistic health services) to their eligible residents. Wellness care and practices aimed at sustaining health, including chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, and homeopathic and naturopathic medicines, are part of a range of additional services and benefits, which are outside the scope of the Act, and may be provided at provincial and territorial discretion, on their own terms and conditions. 
COVID-19Natural health productsPandemicPublic health
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 21, 2021432-00932432-00932 (Environment)PaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCMay 7, 2021June 21, 2021May 3, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWhereas:
  • Indigenous peoples have rights and title to their traditional territories and have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial;
  • the climate crisis requires action by all levels of government and industry;
  • old-growth forests provide immeasurable benefits, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity, culture, recreation, education, food and more;
  • valley-bottom high productivity old-growth ecosystems in British Columbia are endangered;
  • of the remaining 2.7% of original high productivity old-growth forests in British Columbia, 75% are still slated to be logged;
  • only 9% of the original 360,000 hectares of valley-bottom high productivity old-growth on Vancouver Island remain today; only 2.6% of those forests are protected in parks;
  • the last unprotected intact old-growth valley on Southern Vancouver Island, Fairy Creek, is slated for logging, along with the upper Walbran Valley and other remaining pockets of old growth;
  • most Canadians support sustainable harvesting of second and third growth forests, but do not support logging old-growth trees or destroying their surrounding ecosystems.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Work with the provinces and First Nations to immediately halt logging of endangered old-growth ecosystems; 2. Fund the long-term protection of old-growth ecosystems as a priority for Canada's climate action plan and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;3. Support value-added forestry initiatives in partnership with First Nations to ensure Canada's forestry industry is sustainable, and based on the harvesting of second and third growth forests;4. Ban the export of raw logs and maximize resource use for local jobs;5. Ban the use of whole trees for wood pellet biofuel production.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mr. Marc G. SerréThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views regarding British Columbia’s forests.Canada’s 347 million hectares of forest make up nine percent of the world’s forests. According to the latest statistics, dating back to December of 2020, Canada is maintaining roughly 164 million hectares of forests that are certified as sustainably-managed by independent groups. That represents 36 percent of all certified sustainable forests in the world. No nation matches Canada’s record in this area. Furthermore, less than one percent of Canada's forest lands is harvested annually. That is significantly smaller than the roughly 5.5 percent of forest land burned by wildfires or affected by insects.Additionally, the forest sector provided 205,000 jobs for Canadians in 2019, including about 12,000 jobs for Indigenous people. It was the primary source of economic well-being for 300 communities across Canada. As highlighted by the pandemic, forest sector services and products are essential to Canadians, helping to produce personal protective equipment from facemasks to hospital gowns.Forests preserve soils, cycle nutrients, support biodiversity and act as natural cleansers, filtering pollutants from the air and water. Active and sustainable harvest and management of forests also provide critical long-term climate benefits. Protecting older forests allows for greater amounts of carbon to be stored, though it should be noted that mature trees can eventually begin to decay and become carbon emissions sources. Meanwhile, replanting allows for the removal of carbon from the atmosphere as new trees grow. Changes in forest management and the use of harvested wood products can therefore contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change. The Government of Canada is also supporting the increased use of carbon-storing wood products as a substitution for emissions-intensive construction materials.About 90 percent of Canada’s forests are located on provincial and territorial Crown lands, and provincial and territorial governments manage these forests in accordance with the Constitution. In British Columbia, the province owns about 96 percent of the forested land. Provinces and territories have exclusive powers to develop and enforce their legislation, standards and programs to ensure the development, conservation and management of forest resources. Although rules, regulations, and policies that guide forest management vary between provinces and territories, they are all based on the principles of sustainable forest management. By provincial law, the forest industry must renew and maintain all harvested areas to provide for the sustainability of Crown forests. British Columbia’sforest management regime requires licensees operating on Crown lands to meet consultation obligations. This includes the requirement that forest stewardship plans be shared and discussed with affected First Nations.The Government of Canada works closely with provinces and territories to provide science that support sustainable forest management. The federal government is responsible for international trade in forest products and forest management on federal lands, and works closely with First Nations communities to ensure that they secure the economic benefits of Canada’s sustainable forestry industry.Over 1.1 million Indigenous people in Canada live in or near forests and, in British Columbia, the more than 5,000 Indigenous employees in the forest sector represent approximately 10 percent of the labour force, according to the 2016 Census. Increasingly, Government of Canada scientists are carrying out collaborative research with Indigenous communities centred on knowledge co-creation. This means that forest science research and tools developed to support sustainable forest management practices are informed by western and Indigenous science, and reflect local cultures as well as community values and priorities. This approach is important to the government’s reconciliation efforts, as forests provide significant economic benefits to these communities. Forests are also essential to spiritual and cultural traditions for many Indigenous Peoples. Those traditions include hunting, trapping, and the harvesting of medicines and culturally significant plants.In 2019, British Columbia became the first jurisdiction in Canada to introduce legislation to fully implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The legislation mandates that the provincial government bring its laws and policies into harmony with the UN Declaration’s objectives. It also mandated that future legislative amendments be required to enable joint and consent-based decision-making.The Government of Canada has made significant commitments in its Strengthened Climate Plan to advance Indigenous climate leadership, making Indigenous environmental management a cornerstone of the Plan. Supporting self-determined climate action and providing inclusive decision-making guidance is critical to moving forward on reconciliation. This also includes guidance on working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to co-develop decision-making processes and forestry management regimes that will ensure all of Canada’s future climate actions help promote Indigenous self-determination. Through programs such as the Indigenous Forestry Initiative, the Government of Canada is committed to working with Indigenous peoples to ensure that their communities gain long-term sustainable benefits from the forest sector through these value-adding opportunities. Log production is integral for the domestic manufacturing industry, as well as international markets, for a wide range of forest products, including softwood lumber. The forest industry depends on getting sustainably produced products to these markets in a balanced approach between sustainable forest management and economic growth. The Government of Canada’s Notice to Exporters No. 102, regarding theexports of logs from British Columbia, form an important part of the federal government’s efforts to ensure the right balance between log exports and sustainable forest management. Companies exporting forest products from British Columbia must first undergo a surplus testing procedure in consultation with the provincial government to determine whether adequate supply remains in Canada. This helps to ensure sustainability.Like all forest industries in Canada, the wood pellet industry is governed by comprehensive provincial legislation, regulations, and policies that enable sustainable forest management. Strict monitoring and enforcement measures bolster provincial forest management, ensuring that Canada’s forests are harvested legally and sustainably. The majority of Canadian pellets, for instance, come from forests that have been certified for sustainable forest management. All Canadian industrial pellet exports are certified sustainable by the Sustainable Biomass Program—a third-party certification system demonstrating compliance with forest management regulations.Canada has 47 pellet plants across the country, with an annual capacity of about 4.6 million metric tonnes. Canadian wood pellets are made from sawmill and harvesting scrap, created by other industrial processes such as lumber production. In some cases, pellets are made from damaged or low-quality logs not suitable for milling into lumber or other forest products. Reusing forest industry waste to produce pellets improves harvesting efficiency by ensuring no part of the tree is wasted. This also reduces the costs of managing residue removal from forests, and in turn, reduces forest fuel load and forest fire risk.Canada’s strong system of forest laws, monitoring, and enforcement ensures that sustainable forest management is practiced in British Columbia and across the country in consultation and partnership with Indigenous peoples.
Environmental protectionForest policyIndigenous policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 21, 2021432-00931432-00931 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKMay 7, 2021June 21, 2021April 21, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • Sex selection abortion is legal as Canada has no legal restrictions on abortion;
  • Sex selective abortion is antithetical to our commitment to equality between men and women;
  • A 2019 DART & Maru/Blue poll, conducted for the National Post, showed that 84% of Canadians believe it should be illegal to have an abortion if the family does not want the child to be a certain sex;
  • International organizations including the World Health Organization, United Nations Women, and United Nations Children's Fund have identified unequal sex ratios at birth as a growing problem internationally;
  • Canada's health care profession recognizes sex selection as a problem.
Therefore, we the undersigned citizens of Canada call upon the House of Commons to pass a Criminal Code prohibition of sex selective abortion.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government of Canada condemns all practices that are motivated by discriminatory views of women and girls, including sex selective practices.In Canada, the administration and funding of health care services is a provincial responsibility that falls under the purview of the provincial governments. As is the case for other medical procedures, the delivery of abortion services is determined by the policies of the provincial governments and the standards set by the medical profession itself.
AbortionSexual discrimination
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 21, 2021432-00930432-00930 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 7, 2021June 21, 2021April 20, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 21, 2021432-00929432-00929 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 7, 2021June 21, 2021April 19, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 21, 2021432-00928432-00928 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 7, 2021June 21, 2021April 20, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas the Canadian Parliament has unanimously passed the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, also known as the Sergei Magnitsky Act, to sanction corrupt foreign officials who, among others, are responsible for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights;Whereas the Former Chinese Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin and his cohorts personally ordered, launched, orchestrated and executed the eradication campaign against Falun Gong using state apparatus, including the extrajudicial torture and killing of Falun Gong practitioners in large numbers with impunity for the past 19 years for their beliefs in "truthfulness, compassion and tolerance”; and whereas Falun Gong practitioners have been killed for their organs in China on a massive scale, which has been well documented and widely reported;Whereas extensive evidence points to fourteen key officials and former officials of the Chinese communist regime who demonstrate prime culpability in the human rights atrocities committed against Falun Gong practitioners in China.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against these perpetrators under the Sergei Magnitsky Act.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 21, 2021432-00927432-00927 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 7, 2021June 21, 2021May 29, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 21, 2021432-00926432-00926 (Employment and labour)JackHarrisSt. John's EastNDPNLMay 7, 2021June 21, 2021November 24, 2020Petition to the Government of CanadaWhereas the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented situation for fish plant workers in Newfoundland and Labrador that rivals the cod moratorium;Whereas season delays, production slowdowns and rock-bottom prices have left thousands of plant workers in an economic crisis.We, the undersigned fisheries workers, call upon the Government of Canada to amend the current Employment Insurance (E.I.) program to extend E.I. benefits for a 12-month period for fish processing plani workers and other fishing industry support workers who qualified for E.I. based on the 2019 fishing season. Furthermore, we call on the Government of Canada to adjust the 14-week divisor based on the actual weeks of work to account for any discrepancy in reduced hours due to COVID-19.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability InclusionSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their views on the need to support fish processing plant workers and other fishing industry support workers. The Government recognizes that many Canadians continue to face financial impacts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. During these unprecedented times, the Government of Canada has focused on putting in place measures to help as many Canadians as possible in a timely manner.As part of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, the Government has transitioned from the          Canada Emergency Response Benefit to a simplified Employment Insurance (EI) program, effective      September 27, 2020, to provide income support to eligible workers who remain unable to work. Recognizing that many workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic will have lost their jobs or worked reduced hours, a set of temporary measures were introduced to facilitate access to EI benefits. These measures include allowing workers to qualify for EI one-time with 120 hours of work, introducing a minimum benefit rate of $500 per week (or $300 for extended parental benefits), providing a maximum entitlement of up to 50 weeks of regular benefits, and temporarily waiving the waiting period for new EI claims established between     January 31, 2021 and September 25, 2021.To better support seasonal workers and ensure they do not lose access to needed financial support, the Government has proposed legislative changes in Budget 2021 to extend the rules of the existing EI seasonal pilot project until October 2022. The measure would provide up to five additional weeks of EI regular benefits to claimants in 13 regions in Canada, including the region of Newfoundland / Labrador (excluding Saint John’s).As the economy reopens, the EI system must remain responsive to the needs of Canadians. The Government has proposed a suite of temporary legislative changes to make EI more accessible and simple for Canadians over the coming year while the job market continues to improve.More specifically, the temporary changes would:
  • maintain uniform access to EI benefits across all regions, including through a 420-hour entrance requirement for regular and special benefits, with a 14-week minimum entitlement for regular benefits, and a new common earnings threshold for fishing benefits.
  • support multiple job holders and those who switch jobs to improve their situation as the recovery firms up, by ensuring that all insurable hours and employment count towards a claimant's eligibility, as long as the last job separation is found to be valid.
  • allow claimants to start receiving EI benefits sooner by simplifying rules around the treatment of severance, vacation pay, and other monies paid on separation.
  • extend the temporary enhancements to the Work-Sharing program such as the possibility to establish longer work-sharing agreements and a streamlined application process, which will continue to help employers and workers avoid layoffs.
Budget 2021 also announces forthcoming consultations on future, long-term reforms to EI. Consultations will examine systemic gaps exposed by COVID-19, such as how to provide more consistent and reliable benefits to workers in seasonal industries.Once again, the Government of Canada wishes to thank the petitioners.
Employment insuranceFisheries and fishers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 21, 2021432-00925432-00925 (Correctional system)JackHarrisSt. John's EastNDPNLMay 7, 2021June 21, 2021April 12, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada draw the attention of the Government of Canada to the following:THAT there are often different versions of events between prisoners and healthcare staff regarding their interactions.THAT when a prisoner accuses the medical staff of misconduct, there can be serious repercussions for the medical staff.THAT when the medical staff accuses a prisoner of misconduct, there can be serious repercussions for the prisoner.THAT if the health care staff were to wear body cameras that recorded video and audio of all interactions with prisoners, there would be documentation of the interaction and no question as to what was said, done and or not done.THEREFORE, your petitioners call upon the Government of Canada to require healthcare staff who interact with prisoners in federal custody to wear body cameras that record audio and video of all interactions with prisoners (medical examinations should be audio recorded only), and for the Correctional Services Canada to retain the recordings to be used to come to the truth if there is a disagreement about the facts of an interaction where misconduct is alleged and to promote accountability and professionalism in federal correctional facilities.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency PreparednessSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JOËL LIGHTBOUND, M.P.The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) is mandated to provide essential health care and reasonable access to non-essential health care to federal inmates, in keeping with professional standards. Health care services must respect gender, cultural, religious and linguistic differences, and be responsive to the special needs of women, Indigenous  peoples, persons requiring mental health care and other groups.CSC has a National Essential Health Services Framework  that outlines the guiding principles for providing essential and non-essential health services at CSC. On June 21, 2019, Bill C-83 –An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA) and another Act received Royal Assent. It is now part of legislation that CSC supports the professional autonomy and the clinical independence of registered health care professionals, including their ability to exercise, without undue influence, their professional judgement in the care and treatment of inmates. Consistent with the requirements of professional health regulatory colleges, the role of health care professionals includes a patient advocacy function for the provision of care that advances health and well-being. The Act clarifies this existing responsibility and supports health care professionals in meeting its obligation to provide patient centred care. Investments related to this legislation will enable CSC to respond to the needs of inmates’ with mental health concerns through assessment, early diagnosis, and early intervention for inmates requiring primary, intermediate and treatment center levels of care.CSC’s priority is to protect the physical and mental health and overall safety of those who live and work within federal correctional institutions.  CSC has a framework in place to establish safe correctional environments, which promotes effective correctional operations and interventions using dynamic security, and contributes to the safety of the public, staff, and offenders (Commissioner’s Directive (CD) 566 – Framework for Safe and Effective Correctional Environments). Specifically, all staff who directly interact with offenders must apply dynamic security practices while carrying out their responsibilities. This includes continually enhancing their knowledge of offenders’ activities and behaviours (both positive and negative) through direct observation and interactions. CSC promotes the use of dynamic security practices for the prevention of security incidents.The suggestion of having health providers wear body cameras would constitute a violation of patient confidentiality and would be inconsistent with the ethical practice of health service provision and the application of individualized patient-centred care.  CSC is not currently exploring their use at this time.CSC employees are expected to carry out their duties with professionalism and consistently with the Services policies and mission – and of course, the law.  They are expected to act according to legal and ethical standards, and are subject to the rules of professional conduct and code of discipline as stated in the CD 060 - Code of Discipline. Any misconduct towards an offender is a violation of CSC's mission, which is to provide a safe, secure, and humane environment conducive to the rehabilitation of all offenders in CSC's care.All CSC staff members have the obligation to report any situation where they believe an offender is being mistreated, harassed or discriminated against by a staff member. CSC is responsible for resolving situations of mistreatment, harassment, or discrimination of which they are made aware, and to take immediate corrective action as appropriate. Upon becoming aware of such allegations, CSC will take action and assess the validity and seriousness of the allegations by obtaining the specific details of the case.CSC does not tolerate failure by staff to abide by the rules of professional conduct and code of discipline that are outlined in CD 060 - Code of Discipline. All allegations of staff misconduct are thoroughly investigated by CSC and disciplinary measures may be taken, where appropriate, in accordance with the Government of Canada’s Guidelines for Discipline and the CSC’s Instrument of Delegation of Authorities in the area of Human Resource Management.
Caregivers and health care professionalsCorrectional Service of CanadaVisual recording
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 21, 2021432-00924432-00924 (Health)GordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNDPBCMay 6, 2021June 21, 2021February 15, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWhereas:
  • Health Canada has an open file (# 10-MM0330) to license a Medical Marijuana facility at 7827 Beaver Creek Rd., in Port Alberni, British Columbia;
  • This Walmart-sized cannabis facility would be located directly across the street (174m) from Kackaamin, a First Nations Family Trauma and Addictions healing centre that provides treatment to adults while housing the entire family, with onsite fully accredited daycare and K-12 school;
  • Kackaamin is doing the work of healing from our shared history of Colonialism and Residential Schools;
  • Kackaamin was never consulted in the initial planning of this facility, and has requested that this facility be located elsewhere;
  • The purpose of the Cannabis Act is “to protect public health and public safety"; and
  • The government of Canada has commitments to Reconciliation, UNDRIP and to implement TRC's Calls to Action.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Health to:
  • Acknowledge the implicit racism in the policy choices of Health Canada's Cannabis licensing process and handling of this file;
  • Adhere to the purpose of the Cannabis Act and Principle of Reconciliation;
  • Expedite review of this file and cancel all cannabis licenses and applications at 7827, 7825 and 7821 Beaver Creek Rd., Port Alberni, BC. under s. 62(7)(g) of the Cannabis Act "in the public interest;"
  • Apologize to Kackaamin and reaffirm their commitment to the UNDRIP and the TRC's Calls to Action.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellThe Government of Canada is committed to a renewed, nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous peoples, based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership. Health Canada works closely with Indigenous leaders, organizations and communities across the country to consider carefully any cannabis-related interests and to advance shared objectives of protecting public health and safety.Due to Access to Information and Privacy laws, Health Canada is unable to disclose personal information or information provided by a third party, including the status of any licence application, unless granted consent. However, the Department has engaged specifically with representatives of the Kackaamin Family Development Centre, the City of Port Alberni, and the Province of British Columbia in the interest of promoting understanding and discussing community concerns.The Cannabis Act and the Cannabis Regulations create a strict framework for controlling the production, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis in Canada. The purpose of the Act is to protect public health and public safety by keeping cannabis out of the hands of youth and profits out of the pockets of criminals, and providing adults with legal access to a quality-controlled source of cannabis. In order to achieve these aims, any licence application for medical marijuana facilities undergo a thorough and rigorous review, and any approved facilities are subject to strict enforcement measures.Before submitting an application, an applicant must provide written notice of their intentions to the local authorities. The Department processes licence applications in the order received, and begins its review only after the applicant has submitted a complete application, including a site-evidence package that demonstrates that the site is fully built and compliant with the stringent requirements set out in the Act and Regulations. Some of the criteria by which Health Canada assesses an application include:
  • the physical security measures at the site;
  • the processes that will be used for the building and the equipment to help ensure that cannabis meets quality standards appropriate to its intended use;
  • the applicant’s demonstration of an air filtration system to prevent the escape of odours;
  • how the applicant will keep records of their activities with cannabis, such as records for tracking sales, product returns and product inventory; and,
  • the security profile of key personnel.
If Health Canada does issue a licence after this meticulous review, an applicant must comply with the Cannabis Regulations and all other applicable laws and is subject to any enforcement measures. These additional applicable laws include: local by-laws and fire codes; municipal, provincial and territorial laws, such as environmental or nuisance laws; as well as any by-laws/regulations made by a First Nation acting within their legal authority, if the application is for activities located on reserves. Health Canada possesses a range of enforcement tools to verify compliance, including inspections, to ensure that licensees produce, sell, and distribute cannabis in accordance with the Cannabis Regulations. Health Canada encourages licence applicants to undertake consultation and engagement with local communities to address any concerns or questions they may have about proposed cannabis production facilities. The stringent controls on the commercial cultivation, processing, and sale of quality-controlled cannabis strive to safeguard the public health and safety of communities. Applications for licenses can be refused under grounds outlined in the Regulations, especially if there is a special risk to public health or safety, such as the risk of cannabis being diverted to an illicit market or activity. Such determinations, however, can only be made once the review of an application is complete.
CannabisIndigenous policyPermits and licencesPort Alberni
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 21, 2021432-00923432-00923 (Natural resources and energy)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCMay 6, 2021June 21, 2021February 3, 2020PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWe, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:THAT, WHEREAS the Trudeau administration has announced it will spend $4.5 billion of public funds on acquiring the existing Trans Mountain pipeline from Kinder Morgan;WHEREAS this $4.5 billion is not inclusive of construction costs for the expansion, projected to increase the cost of the deal to over $11 billion; WHEREAS the pipeline was valued at $550 million by Kinder Morgan in 2007; WHEREAS the expansion still has to pass the National Energy Board's 157 conditions and over a dozen court challenges before it can be built; WHEREAS during the election, Trudeau promised to overhaul the Harper administration's deeply flawed pipeline approval process, respect Indigenous rights, and end fossil fuel subsidies; WHEREAS a diluted bitumen spill would devastate local ecosystems and economies on the West Coast, or any area surrounding the 800 bodies of water its path crosses; WHEREAS there is no proven way to clean up a diluted bitumen spill in a marine environment; WHEREAS shipping out unprocessed diluted bitumen to refineries in other countries ships out Canadian jobs; and WHEREAS the Trans Mountain expansion will; lock in oil-sands production growth that cannot be reconciled with Canada's greenhouse gas emissions reduction commitments, increase the risk of a diluted bitumen spill, violate the rights of Indigenous communities along the pipeline route, threaten Indigenous communities reliant on the marine environment for their livelihood and cultural practices THEREFORE, we, the undersigned, RESIDENTS OF CANADA, call upon the GOVERNMENT OF CANADA to immediately halt any plans to purchase the Trans Mountain pipeline or otherwise support its expansion.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about Canada’s purchase of the Trans Mountain Corporation (TMC) as well as views on TMC’s Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP).On June 18, 2019, the Government of Canada approved TMEP by directing the Canada Energy Regulator to issue a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity and Environmental Assessment Decision Statement related to TMEP.The environment and the economy go hand-in-hand. When we create prosperity today, we can invest in the clean jobs, technologies, and infrastructure of the future — and help Canadians benefit from opportunities presented by a rapidly changing economy.The key to creating prosperity is finding new markets for our businesses to sell their products and services. Nowhere is the need to diversify greater than for our energy sector, where 99 per cent of our conventional resources are sold to one market — and often at large discounts. Canadians understand that we need to open up new international markets, in order to get a full and fair price, support workers and their families, and foster competitiveness. The Government’s approval of TMEP was based on the confidence that:
  • strong environmental protections have been and continue to be put in place, and that the effects of TMEP can be mitigated through conditions and recommendations outlined by the National Energy Board, as well as measures including the historic $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan and the national climate plan.
  • consultations with Indigenous peoples involved meaningful, two-way dialogue, which fulfilled the legal duty to consult and helped identify new accommodation measures and conditions to appropriately address potential impacts on Indigenous rights and concerns expressed by Indigenous communities.
On February 7, 2020, TMC announced that its Board of Directors had approved a total cost estimate of $12.6 billion to bring TMEP into service by the end of 2022. The Government is confident that the TMEP will generate a positive return for Canadians.TMEP as it stands today is very different from the project that Kinder Morgan proposed in 2017. It has been designed to a higher standard for environmental protection, undergone rigorous consultation with Indigenous groups and will support union jobs in B.C. and Alberta. These enhancements have improved TMEP, ensured that construction proceeds in the right way, and that it will support the Canadian economy today and into the future.The Government also announced that every dollar the federal government earns from TMEP will be invested in Canada’s clean energy transition. It is estimated that additional tax revenues from TMEP alone could generate $500 million per year once the project has been completed. This money will be invested in clean energy projects that will power our homes, businesses, and communities for generations to come.In addition, the Government launched the second step of its engagement process with Indigenous groups on June 9, 2020, to explore the possibility of Indigenous economic participation in the Project. In this step of the engagement process, the Government is focused on building consensus on the form of economic participation in the Project preferred by participating Indigenous groups: equity and/or revenue sharing; and identifying or supporting the formation of one or more entities to represent participating Indigenous groups in negotiations with Canada.By moving forward with TMEP, the Government is creating jobs, diversifying markets, accelerating Canada’s clean energy transition, and opening up new avenues for Indigenous economic prosperity.
NationalizationOil and gasTrans Mountain pipeline
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 21, 2021e-3022e-3022 (Food and drink)DarleneLevecqueNathanielErskine-SmithBeaches—East YorkLiberalONDecember 21, 2020, at 9:16 a.m. (EDT)March 21, 2021, at 9:16 a.m. (EDT)May 6, 2021June 21, 2021March 23, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Canada’s current food system, including how our food is produced, processed, procured, distributed, consumed, and disposed of, is not aligned with Canada Food Guide and the Food Policy for Canada, and is jeopardizing the health of millions of Canadians;Unhealthy food, including known carcinogens, that both the Canada Food Guide and the World Health Organization warn against (like red and processed meat), are still being procured and served to Canadians in federal, provincial and municipal institutions (including hospitals, schools, and workplaces), and to vulnerable Canadians who might not know the risks;The updated Canada Food Guide promotes a diet based primarily on plant-based food, and the Food Policy for Canada does not address or include these recommendations;The federal government in 2019 allocated $134 million over five years to support the first ever Food Policy for Canada, with no specific funding for a National School Food Program, the commitment to help all Canadians access healthy food that aligns with the food guide is far from being reached; and During a pandemic, when food security is top of Canadians’ minds, it is imperative that Canadians have access to an abundance of affordable and healthy plant-based food.We, the undersigned, supporters of Nation Rising, call upon the Government of Canada to direct a minimum of $390 million over three years (2021-23) (10% of funding allocated to supply managed animal agriculture industries in 2019) to operationalize the Canada Food Guide and the Food Policy for Canada, including relevant funding to implement a National School Food Program, and overhaul Canada’s food system to a plant-based one.
Response by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-FoodSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, PC, MPThank you for your petition and engagement on the implementation of the Food Policy for Canada.  The Government of Canada is committed to realizing the vision of the Food Policy that “All people in Canada are able to access a sufficient amount of safe, nutritious, and culturally diverse food. Canada’s food system is resilient and innovative, sustains our environment, and supports our economy.”The Food Policy for Canada is the product of consultation and collaboration with Canadians across the country. The Government of Canada heard from more than 45,000 Canadians, including agricultural producers and processors, experts in environment, health and food security, Indigenous groups, non-government organizations, and community advocates.The Food Policy is structured as a whole-of-government approach to build greater coherence among policies, programs, and initiatives that impact or are impacted by food – including Health Canada’s Healthy Eating Strategy, with the vision to “Make the healthier choice the easier choice for all Canadians”. Health Canada was a key partner throughout the development of the Food Policy.A priority outcome of the Food Policy is “improved food-related health outcomes” for Canadians and was supported with funding through the Local Food Infrastructure Fund and Northern Isolated Community Initiatives Fund.The Local Food Infrastructure Fund is a five-year, $50-million initiative, which aims to improve access to safe, healthy, and diverse food while promoting community development, improving health outcomes for Canadians most at risk of food insecurity, and promoting environmentally sustainable food systems. The Fund provides investments in infrastructure directly related to improving food security and increasing the accessibility of healthy, nutritious, and local foods within communities.The type of activities supported can range from simpler infrastructure requests, such as purchasing a refrigerator for a food bank, to more complex requests that strengthen local food systems. The first phase of  the Local Food Infrastructure Fund provided up to $25,000 for 362 projects for a total investment of $6.6 million. The second intake period under the program was launched on June 9, 2020, with funding available until March 31, 2024. To date, 487 applications have been received, and 223 projects have been approved, representing an Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) funding amount of $14.4M.The Northern Isolated Community Initiatives Fund, delivered by the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, is a $15-million initiative to support projects for local and Indigenous food production systems, with an emphasis on innovative and practical solutions to increase food security across the territories. Food security is a key driver of health and wellness, and accessing high-quality, sustainable, and nutritious food remains a challenge for northern and Indigenous Peoples, particularly over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. To support Canadians facing food insecurity during the pandemic, the Government of Canada has: invested $200 million through the Emergency Food Security Fund to improve access to food; launched a first-ever $50-million Surplus Food Rescue Program designed to help redistribute existing and unsold inventories to local food organizations that are serving vulnerable Canadians, while avoiding food waste; and, invested an additional $140 million through Budget 2021 to top up the Emergency Food Security Fund and Local Food Infrastructure Fund.The Government of Canada supports all agricultural sectors and is committed to ensuring that they remain strong and competitive for the future. Competitive agriculture sectors are vital to Canada’s prosperity. They create good jobs, grow the middle class, and bring high-quality products to the tables of Canadian consumers.AAFC respects the production choices made by producers and works with them to support the growth and development of the entire agriculture and agri-food sector. Our policies, programs, research, and technology help all producers and processors succeed in Canadian and global markets. AAFC is also investing in science and innovation to develop solutions that will help the sector grow sustainably and create better opportunities for producers, businesses, and Canadians.The Government is also committed to helping Canadians make informed decisions about the food they eat. This includes Canada’s Food Guide, which provides advice about nutritious foods that are the foundation for a healthy pattern of eating and foods that undermine healthy eating.
Canada's Food Guide to Healthy EatingFood policyGovernment assistanceHealth educationNutrition
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 21, 2021e-3096e-3096 (Animals)MichaelHowieNathanielErskine-SmithBeaches—East YorkLiberalONJanuary 25, 2021, at 11:59 a.m. (EDT)March 26, 2021, at 11:59 a.m. (EDT)May 6, 2021June 21, 2021March 26, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Millions of fur-bearing animals are intensively farmed and killed for their fur every year in Canada;Animals kept on fur farms are confined in small, wire cages for their entire lives until they are killed in accordance with National Farm Animal Care Council requirements: gas chambers (mink) or anal electrocution (foxes);The captive breeding and extreme confinement of wild animals results in negative animal welfare outcomes such as severe stress, stereotypic behaviours, and inability to engage in natural behaviours;Government agencies provide public funding to the fur farm sector despite industry decline;Mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus have occurred in Europe as a result of human-animal transmission, jeopardizing COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness;Mink and workers on fur farms in British Columbia have been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus;Fur farms pose a public health and environmental risk in the event of a virus spillover into wild or domestic animal populations;The World Health Organization advocates for a One Health approach which puts animals at the centre of public policy in creating better health outcomes;The UN Environment Programme has listed "unsustainable agricultural intensification" and "increased use and exploitation of wildlife" as 2 of the 7 factors driving the emergence of zoonotic diseases; andNumerous surveys and public opinion polls have found that an overwhelming majority of Canadians oppose killing animals for their fur.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to introduce a nationwide ban on fur farming for all species of animals.
Response by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-FoodSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The HonourableThe health and welfare of animals  is important to the Government of Canada. This is a shared responsibility that rests not only with the federal government but also with provincial and territorial governments, producers, and many others.Canadian provinces, as enabled under the Constitution Act, have the primary responsibility for protecting the welfare of animals, including farm animals and pets. Provincial and territorial legislation respecting animal welfare, where found, vary in scope and context. The interpretation, application, and enforcement of provincial farm welfare legislation must, and most appropriately, reside under their jurisdiction.    Federally, the Criminal Code of Canada prohibits anyone from willfully causing animals to suffer from neglect, pain, and injury. The Criminal Code is enforced by police services, provincial and territorial Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals, and/or provincial and territorial ministries of agriculture.      The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for regulating the importation of animals into Canada in order to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases that could negatively impact the health of both animals (including wildlife) and humans. The CFIA’s mandate with respect to animal welfare is limited to regulating the humane transport of animals and the humane treatment of food animals in federal abattoirs. CFIA veterinarians and inspectors administer and enforce the humane transport and import requirements at the border and other points of international entry.The CFIA has worked with the Canadian mink industry on mitigating disease risks to farmed mink, including the development of a National Farm-Level Mink Biosecurity Standard, which all mink producers are encouraged to use. The CFIA and the Public Health Agency of Canada have worked closely with both federal and provincial partners to address risks from SARS-CoV-2. As a result, national guidance on preventing and responding to SARS-CoV-2 infections in farmed mink was developed and has been shared with the provinces, territories, and industry to protect both human and animal health.In addition, the Government has supported and participated in the development of the Codes of Practice for the care and handling of farm animals since 1980. The development of the Codes of Practice is coordinated by the National Farm Animal Care Council. Code development is a collaborative and science-informed process drawing on, among other things, the expertise of researchers, welfare and animal behavior specialists, veterinarians, and industry experts from government and private sectors.The Codes form the basis for development of on-farm assessment programs for various species in Canada, including farmed mink. The resulting Mink Care Assessment Program (MCAP) is a comprehensive program that helps verify that mink farms across the country are consistent with the Code of Practice. In addition to animal welfare requirements, the MCAP also addresses overall management, husbandry, and environmental practices. Canadian mink farms are also subject to on-farm inspection and third-party audits to ensure responsible production practices.
Animal rights and welfareFur farming
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 21, 2021e-3063e-3063 (Animals)JaniceMartensNathanielErskine-SmithBeaches—East YorkLiberalONDecember 24, 2020, at 9:20 a.m. (EDT)March 24, 2021, at 9:20 a.m. (EDT)May 6, 2021June 21, 2021March 25, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The plight of millions of mink in Europe has been highlighted in the news around the world due to the mink being culled after the spread of COVID-19 on mink farms between mink and between mink and humans;A COVID-19 breakout has recently been confirmed at a mink farm in the Fraser Valley, BC, where eight workers were also infected. Scientists confirm there is a real risk of a mutation of the virus occurring by these human to mink, back to human transmissions that could adversley affect the success of future vaccines;Mink are intelligent and curious animals native to Canada and are far ranging in movement in their natural setting. However, on these farms, mink are kept in small wire, feces-covered cages tightly stacked together, stressed and often sick and injured, for their entire existance which lasts approximately 8-12 months before they are killed for their pelts; andSeveral countries have already implemented bans on mink farming. A recent Research Co. survey suggests 81 per cent of Canadians oppose killing animals for their fur.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to ban the farming of mink in the entire country.
Response by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-FoodSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, PC, MPThe health and welfare of farmed mink is important to the Government of Canada. This is a shared responsibility that rests not only with the federal government, but also with provincial and territorial governments, producers, and many others.Canadian provinces, as enabled under the Constitution Act, have the primary responsibility for protecting the welfare of animals, including farm animals and pets. Provincial and territorial legislation respecting animal welfare, where found, vary in scope and context. The interpretation, application, and enforcement of provincial farm welfare legislation must, and most appropriately, reside under their jurisdiction.Federally, the Criminal Code of Canada prohibits anyone from willfully causing animals to suffer from neglect, pain, and injury. The Criminal Code is enforced by police services, provincial and territorial Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals, and/or provincial and territorial ministries of agriculture.     The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for regulating the importation of animals into Canada in order to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases that could negatively impact the health of both animals (including wildlife) and humans. The CFIA’s mandate with respect to animal welfare is limited to regulating the humane transport of animals and the humane treatment of food animals in federal abattoirs. CFIA veterinarians and inspectors administer and enforce the humane transport and import requirements at the border and other points of international entry.The CFIA has worked with the Canadian mink industry on mitigating disease risks to farmed mink, including the development of a National Farm-Level Mink Biosecurity Standard, which all mink producers are encouraged to use. The CFIA and the Public Health Agency of Canada  have worked closely with both federal and provincial partners to address risks from SARS-CoV-2. As a result, national guidance on preventing and responding to SARS-CoV-2 infections in farmed mink was developed and has been shared with the provinces, territories, and industry to protect both human and animal health.In addition, the Government has supported and participated in the development of the Codes of Practice for the care and handling of farm animals since 1980. The development of the Codes of Practice is coordinated by the National Farm Animal Care Council. Code development is a collaborative and science-informed process drawing on, among other things, the expertise of researchers, welfare and animal behaviour specialists, veterinarians, and industry experts from government and private sectors.The Codes form the basis for development of on-farm assessment programs for various species in Canada, including farmed mink. The resulting Mink Care Assessment Program (MCAP) is a comprehensive program that helps verify that mink farms across the country are consistent with the Code of Practice. In addition to animal welfare requirements, the MCAP also addresses overall management, husbandry, and environmental practices. Canadian mink farms are also subject to on-farm inspection and third-party audits, to ensure responsible production practices.
Cruelty to animalsFur farmingMink
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 21, 2021e-2997e-2997 (Animals)MargaretMcCulloughNathanielErskine-SmithBeaches—East YorkLiberalONDecember 15, 2020, at 11:54 a.m. (EDT)March 15, 2021, at 11:54 a.m. (EDT)May 6, 2021June 21, 2021March 18, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Animals in puppy mills are kept in cramped, filthy conditions with no opportunity for exercise, socialisation or veterinary care;The living conditions for animals in a puppy mill include tiny wire or wooden cages, old tractor cabs, and the mother dogs being chained to trees;Mother dogs are repeatedly bred, spend their whole lives in these appalling living conditions and often suffer with debilitating eye, skin, ear, foot and other diseases;When mother dogs are unable to breed anymore they are discarded, and more than often killed; andInbreeding is common in puppy mills, and the puppies are often sick and suffer with horrific genetic disorders.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to ban the operation of puppy mills in the entire country.
Response by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-FoodSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The HonourableThe Government of Canada takes the issue of animal welfare very seriously. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) supports the efforts of various national organizations to eradicate puppy mills through public education. These organizations include, but are not limited to, Humane Canada and the National Companion Animal Coalition.The CFIA is responsible for regulating the importation of animals, including dogs, into Canada in order to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases that could negatively impact the health of both animals and humans. CFIA veterinarians administer and enforce the humane transport and import requirements at the border.Canadian provinces have the primary responsibility for protecting the welfare of animals, including pets.  All provinces and territories have laws with regard to animal welfare. Provincial and territorial legislation tends to be general in scope, covering a wide range of animal welfare and interests. Some provinces and territories have regulations that govern specific aspects of animal welfare or are related to certain species.In addition, the Criminal Code of Canada prohibits anyone from willfully causing animals to suffer from neglect, pain, and injury. The Criminal Code is enforced by police services, provincial and territorial Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals, and/or provincial and territorial ministries of agriculture.       
Animal rights and welfareDogsPet industry
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 21, 2021432-00918432-00918 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 6, 2021June 21, 2021April 21, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 21, 2021432-00917432-00917 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 6, 2021June 21, 2021June 20, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 21, 2021432-00916432-00916 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 6, 2021June 21, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 21, 2021e-3289e-3289 (Foreign affairs)Dah Law EhSoeGarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 26, 2021, at 2:56 p.m. (EDT)April 25, 2021, at 2:56 p.m. (EDT)May 6, 2021June 21, 2021April 26, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:The Burma Army deposed a democratically-elected government in a coup on February 1, 2021, disregarding the democratic rights of the people of Burma (Myanmar);As of March 17, 2021, the junta has arbitrarily arrested more than 2,000 people and killed more than 200 unarmed civilians;Burma Army attacks on civilians continue to escalate in remote ethnic areas across the country, displacing more villagers from their land; andEthnic Armed Organizations have suspended all peace negotiations with the illegitimate coup government.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to: 1. Suspend all high-level political contact with Burma and do not recognize the junta State Administration Council (SAC) as the legitimate government;2. Impose and enforce sanctions on all military-affiliated companies and entities, as recommended by the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar and Justice for Myanmar campaign;3. Engage with international partners to seek a global arms embargo on Burma;4. Suspend all financial assistance and loans to central government channels, including funding to the peace process through the Joint Peace Fund (JPF) and redirect this aid directly to civil society; 5. Support all efforts to empower a democratic federal government in Burma which recognizes the legitimate voices and concerns of all the various territories and nationalities contained therein; 6. Continue and expand cross-border humanitarian assistance to support ethnic civil society and internally displaced persons, as well as Thai-based refugee camps; and7. Renew Canada’s multi-year financial commitment to support the Rohingya that is set to expire at the end of March 2021.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada unequivocally condemns the Myanmar military’s seizure of power, the overthrow of the democratically-elected civilian government, and the detention of politicians, civil society leaders, journalists, peaceful protestors and human rights defenders. Canada further condemns the use of force by Myanmar security forces on peaceful protestors, as well as the deliberate efforts to suppress dissent through disruption of communications, acts of intimidation, and the introduction of new and unacceptable laws. These actions constitute a blatant and unacceptable disregard for the democratic process, hard-fought civil and political rights, and the will of the people of Myanmar. Canada rejects claims made by coup leadership of large-scale election fraud in the 2020 general elections, as they have no basis in fact, and have been refuted by international, diplomatic and domestic elections observers.Canada has made its position clear both bilaterally and in conjunction with its international partners. On February 1, 2021, Canada issued a Ministerial statement calling for the immediate release of those detained and the restoration of the democratically-elected civilian government. These demands were reiterated in a subsequent G7 Foreign Ministers statement issued on February 3, 2021. On February 23, 2021, Canada joined a second G7 statement condemning the unacceptable attacks perpetrated by Myanmar security forces against peaceful demonstrators, and calling for restraint and full humanitarian access. Canada has also registered its condemnation in an intervention at a UN Human Rights Council Special Session on Myanmar, an opening statement at World Trade Organization’s Trade Policy Review of Myanmar, an intervention at the UN General Assembly and a joint Canada-UK statement at the International Labour Organization Governing Body meeting. In response to the deplorable violence committed by the Myanmar military on the country’s Armed Forces Day, Canada released a Ministerial Statement, and joined a Chief of Defence Statement with Australia, Greece Italy, Japan, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. On May 5, 2021, Canada joined a G7 Foreign and Development Ministers Communiqué condemning the coup, calling for the restoration of democracy and expressing readiness to take additional measures should the military refuse to reverse course.Officials at Global Affairs Canada also briefed the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE) on March 24, 2021 on the situation in Myanmar in the wake of the military coup, and, on April 15, 2021, the FAAE met for a second time to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on displaced persons from Myanmar.On February 18, 2021, Canada announced targeted sanctions against the military leaders of the coup, including Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, his Deputy Soe Win, and 7 others. These sanctions were followed by a subsequent announcement on May 17, 2021, against 16 Myanmar military individuals and 10 entities, developed and imposed in coordination with the United Kingdom and the United States. Importantly, listings in response to the military coup are in addition to a robust sanctions regime under the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) that has been in place since 2007, and is the most comprehensive among Canada’s likeminded allies. Currently, there are 54 Myanmar entities and 70 individuals listed under SEMA. These sanctions encompass several measures, including:
  • a freeze on assets in Canada of any designated Myanmar nationals connected with the Myanmar State, as well as prohibitions on several categories of transactions, services and dealings involving property of designated persons, wherever situated; and
  • an arms embargo, including prohibitions on exporting and importing arms and related material to and from Myanmar, on communicating technical data related to military activities or arms and related material, and on financial services related to military activities or arms and related material.
Canada continues to work in close coordination with its international partners in pursuit of a range of additional measures to bring pressure to bear on the military junta. These measures include advocating for the adoption of international arms embargos on Myanmar, efforts to target the financial foundations of the Tatmadaw and constrict its grip on information in Myanmar, and continued support to pro-democracy and human rights forces on the ground.Canada has also recently allocated $288 million to implement its new strategy to respond to the Rohingya crisis and the situation in Myanmar. Canada will continue to work with international partners to ensure that vulnerable and conflict-afflicted populations in Myanmar, including the Rohingya, live in safety and with dignity. Canada has reviewed its international assistance to Myanmar, and does not and will not provide direct funding to the Tatmadaw regime. Canada will, however, continue to support poverty alleviation among vulnerable and conflict-affected populations, particularly women and ethnic groups, through civil society organizations. As the prospects for sustainable and voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar are further diminished by the coup, Canada continues to work with international partners to mobilize support for the Rohingya people. We continue to help meet the immediate and longer-term needs of Rohingya refugees and their host communities in Bangladesh, through programming on health, critical protection services, learning, livelihood opportunities, environmental rehabilitation, and social cohesion.Canada continues to provide development assistance for vulnerable populations in Myanmar, particularly women and ethnic minority groups, working mainly through support to civil society organizations, champions of democratization, and human rights defenders.The military coup has also reaffirmed the critical need for accountability for the crimes committed by the Tatmadaw. Canada continues to pursue a joint intervention with the Netherlands in support of The Gambia’s case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice, and supports the work of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar. We continue to work with our international partners to ensure justice for the victims, and accountability for the perpetrators, of gross violations and abuses of human rights.Building an international constituency to urge the immediate cessation of violence and release of detainees, and to advance peace, democracy, accountability and human rights remains a priority for the Government of Canada.
Economic sanctionsForeign policyInternational development and aidMyanmar
43rd Parliament229Not certifiedJune 21, 2021e-3173e-3173 (Health)Monique JeanDonohueCharlieAngusTimmins—James BayNDPONFebruary 18, 2021, at 6:34 p.m. (EDT)June 18, 2021, at 6:34 p.m. (EDT)June 21, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="6" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Prime Minister</Addressee>Whereas:Ontario is facing a health care crisis which has resulted in the spread of the COVID-19 virus through many long term care homes and a devastating loss of life;Many facilities are overcome with infection; Staffing shortages mean residents are left to live in unsafe and unsanitary conditions and workers are exposed to dangerous working conditions;Families need to know their loves ones are safe and getting the very best care possible;The Premier of Ontario has refused the military assistance offered by the Prime Minister and the federal government; andThe Premier of Ontario has failed to mandate necessary measures to protect these vulnerable citizens, both the residents and the staff;We, the undersigned, concerned citizens of Canada, call upon the Prime Minister to supersede the authority of the Premier of Ontario and command the military to enter and provide assistance to staff and care to the residents of these facilities.Canadian ForcesCOVID-19Long-term careOntarioPandemic43rd Parliament229Not certifiedJune 21, 2021e-3414e-3414 (Health)HildaMacDonaldDaveEppChatham-Kent—LeamingtonConservativeONMay 20, 2021, at 11:01 a.m. (EDT)June 19, 2021, at 11:01 a.m. (EDT)June 21, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Licences for the production of medical cannabis are often abused, with production in excess of personal use amounts diverted for commercial sale on the black market;The amount of cannabis individuals are authorized to possess for medical purposes is impossible for an individual to personally consume;The Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team has identified that organized crime has infiltrated the growing and distribution of black market cannabis production diverted from “medical” purposes;Grow-ops in rural and residential neighbourhoods have negative impacts on nearby residents’ health and well-being, such as excessive smells, frequent traffic and reduced property values;Health Canada’s yield estimates for cannabis production are grossly inaccurate;Municipal enforcement agencies have little to no power over cannabis grow-ops in their own jurisdictions; andThe federal government has failed to subject personal registered medical cannabis production to examination and inspection, allowing grey and black market cannabis operations to flourish under this program.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to reform the licensing and oversight of the production of cannabis for personal medical use, and to grant resources and authority to the provinces in regulating and enforcing the production of cannabis for personal medical use, in turn empowering municipal regulation and enforcement.CannabisCrop productionFederal-provincial-territorial relationsRegulation43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 18, 2021432-00999432-00999 (Foreign affairs)TamaraJansenCloverdale—Langley CityConservativeBCMay 31, 2021June 18, 2021May 20, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the human rights violations by Chinese authorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities face torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, obligatory patriotic and cultural education, as well as forced labour. Reports detail closures and destruction of Uyghur religious sites, including mosques and shrines important to that community’s religious, ethnic, and cultural identity. There are also reports of mass arbitrary forced separation of children from their parents by authorities. There are credible reports of forced sterilization, systematic rape and gender-based sexual violence. Throughout the region, Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities also face repressive physical and digital surveillance, which includes severe restrictions on movement, the forced collection of biometric data, and coercive police surveillance. The actions by the Chinese government are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.Canada has acted to address the repression, which is systematic, state-led and ongoing.  Concerns over the human rights situation in the XUAR were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in the XUAR (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020; February 2021). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong.Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.On January 12, the Government of Canada announced that it is adopting a comprehensive approach to addressing human rights abuses in the XUAR. This included measures to address forced labour, via the prohibition of imports into Canada of goods made in whole or part with forced labour and a business integrity declaration for Canadian exporters. Global Affairs Canada will continue to work closely with Canadian firms doing business in or with China to help them understand and mitigate the risks of doing business with entities possibly implicated in forced labour.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.On March 22, 2021, Canada announced sanctions against 4 officials and 1 entity under the Special Economic Measures (People’s Republic of China) Regulations, based on their participation in gross and systematic human rights violations in the XUAR. The Regulations impose a dealings ban on listed persons, which prohibits any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada from undertaking a broad range of financial and business transactions with any of the listed individuals or entities. The individuals listed in the schedule to the regulations are also rendered inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. These measures were taken in coordination with the United States and the United Kingdom, and in solidarity with the European Union. These sanctions underscore Canada’s grave concerns with the ongoing human rights violations occurring in the XUAR, affecting Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities.Canada will continue to call on the People’s Republic of China to fulfill its international human rights obligations and to allow for meaningful, unfettered access to the XUAR so that impartial experts can observe and report on the situation first-hand. Canada will work collaboratively with partners to address the human rights situation in Xinjiang. We have the responsibility to work with others in the international community to ensure that allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity are investigated by an independent international body of legal experts.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 18, 2021432-00998432-00998 (Foreign affairs)TamaraJansenCloverdale—Langley CityConservativeBCMay 31, 2021June 18, 2021March 8, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 18, 2021432-00994432-00994 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 28, 2021June 18, 2021March 8, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 18, 2021432-00993432-00993 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 28, 2021June 18, 2021April 20, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas the Canadian Parliament has unanimously passed the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, also known as the Sergei Magnitsky Act, to sanction corrupt foreign officials who, among others, are responsible for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights;Whereas the Former Chinese Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin and his cohorts personally ordered, launched, orchestrated and executed the eradication campaign against Falun Gong using state apparatus, including the extrajudicial torture and killing of Falun Gong practitioners in large numbers with impunity for the past 19 years for their beliefs in "truthfulness, compassion and tolerance”; and whereas Falun Gong practitioners have been killed for their organs in China on a massive scale, which has been well documented and widely reported;Whereas extensive evidence points to fourteen key officials and former officials of the Chinese communist regime who demonstrate prime culpability in the human rights atrocities committed against Falun Gong practitioners in China.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against these perpetrators under the Sergei Magnitsky Act.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 18, 2021432-00991432-00991 (Foreign affairs)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKMay 28, 2021June 18, 2021March 29, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 18, 2021432-00984432-00984 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 27, 2021June 18, 2021September 30, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the human rights violations by Chinese authorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities face torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, obligatory patriotic and cultural education, as well as forced labour. Reports detail closures and destruction of Uyghur religious sites, including mosques and shrines important to that community’s religious, ethnic, and cultural identity. There are also reports of mass arbitrary forced separation of children from their parents by authorities. There are credible reports of forced sterilization, systematic rape and gender-based sexual violence. Throughout the region, Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities also face repressive physical and digital surveillance, which includes severe restrictions on movement, the forced collection of biometric data, and coercive police surveillance. The actions by the Chinese government are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.Canada has acted to address the repression, which is systematic, state-led and ongoing.  Concerns over the human rights situation in the XUAR were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in the XUAR (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020; February 2021). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong.Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.On January 12, the Government of Canada announced that it is adopting a comprehensive approach to addressing human rights abuses in the XUAR. This included measures to address forced labour, via the prohibition of imports into Canada of goods made in whole or part with forced labour and a business integrity declaration for Canadian exporters. Global Affairs Canada will continue to work closely with Canadian firms doing business in or with China to help them understand and mitigate the risks of doing business with entities possibly implicated in forced labour.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.On March 22, 2021, Canada announced sanctions against 4 officials and 1 entity under the Special Economic Measures (People’s Republic of China) Regulations, based on their participation in gross and systematic human rights violations in the XUAR. The Regulations impose a dealings ban on listed persons, which prohibits any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada from undertaking a broad range of financial and business transactions with any of the listed individuals or entities. The individuals listed in the schedule to the regulations are also rendered inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. These measures were taken in coordination with the United States and the United Kingdom, and in solidarity with the European Union. These sanctions underscore Canada’s grave concerns with the ongoing human rights violations occurring in the XUAR, affecting Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities.Canada will continue to call on the People’s Republic of China to fulfill its international human rights obligations and to allow for meaningful, unfettered access to the XUAR so that impartial experts can observe and report on the situation first-hand. Canada will work collaboratively with partners to address the human rights situation in Xinjiang. We have the responsibility to work with others in the international community to ensure that allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity are investigated by an independent international body of legal experts.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 18, 2021432-00978432-00978 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 26, 2021June 18, 2021March 29, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 18, 2021432-00977432-00977 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 26, 2021June 18, 2021September 30, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the human rights violations by Chinese authorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities face torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, obligatory patriotic and cultural education, as well as forced labour. Reports detail closures and destruction of Uyghur religious sites, including mosques and shrines important to that community’s religious, ethnic, and cultural identity. There are also reports of mass arbitrary forced separation of children from their parents by authorities. There are credible reports of forced sterilization, systematic rape and gender-based sexual violence. Throughout the region, Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities also face repressive physical and digital surveillance, which includes severe restrictions on movement, the forced collection of biometric data, and coercive police surveillance. The actions by the Chinese government are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.Canada has acted to address the repression, which is systematic, state-led and ongoing.  Concerns over the human rights situation in the XUAR were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in the XUAR (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020; February 2021). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong.Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.On January 12, the Government of Canada announced that it is adopting a comprehensive approach to addressing human rights abuses in the XUAR. This included measures to address forced labour, via the prohibition of imports into Canada of goods made in whole or part with forced labour and a business integrity declaration for Canadian exporters. Global Affairs Canada will continue to work closely with Canadian firms doing business in or with China to help them understand and mitigate the risks of doing business with entities possibly implicated in forced labour.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.On March 22, 2021, Canada announced sanctions against 4 officials and 1 entity under the Special Economic Measures (People’s Republic of China) Regulations, based on their participation in gross and systematic human rights violations in the XUAR. The Regulations impose a dealings ban on listed persons, which prohibits any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada from undertaking a broad range of financial and business transactions with any of the listed individuals or entities.  The individuals listed in the schedule to the regulations are also rendered inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. These measures were taken in coordination with the United States and the United Kingdom, and in solidarity with the European Union. These sanctions underscore Canada’s grave concerns with the ongoing human rights violations occurring in the XUAR, affecting Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities.Canada will continue to call on the People’s Republic of China to fulfill its international human rights obligations and to allow for meaningful, unfettered access to the XUAR so that impartial experts can observe and report on the situation first-hand. Canada will work collaboratively with partners to address the human rights situation in Xinjiang. We have the responsibility to work with others in the international community to ensure that allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity are investigated by an independent international body of legal experts.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 18, 2021432-00971432-00971 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 25, 2021June 18, 2021April 20, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas the Canadian Parliament has unanimously passed the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, also known as the Sergei Magnitsky Act, to sanction corrupt foreign officials who, among others, are responsible for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights;Whereas the Former Chinese Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin and his cohorts personally ordered, launched, orchestrated and executed the eradication campaign against Falun Gong using state apparatus, including the extrajudicial torture and killing of Falun Gong practitioners in large numbers with impunity for the past 19 years for their beliefs in "truthfulness, compassion and tolerance”; and whereas Falun Gong practitioners have been killed for their organs in China on a massive scale, which has been well documented and widely reported;Whereas extensive evidence points to fourteen key officials and former officials of the Chinese communist regime who demonstrate prime culpability in the human rights atrocities committed against Falun Gong practitioners in China.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against these perpetrators under the Sergei Magnitsky Act.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 18, 2021432-00969432-00969 (Foreign affairs)StephanieKusieCalgary MidnaporeConservativeABMay 25, 2021June 18, 2021December 2, 2020Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament AssembledWHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law), sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption;
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of "Truth, Compassion and Tolerance," including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, Qiang Wei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 18, 2021432-00967432-00967 (Foreign affairs)JamesCummingEdmonton CentreConservativeABMay 14, 2021June 18, 2021March 10, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law), sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption;
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of "Truth, Compassion and Tolerance," including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, Qiang Wei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang.We also call upon the Government of Canada to refuse immigration/visitor visa to those who persecuted Falun Gong practitioners in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoAs part of the immigration application process, all visa applications are carefully assessed for eligibility and admissibility under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. For example, a foreign national may be inadmissible to Canada if they have engaged in criminality or human or international rights violations (including being subject to sanctions), or are a family member of an inadmissible person.In 2017, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law) came into force. It added two new inadmissibility provisions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act concerning sanctioned government officials or individuals acting on behalf of a foreign state who are responsible for corruption, extrajudicial killings, torture or other gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. A foreign national listed in an order or regulation made by the Governor in Council under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act would be inadmissible.If an applicant is determined to be inadmissible on any ground, they may be refused a visa, electronic travel authorization or entry to Canada. Inadmissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by Immigration Officers and are based on evidence, which may consist of police or intelligence reports, statutory declarations or other documents—such as media articles, scholarly journals or publicly-available information.In addition, if a foreign national who is at the border, or is in Canada, is found to be inadmissible, they may be denied entry or ordered to leave Canada. The Canada Border Services Agency is responsible for immigration enforcement at the border and in Canada.For privacy reasons, individual cases cannot be discussed.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 18, 2021432-00914432-00914 (Justice)TedFalkProvencherConservativeMBMay 5, 2021June 18, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 18, 2021432-00913432-00913 (Business and trade)ChrisLewisEssexConservativeONMay 5, 2021June 18, 2021April 27, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWHEREAS
  • More than 24,000 Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions;
  • These Travel Advisors are being asked by Canadian Airlines and their subsidiary Travel Companies to repay commissions earned at the end of 2019 & beginning of 2020 on their clients' trips that were cancelled due to said Travel Restrictions, known as "commission recalls" or "Commission claw-backs".
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Ensure that any financial assistance to Airlines and their subsidiary Travel Companies, will be conditional on the protection of Travel Advisor commissions;
  • Ensure that commissions already clawed back by the Airlines & their subsidiary Travel Companies will be repaid to Travel Advisors in a timely manner.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraTransport Canada has been working with a range of air industry participants, the organizations that represent them, and other government departments to analyze the current situation and develop appropriate options to support Canada’s air transport sector generally.The Government of Canada recognizes that travel agencies and their agents play a vital role in the air travel system, both in terms of assisting Canadians wanting to explore the world beyond our borders and welcoming tourists to Canada and by virtue of the latter play a critical role in supporting jobs and businesses. On November 8, 2020, the Government of Canada announced it would develop a package of assistance for Canada’s airlines to ensure the existence of a robust air transport sector that connects Canadian communities. Agreements have now been reached with Air Canada, and Transat, A.T. based on repayable instruments to protect taxpayers’ money. Any assistance to air carriers comes with strict conditions to protect Canadians and the public interest. All carriers will be required to provide refunds for tickets cancelled due to the pandemic, and Air Canada must restore services to Canadian communities where these were cut due to the pandemic.Additionally, as part of the Air Canada and Transat agreements, travel agencies and their agents, most of which are small businesses, owned and operated by women, and significantly affected by the pandemic, may assist in the processing of refunds for tickets the travel agents sold but will not have their sales commissions recalled on refunded fares by Air Canada and Transat. The government is currently negotiating financial packages with other Canadian carriers to achieve similar outcomes. 
AirlinesCOVID-19PandemicReimbursementTravel agencies
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 18, 2021e-3218e-3218 (Public safety)FrancesDeverellPaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCMarch 3, 2021, at 1:19 p.m. (EDT)May 2, 2021, at 1:19 p.m. (EDT)May 5, 2021June 18, 2021May 3, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Violent crimes create unimaginable trauma, suffering, and pain;Canadians are victims in 2.2 million incidents of violent crime a year;Youth, women, Indigenous Peoples, and other marginalized groups are more likely to be victims of violent crime;Indigenous Peoples report being victims of violence at twice the rate of non-Indigenous people, and are six times more likely to be murdered;Municipalities are best positioned to mobilize services to tackle the causes of violence, but large budgets for policing crowd out early prevention;Canada must act to significantly reduce violent crime, consistent with its commitment to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals;Mandate letters of Canada’s ministers require evidence-based decision making to deliver results; andPublic health strategies that tackle causes of violent crime, such as poverty reduction, education, and health, are proven the most effective and least costly way to stop violence.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Make Canada safer for all by using evidence-based interventions to significantly reduce violent crime;2. Engage with vulnerable groups to develop violence prevention strategies;3. Establish a permanent office for violence prevention, reporting to the Prime Minister, to spearhead action across all relevant ministries, in partnership with the provinces, territories, municipalities, and Indigenous Peoples, and to ensure significant measurable reductions in victimizations; and4. Redirect the equivalent of 10% of current federal expenditures on policing, courts, and incarceration towards adequate and sustained funding for effective local prevention programs.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency PreparednessSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JOËL LIGHTBOUND, M.P.Canadians deserve to live in a society where they feel safe and secure. That is why our Government is supporting the development and implementation of a number of measures aimed at preventing and reducing violence. These measures combine evidence-based policies, and funding for programs that address the root causes of crime, and support research and evaluation activities to build the knowledge-base of effective practices and strong partnerships with provinces, territories and local communities. We welcome the public’s interest in crime and violence prevention, as community support is essential to advancing these efforts.Crime prevention is a critical component of the Government of Canada’s approach to addressing violence. It is recognized that evidence-based preventative strategies and interventions can reduce offending, victimization, and costs to the criminal justice system. Since 1998, the National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS), administered through Public Safety Canada in partnership with the provinces and territories, has provided national leadership on cost-effective ways to prevent and reduce crime among at-risk populations and vulnerable communities by intervening to mitigate the underlying factors that put individuals at risk of offending. Through the NCPS, the Government of Canada invests over $40 million annually in community-based crime prevention programming.The NCPS is focused on addressing risk factors among vulnerable children, youth, and young adults; preventing youth gangs and youth violence; and fostering prevention in Indigenous communities. Evidence-based initiatives supported by the NCPS focus on addressing a wide-range of risk factors. The 2017-2018 Evaluation of the NCPS showed that the Strategy has contributed to positive changes in awareness, skills and attitudes among targeted populations and to the reduction of risk factors and offending behaviours.Through the NCPS, the Government of Canada also provides support to communities at risk of being victimized by hate-motivated crime. The Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Program (SIP) was created in 2007 and provides funding to support private, non-profit organizations to make security improvements to their community gathering spaces. Recognizing that the COVID-19 pandemic has had an unequal impact on Canadians, with an increase in reports of harassment and attacks against certain groups, Budget 2021 announced an additional $2 million in 2021-22 to the SIP to prevent hate-motivated crime. This is in addition to the 2020 Fall Economic Statement announcement that provided $13 million over 5 years and $2.6 million ongoing to the enhance safety and security of Canadian communities.In addition to implementing programs for at-risk populations and vulnerable communities, the Government of Canada also disseminates information to stakeholders, at all levels of government and in communities, to increase the knowledge-base of what works in crime prevention. Public Safety Canada in collaboration with provinces and territories, launched the Crime Prevention Inventory (CPI) in April 2018. The CPI is the first national database of evidence-based crime prevention programs in Canada. The database, as well as crime prevention research and information can be accessed on the Public Safety Canada website. These resources are meant to help communities plan and implement local, evidence-based crime prevention activities, including activities that can be undertaken to reduce violence.The Government of Canada is also working to engage vulnerable populations in developing tailored prevention strategies. The Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative (ACSPI), led by Public Safety Canada, is a component of the Government’s response to addressing violence against Indigenous women and girls. Since 2010, the ACSPI has engaged 139 Indigenous communities through a holistic approach that encourages the whole community to identify local safety concerns and become active participants in the development of solutions. Through this work, communities are supported in developing community-driven safety plans which can serve as an important tool in achieving their vision for long-term safety and well-being. In December 2021, as part of the Government’s continued response to the recommendations from the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, the ACSPI was renewed through the 2020 Fall Economic Statement for  $6.275 million over five years, and $1.255 million ongoing, to provide continued support for Indigenous community-led safety planning. Further, Budget 2021 provided for $64.6 million over five years, beginning in 2021-22, and $18.1 million ongoing, to enhance Indigenous-led crime prevention strategies and community safety services.Steps are also being taken to prevent and address specific forms of violence that continue to threaten the safety and security of Canadians. In 2017 the Government of Canada launched the first ever federal strategy on gender-based violence (GBV). It’s Time: Canada’s Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence is implementing a whole of government approach that brings together GBV-related efforts of federal departments and agencies, builds on existing federal initiatives and programs, and lays the foundation for greater action on GBV. Efforts are being advanced in three areas: preventing GBV; supporting survivors and their families; and promoting responsive legal and justice systems. The Strategy is also helping to address gaps in support for diverse populations, including Indigenous women and girls, women living in northern, rural, and remote communities, women living with disabilities, newcomers, children and youth, seniors, LGBTQ2 and gender non-binary people.In December 2019, the Minister for Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) was mandated to build on the foundation laid by the Federal GBV Strategy and move forward to develop a National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. Through an evidence-based and trauma-informed approach, the National Action Plan will aim to address the root causes and systemic factors that perpetuate GBV, and to ensure that victims, survivors and their families are supported no matter where they live in Canada. The Government of Canada is currently collaborating with stakeholders as well as its provincial and territorial counterparts and National Indigenous leaders and representatives on development and next steps.Gun and gang violence also continues to be a serious matter of concern for Canadians. Numerous communities have been marred by gun crime and gun violence often resulting in the tragic loss of a life, primarily affecting youth. The Government is implementing effective measures with respect to strengthening firearm regulations and gun and gang initiatives that prioritize public safety. In the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, the Government committed $250 million over five years to be allocated directly to municipalities and Indigenous communities to protect Canadians from gun violence and support anti-gang and prevention programs for youth-at-risk. The Government is currently developing the program using evidence-based measures to ensure the needs of Canadians impacted by gun and gang-related violence are met.This funding complements the Government’s previous investment of $358.8 million over five years to help support a variety of initiatives to reduce gun crime and criminal gang activities under the Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence. Of that, over $214 million has been made available to the provinces and territories to help them respond to their specific needs and bolster local prevention, gang exit, outreach and awareness programming, while over $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country. The Government also invested an additional $8 million over four years beginning in 2019, to the Youth Gang Prevention Fund, under the NCPS.The Government of Canada remains committed to addressing the root causes of violence and crime through the implementation of evidence-based prevention policies and programs and by fostering strong partnerships with provinces, territories and communities.
Crime preventionFederal-provincial-territorial relationsViolent crime
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 18, 2021e-2990e-2990 (Citizenship and immigration)AmitVermaRandeepSaraiSurrey CentreLiberalBCNovember 25, 2020, at 2:47 p.m. (EDT)March 25, 2021, at 2:47 p.m. (EDT)May 5, 2021June 18, 2021March 26, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship</Addressee>Whereas:COVID-19 has brought unprecedented challenges to Canada and to rest of the world;There are several migrant workers who have been working in their respected occupations in Canada for more than three or four years on closed work permits,;They want to become permanent resident of Canada, but due to higher level of language scores, they are not able to meet out the selection criteria to obtain permanent residence status in Canada;Migrnt workers already worked during the outbreak of COVID-19 and helped several Canadian businesses to remained opened and working for us, while putting their lives at risk;They are employed, economically independent, supporting local businesses, including rental industry, and paying taxes to the federal and provincial governments; andMigrant workers on closed work permits lost their jobs, as their employers’ businesses have been permanently closed due to pandemic.We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to: 1. Introduce a new permanent residency program for migrant workers only based on Canadian experience;2. Allow migrant workers to apply for a 24-month open work permit to maintain or regularize their status as their application for permanent residence are in process;3. Give access to migrant workers and their families to essential services even if their work permits have been expired;4. Introduce special programs for migrant workers injured and declared permanently or partly disabled based on work related injuries;5. Introduce special programs for migrant workers who have lost jobs due to the pandemic.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoThe Government has taken extraordinary measures to help workers affected by the disruption in services and travel due to the coronavirus outbreak, many of which are geared toward encouraging and facilitating workers’ and other foreign nationals’ ability to remain in status while in Canada.The Government introduced the new Temporary Pathway to Permanent Residence, announced on April 14, 2021, in recognition of the contributions of essential workers and international graduates in Canada by providing a pathway to permanent residence. This pathway to permanent residence from within Canada will help retain the talent of those already here in support of economic recovery. Effective May 6, 2021, applications are being accepted under three streams for a period of six months, or until the cap of a stream is reached:
  • 20,000 applications for temporary workers in health care;
  • 30,000 applications for temporary workers in other selected essential occupations; and
  • 40,000 applications for international students who graduated from a Canadian institution.
These three streams are also available on an uncapped basis to French-speaking and bilingual candidates who are able to demonstrate their language proficiency through the results of a designated French-language test.   This approach contributes to the Government’s objective of supporting and assisting the development of minority official languages communities in Canada.In addition, since the introduction of travel restrictions in response the coronavirus outbreak, IRCC has leveraged its Express Entry application management system to target invitations to apply at Canadian Experience Class-eligible candidates. This included issuing over 27,000 invitations to Canadian Experience Class-eligible candidates on February 13, 2020, the largest Express Entry Invitation to Apply round ever. These candidates have at least one year of Canadian work experience, have proven that they can contribute to our economy, and the vast majority of them are already in living in Canada.Immigration remains crucial to addressing Canada’s longstanding demographic challenges and labour market shortages, especially as the country recovers from the pandemic. The above measures help position Canada to address these challenges.The Government of Canada has been increasing the rate of transitions to permanent residence through policy and program changes, recognizing the beneficial performance outcome of two-step immigration. Canadian work experience, labour market attachment, social and cultural integration are known to lead to positive immigrant outcomes.While there has been a strong importance placed on the value of Canadian work experience, this emphasis does not detract from other human capital factors, which demonstrate an applicant’s ability to economically establish, both initially and over the long term. Economic pathways usually require minimum official language proficiency, recognizing that those with higher language proficiency face fewer barriers to finding employment and are generally more resilient to economic shifts and downturns.The Government is cognizant that creating pathways to permanent residence for temporary workers based solely on their Canadian work experience could inadvertently increase vulnerability for new temporary workers, as the promise of permanent residence increases the employer/employee power imbalance and could lead to workers remaining in abusive situations for the promise of permanent status. In addition to the employment requirement, the new Temporary Pathway to Permanent Residence requires temporary workers to demonstrate a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 and international graduates to demonstrate a CLB 5.  While this level of language proficiency is lower than is typically required in economic programs, this approach ensures that the greatest number of temporary residents are captured while maintaining the economic criteria that has been shown to increase resilience and lead to improved economic outcomes. The safety of foreign workers is a key priority for our government and Canada has laws to protect workers from unsafe working conditions.Everyone deserves a work environment where they are safe and their rights are respected. Labour laws and workplace safety rules are primarily established and enforced by provincial governments, who are also responsible for managing healthcare. Provinces and territories may offer workers’ compensation (medical or wage benefits) if workers are hurt on the job or if the job causes the worker to get sick.The Government of Canada has taken multiple measures to ensure the health and safety of temporary foreign workers arriving in Canada by providing employers with funds to compensate for expenses relating to safe and proper quarantine for workers (led by Agriculture and Agri-Food) and implementing new employer compliance regime regulations designed to better protect vulnerable workers.In addition to Canadians who have been laid off as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, temporary residents already in the country who may be unable to return home due to travel restrictions or other challenges could help fill labour market shortages resulting from the pandemic. The Government of Canada has taken steps to enable temporary foreign workers already in Canada to continue to work and to fill critical shortages faster.The Government is aware that many essential services are tied to a foreign national maintaining temporary resident status and valid work authorization. While determining eligibility for these services often falls to provincial jurisdiction, the Government of Canada has taken steps to facilitate the maintenance of this status.On July 14, 2020, IRCC implemented a new public policy to extend the amount of time a temporary resident (i.e., visitor, worker or student) has to restore their status. Former workers, students and visitors whose status expired between January 30, 2020 and May 31, 2021, and who remained in Canada have until August 31, 2021 instead of only 90 days, to apply to restore their status, provided they meet the requirements for the type of status and authorization they are applying to restore.This public policy will help foreign nationals who are still in Canada and may not have been able to return home as a result of the pandemic to restore their immigration status. The Government has also taken measures to adjust immigration programming, understanding that job loss has been prevalent during the pandemic. Several public policies have been put in place to encourage applicants to maintain legal status in Canada. On May 6, 2020, a public policy was put in place that allows temporary foreign workers in Canada who have lost their job or are switching jobs, with a new job offer and accompanying Labour Market Impact Assessment (where required), to start work right away while their work permit application is processed.In addition, public policies have been put into place to reduce the impact that job loss would have on potential applicants for permanent residence. On November 6, 2020, a temporary public policy was introduced to modify the eligibility requirement under the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, which previously required applicants to acquire the one year of work experience in a continuous 12 month period. This public policy removes the barrier that applicants would have otherwise faced if they needed to have breaks in employment due to family responsibilities, lay-offs, or any other interruption. Similar gaps in employment were already permitted in the Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Foreign workersPermanent resident statusWork permits
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 18, 2021e-3015e-3015 (Health)MelissaMatlowHon.MichelleRempel GarnerCalgary Nose HillConservativeABDecember 3, 2020, at 2:33 p.m. (EDT)April 2, 2021, at 2:33 p.m. (EDT)May 5, 2021June 18, 2021April 7, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="6" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Prime Minister</Addressee>Whereas:75% of new and emerging infectious diseases affecting human health over the past decade originated from animals, principally from wildlife including MERS, SARS, Ebola, Monkeypox, HIV/AIDS, HPAI H5N1;A wildlife market played a significant role in the COVID-19 outbreak and the 2002 SARS outbreak;The wildlife trade increases the likelihood that a diverse array of wild animals will come into contact with each other and spread infectious diseases which can then be transmitted to humans;Canada imported at least 320,081 wild animals in 2019. Over 75% of the animals imported were not subject to any import restrictions, including pathogen screening and 80% were destined for the exotic pet industry;Despite existing regulations, Canada fuels the supply and demand for wildlife and wildlife products and contributes to the growth in this trade;Current border measures are not sufficient in protecting public health;A One Health approach to curbing the wildlife trade is one of the most effective and cost-efficient strategies to prevent the next pandemic;75% of Canadians want the Canadian government to support a ban on wildlife markets; and70% of Canadians want the government to support a global ban on the commercial trade in wild animals and stronger laws to reduce the wild animal trade in Canada.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Prime Minister to support and encourage the closure of wildlife markets globally that could become sources for future pandemics and to commit to end the international and domestic trade in wild animals and their products that could aid in the spread of zoonotic diseases.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSONThe Government of Canada acknowledges that in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, trade in wildlife species has been a focus of public attention and more so in the context of the strong interconnection between humans, animals and the shared environment.The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the many complex relationships between biodiversity and human health, and significant public attention is focused on the trade in wildlife and wildlife products. No one knows with certainty what circumstances led to this current pandemic. Nevertheless, it has been widely assumed that the spread of COVID-19 started in a wildlife market (also known as “wet market” or “live animal market”) in Wuhan, China. Experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) undertook an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus in China, and in March 2021, the WHO reported that while the study advanced our understanding the source of the virus has not been found, all hypotheses remain on the table, and that continued work is necessary.Consideration of specific risk management measures to prevent disease, epidemics, and pandemics is needed. In this regard, we are mindful that the term wildlife refers to both animals and plants, and that many communities rely on the consumption and trade of wildlife, including international trade of wildlife products. A focus solely on wildlife trade will not address all the root causes of zoonotic diseases and may have unintended consequences for the nutrition, culture, and livelihoods of local communities or Indigenous people. Additionally, a general ban on wildlife trade may result in increased illegal wildlife trade, making it more difficult to ensure wildlife conservation or to protect human health.Canada strongly supports biodiversity conservation and the sustainable harvest and use of wildlife domestically and internationally, and supports actions taken by other countries to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of their wildlife, as well as strong sanitary measures.The Government of Canada acknowledges the critical importance of strengthening multi-sectoral approaches to integrate disease prevention, detection, surveillance and response. The Government of Canada is committed to a collaborative approach that involves and mobilizes partners across human health, animal health, and the environment. As a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES),  Canada recognizes the importance for countries to ensure strong regulatory mechanisms to support the sustainable harvest and use of wild plants and animals, including taking action to regulate or restrict wildlife trade and wildlife consumption when necessary for conservation or human safety. The Government of Canada is committed to working with partners, including through the G7 and G20, as well as through One Health initiatives to prevent the spread of diseases. We also look forward to discussions with CITES Parties on the role CITES could play in global efforts to reduce the risk of future zoonotic disease emergence associated with wildlife trade.The government of Canada will continue supporting biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of wildlife domestically and internationally, and supporting actions taken by other countries to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of their wildlife. We recognize the need to integrate the benefits of sustainable and legal wildlife trade with food security and human health.  
AnimalsTradeZoonosis
43rd Parliament229Not certifiedJune 18, 2021e-3397e-3397 (Citizenship and immigration)HamedSaadatJennyKwanVancouver EastNDPBCMay 19, 2021, at 8:52 a.m. (EDT)June 18, 2021, at 8:52 a.m. (EDT)June 18, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="253396" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship</Addressee>Whereas:The canadian citizenship fee creates an unnecessary barrier for Canada to strengthen it’s relationship with those who wish to permanently contribute to Canadian society and the economy; andThe Liberal’s promise to abolish the staggering $630 fee remains unaddressed.We, the undersigned, Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to deliver on the Liberal government's promise to the good people of Canada to abolish the canadian citizenship fee, and hereby aid the livelihoods of millions of new Canadians who have left their relatives and memories in their home countries behind to call this country home.Administrative feesCitizenship and identity43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 17, 2021432-01069432-01069 (Environment)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCJune 8, 2021June 17, 2021May 19, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWhereas:
  • Indigenous peoples have rights and title to their traditional territories and have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial;
  • the climate crisis requires action by all levels of government and industry;
  • old-growth forests provide immeasurable benefits, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity, culture, recreation, education, food and more;
  • valley-bottom high productivity old-growth ecosystems in British Columbia are endangered;
  • of the remaining 2.7% of original high productivity old-growth forests in British Columbia, 75% are still slated to be logged;
  • only 9% of the original 360,000 hectares of valley-bottom high productivity old-growth on Vancouver Island remain today; only 2.6% of those forests are protected in parks;
  • the last unprotected intact old-growth valley on Southern Vancouver Island, Fairy Creek, is slated for logging, along with the upper Walbran Valley and other remaining pockets of old growth;
  • most Canadians support sustainable harvesting of second and third growth forests, but do not support logging old-growth trees or destroying their surrounding ecosystems.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Work with the provinces and First Nations to immediately halt logging of endangered old-growth ecosystems; 2. Fund the long-term protection of old-growth ecosystems as a priority for Canada's climate action plan and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;3. Support value-added forestry initiatives in partnership with First Nations to ensure Canada's forestry industry is sustainable, and based on the harvesting of second and third growth forests;4. Ban the export of raw logs and maximize resource use for local jobs;5. Ban the use of whole trees for wood pellet biofuel production.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mr. Marc G. SerréThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views regarding British Columbia’s forests.Canada’s 347 million hectares of forest make up nine percent of the world’s forests. According to the latest statistics, dating back to December of 2020, Canada is maintaining roughly 164 million hectares of forests that are certified as sustainably-managed by independent groups. That represents 36 percent of all certified sustainable forests in the world. No nation matches Canada’s record in this area. Furthermore, less than one percent of Canada's forest lands is harvested annually. That is significantly smaller than the roughly 5.5 percent of forest land burned by wildfires or affected by insects.Additionally, the forest sector provided 205,000 jobs for Canadians in 2019, including about 12,000 jobs for Indigenous people. It was the primary source of economic well-being for 300 communities across Canada. As highlighted by the pandemic, forest sector services and products are essential to Canadians, helping to produce personal protective equipment from facemasks to hospital gowns.Forests preserve soils, cycle nutrients, support biodiversity and act as natural cleansers, filtering pollutants from the air and water. Active and sustainable harvest and management of forests also provide critical long-term climate benefits. Protecting older forests allows for greater amounts of carbon to be stored, though it should be noted that mature trees can eventually begin to decay and become carbon emissions sources. Meanwhile, replanting allows for the removal of carbon from the atmosphere as new trees grow. Changes in forest management and the use of harvested wood products can therefore contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change. The Government of Canada is also supporting the increased use of carbon-storing wood products as a substitution for emissions-intensive construction materials.About 90 percent of Canada’s forests are located on provincial and territorial Crown lands, and provincial and territorial governments manage these forests in accordance with the Constitution. In British Columbia, the province owns about 96 percent of the forested land. Provinces and territories have exclusive powers to develop and enforce their legislation, standards and programs to ensure the development, conservation and management of forest resources. Although rules, regulations, and policies that guide forest management vary between provinces and territories, they are all based on the principles of sustainable forest management. By provincial law, the forest industry must renew and maintain all harvested areas to provide for the sustainability of Crown forests. British Columbia’sforest management regime requires licensees operating on Crown lands to meet consultation obligations. This includes the requirement that forest stewardship plans be shared and discussed with affected First Nations.The Government of Canada works closely with provinces and territories to provide science that support sustainable forest management. The federal government is responsible for international trade in forest products and forest management on federal lands, and works closely with First Nations communities to ensure that they secure the economic benefits of Canada’s sustainable forestry industry.Over 1.1 million Indigenous people in Canada live in or near forests and, in British Columbia, the more than 5,000 Indigenous employees in the forest sector represent approximately 10 percent of the labour force, according to the 2016 Census. Increasingly, Government of Canada scientists are carrying out collaborative research with Indigenous communities centred on knowledge co-creation. This means that forest science research and tools developed to support sustainable forest management practices are informed by western and Indigenous science, and reflect local cultures as well as community values and priorities. This approach is important to the government’s reconciliation efforts, as forests provide significant economic benefits to these communities. Forests are also essential to spiritual and cultural traditions for many Indigenous Peoples. Those traditions include hunting, trapping, and the harvesting of medicines and culturally significant plants.In 2019, British Columbia became the first jurisdiction in Canada to introduce legislation to fully implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The legislation mandates that the provincial government bring its laws and policies into harmony with the UN Declaration’s objectives. It also mandated that future legislative amendments be required to enable joint and consent-based decision-making.The Government of Canada has made significant commitments in its Strengthened Climate Plan to advance Indigenous climate leadership, making Indigenous environmental management a cornerstone of the Plan. Supporting self-determined climate action and providing inclusive decision-making guidance is critical to moving forward on reconciliation. This also includes guidance on working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to co-develop decision-making processes and forestry management regimes that will ensure all of Canada’s future climate actions help promote Indigenous self-determination. Through programs such as the Indigenous Forestry Initiative, the Government of Canada is committed to working with Indigenous peoples to ensure that their communities gain long-term sustainable benefits from the forest sector through these value-adding opportunities. Log production is integral for the domestic manufacturing industry, as well as international markets, for a wide range of forest products, including softwood lumber. The forest industry depends on getting sustainably produced products to these markets in a balanced approach between sustainable forest management and economic growth. The Government of Canada’s Notice to Exporters No. 102, regarding theexports of logs from British Columbia, form an important part of the federal government’s efforts to ensure the right balance between log exports and sustainable forest management. Companies exporting forest products from British Columbia must first undergo a surplus testing procedure in consultation with the provincial government to determine whether adequate supply remains in Canada. This helps to ensure sustainability.Like all forest industries in Canada, the wood pellet industry is governed by comprehensive provincial legislation, regulations, and policies that enable sustainable forest management. Strict monitoring and enforcement measures bolster provincial forest management, ensuring that Canada’s forests are harvested legally and sustainably. The majority of Canadian pellets, for instance, come from forests that have been certified for sustainable forest management. All Canadian industrial pellet exports are certified sustainable by the Sustainable Biomass Program—a third-party certification system demonstrating compliance with forest management regulations.Canada has 47 pellet plants across the country, with an annual capacity of about 4.6 million metric tonnes. Canadian wood pellets are made from sawmill and harvesting scrap, created by other industrial processes such as lumber production. In some cases, pellets are made from damaged or low-quality logs not suitable for milling into lumber or other forest products. Reusing forest industry waste to produce pellets improves harvesting efficiency by ensuring no part of the tree is wasted. This also reduces the costs of managing residue removal from forests, and in turn, reduces forest fuel load and forest fire risk.Canada’s strong system of forest laws, monitoring, and enforcement ensures that sustainable forest management is practiced in British Columbia and across the country in consultation and partnership with Indigenous peoples.
Environmental protectionForest policyIndigenous policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 17, 2021432-01042432-01042 (Environment)PaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCJune 7, 2021June 17, 2021May 20, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWhereas:
  • Indigenous peoples have rights and title to their traditional territories and have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial;
  • the climate crisis requires action by all levels of government and industry;
  • old-growth forests provide immeasurable benefits, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity, culture, recreation, education, food and more;
  • valley-bottom high productivity old-growth ecosystems in British Columbia are endangered;
  • of the remaining 2.7% of original high productivity old-growth forests in British Columbia, 75% are still slated to be logged;
  • only 9% of the original 360,000 hectares of valley-bottom high productivity old-growth on Vancouver Island remain today; only 2.6% of those forests are protected in parks;
  • the last unprotected intact old-growth valley on Southern Vancouver Island, Fairy Creek, is slated for logging, along with the upper Walbran Valley and other remaining pockets of old growth;
  • most Canadians support sustainable harvesting of second and third growth forests, but do not support logging old-growth trees or destroying their surrounding ecosystems.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Work with the provinces and First Nations to immediately halt logging of endangered old-growth ecosystems; 2. Fund the long-term protection of old-growth ecosystems as a priority for Canada's climate action plan and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;3. Support value-added forestry initiatives in partnership with First Nations to ensure Canada's forestry industry is sustainable, and based on the harvesting of second and third growth forests;4. Ban the export of raw logs and maximize resource use for local jobs;5. Ban the use of whole trees for wood pellet biofuel production.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mr. Marc G. SerréThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views regarding British Columbia’s forests.Canada’s 347 million hectares of forest make up nine percent of the world’s forests. According to the latest statistics, dating back to December of 2020, Canada is maintaining roughly 164 million hectares of forests that are certified as sustainably-managed by independent groups. That represents 36 percent of all certified sustainable forests in the world. No nation matches Canada’s record in this area. Furthermore, less than one percent of Canada's forest lands is harvested annually. That is significantly smaller than the roughly 5.5 percent of forest land burned by wildfires or affected by insects.Additionally, the forest sector provided 205,000 jobs for Canadians in 2019, including about 12,000 jobs for Indigenous people. It was the primary source of economic well-being for 300 communities across Canada. As highlighted by the pandemic, forest sector services and products are essential to Canadians, helping to produce personal protective equipment from facemasks to hospital gowns.Forests preserve soils, cycle nutrients, support biodiversity and act as natural cleansers, filtering pollutants from the air and water. Active and sustainable harvest and management of forests also provide critical long-term climate benefits. Protecting older forests allows for greater amounts of carbon to be stored, though it should be noted that mature trees can eventually begin to decay and become carbon emissions sources. Meanwhile, replanting allows for the removal of carbon from the atmosphere as new trees grow. Changes in forest management and the use of harvested wood products can therefore contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change. The Government of Canada is also supporting the increased use of carbon-storing wood products as a substitution for emissions-intensive construction materials.About 90 percent of Canada’s forests are located on provincial and territorial Crown lands, and provincial and territorial governments manage these forests in accordance with the Constitution. In British Columbia, the province owns about 96 percent of the forested land. Provinces and territories have exclusive powers to develop and enforce their legislation, standards and programs to ensure the development, conservation and management of forest resources. Although rules, regulations, and policies that guide forest management vary between provinces and territories, they are all based on the principles of sustainable forest management. By provincial law, the forest industry must renew and maintain all harvested areas to provide for the sustainability of Crown forests. British Columbia’sforest management regime requires licensees operating on Crown lands to meet consultation obligations. This includes the requirement that forest stewardship plans be shared and discussed with affected First Nations.The Government of Canada works closely with provinces and territories to provide science that support sustainable forest management. The federal government is responsible for international trade in forest products and forest management on federal lands, and works closely with First Nations communities to ensure that they secure the economic benefits of Canada’s sustainable forestry industry.Over 1.1 million Indigenous people in Canada live in or near forests and, in British Columbia, the more than 5,000 Indigenous employees in the forest sector represent approximately 10 percent of the labour force, according to the 2016 Census. Increasingly, Government of Canada scientists are carrying out collaborative research with Indigenous communities centred on knowledge co-creation. This means that forest science research and tools developed to support sustainable forest management practices are informed by western and Indigenous science, and reflect local cultures as well as community values and priorities. This approach is important to the government’s reconciliation efforts, as forests provide significant economic benefits to these communities. Forests are also essential to spiritual and cultural traditions for many Indigenous Peoples. Those traditions include hunting, trapping, and the harvesting of medicines and culturally significant plants.In 2019, British Columbia became the first jurisdiction in Canada to introduce legislation to fully implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The legislation mandates that the provincial government bring its laws and policies into harmony with the UN Declaration’s objectives. It also mandated that future legislative amendments be required to enable joint and consent-based decision-making.The Government of Canada has made significant commitments in its Strengthened Climate Plan to advance Indigenous climate leadership, making Indigenous environmental management a cornerstone of the Plan. Supporting self-determined climate action and providing inclusive decision-making guidance is critical to moving forward on reconciliation. This also includes guidance on working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to co-develop decision-making processes and forestry management regimes that will ensure all of Canada’s future climate actions help promote Indigenous self-determination. Through programs such as the Indigenous Forestry Initiative, the Government of Canada is committed to working with Indigenous peoples to ensure that their communities gain long-term sustainable benefits from the forest sector through these value-adding opportunities. Log production is integral for the domestic manufacturing industry, as well as international markets, for a wide range of forest products, including softwood lumber. The forest industry depends on getting sustainably produced products to these markets in a balanced approach between sustainable forest management and economic growth. The Government of Canada’s Notice to Exporters No. 102, regarding theexports of logs from British Columbia, form an important part of the federal government’s efforts to ensure the right balance between log exports and sustainable forest management. Companies exporting forest products from British Columbia must first undergo a surplus testing procedure in consultation with the provincial government to determine whether adequate supply remains in Canada. This helps to ensure sustainability.Like all forest industries in Canada, the wood pellet industry is governed by comprehensive provincial legislation, regulations, and policies that enable sustainable forest management. Strict monitoring and enforcement measures bolster provincial forest management, ensuring that Canada’s forests are harvested legally and sustainably. The majority of Canadian pellets, for instance, come from forests that have been certified for sustainable forest management. All Canadian industrial pellet exports are certified sustainable by the Sustainable Biomass Program—a third-party certification system demonstrating compliance with forest management regulations.Canada has 47 pellet plants across the country, with an annual capacity of about 4.6 million metric tonnes. Canadian wood pellets are made from sawmill and harvesting scrap, created by other industrial processes such as lumber production. In some cases, pellets are made from damaged or low-quality logs not suitable for milling into lumber or other forest products. Reusing forest industry waste to produce pellets improves harvesting efficiency by ensuring no part of the tree is wasted. This also reduces the costs of managing residue removal from forests, and in turn, reduces forest fuel load and forest fire risk.Canada’s strong system of forest laws, monitoring, and enforcement ensures that sustainable forest management is practiced in British Columbia and across the country in consultation and partnership with Indigenous peoples.
Environmental protectionForest policyIndigenous policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 17, 2021432-01041432-01041 (Environment)PaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCJune 7, 2021June 17, 2021May 20, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWhereas:
  • Indigenous peoples have rights and title to their traditional territories and have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial;
  • the climate crisis requires action by all levels of government and industry;
  • old-growth forests provide immeasurable benefits, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity, culture, recreation, education, food and more;
  • valley-bottom high productivity old-growth ecosystems in British Columbia are endangered;
  • of the remaining 2.7% of original high productivity old-growth forests in British Columbia, 75% are still slated to be logged;
  • only 9% of the original 360,000 hectares of valley-bottom high productivity old-growth on Vancouver Island remain today; only 2.6% of those forests are protected in parks;
  • the last unprotected intact old-growth valley on Southern Vancouver Island, Fairy Creek, is slated for logging, along with the upper Walbran Valley and other remaining pockets of old growth;
  • most Canadians support sustainable harvesting of second and third growth forests, but do not support logging old-growth trees or destroying their surrounding ecosystems.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Work with the provinces and First Nations to immediately halt logging of endangered old-growth ecosystems; 2. Fund the long-term protection of old-growth ecosystems as a priority for Canada's climate action plan and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;3. Support value-added forestry initiatives in partnership with First Nations to ensure Canada's forestry industry is sustainable, and based on the harvesting of second and third growth forests;4. Ban the export of raw logs and maximize resource use for local jobs;5. Ban the use of whole trees for wood pellet biofuel production.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mr. Marc G. SerréThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views regarding British Columbia’s forests.Canada’s 347 million hectares of forest make up nine percent of the world’s forests. According to the latest statistics, dating back to December of 2020, Canada is maintaining roughly 164 million hectares of forests that are certified as sustainably-managed by independent groups. That represents 36 percent of all certified sustainable forests in the world. No nation matches Canada’s record in this area. Furthermore, less than one percent of Canada's forest lands is harvested annually. That is significantly smaller than the roughly 5.5 percent of forest land burned by wildfires or affected by insects.Additionally, the forest sector provided 205,000 jobs for Canadians in 2019, including about 12,000 jobs for Indigenous people. It was the primary source of economic well-being for 300 communities across Canada. As highlighted by the pandemic, forest sector services and products are essential to Canadians, helping to produce personal protective equipment from facemasks to hospital gowns.Forests preserve soils, cycle nutrients, support biodiversity and act as natural cleansers, filtering pollutants from the air and water. Active and sustainable harvest and management of forests also provide critical long-term climate benefits. Protecting older forests allows for greater amounts of carbon to be stored, though it should be noted that mature trees can eventually begin to decay and become carbon emissions sources. Meanwhile, replanting allows for the removal of carbon from the atmosphere as new trees grow. Changes in forest management and the use of harvested wood products can therefore contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change. The Government of Canada is also supporting the increased use of carbon-storing wood products as a substitution for emissions-intensive construction materials.About 90 percent of Canada’s forests are located on provincial and territorial Crown lands, and provincial and territorial governments manage these forests in accordance with the Constitution. In British Columbia, the province owns about 96 percent of the forested land. Provinces and territories have exclusive powers to develop and enforce their legislation, standards and programs to ensure the development, conservation and management of forest resources. Although rules, regulations, and policies that guide forest management vary between provinces and territories, they are all based on the principles of sustainable forest management. By provincial law, the forest industry must renew and maintain all harvested areas to provide for the sustainability of Crown forests. British Columbia’sforest management regime requires licensees operating on Crown lands to meet consultation obligations. This includes the requirement that forest stewardship plans be shared and discussed with affected First Nations.The Government of Canada works closely with provinces and territories to provide science that support sustainable forest management. The federal government is responsible for international trade in forest products and forest management on federal lands, and works closely with First Nations communities to ensure that they secure the economic benefits of Canada’s sustainable forestry industry.Over 1.1 million Indigenous people in Canada live in or near forests and, in British Columbia, the more than 5,000 Indigenous employees in the forest sector represent approximately 10 percent of the labour force, according to the 2016 Census. Increasingly, Government of Canada scientists are carrying out collaborative research with Indigenous communities centred on knowledge co-creation. This means that forest science research and tools developed to support sustainable forest management practices are informed by western and Indigenous science, and reflect local cultures as well as community values and priorities. This approach is important to the government’s reconciliation efforts, as forests provide significant economic benefits to these communities. Forests are also essential to spiritual and cultural traditions for many Indigenous Peoples. Those traditions include hunting, trapping, and the harvesting of medicines and culturally significant plants.In 2019, British Columbia became the first jurisdiction in Canada to introduce legislation to fully implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The legislation mandates that the provincial government bring its laws and policies into harmony with the UN Declaration’s objectives. It also mandated that future legislative amendments be required to enable joint and consent-based decision-making.The Government of Canada has made significant commitments in its Strengthened Climate Plan to advance Indigenous climate leadership, making Indigenous environmental management a cornerstone of the Plan. Supporting self-determined climate action and providing inclusive decision-making guidance is critical to moving forward on reconciliation. This also includes guidance on working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to co-develop decision-making processes and forestry management regimes that will ensure all of Canada’s future climate actions help promote Indigenous self-determination. Through programs such as the Indigenous Forestry Initiative, the Government of Canada is committed to working with Indigenous peoples to ensure that their communities gain long-term sustainable benefits from the forest sector through these value-adding opportunities. Log production is integral for the domestic manufacturing industry, as well as international markets, for a wide range of forest products, including softwood lumber. The forest industry depends on getting sustainably produced products to these markets in a balanced approach between sustainable forest management and economic growth. The Government of Canada’s Notice to Exporters No. 102, regarding theexports of logs from British Columbia, form an important part of the federal government’s efforts to ensure the right balance between log exports and sustainable forest management. Companies exporting forest products from British Columbia must first undergo a surplus testing procedure in consultation with the provincial government to determine whether adequate supply remains in Canada. This helps to ensure sustainability.Like all forest industries in Canada, the wood pellet industry is governed by comprehensive provincial legislation, regulations, and policies that enable sustainable forest management. Strict monitoring and enforcement measures bolster provincial forest management, ensuring that Canada’s forests are harvested legally and sustainably. The majority of Canadian pellets, for instance, come from forests that have been certified for sustainable forest management. All Canadian industrial pellet exports are certified sustainable by the Sustainable Biomass Program—a third-party certification system demonstrating compliance with forest management regulations.Canada has 47 pellet plants across the country, with an annual capacity of about 4.6 million metric tonnes. Canadian wood pellets are made from sawmill and harvesting scrap, created by other industrial processes such as lumber production. In some cases, pellets are made from damaged or low-quality logs not suitable for milling into lumber or other forest products. Reusing forest industry waste to produce pellets improves harvesting efficiency by ensuring no part of the tree is wasted. This also reduces the costs of managing residue removal from forests, and in turn, reduces forest fuel load and forest fire risk.Canada’s strong system of forest laws, monitoring, and enforcement ensures that sustainable forest management is practiced in British Columbia and across the country in consultation and partnership with Indigenous peoples.
Environmental protectionForest policyIndigenous policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 17, 2021432-01038432-01038 (Environment)JenicaAtwinFrederictonGreen PartyNBJune 3, 2021June 17, 2021May 17, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWhereas:
  • Indigenous peoples have rights and title to their traditional territories and have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial;
  • the climate crisis requires action by all levels of government and industry;
  • old-growth forests provide immeasurable benefits, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity, culture, recreation, education, food and more;
  • valley-bottom high productivity old-growth ecosystems in British Columbia are endangered;
  • of the remaining 2.7% of original high productivity old-growth forests in British Columbia, 75% are still slated to be logged;
  • only 9% of the original 360,000 hectares of valley-bottom high productivity old-growth on Vancouver Island remain today; only 2.6% of those forests are protected in parks;
  • the last unprotected intact old-growth valley on Southern Vancouver Island, Fairy Creek, is slated for logging, along with the upper Walbran Valley and other remaining pockets of old growth;
  • most Canadians support sustainable harvesting of second and third growth forests, but do not support logging old-growth trees or destroying their surrounding ecosystems.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Work with the provinces and First Nations to immediately halt logging of endangered old-growth ecosystems; 2. Fund the long-term protection of old-growth ecosystems as a priority for Canada's climate action plan and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;3. Support value-added forestry initiatives in partnership with First Nations to ensure Canada's forestry industry is sustainable, and based on the harvesting of second and third growth forests;4. Ban the export of raw logs and maximize resource use for local jobs;5. Ban the use of whole trees for wood pellet biofuel production.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mr. Marc G. SerréThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views regarding British Columbia’s forests.Canada’s 347 million hectares of forest make up nine percent of the world’s forests. According to the latest statistics, dating back to December of 2020, Canada is maintaining roughly 164 million hectares of forests that are certified as sustainably-managed by independent groups. That represents 36 percent of all certified sustainable forests in the world. No nation matches Canada’s record in this area. Furthermore, less than one percent of Canada's forest lands is harvested annually. That is significantly smaller than the roughly 5.5 percent of forest land burned by wildfires or affected by insects.Additionally, the forest sector provided 205,000 jobs for Canadians in 2019, including about 12,000 jobs for Indigenous people. It was the primary source of economic well-being for 300 communities across Canada. As highlighted by the pandemic, forest sector services and products are essential to Canadians, helping to produce personal protective equipment from facemasks to hospital gowns.Forests preserve soils, cycle nutrients, support biodiversity and act as natural cleansers, filtering pollutants from the air and water. Active and sustainable harvest and management of forests also provide critical long-term climate benefits. Protecting older forests allows for greater amounts of carbon to be stored, though it should be noted that mature trees can eventually begin to decay and become carbon emissions sources. Meanwhile, replanting allows for the removal of carbon from the atmosphere as new trees grow. Changes in forest management and the use of harvested wood products can therefore contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change. The Government of Canada is also supporting the increased use of carbon-storing wood products as a substitution for emissions-intensive construction materials.About 90 percent of Canada’s forests are located on provincial and territorial Crown lands, and provincial and territorial governments manage these forests in accordance with the Constitution. In British Columbia, the province owns about 96 percent of the forested land. Provinces and territories have exclusive powers to develop and enforce their legislation, standards and programs to ensure the development, conservation and management of forest resources. Although rules, regulations, and policies that guide forest management vary between provinces and territories, they are all based on the principles of sustainable forest management. By provincial law, the forest industry must renew and maintain all harvested areas to provide for the sustainability of Crown forests. British Columbia’sforest management regime requires licensees operating on Crown lands to meet consultation obligations. This includes the requirement that forest stewardship plans be shared and discussed with affected First Nations.The Government of Canada works closely with provinces and territories to provide science that support sustainable forest management. The federal government is responsible for international trade in forest products and forest management on federal lands, and works closely with First Nations communities to ensure that they secure the economic benefits of Canada’s sustainable forestry industry.Over 1.1 million Indigenous people in Canada live in or near forests and, in British Columbia, the more than 5,000 Indigenous employees in the forest sector represent approximately 10 percent of the labour force, according to the 2016 Census. Increasingly, Government of Canada scientists are carrying out collaborative research with Indigenous communities centred on knowledge co-creation. This means that forest science research and tools developed to support sustainable forest management practices are informed by western and Indigenous science, and reflect local cultures as well as community values and priorities. This approach is important to the government’s reconciliation efforts, as forests provide significant economic benefits to these communities. Forests are also essential to spiritual and cultural traditions for many Indigenous Peoples. Those traditions include hunting, trapping, and the harvesting of medicines and culturally significant plants.In 2019, British Columbia became the first jurisdiction in Canada to introduce legislation to fully implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The legislation mandates that the provincial government bring its laws and policies into harmony with the UN Declaration’s objectives. It also mandated that future legislative amendments be required to enable joint and consent-based decision-making.The Government of Canada has made significant commitments in its Strengthened Climate Plan to advance Indigenous climate leadership, making Indigenous environmental management a cornerstone of the Plan. Supporting self-determined climate action and providing inclusive decision-making guidance is critical to moving forward on reconciliation. This also includes guidance on working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to co-develop decision-making processes and forestry management regimes that will ensure all of Canada’s future climate actions help promote Indigenous self-determination. Through programs such as the Indigenous Forestry Initiative, the Government of Canada is committed to working with Indigenous peoples to ensure that their communities gain long-term sustainable benefits from the forest sector through these value-adding opportunities. Log production is integral for the domestic manufacturing industry, as well as international markets, for a wide range of forest products, including softwood lumber. The forest industry depends on getting sustainably produced products to these markets in a balanced approach between sustainable forest management and economic growth. The Government of Canada’s Notice to Exporters No. 102, regarding theexports of logs from British Columbia, form an important part of the federal government’s efforts to ensure the right balance between log exports and sustainable forest management. Companies exporting forest products from British Columbia must first undergo a surplus testing procedure in consultation with the provincial government to determine whether adequate supply remains in Canada. This helps to ensure sustainability.Like all forest industries in Canada, the wood pellet industry is governed by comprehensive provincial legislation, regulations, and policies that enable sustainable forest management. Strict monitoring and enforcement measures bolster provincial forest management, ensuring that Canada’s forests are harvested legally and sustainably. The majority of Canadian pellets, for instance, come from forests that have been certified for sustainable forest management. All Canadian industrial pellet exports are certified sustainable by the Sustainable Biomass Program—a third-party certification system demonstrating compliance with forest management regulations.Canada has 47 pellet plants across the country, with an annual capacity of about 4.6 million metric tonnes. Canadian wood pellets are made from sawmill and harvesting scrap, created by other industrial processes such as lumber production. In some cases, pellets are made from damaged or low-quality logs not suitable for milling into lumber or other forest products. Reusing forest industry waste to produce pellets improves harvesting efficiency by ensuring no part of the tree is wasted. This also reduces the costs of managing residue removal from forests, and in turn, reduces forest fuel load and forest fire risk.Canada’s strong system of forest laws, monitoring, and enforcement ensures that sustainable forest management is practiced in British Columbia and across the country in consultation and partnership with Indigenous peoples.
Environmental protectionForest policyIndigenous policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 17, 2021432-01024432-01024 (Environment)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCJune 1, 2021June 17, 2021May 19, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWhereas:
  • Indigenous peoples have rights and title to their traditional territories and have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial;
  • the climate crisis requires action by all levels of government and industry;
  • old-growth forests provide immeasurable benefits, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity, culture, recreation, education, food and more;
  • valley-bottom high productivity old-growth ecosystems in British Columbia are endangered;
  • of the remaining 2.7% of original high productivity old-growth forests in British Columbia, 75% are still slated to be logged;
  • only 9% of the original 360,000 hectares of valley-bottom high productivity old-growth on Vancouver Island remain today; only 2.6% of those forests are protected in parks;
  • the last unprotected intact old-growth valley on Southern Vancouver Island, Fairy Creek, is slated for logging, along with the upper Walbran Valley and other remaining pockets of old growth;
  • most Canadians support sustainable harvesting of second and third growth forests, but do not support logging old-growth trees or destroying their surrounding ecosystems.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Work with the provinces and First Nations to immediately halt logging of endangered old-growth ecosystems; 2. Fund the long-term protection of old-growth ecosystems as a priority for Canada's climate action plan and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;3. Support value-added forestry initiatives in partnership with First Nations to ensure Canada's forestry industry is sustainable, and based on the harvesting of second and third growth forests;4. Ban the export of raw logs and maximize resource use for local jobs;5. Ban the use of whole trees for wood pellet biofuel production.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mr. Marc G. SerréThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views regarding British Columbia’s forests.Canada’s 347 million hectares of forest make up nine percent of the world’s forests. According to the latest statistics, dating back to December of 2020, Canada is maintaining roughly 164 million hectares of forests that are certified as sustainably-managed by independent groups. That represents 36 percent of all certified sustainable forests in the world. No nation matches Canada’s record in this area. Furthermore, less than one percent of Canada's forest lands is harvested annually. That is significantly smaller than the roughly 5.5 percent of forest land burned by wildfires or affected by insects.Additionally, the forest sector provided 205,000 jobs for Canadians in 2019, including about 12,000 jobs for Indigenous people. It was the primary source of economic well-being for 300 communities across Canada. As highlighted by the pandemic, forest sector services and products are essential to Canadians, helping to produce personal protective equipment from facemasks to hospital gowns.Forests preserve soils, cycle nutrients, support biodiversity and act as natural cleansers, filtering pollutants from the air and water. Active and sustainable harvest and management of forests also provide critical long-term climate benefits. Protecting older forests allows for greater amounts of carbon to be stored, though it should be noted that mature trees can eventually begin to decay and become carbon emissions sources. Meanwhile, replanting allows for the removal of carbon from the atmosphere as new trees grow. Changes in forest management and the use of harvested wood products can therefore contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change. The Government of Canada is also supporting the increased use of carbon-storing wood products as a substitution for emissions-intensive construction materials.About 90 percent of Canada’s forests are located on provincial and territorial Crown lands, and provincial and territorial governments manage these forests in accordance with the Constitution. In British Columbia, the province owns about 96 percent of the forested land. Provinces and territories have exclusive powers to develop and enforce their legislation, standards and programs to ensure the development, conservation and management of forest resources. Although rules, regulations, and policies that guide forest management vary between provinces and territories, they are all based on the principles of sustainable forest management. By provincial law, the forest industry must renew and maintain all harvested areas to provide for the sustainability of Crown forests. British Columbia’sforest management regime requires licensees operating on Crown lands to meet consultation obligations. This includes the requirement that forest stewardship plans be shared and discussed with affected First Nations.The Government of Canada works closely with provinces and territories to provide science that support sustainable forest management. The federal government is responsible for international trade in forest products and forest management on federal lands, and works closely with First Nations communities to ensure that they secure the economic benefits of Canada’s sustainable forestry industry.Over 1.1 million Indigenous people in Canada live in or near forests and, in British Columbia, the more than 5,000 Indigenous employees in the forest sector represent approximately 10 percent of the labour force, according to the 2016 Census. Increasingly, Government of Canada scientists are carrying out collaborative research with Indigenous communities centred on knowledge co-creation. This means that forest science research and tools developed to support sustainable forest management practices are informed by western and Indigenous science, and reflect local cultures as well as community values and priorities. This approach is important to the government’s reconciliation efforts, as forests provide significant economic benefits to these communities. Forests are also essential to spiritual and cultural traditions for many Indigenous Peoples. Those traditions include hunting, trapping, and the harvesting of medicines and culturally significant plants.In 2019, British Columbia became the first jurisdiction in Canada to introduce legislation to fully implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The legislation mandates that the provincial government bring its laws and policies into harmony with the UN Declaration’s objectives. It also mandated that future legislative amendments be required to enable joint and consent-based decision-making.The Government of Canada has made significant commitments in its Strengthened Climate Plan to advance Indigenous climate leadership, making Indigenous environmental management a cornerstone of the Plan. Supporting self-determined climate action and providing inclusive decision-making guidance is critical to moving forward on reconciliation. This also includes guidance on working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to co-develop decision-making processes and forestry management regimes that will ensure all of Canada’s future climate actions help promote Indigenous self-determination. Through programs such as the Indigenous Forestry Initiative, the Government of Canada is committed to working with Indigenous peoples to ensure that their communities gain long-term sustainable benefits from the forest sector through these value-adding opportunities. Log production is integral for the domestic manufacturing industry, as well as international markets, for a wide range of forest products, including softwood lumber. The forest industry depends on getting sustainably produced products to these markets in a balanced approach between sustainable forest management and economic growth. The Government of Canada’s Notice to Exporters No. 102, regarding theexports of logs from British Columbia, form an important part of the federal government’s efforts to ensure the right balance between log exports and sustainable forest management. Companies exporting forest products from British Columbia must first undergo a surplus testing procedure in consultation with the provincial government to determine whether adequate supply remains in Canada. This helps to ensure sustainability.Like all forest industries in Canada, the wood pellet industry is governed by comprehensive provincial legislation, regulations, and policies that enable sustainable forest management. Strict monitoring and enforcement measures bolster provincial forest management, ensuring that Canada’s forests are harvested legally and sustainably. The majority of Canadian pellets, for instance, come from forests that have been certified for sustainable forest management. All Canadian industrial pellet exports are certified sustainable by the Sustainable Biomass Program—a third-party certification system demonstrating compliance with forest management regulations.Canada has 47 pellet plants across the country, with an annual capacity of about 4.6 million metric tonnes. Canadian wood pellets are made from sawmill and harvesting scrap, created by other industrial processes such as lumber production. In some cases, pellets are made from damaged or low-quality logs not suitable for milling into lumber or other forest products. Reusing forest industry waste to produce pellets improves harvesting efficiency by ensuring no part of the tree is wasted. This also reduces the costs of managing residue removal from forests, and in turn, reduces forest fuel load and forest fire risk.Canada’s strong system of forest laws, monitoring, and enforcement ensures that sustainable forest management is practiced in British Columbia and across the country in consultation and partnership with Indigenous peoples.
Environmental protectionForest policyIndigenous policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 17, 2021432-01021432-01021 (Environment)JenicaAtwinFrederictonGreen PartyNBJune 1, 2021June 17, 2021May 17, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWhereas:
  • Indigenous peoples have rights and title to their traditional territories and have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial;
  • the climate crisis requires action by all levels of government and industry;
  • old-growth forests provide immeasurable benefits, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity, culture, recreation, education, food and more;
  • valley-bottom high productivity old-growth ecosystems in British Columbia are endangered;
  • of the remaining 2.7% of original high productivity old-growth forests in British Columbia, 75% are still slated to be logged;
  • only 9% of the original 360,000 hectares of valley-bottom high productivity old-growth on Vancouver Island remain today; only 2.6% of those forests are protected in parks;
  • the last unprotected intact old-growth valley on Southern Vancouver Island, Fairy Creek, is slated for logging, along with the upper Walbran Valley and other remaining pockets of old growth;
  • most Canadians support sustainable harvesting of second and third growth forests, but do not support logging old-growth trees or destroying their surrounding ecosystems.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Work with the provinces and First Nations to immediately halt logging of endangered old-growth ecosystems; 2. Fund the long-term protection of old-growth ecosystems as a priority for Canada's climate action plan and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;3. Support value-added forestry initiatives in partnership with First Nations to ensure Canada's forestry industry is sustainable, and based on the harvesting of second and third growth forests;4. Ban the export of raw logs and maximize resource use for local jobs;5. Ban the use of whole trees for wood pellet biofuel production.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mr. Marc G. SerréThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views regarding British Columbia’s forests.Canada’s 347 million hectares of forest make up nine percent of the world’s forests. According to the latest statistics, dating back to December of 2020, Canada is maintaining roughly 164 million hectares of forests that are certified as sustainably-managed by independent groups. That represents 36 percent of all certified sustainable forests in the world. No nation matches Canada’s record in this area. Furthermore, less than one percent of Canada's forest lands is harvested annually. That is significantly smaller than the roughly 5.5 percent of forest land burned by wildfires or affected by insects.Additionally, the forest sector provided 205,000 jobs for Canadians in 2019, including about 12,000 jobs for Indigenous people. It was the primary source of economic well-being for 300 communities across Canada. As highlighted by the pandemic, forest sector services and products are essential to Canadians, helping to produce personal protective equipment from facemasks to hospital gowns.Forests preserve soils, cycle nutrients, support biodiversity and act as natural cleansers, filtering pollutants from the air and water. Active and sustainable harvest and management of forests also provide critical long-term climate benefits. Protecting older forests allows for greater amounts of carbon to be stored, though it should be noted that mature trees can eventually begin to decay and become carbon emissions sources. Meanwhile, replanting allows for the removal of carbon from the atmosphere as new trees grow. Changes in forest management and the use of harvested wood products can therefore contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change. The Government of Canada is also supporting the increased use of carbon-storing wood products as a substitution for emissions-intensive construction materials.About 90 percent of Canada’s forests are located on provincial and territorial Crown lands, and provincial and territorial governments manage these forests in accordance with the Constitution. In British Columbia, the province owns about 96 percent of the forested land. Provinces and territories have exclusive powers to develop and enforce their legislation, standards and programs to ensure the development, conservation and management of forest resources. Although rules, regulations, and policies that guide forest management vary between provinces and territories, they are all based on the principles of sustainable forest management. By provincial law, the forest industry must renew and maintain all harvested areas to provide for the sustainability of Crown forests. British Columbia’sforest management regime requires licensees operating on Crown lands to meet consultation obligations. This includes the requirement that forest stewardship plans be shared and discussed with affected First Nations.The Government of Canada works closely with provinces and territories to provide science that support sustainable forest management. The federal government is responsible for international trade in forest products and forest management on federal lands, and works closely with First Nations communities to ensure that they secure the economic benefits of Canada’s sustainable forestry industry.Over 1.1 million Indigenous people in Canada live in or near forests and, in British Columbia, the more than 5,000 Indigenous employees in the forest sector represent approximately 10 percent of the labour force, according to the 2016 Census. Increasingly, Government of Canada scientists are carrying out collaborative research with Indigenous communities centred on knowledge co-creation. This means that forest science research and tools developed to support sustainable forest management practices are informed by western and Indigenous science, and reflect local cultures as well as community values and priorities. This approach is important to the government’s reconciliation efforts, as forests provide significant economic benefits to these communities. Forests are also essential to spiritual and cultural traditions for many Indigenous Peoples. Those traditions include hunting, trapping, and the harvesting of medicines and culturally significant plants.In 2019, British Columbia became the first jurisdiction in Canada to introduce legislation to fully implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The legislation mandates that the provincial government bring its laws and policies into harmony with the UN Declaration’s objectives. It also mandated that future legislative amendments be required to enable joint and consent-based decision-making.The Government of Canada has made significant commitments in its Strengthened Climate Plan to advance Indigenous climate leadership, making Indigenous environmental management a cornerstone of the Plan. Supporting self-determined climate action and providing inclusive decision-making guidance is critical to moving forward on reconciliation. This also includes guidance on working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to co-develop decision-making processes and forestry management regimes that will ensure all of Canada’s future climate actions help promote Indigenous self-determination. Through programs such as the Indigenous Forestry Initiative, the Government of Canada is committed to working with Indigenous peoples to ensure that their communities gain long-term sustainable benefits from the forest sector through these value-adding opportunities. Log production is integral for the domestic manufacturing industry, as well as international markets, for a wide range of forest products, including softwood lumber. The forest industry depends on getting sustainably produced products to these markets in a balanced approach between sustainable forest management and economic growth. The Government of Canada’s Notice to Exporters No. 102, regarding theexports of logs from British Columbia, form an important part of the federal government’s efforts to ensure the right balance between log exports and sustainable forest management. Companies exporting forest products from British Columbia must first undergo a surplus testing procedure in consultation with the provincial government to determine whether adequate supply remains in Canada. This helps to ensure sustainability.Like all forest industries in Canada, the wood pellet industry is governed by comprehensive provincial legislation, regulations, and policies that enable sustainable forest management. Strict monitoring and enforcement measures bolster provincial forest management, ensuring that Canada’s forests are harvested legally and sustainably. The majority of Canadian pellets, for instance, come from forests that have been certified for sustainable forest management. All Canadian industrial pellet exports are certified sustainable by the Sustainable Biomass Program—a third-party certification system demonstrating compliance with forest management regulations.Canada has 47 pellet plants across the country, with an annual capacity of about 4.6 million metric tonnes. Canadian wood pellets are made from sawmill and harvesting scrap, created by other industrial processes such as lumber production. In some cases, pellets are made from damaged or low-quality logs not suitable for milling into lumber or other forest products. Reusing forest industry waste to produce pellets improves harvesting efficiency by ensuring no part of the tree is wasted. This also reduces the costs of managing residue removal from forests, and in turn, reduces forest fuel load and forest fire risk.Canada’s strong system of forest laws, monitoring, and enforcement ensures that sustainable forest management is practiced in British Columbia and across the country in consultation and partnership with Indigenous peoples.
Environmental protectionForest policyIndigenous policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 17, 2021432-00992432-00992 (Environment)PaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCMay 28, 2021June 17, 2021May 17, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWhereas:
  • Indigenous peoples have rights and title to their traditional territories and have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial;
  • the climate crisis requires action by all levels of government and industry;
  • old-growth forests provide immeasurable benefits, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity, culture, recreation, education, food and more;
  • valley-bottom high productivity old-growth ecosystems in British Columbia are endangered;
  • of the remaining 2.7% of original high productivity old-growth forests in British Columbia, 75% are still slated to be logged;
  • only 9% of the original 360,000 hectares of valley-bottom high productivity old-growth on Vancouver Island remain today; only 2.6% of those forests are protected in parks;
  • the last unprotected intact old-growth valley on Southern Vancouver Island, Fairy Creek, is slated for logging, along with the upper Walbran Valley and other remaining pockets of old growth;
  • most Canadians support sustainable harvesting of second and third growth forests, but do not support logging old-growth trees or destroying their surrounding ecosystems.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Work with the provinces and First Nations to immediately halt logging of endangered old-growth ecosystems; 2. Fund the long-term protection of old-growth ecosystems as a priority for Canada's climate action plan and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;3. Support value-added forestry initiatives in partnership with First Nations to ensure Canada's forestry industry is sustainable, and based on the harvesting of second and third growth forests;4. Ban the export of raw logs and maximize resource use for local jobs;5. Ban the use of whole trees for wood pellet biofuel production.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mr. Marc G. SerréThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views regarding British Columbia’s forests.Canada’s 347 million hectares of forest make up nine percent of the world’s forests. According to the latest statistics, dating back to December of 2020, Canada is maintaining roughly 164 million hectares of forests that are certified as sustainably-managed by independent groups. That represents 36 percent of all certified sustainable forests in the world. No nation matches Canada’s record in this area. Furthermore, less than one percent of Canada's forest lands is harvested annually. That is significantly smaller than the roughly 5.5 percent of forest land burned by wildfires or affected by insects.Additionally, the forest sector provided 205,000 jobs for Canadians in 2019, including about 12,000 jobs for Indigenous people. It was the primary source of economic well-being for 300 communities across Canada. As highlighted by the pandemic, forest sector services and products are essential to Canadians, helping to produce personal protective equipment from facemasks to hospital gowns.Forests preserve soils, cycle nutrients, support biodiversity and act as natural cleansers, filtering pollutants from the air and water. Active and sustainable harvest and management of forests also provide critical long-term climate benefits. Protecting older forests allows for greater amounts of carbon to be stored, though it should be noted that mature trees can eventually begin to decay and become carbon emissions sources. Meanwhile, replanting allows for the removal of carbon from the atmosphere as new trees grow. Changes in forest management and the use of harvested wood products can therefore contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change. The Government of Canada is also supporting the increased use of carbon-storing wood products as a substitution for emissions-intensive construction materials.About 90 percent of Canada’s forests are located on provincial and territorial Crown lands, and provincial and territorial governments manage these forests in accordance with the Constitution. In British Columbia, the province owns about 96 percent of the forested land. Provinces and territories have exclusive powers to develop and enforce their legislation, standards and programs to ensure the development, conservation and management of forest resources. Although rules, regulations, and policies that guide forest management vary between provinces and territories, they are all based on the principles of sustainable forest management. By provincial law, the forest industry must renew and maintain all harvested areas to provide for the sustainability of Crown forests. British Columbia’sforest management regime requires licensees operating on Crown lands to meet consultation obligations. This includes the requirement that forest stewardship plans be shared and discussed with affected First Nations.The Government of Canada works closely with provinces and territories to provide science that support sustainable forest management. The federal government is responsible for international trade in forest products and forest management on federal lands, and works closely with First Nations communities to ensure that they secure the economic benefits of Canada’s sustainable forestry industry.Over 1.1 million Indigenous people in Canada live in or near forests and, in British Columbia, the more than 5,000 Indigenous employees in the forest sector represent approximately 10 percent of the labour force, according to the 2016 Census. Increasingly, Government of Canada scientists are carrying out collaborative research with Indigenous communities centred on knowledge co-creation. This means that forest science research and tools developed to support sustainable forest management practices are informed by western and Indigenous science, and reflect local cultures as well as community values and priorities. This approach is important to the government’s reconciliation efforts, as forests provide significant economic benefits to these communities. Forests are also essential to spiritual and cultural traditions for many Indigenous Peoples. Those traditions include hunting, trapping, and the harvesting of medicines and culturally significant plants.In 2019, British Columbia became the first jurisdiction in Canada to introduce legislation to fully implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The legislation mandates that the provincial government bring its laws and policies into harmony with the UN Declaration’s objectives. It also mandated that future legislative amendments be required to enable joint and consent-based decision-making.The Government of Canada has made significant commitments in its Strengthened Climate Plan to advance Indigenous climate leadership, making Indigenous environmental management a cornerstone of the Plan. Supporting self-determined climate action and providing inclusive decision-making guidance is critical to moving forward on reconciliation. This also includes guidance on working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to co-develop decision-making processes and forestry management regimes that will ensure all of Canada’s future climate actions help promote Indigenous self-determination. Through programs such as the Indigenous Forestry Initiative, the Government of Canada is committed to working with Indigenous peoples to ensure that their communities gain long-term sustainable benefits from the forest sector through these value-adding opportunities. Log production is integral for the domestic manufacturing industry, as well as international markets, for a wide range of forest products, including softwood lumber. The forest industry depends on getting sustainably produced products to these markets in a balanced approach between sustainable forest management and economic growth. The Government of Canada’s Notice to Exporters No. 102, regarding theexports of logs from British Columbia, form an important part of the federal government’s efforts to ensure the right balance between log exports and sustainable forest management. Companies exporting forest products from British Columbia must first undergo a surplus testing procedure in consultation with the provincial government to determine whether adequate supply remains in Canada. This helps to ensure sustainability.Like all forest industries in Canada, the wood pellet industry is governed by comprehensive provincial legislation, regulations, and policies that enable sustainable forest management. Strict monitoring and enforcement measures bolster provincial forest management, ensuring that Canada’s forests are harvested legally and sustainably. The majority of Canadian pellets, for instance, come from forests that have been certified for sustainable forest management. All Canadian industrial pellet exports are certified sustainable by the Sustainable Biomass Program—a third-party certification system demonstrating compliance with forest management regulations.Canada has 47 pellet plants across the country, with an annual capacity of about 4.6 million metric tonnes. Canadian wood pellets are made from sawmill and harvesting scrap, created by other industrial processes such as lumber production. In some cases, pellets are made from damaged or low-quality logs not suitable for milling into lumber or other forest products. Reusing forest industry waste to produce pellets improves harvesting efficiency by ensuring no part of the tree is wasted. This also reduces the costs of managing residue removal from forests, and in turn, reduces forest fuel load and forest fire risk.Canada’s strong system of forest laws, monitoring, and enforcement ensures that sustainable forest management is practiced in British Columbia and across the country in consultation and partnership with Indigenous peoples.
Environmental protectionForest policyIndigenous policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 17, 2021432-00986432-00986 (Environment)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCMay 27, 2021June 17, 2021May 17, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWhereas:
  • Indigenous peoples have rights and title to their traditional territories and have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial;
  • the climate crisis requires action by all levels of government and industry;
  • old-growth forests provide immeasurable benefits, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity, culture, recreation, education, food and more;
  • valley-bottom high productivity old-growth ecosystems in British Columbia are endangered;
  • of the remaining 2.7% of original high productivity old-growth forests in British Columbia, 75% are still slated to be logged;
  • only 9% of the original 360,000 hectares of valley-bottom high productivity old-growth on Vancouver Island remain today; only 2.6% of those forests are protected in parks;
  • the last unprotected intact old-growth valley on Southern Vancouver Island, Fairy Creek, is slated for logging, along with the upper Walbran Valley and other remaining pockets of old growth;
  • most Canadians support sustainable harvesting of second and third growth forests, but do not support logging old-growth trees or destroying their surrounding ecosystems.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Work with the provinces and First Nations to immediately halt logging of endangered old-growth ecosystems; 2. Fund the long-term protection of old-growth ecosystems as a priority for Canada's climate action plan and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;3. Support value-added forestry initiatives in partnership with First Nations to ensure Canada's forestry industry is sustainable, and based on the harvesting of second and third growth forests;4. Ban the export of raw logs and maximize resource use for local jobs;5. Ban the use of whole trees for wood pellet biofuel production.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mr. Marc G. SerréThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views regarding British Columbia’s forests.Canada’s 347 million hectares of forest make up nine percent of the world’s forests. According to the latest statistics, dating back to December of 2020, Canada is maintaining roughly 164 million hectares of forests that are certified as sustainably-managed by independent groups. That represents 36 percent of all certified sustainable forests in the world. No nation matches Canada’s record in this area. Furthermore, less than one percent of Canada's forest lands is harvested annually. That is significantly smaller than the roughly 5.5 percent of forest land burned by wildfires or affected by insects.Additionally, the forest sector provided 205,000 jobs for Canadians in 2019, including about 12,000 jobs for Indigenous people. It was the primary source of economic well-being for 300 communities across Canada. As highlighted by the pandemic, forest sector services and products are essential to Canadians, helping to produce personal protective equipment from facemasks to hospital gowns.Forests preserve soils, cycle nutrients, support biodiversity and act as natural cleansers, filtering pollutants from the air and water. Active and sustainable harvest and management of forests also provide critical long-term climate benefits. Protecting older forests allows for greater amounts of carbon to be stored, though it should be noted that mature trees can eventually begin to decay and become carbon emissions sources. Meanwhile, replanting allows for the removal of carbon from the atmosphere as new trees grow. Changes in forest management and the use of harvested wood products can therefore contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change. The Government of Canada is also supporting the increased use of carbon-storing wood products as a substitution for emissions-intensive construction materials.About 90 percent of Canada’s forests are located on provincial and territorial Crown lands, and provincial and territorial governments manage these forests in accordance with the Constitution. In British Columbia, the province owns about 96 percent of the forested land. Provinces and territories have exclusive powers to develop and enforce their legislation, standards and programs to ensure the development, conservation and management of forest resources. Although rules, regulations, and policies that guide forest management vary between provinces and territories, they are all based on the principles of sustainable forest management. By provincial law, the forest industry must renew and maintain all harvested areas to provide for the sustainability of Crown forests. British Columbia’sforest management regime requires licensees operating on Crown lands to meet consultation obligations. This includes the requirement that forest stewardship plans be shared and discussed with affected First Nations.The Government of Canada works closely with provinces and territories to provide science that support sustainable forest management. The federal government is responsible for international trade in forest products and forest management on federal lands, and works closely with First Nations communities to ensure that they secure the economic benefits of Canada’s sustainable forestry industry.Over 1.1 million Indigenous people in Canada live in or near forests and, in British Columbia, the more than 5,000 Indigenous employees in the forest sector represent approximately 10 percent of the labour force, according to the 2016 Census. Increasingly, Government of Canada scientists are carrying out collaborative research with Indigenous communities centred on knowledge co-creation. This means that forest science research and tools developed to support sustainable forest management practices are informed by western and Indigenous science, and reflect local cultures as well as community values and priorities. This approach is important to the government’s reconciliation efforts, as forests provide significant economic benefits to these communities. Forests are also essential to spiritual and cultural traditions for many Indigenous Peoples. Those traditions include hunting, trapping, and the harvesting of medicines and culturally significant plants.In 2019, British Columbia became the first jurisdiction in Canada to introduce legislation to fully implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The legislation mandates that the provincial government bring its laws and policies into harmony with the UN Declaration’s objectives. It also mandated that future legislative amendments be required to enable joint and consent-based decision-making.The Government of Canada has made significant commitments in its Strengthened Climate Plan to advance Indigenous climate leadership, making Indigenous environmental management a cornerstone of the Plan. Supporting self-determined climate action and providing inclusive decision-making guidance is critical to moving forward on reconciliation. This also includes guidance on working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to co-develop decision-making processes and forestry management regimes that will ensure all of Canada’s future climate actions help promote Indigenous self-determination. Through programs such as the Indigenous Forestry Initiative, the Government of Canada is committed to working with Indigenous peoples to ensure that their communities gain long-term sustainable benefits from the forest sector through these value-adding opportunities. Log production is integral for the domestic manufacturing industry, as well as international markets, for a wide range of forest products, including softwood lumber. The forest industry depends on getting sustainably produced products to these markets in a balanced approach between sustainable forest management and economic growth. The Government of Canada’s Notice to Exporters No. 102, regarding theexports of logs from British Columbia, form an important part of the federal government’s efforts to ensure the right balance between log exports and sustainable forest management. Companies exporting forest products from British Columbia must first undergo a surplus testing procedure in consultation with the provincial government to determine whether adequate supply remains in Canada. This helps to ensure sustainability.Like all forest industries in Canada, the wood pellet industry is governed by comprehensive provincial legislation, regulations, and policies that enable sustainable forest management. Strict monitoring and enforcement measures bolster provincial forest management, ensuring that Canada’s forests are harvested legally and sustainably. The majority of Canadian pellets, for instance, come from forests that have been certified for sustainable forest management. All Canadian industrial pellet exports are certified sustainable by the Sustainable Biomass Program—a third-party certification system demonstrating compliance with forest management regulations.Canada has 47 pellet plants across the country, with an annual capacity of about 4.6 million metric tonnes. Canadian wood pellets are made from sawmill and harvesting scrap, created by other industrial processes such as lumber production. In some cases, pellets are made from damaged or low-quality logs not suitable for milling into lumber or other forest products. Reusing forest industry waste to produce pellets improves harvesting efficiency by ensuring no part of the tree is wasted. This also reduces the costs of managing residue removal from forests, and in turn, reduces forest fuel load and forest fire risk.Canada’s strong system of forest laws, monitoring, and enforcement ensures that sustainable forest management is practiced in British Columbia and across the country in consultation and partnership with Indigenous peoples.
Environmental protectionForest policyIndigenous policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 17, 2021432-00983432-00983 (Environment)PaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCMay 27, 2021June 17, 2021May 17, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWhereas:
  • Indigenous peoples have rights and title to their traditional territories and have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial;
  • the climate crisis requires action by all levels of government and industry;
  • old-growth forests provide immeasurable benefits, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity, culture, recreation, education, food and more;
  • valley-bottom high productivity old-growth ecosystems in British Columbia are endangered;
  • of the remaining 2.7% of original high productivity old-growth forests in British Columbia, 75% are still slated to be logged;
  • only 9% of the original 360,000 hectares of valley-bottom high productivity old-growth on Vancouver Island remain today; only 2.6% of those forests are protected in parks;
  • the last unprotected intact old-growth valley on Southern Vancouver Island, Fairy Creek, is slated for logging, along with the upper Walbran Valley and other remaining pockets of old growth;
  • most Canadians support sustainable harvesting of second and third growth forests, but do not support logging old-growth trees or destroying their surrounding ecosystems.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Work with the provinces and First Nations to immediately halt logging of endangered old-growth ecosystems; 2. Fund the long-term protection of old-growth ecosystems as a priority for Canada's climate action plan and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;3. Support value-added forestry initiatives in partnership with First Nations to ensure Canada's forestry industry is sustainable, and based on the harvesting of second and third growth forests;4. Ban the export of raw logs and maximize resource use for local jobs;5. Ban the use of whole trees for wood pellet biofuel production.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mr. Marc G. SerréThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views regarding British Columbia’s forests.Canada’s 347 million hectares of forest make up nine percent of the world’s forests. According to the latest statistics, dating back to December of 2020, Canada is maintaining roughly 164 million hectares of forests that are certified as sustainably-managed by independent groups. That represents 36 percent of all certified sustainable forests in the world. No nation matches Canada’s record in this area. Furthermore, less than one percent of Canada's forest lands is harvested annually. That is significantly smaller than the roughly 5.5 percent of forest land burned by wildfires or affected by insects.Additionally, the forest sector provided 205,000 jobs for Canadians in 2019, including about 12,000 jobs for Indigenous people. It was the primary source of economic well-being for 300 communities across Canada. As highlighted by the pandemic, forest sector services and products are essential to Canadians, helping to produce personal protective equipment from facemasks to hospital gowns.Forests preserve soils, cycle nutrients, support biodiversity and act as natural cleansers, filtering pollutants from the air and water. Active and sustainable harvest and management of forests also provide critical long-term climate benefits. Protecting older forests allows for greater amounts of carbon to be stored, though it should be noted that mature trees can eventually begin to decay and become carbon emissions sources. Meanwhile, replanting allows for the removal of carbon from the atmosphere as new trees grow. Changes in forest management and the use of harvested wood products can therefore contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change. The Government of Canada is also supporting the increased use of carbon-storing wood products as a substitution for emissions-intensive construction materials.About 90 percent of Canada’s forests are located on provincial and territorial Crown lands, and provincial and territorial governments manage these forests in accordance with the Constitution. In British Columbia, the province owns about 96 percent of the forested land. Provinces and territories have exclusive powers to develop and enforce their legislation, standards and programs to ensure the development, conservation and management of forest resources. Although rules, regulations, and policies that guide forest management vary between provinces and territories, they are all based on the principles of sustainable forest management. By provincial law, the forest industry must renew and maintain all harvested areas to provide for the sustainability of Crown forests. British Columbia’sforest management regime requires licensees operating on Crown lands to meet consultation obligations. This includes the requirement that forest stewardship plans be shared and discussed with affected First Nations.The Government of Canada works closely with provinces and territories to provide science that support sustainable forest management. The federal government is responsible for international trade in forest products and forest management on federal lands, and works closely with First Nations communities to ensure that they secure the economic benefits of Canada’s sustainable forestry industry.Over 1.1 million Indigenous people in Canada live in or near forests and, in British Columbia, the more than 5,000 Indigenous employees in the forest sector represent approximately 10 percent of the labour force, according to the 2016 Census. Increasingly, Government of Canada scientists are carrying out collaborative research with Indigenous communities centred on knowledge co-creation. This means that forest science research and tools developed to support sustainable forest management practices are informed by western and Indigenous science, and reflect local cultures as well as community values and priorities. This approach is important to the government’s reconciliation efforts, as forests provide significant economic benefits to these communities. Forests are also essential to spiritual and cultural traditions for many Indigenous Peoples. Those traditions include hunting, trapping, and the harvesting of medicines and culturally significant plants.In 2019, British Columbia became the first jurisdiction in Canada to introduce legislation to fully implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The legislation mandates that the provincial government bring its laws and policies into harmony with the UN Declaration’s objectives. It also mandated that future legislative amendments be required to enable joint and consent-based decision-making.The Government of Canada has made significant commitments in its Strengthened Climate Plan to advance Indigenous climate leadership, making Indigenous environmental management a cornerstone of the Plan. Supporting self-determined climate action and providing inclusive decision-making guidance is critical to moving forward on reconciliation. This also includes guidance on working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to co-develop decision-making processes and forestry management regimes that will ensure all of Canada’s future climate actions help promote Indigenous self-determination. Through programs such as the Indigenous Forestry Initiative, the Government of Canada is committed to working with Indigenous peoples to ensure that their communities gain long-term sustainable benefits from the forest sector through these value-adding opportunities. Log production is integral for the domestic manufacturing industry, as well as international markets, for a wide range of forest products, including softwood lumber. The forest industry depends on getting sustainably produced products to these markets in a balanced approach between sustainable forest management and economic growth. The Government of Canada’s Notice to Exporters No. 102, regarding theexports of logs from British Columbia, form an important part of the federal government’s efforts to ensure the right balance between log exports and sustainable forest management. Companies exporting forest products from British Columbia must first undergo a surplus testing procedure in consultation with the provincial government to determine whether adequate supply remains in Canada. This helps to ensure sustainability.Like all forest industries in Canada, the wood pellet industry is governed by comprehensive provincial legislation, regulations, and policies that enable sustainable forest management. Strict monitoring and enforcement measures bolster provincial forest management, ensuring that Canada’s forests are harvested legally and sustainably. The majority of Canadian pellets, for instance, come from forests that have been certified for sustainable forest management. All Canadian industrial pellet exports are certified sustainable by the Sustainable Biomass Program—a third-party certification system demonstrating compliance with forest management regulations.Canada has 47 pellet plants across the country, with an annual capacity of about 4.6 million metric tonnes. Canadian wood pellets are made from sawmill and harvesting scrap, created by other industrial processes such as lumber production. In some cases, pellets are made from damaged or low-quality logs not suitable for milling into lumber or other forest products. Reusing forest industry waste to produce pellets improves harvesting efficiency by ensuring no part of the tree is wasted. This also reduces the costs of managing residue removal from forests, and in turn, reduces forest fuel load and forest fire risk.Canada’s strong system of forest laws, monitoring, and enforcement ensures that sustainable forest management is practiced in British Columbia and across the country in consultation and partnership with Indigenous peoples.
Environmental protectionForest policyIndigenous policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 17, 2021432-00980432-00980 (Environment)JenicaAtwinFrederictonGreen PartyNBMay 26, 2021June 17, 2021May 3, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWhereas:
  • Indigenous peoples have rights and title to their traditional territories and have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial;
  • the climate crisis requires action by all levels of government and industry;
  • old-growth forests provide immeasurable benefits, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity, culture, recreation, education, food and more;
  • valley-bottom high productivity old-growth ecosystems in British Columbia are endangered;
  • of the remaining 2.7% of original high productivity old-growth forests in British Columbia, 75% are still slated to be logged;
  • only 9% of the original 360,000 hectares of valley-bottom high productivity old-growth on Vancouver Island remain today; only 2.6% of those forests are protected in parks;
  • the last unprotected intact old-growth valley on Southern Vancouver Island, Fairy Creek, is slated for logging, along with the upper Walbran Valley and other remaining pockets of old growth;
  • most Canadians support sustainable harvesting of second and third growth forests, but do not support logging old-growth trees or destroying their surrounding ecosystems.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Work with the provinces and First Nations to immediately halt logging of endangered old-growth ecosystems; 2. Fund the long-term protection of old-growth ecosystems as a priority for Canada's climate action plan and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;3. Support value-added forestry initiatives in partnership with First Nations to ensure Canada's forestry industry is sustainable, and based on the harvesting of second and third growth forests;4. Ban the export of raw logs and maximize resource use for local jobs;5. Ban the use of whole trees for wood pellet biofuel production.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mr. Marc G. SerréThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views regarding British Columbia’s forests.Canada’s 347 million hectares of forest make up nine percent of the world’s forests. According to the latest statistics, dating back to December of 2020, Canada is maintaining roughly 164 million hectares of forests that are certified as sustainably-managed by independent groups. That represents 36 percent of all certified sustainable forests in the world. No nation matches Canada’s record in this area. Furthermore, less than one percent of Canada's forest lands is harvested annually. That is significantly smaller than the roughly 5.5 percent of forest land burned by wildfires or affected by insects.Additionally, the forest sector provided 205,000 jobs for Canadians in 2019, including about 12,000 jobs for Indigenous people. It was the primary source of economic well-being for 300 communities across Canada. As highlighted by the pandemic, forest sector services and products are essential to Canadians, helping to produce personal protective equipment from facemasks to hospital gowns.Forests preserve soils, cycle nutrients, support biodiversity and act as natural cleansers, filtering pollutants from the air and water. Active and sustainable harvest and management of forests also provide critical long-term climate benefits. Protecting older forests allows for greater amounts of carbon to be stored, though it should be noted that mature trees can eventually begin to decay and become carbon emissions sources. Meanwhile, replanting allows for the removal of carbon from the atmosphere as new trees grow. Changes in forest management and the use of harvested wood products can therefore contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change. The Government of Canada is also supporting the increased use of carbon-storing wood products as a substitution for emissions-intensive construction materials.About 90 percent of Canada’s forests are located on provincial and territorial Crown lands, and provincial and territorial governments manage these forests in accordance with the Constitution. In British Columbia, the province owns about 96 percent of the forested land. Provinces and territories have exclusive powers to develop and enforce their legislation, standards and programs to ensure the development, conservation and management of forest resources. Although rules, regulations, and policies that guide forest management vary between provinces and territories, they are all based on the principles of sustainable forest management. By provincial law, the forest industry must renew and maintain all harvested areas to provide for the sustainability of Crown forests. British Columbia’sforest management regime requires licensees operating on Crown lands to meet consultation obligations. This includes the requirement that forest stewardship plans be shared and discussed with affected First Nations.The Government of Canada works closely with provinces and territories to provide science that support sustainable forest management. The federal government is responsible for international trade in forest products and forest management on federal lands, and works closely with First Nations communities to ensure that they secure the economic benefits of Canada’s sustainable forestry industry.Over 1.1 million Indigenous people in Canada live in or near forests and, in British Columbia, the more than 5,000 Indigenous employees in the forest sector represent approximately 10 percent of the labour force, according to the 2016 Census. Increasingly, Government of Canada scientists are carrying out collaborative research with Indigenous communities centred on knowledge co-creation. This means that forest science research and tools developed to support sustainable forest management practices are informed by western and Indigenous science, and reflect local cultures as well as community values and priorities. This approach is important to the government’s reconciliation efforts, as forests provide significant economic benefits to these communities. Forests are also essential to spiritual and cultural traditions for many Indigenous Peoples. Those traditions include hunting, trapping, and the harvesting of medicines and culturally significant plants.In 2019, British Columbia became the first jurisdiction in Canada to introduce legislation to fully implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The legislation mandates that the provincial government bring its laws and policies into harmony with the UN Declaration’s objectives. It also mandated that future legislative amendments be required to enable joint and consent-based decision-making.The Government of Canada has made significant commitments in its Strengthened Climate Plan to advance Indigenous climate leadership, making Indigenous environmental management a cornerstone of the Plan. Supporting self-determined climate action and providing inclusive decision-making guidance is critical to moving forward on reconciliation. This also includes guidance on working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to co-develop decision-making processes and forestry management regimes that will ensure all of Canada’s future climate actions help promote Indigenous self-determination. Through programs such as the Indigenous Forestry Initiative, the Government of Canada is committed to working with Indigenous peoples to ensure that their communities gain long-term sustainable benefits from the forest sector through these value-adding opportunities. Log production is integral for the domestic manufacturing industry, as well as international markets, for a wide range of forest products, including softwood lumber. The forest industry depends on getting sustainably produced products to these markets in a balanced approach between sustainable forest management and economic growth. The Government of Canada’s Notice to Exporters No. 102, regarding theexports of logs from British Columbia, form an important part of the federal government’s efforts to ensure the right balance between log exports and sustainable forest management. Companies exporting forest products from British Columbia must first undergo a surplus testing procedure in consultation with the provincial government to determine whether adequate supply remains in Canada. This helps to ensure sustainability.Like all forest industries in Canada, the wood pellet industry is governed by comprehensive provincial legislation, regulations, and policies that enable sustainable forest management. Strict monitoring and enforcement measures bolster provincial forest management, ensuring that Canada’s forests are harvested legally and sustainably. The majority of Canadian pellets, for instance, come from forests that have been certified for sustainable forest management. All Canadian industrial pellet exports are certified sustainable by the Sustainable Biomass Program—a third-party certification system demonstrating compliance with forest management regulations.Canada has 47 pellet plants across the country, with an annual capacity of about 4.6 million metric tonnes. Canadian wood pellets are made from sawmill and harvesting scrap, created by other industrial processes such as lumber production. In some cases, pellets are made from damaged or low-quality logs not suitable for milling into lumber or other forest products. Reusing forest industry waste to produce pellets improves harvesting efficiency by ensuring no part of the tree is wasted. This also reduces the costs of managing residue removal from forests, and in turn, reduces forest fuel load and forest fire risk.Canada’s strong system of forest laws, monitoring, and enforcement ensures that sustainable forest management is practiced in British Columbia and across the country in consultation and partnership with Indigenous peoples.
Environmental protectionForest policyIndigenous policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 17, 2021432-00979432-00979 (Environment)PaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCMay 26, 2021June 17, 2021May 17, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWhereas:
  • Indigenous peoples have rights and title to their traditional territories and have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial;
  • the climate crisis requires action by all levels of government and industry;
  • old-growth forests provide immeasurable benefits, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity, culture, recreation, education, food and more;
  • valley-bottom high productivity old-growth ecosystems in British Columbia are endangered;
  • of the remaining 2.7% of original high productivity old-growth forests in British Columbia, 75% are still slated to be logged;
  • only 9% of the original 360,000 hectares of valley-bottom high productivity old-growth on Vancouver Island remain today; only 2.6% of those forests are protected in parks;
  • the last unprotected intact old-growth valley on Southern Vancouver Island, Fairy Creek, is slated for logging, along with the upper Walbran Valley and other remaining pockets of old growth;
  • most Canadians support sustainable harvesting of second and third growth forests, but do not support logging old-growth trees or destroying their surrounding ecosystems.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Work with the provinces and First Nations to immediately halt logging of endangered old-growth ecosystems; 2. Fund the long-term protection of old-growth ecosystems as a priority for Canada's climate action plan and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;3. Support value-added forestry initiatives in partnership with First Nations to ensure Canada's forestry industry is sustainable, and based on the harvesting of second and third growth forests;4. Ban the export of raw logs and maximize resource use for local jobs;5. Ban the use of whole trees for wood pellet biofuel production.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mr. Marc G. SerréThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views regarding British Columbia’s forests.Canada’s 347 million hectares of forest make up nine percent of the world’s forests. According to the latest statistics, dating back to December of 2020, Canada is maintaining roughly 164 million hectares of forests that are certified as sustainably-managed by independent groups. That represents 36 percent of all certified sustainable forests in the world. No nation matches Canada’s record in this area. Furthermore, less than one percent of Canada's forest lands is harvested annually. That is significantly smaller than the roughly 5.5 percent of forest land burned by wildfires or affected by insects.Additionally, the forest sector provided 205,000 jobs for Canadians in 2019, including about 12,000 jobs for Indigenous people. It was the primary source of economic well-being for 300 communities across Canada. As highlighted by the pandemic, forest sector services and products are essential to Canadians, helping to produce personal protective equipment from facemasks to hospital gowns.Forests preserve soils, cycle nutrients, support biodiversity and act as natural cleansers, filtering pollutants from the air and water. Active and sustainable harvest and management of forests also provide critical long-term climate benefits. Protecting older forests allows for greater amounts of carbon to be stored, though it should be noted that mature trees can eventually begin to decay and become carbon emissions sources. Meanwhile, replanting allows for the removal of carbon from the atmosphere as new trees grow. Changes in forest management and the use of harvested wood products can therefore contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change. The Government of Canada is also supporting the increased use of carbon-storing wood products as a substitution for emissions-intensive construction materials.About 90 percent of Canada’s forests are located on provincial and territorial Crown lands, and provincial and territorial governments manage these forests in accordance with the Constitution. In British Columbia, the province owns about 96 percent of the forested land. Provinces and territories have exclusive powers to develop and enforce their legislation, standards and programs to ensure the development, conservation and management of forest resources. Although rules, regulations, and policies that guide forest management vary between provinces and territories, they are all based on the principles of sustainable forest management. By provincial law, the forest industry must renew and maintain all harvested areas to provide for the sustainability of Crown forests. British Columbia’sforest management regime requires licensees operating on Crown lands to meet consultation obligations. This includes the requirement that forest stewardship plans be shared and discussed with affected First Nations.The Government of Canada works closely with provinces and territories to provide science that support sustainable forest management. The federal government is responsible for international trade in forest products and forest management on federal lands, and works closely with First Nations communities to ensure that they secure the economic benefits of Canada’s sustainable forestry industry.Over 1.1 million Indigenous people in Canada live in or near forests and, in British Columbia, the more than 5,000 Indigenous employees in the forest sector represent approximately 10 percent of the labour force, according to the 2016 Census. Increasingly, Government of Canada scientists are carrying out collaborative research with Indigenous communities centred on knowledge co-creation. This means that forest science research and tools developed to support sustainable forest management practices are informed by western and Indigenous science, and reflect local cultures as well as community values and priorities. This approach is important to the government’s reconciliation efforts, as forests provide significant economic benefits to these communities. Forests are also essential to spiritual and cultural traditions for many Indigenous Peoples. Those traditions include hunting, trapping, and the harvesting of medicines and culturally significant plants.In 2019, British Columbia became the first jurisdiction in Canada to introduce legislation to fully implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The legislation mandates that the provincial government bring its laws and policies into harmony with the UN Declaration’s objectives. It also mandated that future legislative amendments be required to enable joint and consent-based decision-making.The Government of Canada has made significant commitments in its Strengthened Climate Plan to advance Indigenous climate leadership, making Indigenous environmental management a cornerstone of the Plan. Supporting self-determined climate action and providing inclusive decision-making guidance is critical to moving forward on reconciliation. This also includes guidance on working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to co-develop decision-making processes and forestry management regimes that will ensure all of Canada’s future climate actions help promote Indigenous self-determination. Through programs such as the Indigenous Forestry Initiative, the Government of Canada is committed to working with Indigenous peoples to ensure that their communities gain long-term sustainable benefits from the forest sector through these value-adding opportunities. Log production is integral for the domestic manufacturing industry, as well as international markets, for a wide range of forest products, including softwood lumber. The forest industry depends on getting sustainably produced products to these markets in a balanced approach between sustainable forest management and economic growth. The Government of Canada’s Notice to Exporters No. 102, regarding theexports of logs from British Columbia, form an important part of the federal government’s efforts to ensure the right balance between log exports and sustainable forest management. Companies exporting forest products from British Columbia must first undergo a surplus testing procedure in consultation with the provincial government to determine whether adequate supply remains in Canada. This helps to ensure sustainability.Like all forest industries in Canada, the wood pellet industry is governed by comprehensive provincial legislation, regulations, and policies that enable sustainable forest management. Strict monitoring and enforcement measures bolster provincial forest management, ensuring that Canada’s forests are harvested legally and sustainably. The majority of Canadian pellets, for instance, come from forests that have been certified for sustainable forest management. All Canadian industrial pellet exports are certified sustainable by the Sustainable Biomass Program—a third-party certification system demonstrating compliance with forest management regulations.Canada has 47 pellet plants across the country, with an annual capacity of about 4.6 million metric tonnes. Canadian wood pellets are made from sawmill and harvesting scrap, created by other industrial processes such as lumber production. In some cases, pellets are made from damaged or low-quality logs not suitable for milling into lumber or other forest products. Reusing forest industry waste to produce pellets improves harvesting efficiency by ensuring no part of the tree is wasted. This also reduces the costs of managing residue removal from forests, and in turn, reduces forest fuel load and forest fire risk.Canada’s strong system of forest laws, monitoring, and enforcement ensures that sustainable forest management is practiced in British Columbia and across the country in consultation and partnership with Indigenous peoples.
Environmental protectionForest policyIndigenous policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 17, 2021e-3189e-3189 (Social affairs and equality)RichardCôtéJoëlGodinPortneuf—Jacques-CartierConservativeQCFebruary 24, 2021, at 5:54 p.m. (EDT)April 25, 2021, at 5:54 p.m. (EDT)May 4, 2021June 17, 2021April 26, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:It is important to respect and support those who built today’s society;The name “Old Age Security pension” is derogatory for a certain segment of the population;This program was named in 1952, almost 70 years ago;Life expectancy in Canada is increasing;In 1951, the average life expectancy for Canadians was about 68 years, and statistics show that in 2018 Canadians were living an average of 81 years; andIt is discriminatory to state that an individual becomes old on their 65th birthday.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, electors of Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, and residents of the Province of Quebec, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Remove “old age” from the name of the “Old Age Security pension” program by consulting the Canadian organizations that represent these citizens; and2. Modernize and change the program’s name to make it more respectful and dignified for these individuals.
Response by the Minister of SeniorsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Deb SchulteThe Old Age Security (OAS) program is the first pillar of Canada’s retirement income system. The benefits under the OAS program include the OAS pension, which is paid to all persons aged 65 or over who meet the residence requirements, the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) for low-income seniors, and the Allowances for low-income Canadians aged 60 to 64 who are the spouses or common-law partners of GIS recipients, or who are widows or widowers.The term “old age” has been associated with the name of programs for Canadian seniors since the introduction of the Old Age Pensions Act in 1927, and its successor, the Old Age Security Act of 1952. Originally, the OAS pension was paid to eligible Canadians 70 years of age or older but the eligibility was gradually expanded to include all those aged 65 and above, then later raised to 67 in Budget 2012 and restored to 65 in Budget 2016. The Government has reviewed this issue in the past and has recognized that some seniors may infer that by removing the phrase “old age” from the program title, the Government is suggesting that there is a negative connotation with being older. Some terms can be considered more neutral than others that can sound stigmatizing to some people. For example, “elder” has a distinct cultural meaning for Indigenous communities in Canada. The advantages of changing the name must be weighed against its strong name recognition and how many Canadians identify with it in a positive manner. The Minister of Seniors recognizes the contributions older generations have made to Canadian society and respect the perspectives of those who may describe their age differently.One of the current work priorities of the National Seniors Council (NSC), whose mandate is to advise the Government of Canada on all matters related to the well-being and quality of life of seniors, is to focus on shifting the public discourse on older people and aging. The NSC will examine how older people and aging are depicted (e.g., by governments, in media, or by individuals) in order to propose strategies to counteract ageism, empower older people and change the way people perceive the aging process.
Old Age Security
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 17, 2021432-00908432-00908 (Foreign affairs)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCMay 4, 2021June 17, 2021December 18, 2020PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law), sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption;
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of "Truth, Compassion and Tolerance," including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, Qiang Wei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang.We also call upon the Government of Canada to refuse immigration/visitor visa to those who persecuted Falun Gong practitioners in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoAs part of the immigration application process, all visa applications are carefully assessed for eligibility and admissibility under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. For example, a foreign national may be inadmissible to Canada if they have engaged in criminality or human or international rights violations (including being subject to sanctions), or are a family member of an inadmissible person.In 2017, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law) came into force. It added two new inadmissibility provisions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act concerning sanctioned government officials or individuals acting on behalf of a foreign state who are responsible for corruption, extrajudicial killings, torture or other gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. A foreign national listed in an order or regulation made by the Governor in Council under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act would be inadmissible.If an applicant is determined to be inadmissible on any ground, they may be refused a visa, electronic travel authorization or entry to Canada. Inadmissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by Immigration Officers and are based on evidence, which may consist of police or intelligence reports, statutory declarations or other documents—such as media articles, scholarly journals or publicly-available information.In addition, if a foreign national who is at the border, or is in Canada, is found to be inadmissible, they may be denied entry or ordered to leave Canada. The Canada Border Services Agency is responsible for immigration enforcement at the border and in Canada.For privacy reasons, individual cases cannot be discussed.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 16, 2021e-3047e-3047 (Animals)SherylFinkLenWebberCalgary ConfederationConservativeABDecember 21, 2020, at 9:28 a.m. (EDT)April 20, 2021, at 9:28 a.m. (EDT)May 3, 2021June 16, 2021April 21, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Strychnine, Compound 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate), and sodium cyanide are widely acknowledged as inhumane methods of killing animals due to the intensity and duration of suffering they cause;The use of strychnine and Compound 1080 is considered inhumane by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, and the use of strychnine as a method of euthanasia is in contravention of the Canadian Council on Animal Care guidelines, and those of the the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Society of Mammalogists; andThe indiscriminate nature of these poisons results in the death of non-target animals, including wild and endangered species, pets, and farm animals, and poses a threat to human health.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to take immediate measures to end the use of strychnine, Compound 1080, and sodium cyanide for killing wolves, bears, coyotes, and other large vertebrates.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellIn Canada, pesticides are regulated federally under the Pest Control Products Act, which is administered by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). Health Canada’s number one priority is to protect the health and safety of Canadians and the environment.Before a pesticide is allowed to be used or sold in Canada, it must undergo a rigorous scientific assessment process to determine that the health and environmental risks of using the product are acceptable, when used according to label directions. Health Canada does not determine whether a product should be used (for example, for wildlife control or any other purpose), only that it can be used safely in accordance with the conditions of registration.There are currently three active ingredients registered to control large vertebrate predators in Canada: sodium fluoroacetate (Compound 1080), sodium cyanide and strychnine. However, the use of sodium cyanide will not be permitted as of December 31, 2021, as this pesticide has been cancelled by the manufacturer. Health Canada’s assessments of these pesticides indicated that the use has value and the risks of the product are acceptable, provided that the directions for use specified on the label are followed. Label instructions for these pesticides include restrictions to minimize poisoning of non-target animals, including species at risk, and other measures to minimize exposure to humans. It should be noted that these products are restricted class products and can only be used by provincial officials in Alberta and Saskatchewan, or persons designated by these provinces specifically to control large predators, in circumstances where livestock have been killed, threatened wildlife populations have been impacted through predation, or there are risks to people. Conditions of use require measures be taken to prevent non-target exposure, and noncompliance with these measures are subject to enforcement under the Pest Control Products Act and the Agriculture and Agri-Food Administrative Monetary Penalties Act.In addition, although humaneness protocols and guidelines are established by veterinary and animal care organizations for situations such as laboratory animal testing or livestock abattoirs, it is important to note that these are not standardized. Rather, they are set for each circumstance, based on the ability to closely control and observe the animals and the conditions they are subject to, and to minimize unnecessary suffering. It should also be noted that there are currently no standardized scientific protocols in place in any Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development country for evaluating the humaneness of products intended to control problem animals in the wild.Health Canada acknowledges concerns among Canadians about the use of pesticides to control large predators and the unintended effects on non-target animals. As such, in the interest of seeking Canadians’ views and input regarding the humaneness of these pesticides, Health Canada published the consultation document Humane Vertebrate Pest Control for a 120-day consultation period that ended in April 2019. On January 21, 2021, a summary document of what was heard during that consultation was published, as well as an Information Note: Regulation of Pesticides to Control Large Vertebrate Predators.Health Canada also periodically re-evaluates pesticides that are on the market to assess whether they continue to meet the Department’s health and environmental standards, and hence whether they should continue to be permitted for use in Canada. In January 2021, the PMRA initiated re-evaluations of strychnine, Compound 1080, and sodium cyanide. Note that the re-evaluation of sodium cyanide has since been closed, following the manufacturer’s decision to cancel the registration of sodium cyanide. The remaining two re-evaluations will involve reviewing all aspects of these predacide uses (environmental risks, including non-target deaths, and human health risks and value). Based on the outcome of the re-evaluations of these pesticides, the PMRA will then make a determination regarding their continued acceptability, and will publish for public consultation a proposed re-evaluation decision for each of these pesticides. The Department will consider all comments received during the consultation period before finalizing its decisions.
Cruelty to animalsPesticidesPoisons
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 16, 2021432-00906432-00906 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 3, 2021June 16, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 16, 2021432-00905432-00905 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 3, 2021June 16, 2021September 30, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the human rights violations by Chinese authorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities face torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, obligatory patriotic and cultural education, as well as forced labour. Reports detail closures and destruction of Uyghur religious sites, including mosques and shrines important to that community’s religious, ethnic, and cultural identity. There are also reports of mass arbitrary forced separation of children from their parents by authorities. There are credible reports of forced sterilization, systematic rape and gender-based sexual violence. Throughout the region, Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities also face repressive physical and digital surveillance, which includes severe restrictions on movement, the forced collection of biometric data, and coercive police surveillance. The actions by the Chinese government are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.Canada has acted to address the repression, which is systematic, state-led and ongoing.  Concerns over the human rights situation in the XUAR were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in the XUAR (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020; February 2021). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong.Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.On January 12, the Government of Canada announced that it is adopting a comprehensive approach to addressing human rights abuses in the XUAR. This included measures to address forced labour, via the prohibition of imports into Canada of goods made in whole or part with forced labour and a business integrity declaration for Canadian exporters. Global Affairs Canada will continue to work closely with Canadian firms doing business in or with China to help them understand and mitigate the risks of doing business with entities possibly implicated in forced labour.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.On March 22, 2021, Canada announced sanctions against 4 officials and 1 entity under the Special Economic Measures (People’s Republic of China) Regulations, based on their participation in gross and systematic human rights violations in the XUAR. The Regulations impose a dealings ban on listed persons, which prohibits any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada from undertaking a broad range of financial and business transactions with any of the listed individuals or entities. The individuals listed in the schedule to the regulations are also rendered inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. These measures were taken in coordination with the United States and the United Kingdom, and in solidarity with the European Union. These sanctions underscore Canada’s grave concerns with the ongoing human rights violations occurring in the XUAR, affecting Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities.Canada will continue to call on the People’s Republic of China to fulfill its international human rights obligations and to allow for meaningful, unfettered access to the XUAR so that impartial experts can observe and report on the situation first-hand. Canada will work collaboratively with partners to address the human rights situation in Xinjiang. We have the responsibility to work with others in the international community to ensure that allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity are investigated by an independent international body of legal experts.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 16, 2021432-00904432-00904 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 3, 2021June 16, 2021June 20, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 16, 2021e-3301e-3301 (Environment)AdrianHoughPaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCMarch 26, 2021, at 4:27 p.m. (EDT)April 25, 2021, at 4:27 p.m. (EDT)May 3, 2021June 16, 2021April 26, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons in Parliament assembled</Addressee>Whereas:Indigenous peoples have rights and titles to their traditional territories and have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial;The climate crisis requires action by all levels of government and industry;Old-growth forests provide immeasurable benefits, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity, culture, recreation, education, food and more;Valley-bottom high productivity old-growth ecosystems in British Columbia are endangered;Of the remaining 2.7% of original high productivity old-growth forests in British Columbia, 75% are still slated to be logged;Only 9% of the original 360,000 hectares of valley-bottom high productivity old-growth on Vancouver Island remain today and only 2.6% of those forests are protected in parks;The last unprotected intact old-growth valley on Southern Vancouver Island, Fairy Creek, is slated for logging, along with the upper Walbran Valley and other remaining pockets of old-growth; andMost Canadians support sustainable harvesting of second and third growth forests, but do not support logging old-growth trees or destroying their surrounding ecosystems.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to: 1. Work with the provinces and First Nations to immediately halt logging of endangered old-growth ecosystems;2. Fund the long-term protection of old-growth ecosystems as a priority for Canada’s climate action plan and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;3. Support value-added forestry initiatives in partnership with First Nations to ensure Canada’s forestry industry is sustainable, and based on the harvesting of second and third growth forests;4. Ban the export of raw logs and maximize resource use for local jobs; and5 Ban the use of whole trees for wood pellet biofuel production.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mr. Marc G. SerréThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views regarding British Columbia’s forests.Canada’s 347 million hectares of forest make up nine percent of the world’s forests. According to the latest statistics, dating back to December of 2020, Canada is maintaining roughly 164 million hectares of forests that are certified as sustainably-managed by independent groups. That represents 36 percent of all certified sustainable forests in the world. No nation matches Canada’s record in this area. Furthermore, less than one percent of Canada's forest lands is harvested annually. That is significantly smaller than the roughly 5.5 percent of forest land burned by wildfires or affected by insects.Additionally, the forest sector provided 205,000 jobs for Canadians in 2019, including about 12,000 jobs for Indigenous people. It was the primary source of economic well-being for 300 communities across Canada. As highlighted by the pandemic, forest sector services and products are essential to Canadians, helping to produce personal protective equipment from facemasks to hospital gowns.Forests preserve soils, cycle nutrients, support biodiversity and act as natural cleansers, filtering pollutants from the air and water. Active and sustainable harvest and management of forests also provide critical long-term climate benefits. Protecting older forests allows for greater amounts of carbon to be stored, though it should be noted that mature trees can eventually begin to decay and become carbon emissions sources. Meanwhile, replanting allows for the removal of carbon from the atmosphere as new trees grow. Changes in forest management and the use of harvested wood products can therefore contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change. The Government of Canada is also supporting the increased use of carbon-storing wood products as a substitution for emissions-intensive construction materials.About 90 percent of Canada’s forests are located on provincial and territorial Crown lands, and provincial and territorial governments manage these forests in accordance with the Constitution. In British Columbia, the province owns about 96 percent of the forested land. Provinces and territories have exclusive powers to develop and enforce their legislation, standards and programs to ensure the development, conservation and management of forest resources. Although rules, regulations, and policies that guide forest management vary between provinces and territories, they are all based on the principles of sustainable forest management. By provincial law, the forest industry must renew and maintain all harvested areas to provide for the sustainability of Crown forests. British Columbia’sforest management regime requires licensees operating on Crown lands to meet consultation obligations. This includes the requirement that forest stewardship plans be shared and discussed with affected First Nations.The Government of Canada works closely with provinces and territories to provide science that support sustainable forest management. The federal government is responsible for international trade in forest products and forest management on federal lands, and works closely with First Nations communities to ensure that they secure the economic benefits of Canada’s sustainable forestry industry.Over 1.1 million Indigenous people in Canada live in or near forests and, in British Columbia, the more than 5,000 Indigenous employees in the forest sector represent approximately 10 percent of the labour force, according to the 2016 Census. Increasingly, Government of Canada scientists are carrying out collaborative research with Indigenous communities centred on knowledge co-creation. This means that forest science research and tools developed to support sustainable forest management practices are informed by western and Indigenous science, and reflect local cultures as well as community values and priorities. This approach is important to the government’s reconciliation efforts, as forests provide significant economic benefits to these communities. Forests are also essential to spiritual and cultural traditions for many Indigenous Peoples. Those traditions include hunting, trapping, and the harvesting of medicines and culturally significant plants.In 2019, British Columbia became the first jurisdiction in Canada to introduce legislation to fully implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The legislation mandates that the provincial government bring its laws and policies into harmony with the UN Declaration’s objectives. It also mandated that future legislative amendments be required to enable joint and consent-based decision-making.The Government of Canada has made significant commitments in its Strengthened Climate Plan to advance Indigenous climate leadership, making Indigenous environmental management a cornerstone of the Plan. Supporting self-determined climate action and providing inclusive decision-making guidance is critical to moving forward on reconciliation. This also includes guidance on working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to co-develop decision-making processes and forestry management regimes that will ensure all of Canada’s future climate actions help promote Indigenous self-determination. Through programs such as the Indigenous Forestry Initiative, the Government of Canada is committed to working with Indigenous peoples to ensure that their communities gain long-term sustainable benefits from the forest sector through these value-adding opportunities. Log production is integral for the domestic manufacturing industry, as well as international markets, for a wide range of forest products, including softwood lumber. The forest industry depends on getting sustainably produced products to these markets in a balanced approach between sustainable forest management and economic growth. The Government of Canada’s Notice to Exporters No. 102, regarding theexports of logs from British Columbia, form an important part of the federal government’s efforts to ensure the right balance between log exports and sustainable forest management. Companies exporting forest products from British Columbia must first undergo a surplus testing procedure in consultation with the provincial government to determine whether adequate supply remains in Canada. This helps to ensure sustainability.Like all forest industries in Canada, the wood pellet industry is governed by comprehensive provincial legislation, regulations, and policies that enable sustainable forest management. Strict monitoring and enforcement measures bolster provincial forest management, ensuring that Canada’s forests are harvested legally and sustainably. The majority of Canadian pellets, for instance, come from forests that have been certified for sustainable forest management. All Canadian industrial pellet exports are certified sustainable by the Sustainable Biomass Program—a third-party certification system demonstrating compliance with forest management regulations.Canada has 47 pellet plants across the country, with an annual capacity of about 4.6 million metric tonnes. Canadian wood pellets are made from sawmill and harvesting scrap, created by other industrial processes such as lumber production. In some cases, pellets are made from damaged or low-quality logs not suitable for milling into lumber or other forest products. Reusing forest industry waste to produce pellets improves harvesting efficiency by ensuring no part of the tree is wasted. This also reduces the costs of managing residue removal from forests, and in turn, reduces forest fuel load and forest fire risk.Canada’s strong system of forest laws, monitoring, and enforcement ensures that sustainable forest management is practiced in British Columbia and across the country in consultation and partnership with Indigenous peoples.
Environmental protectionForest policyIndigenous policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 15, 2021432-00960432-00960 (Health)HeatherMcPhersonEdmonton StrathconaNDPABMay 13, 2021June 15, 2021March 9, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWhereas opioid crisis is one of the most deadly public health emergencies of our lifetime, with a death taking place on average about every two hours and a death toll of almost 15,400 in the past four years alone (January 2016 to December 2019);Whereas the overdose crisis rages;We, the undersigned, call upon the Government of Canada to declare the overdose crisis a national public health emergency and:
  • Take steps to end overdose deaths and overdose injuries
  • Immediately collaborate with provinces and territories to develop a comprehensive, pan-Canadian overdose action plan
  • Ensure that any plan considers reforms that other countries have used, such as legal regulation of drugs to ensure safe, supply, decriminalization for personal use, and changes to flawed drug policy and policing.
  • Ensure this emergency is taken seriously with adequately funded programming and supports.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellThe Government of Canada is deeply concerned about problematic substance use in Canada, including the ongoing opioid overdose crisis and the devastating impact it is having on the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Tragically, there were more than 19,355 apparent opioid-related deaths between January 2016 and September 2020.The Government recognizes that the complexity of this crisis has only increased due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Public health guidance around physical distancing and self-isolation presents a unique challenge for people who use drugs. Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada have been working with provinces and territories and other partners, including researchers, advocates and people with lived and living experience, to help make sure that people who use drugs can continue to access treatment, harm reduction and other services during the pandemic.Since taking office, our government has taken strong action to address the opioid crisis. The comprehensive federal response has included legislative and regulatory enabling measures, new prescription guidelines, marketing restrictions, awareness campaigns, improvements to the knowledge base, and emergency funding to provinces and territories. We will continue this important work to help save lives and keep Canadians safe.The Government of Canada remains committed to taking a public health approach to substance use through the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy. The Strategy includes four pillars – prevention, treatment, harm reduction and enforcement – and is designed to be comprehensive, collaborative, compassionate and evidence-based. The Government is placing particular focus on:
  • ensuring that life-saving harm reduction measures are available to Canadians who need it;
  • working with stakeholders to reduce stigma directed at people who use drugs, which acts as a barrier to accessing critical health and social services and often leads to social isolation;
  • working with provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment options; and,
  • implementing additional surveillance and research activities that will further build the evidence base and allow us to pursue innovative solutions to this public health crisis.
The Government of Canada recognizes that the overwhelming majority of deaths caused by the opioid overdose crisis are due to a toxic illegal drug supply that is contaminated with highly toxic substances, such as fentanyl. The situation is now such that anyone who uses illegal drugs for any reason in Canada is at risk of a potentially fatal opioid-related overdose every time they use drugs due to the contaminated illegal supply.The Government of Canada has taken actions to reduce barriers to providing people who use drugs with a safer, pharmaceutical alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply. For example, Health Canada has issued class exemptions to pharmacists and eased restrictions on the transportation of controlled substances to make it easier for people to access the medications they need during the COVID-19 pandemic while following public health advice, such as physical distancing. In addition, through Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP), the Government of Canada is providing $44.2 million for projects providing a safer supply of pharmaceutical medications for people with substance use disorder in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. These investments will help provide pathways to care and treatment. Examples of funded projects include:
  • The Vancouver Island Health Authority was provided approximately $2 million over 48 months for an innovative project that will provide pharmaceutical medication as an alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply for people in Cowichan Valley who have not responded to other forms of treatment for opioid use disorder.
  • The London InterCommunity Health Centre (London, Ontario) was provided more than $6.5 million over 50 months to deliver a safer supply program that will help reduce harms related to the toxic illegal drug supply by providing prescribed opioids to patients with opioid use disorder during the pandemic and beyond.
Findings from these initiatives will contribute to the evidence base to support the scaling up of effective models. In addition, to bolster further these efforts, on August 24, 2020, the Minister of Health sent a letter to Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Health and regulatory colleges to encourage them to provide people who use drugs with a full spectrum of care options, including access to a safer supply of drugs.The Government of Canada has also taken a number of steps to provide options for those seeking treatment for severe substance use disorder. On April 25, 2019, the Minister of Health added diacetylmorphine to the List of Drugs for an Urgent Public Health Need. This makes it possible for provinces and territories to import this drug for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Amendments to federal regulations have also allowed health care practitioners to provide diacetylmorphine-assisted treatment outside of a hospital setting, if permitted by their province or territory. In addition, on May 1, 2019, Health Canada approved the use of injectable hydromorphone by qualified healthcare professionals as a treatment for adults with severe opioid use disorder. This is the first approval of injectable hydromorphone for this purpose in the world.The Government of Canada is also providing guidance and leadership on the prescribing, dispensing, and delivery of opioids and other narcotics during the pandemic. For instance, through funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse (CRISM) developed a series of national guidance documents related to substance use in the context of COVID-19. Health Canada has also assembled a toolkit to provide clarity on prescribing for the treatment of substance use disorder and/or to provide a safer supply. Furthermore, the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health published a Rapid Review of clinical and cost-effectiveness of injectable opioid agonist treatment for patients with opioid dependence.The Government of Canada continues to make substantial investments to address the overdose crisis. Recent examples of key federal investments in this area include:
  • investing an additional $66 million over two years to support community-based organizations responding to substance use issues, including to help them provide frontline services in a COVID-19 context;
  • investing $76.2 million to take action to protect Canadians and prevent overdose deaths. This investment will be used to scale-up key lifesaving measures and increase access to a safer drug supply as an alternative to the contaminated supply. These measures build on the Budget 2019 investment of $30.5 million over five years, with $1 million ongoing, to expand access to safer alternatives to the illegal drug supply and support better access to opioid overdose response training and naloxone in underserved communities;
  • providing $1.7 million to the University of Saskatchewan to increase access to chronic pain services, and providing Alberta Health Services $1.2 million to implement and evaluate pathways to care for people living with pain and opioid use disorder, both funded through the Substance Use and Addictions Program;
  • providing $231.4 million over five years through Budget 2018 for additional measures to help address the opioid overdose crisis, including a one-time $150 million emergency treatment fund for provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment services;
  • providing an additional $200 million, with $40 million per year ongoing, to enhance the delivery of culturally appropriate addictions treatment and prevention services in First Nations communities; and,
  • allocating $13 million over five years to launch a new national, multi-year public education campaign to help reshape Canadians’ attitudes and perceptions about people who use drugs.
Building on the $66 million invested in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, Budget 2021 proposes to provide an additional $116 million over two years for the Substance Use and Addictions Program to support a range of innovative approaches to harm reduction, treatment, and prevention at the community level.In order to prevent and reduce the harms of problematic substance use, including to enable access to evidence-based treatment and support recovery, the Government has undertaken a broad range of policy, legislative and regulatory actions, such as:
  • approving supervised consumption sites (with 39 currently in operation across Canada), and providing class exemptions to facilitate the establishment of overdose prevention sites;
  • supporting the passage of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, which encourages people to call for emergency help at the scene of an overdose by providing protection against simple drug possession charges;
  • establishing effective Federal, Provincial and Territorial public health emergency governance, including the Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses and the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Assistant Deputy Minister Committee on Problematic Substance Use & Harms;
  • collaborating with provinces and territories to better understand the evolving crisis, and undertaking timely monitoring and reporting of opioid-related deaths and harms in Canada;
  • deploying public health officers from the Public Health Agency of Canada to support public health surveillance systems in provinces and territories; and,
  • supporting the development and dissemination of national clinical practice guidelines to treat opioid use disorder, as well as the injectable opioid agonist treatment clinical and operational guidelines through the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse.
The Government of Canada continues to encourage the use of diversion programs that create pathways away from the criminal justice system toward appropriate health services and social supports for people who use drugs. For example, on August 18, 2020, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada issued guidance to prosecutors stating that alternatives to prosecution should be considered for simple possession offences, except when there are serious aggravating circumstances. In addition, Health Canada is currently funding a three-year project in Peterborough, Ontario, to develop a multi-sector response to direct people who use drugs away from the justice system and into care. In addition, on February 18, 2021, the Department of Justice introduced Bill C-22 in Parliament to help address systemic racism and the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples as well as Black and marginalized Canadians in Canada’s criminal justice system. Among other measures, this Bill would repeal mandatory minimum penalties for drug related-offences, and would also require police and prosecutors to consider other responses to laying charges for simple possession of drugs, such as diversion to treatment programs.It is recognized that there are a growing number of calls for drug decriminalization, in acknowledgement that criminalizing personal drug possession results in stigma and discrimination, creates barriers to accessing health and social services, and increases the risks of overdose and other harms. The City of Vancouver and the Province of British Columbia have written to the Minister of Health requesting exemptions to decriminalize simple possession of small amounts of controlled substances for personal use in their jurisdictions. We will continue working with them on options to address the overdose crisis that respond to their local and regional needs.We will also continue to take a comprehensive and collaborative approach, working with all partners. No single organization or level of government alone can solve the opioid overdose crisis. All levels of government, a wide range of stakeholders, especially people with lived and living experience, and all Canadians who are impacted by opioid use must work together to reduce opioid-related overdoses and deaths, and improve the health and well-being of Canadians who use drugs.
Drug use and abuseHealth emergenciesOpiates and opioidsPublic health
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 15, 2021432-00959432-00959 (Justice)TedFalkProvencherConservativeMBMay 12, 2021June 15, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 15, 2021432-00958432-00958 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 12, 2021June 15, 2021March 29, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 15, 2021432-00957432-00957 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 12, 2021June 15, 2021May 31, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 15, 2021432-00956432-00956 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 12, 2021June 15, 2021April 20, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 15, 2021432-00955432-00955 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 12, 2021June 15, 2021April 20, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas the Canadian Parliament has unanimously passed the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, also known as the Sergei Magnitsky Act, to sanction corrupt foreign officials who, among others, are responsible for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights;Whereas the Former Chinese Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin and his cohorts personally ordered, launched, orchestrated and executed the eradication campaign against Falun Gong using state apparatus, including the extrajudicial torture and killing of Falun Gong practitioners in large numbers with impunity for the past 19 years for their beliefs in "truthfulness, compassion and tolerance”; and whereas Falun Gong practitioners have been killed for their organs in China on a massive scale, which has been well documented and widely reported;Whereas extensive evidence points to fourteen key officials and former officials of the Chinese communist regime who demonstrate prime culpability in the human rights atrocities committed against Falun Gong practitioners in China.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against these perpetrators under the Sergei Magnitsky Act.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 15, 2021432-00954432-00954 (Environment)PaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCMay 12, 2021June 15, 2021May 3, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWhereas:
  • Indigenous peoples have rights and title to their traditional territories and have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial;
  • the climate crisis requires action by all levels of government and industry;
  • old-growth forests provide immeasurable benefits, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity, culture, recreation, education, food and more;
  • valley-bottom high productivity old-growth ecosystems in British Columbia are endangered;
  • of the remaining 2.7% of original high productivity old-growth forests in British Columbia, 75% are still slated to be logged;
  • only 9% of the original 360,000 hectares of valley-bottom high productivity old-growth on Vancouver Island remain today; only 2.6% of those forests are protected in parks;
  • the last unprotected intact old-growth valley on Southern Vancouver Island, Fairy Creek, is slated for logging, along with the upper Walbran Valley and other remaining pockets of old growth;
  • most Canadians support sustainable harvesting of second and third growth forests, but do not support logging old-growth trees or destroying their surrounding ecosystems.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Work with the provinces and First Nations to immediately halt logging of endangered old-growth ecosystems; 2. Fund the long-term protection of old-growth ecosystems as a priority for Canada's climate action plan and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;3. Support value-added forestry initiatives in partnership with First Nations to ensure Canada's forestry industry is sustainable, and based on the harvesting of second and third growth forests;4. Ban the export of raw logs and maximize resource use for local jobs;5. Ban the use of whole trees for wood pellet biofuel production.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mr. Marc G. SerréThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views regarding British Columbia’s forests.Canada’s 347 million hectares of forest make up nine percent of the world’s forests. According to the latest statistics, dating back to December of 2020, Canada is maintaining roughly 164 million hectares of forests that are certified as sustainably-managed by independent groups. That represents 36 percent of all certified sustainable forests in the world. No nation matches Canada’s record in this area. Furthermore, less than one percent of Canada's forest lands is harvested annually. That is significantly smaller than the roughly 5.5 percent of forest land burned by wildfires or affected by insects.Additionally, the forest sector provided 205,000 jobs for Canadians in 2019, including about 12,000 jobs for Indigenous people. It was the primary source of economic well-being for 300 communities across Canada. As highlighted by the pandemic, forest sector services and products are essential to Canadians, helping to produce personal protective equipment from facemasks to hospital gowns.Forests preserve soils, cycle nutrients, support biodiversity and act as natural cleansers, filtering pollutants from the air and water. Active and sustainable harvest and management of forests also provide critical long-term climate benefits. Protecting older forests allows for greater amounts of carbon to be stored, though it should be noted that mature trees can eventually begin to decay and become carbon emissions sources. Meanwhile, replanting allows for the removal of carbon from the atmosphere as new trees grow. Changes in forest management and the use of harvested wood products can therefore contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change. The Government of Canada is also supporting the increased use of carbon-storing wood products as a substitution for emissions-intensive construction materials.About 90 percent of Canada’s forests are located on provincial and territorial Crown lands, and provincial and territorial governments manage these forests in accordance with the Constitution. In British Columbia, the province owns about 96 percent of the forested land. Provinces and territories have exclusive powers to develop and enforce their legislation, standards and programs to ensure the development, conservation and management of forest resources. Although rules, regulations, and policies that guide forest management vary between provinces and territories, they are all based on the principles of sustainable forest management. By provincial law, the forest industry must renew and maintain all harvested areas to provide for the sustainability of Crown forests. British Columbia’sforest management regime requires licensees operating on Crown lands to meet consultation obligations. This includes the requirement that forest stewardship plans be shared and discussed with affected First Nations.The Government of Canada works closely with provinces and territories to provide science that support sustainable forest management. The federal government is responsible for international trade in forest products and forest management on federal lands, and works closely with First Nations communities to ensure that they secure the economic benefits of Canada’s sustainable forestry industry.Over 1.1 million Indigenous people in Canada live in or near forests and, in British Columbia, the more than 5,000 Indigenous employees in the forest sector represent approximately 10 percent of the labour force, according to the 2016 Census. Increasingly, Government of Canada scientists are carrying out collaborative research with Indigenous communities centred on knowledge co-creation. This means that forest science research and tools developed to support sustainable forest management practices are informed by western and Indigenous science, and reflect local cultures as well as community values and priorities. This approach is important to the government’s reconciliation efforts, as forests provide significant economic benefits to these communities. Forests are also essential to spiritual and cultural traditions for many Indigenous Peoples. Those traditions include hunting, trapping, and the harvesting of medicines and culturally significant plants.In 2019, British Columbia became the first jurisdiction in Canada to introduce legislation to fully implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The legislation mandates that the provincial government bring its laws and policies into harmony with the UN Declaration’s objectives. It also mandated that future legislative amendments be required to enable joint and consent-based decision-making.The Government of Canada has made significant commitments in its Strengthened Climate Plan to advance Indigenous climate leadership, making Indigenous environmental management a cornerstone of the Plan. Supporting self-determined climate action and providing inclusive decision-making guidance is critical to moving forward on reconciliation. This also includes guidance on working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to co-develop decision-making processes and forestry management regimes that will ensure all of Canada’s future climate actions help promote Indigenous self-determination. Through programs such as the Indigenous Forestry Initiative, the Government of Canada is committed to working with Indigenous peoples to ensure that their communities gain long-term sustainable benefits from the forest sector through these value-adding opportunities. Log production is integral for the domestic manufacturing industry, as well as international markets, for a wide range of forest products, including softwood lumber. The forest industry depends on getting sustainably produced products to these markets in a balanced approach between sustainable forest management and economic growth. The Government of Canada’s Notice to Exporters No. 102, regarding theexports of logs from British Columbia, form an important part of the federal government’s efforts to ensure the right balance between log exports and sustainable forest management. Companies exporting forest products from British Columbia must first undergo a surplus testing procedure in consultation with the provincial government to determine whether adequate supply remains in Canada. This helps to ensure sustainability.Like all forest industries in Canada, the wood pellet industry is governed by comprehensive provincial legislation, regulations, and policies that enable sustainable forest management. Strict monitoring and enforcement measures bolster provincial forest management, ensuring that Canada’s forests are harvested legally and sustainably. The majority of Canadian pellets, for instance, come from forests that have been certified for sustainable forest management. All Canadian industrial pellet exports are certified sustainable by the Sustainable Biomass Program—a third-party certification system demonstrating compliance with forest management regulations.Canada has 47 pellet plants across the country, with an annual capacity of about 4.6 million metric tonnes. Canadian wood pellets are made from sawmill and harvesting scrap, created by other industrial processes such as lumber production. In some cases, pellets are made from damaged or low-quality logs not suitable for milling into lumber or other forest products. Reusing forest industry waste to produce pellets improves harvesting efficiency by ensuring no part of the tree is wasted. This also reduces the costs of managing residue removal from forests, and in turn, reduces forest fuel load and forest fire risk.Canada’s strong system of forest laws, monitoring, and enforcement ensures that sustainable forest management is practiced in British Columbia and across the country in consultation and partnership with Indigenous peoples.
Environmental protectionForest policyIndigenous policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 14, 2021432-00902432-00902 (Foreign affairs)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservativeBCApril 30, 2021June 14, 2021March 29, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWHEREAS:
  • Canada and India share a longstanding and peaceful bilateral relationship;
  • Canadians uphold basic human rights, such as the freedom of expression and the freedom of peaceful assembly, as the hallmarks of a just, democratic, and pluralistic society;
  • Farmers from the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana have, for several months, been peacefully protesting a domestic legislative change that affects their agricultural enterprises;
  • Recent footage and images from India show violent aggressions carried out on protesting farmers that appear to be perpetrated by state police and security forces.
THEREFORE: We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to express condemnation of the violence perpetrated against peacefully protesting Indian farmers, and to convey our sincere belief in the rights of individuals to freedom of expression and to peaceful assembly.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada is committed to the growth and diversification of our strategic partnership with India through constructive and forward-looking bilateral dialogue. Canada attaches great importance to protecting and advancing human rights, and the values of democracy, diversity, pluralism, and rule of law. These values are reflected in our engagement with all international partners, including the Government of India.The Government of Canada has continued to monitor protests by farmers in India, including the multiple dialogues between the government and farmers union representatives and the intervention of the Supreme Court of India in January 2021. Canada welcomes the Government of India’s commitment to ongoing dialogue to discuss issues of concern.
Civil and human rightsFarming and farmersForeign policyIndiaProtests
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 14, 2021432-00901432-00901 (Justice)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservativeBCApril 30, 2021June 14, 2021April 12, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWHEREAS:
  • The U.S. Department of State's 20th Trafficking in Persons Report indicates that Canada "meets the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking";
  • The TIP Report notes that Canadian governments "did not provide comprehensive data" on investigations, prosecutions, convictions, or victims' services;
  • The range, quality, and timely delivery of trafficking-specific services varies across Canada, including persistent funding shortages;
  • Coordination between the federal and provincial governments on anti-trafficking measures is poor;
  • The TIP Report urges Canadian governments to increase the use of proactive law enforcement techniques, increase training for prosecutors and judges, and increase partnerships with the private sector to prevent human trafficking.
THEREFORE: We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to strengthen the Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act to address Canada's shortcomings as mentioned in the TIP Report so that Canada exceeds the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, and that it cooperates and coordinates more closely with the provinces, the private sector, and other stakeholders to combat human trafficking in Canada.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency PreparednessSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JOËL LIGHTBOUND, M.P.The Government of Canada takes the issue of human trafficking seriously and is committed to the protection of children, women, girls, and other vulnerable members of society from all forms of exploitation and abuse, including sexual exploitation and labour trafficking in Canada and abroad. Canada’s criminal laws prohibit trafficking in persons for any exploitative purpose, regardless of whether it occurs within Canada or involves bringing persons into Canada. The Criminal Code of Canada contains specific human trafficking offences that are punishable by maximum penalties as high as life imprisonment, with mandatory minimum penalties ranging from one to six years. In fall 2019 the Government of Canada launched the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking (National Strategy), which brings together federal efforts under one strategic framework, and is supported by an investment of $57.22 million over five years and $10.28 million ongoing. As the lead department on the National Strategy, Public Safety Canada works closely with the Canada Border Services Agency; Royal Canadian Mounted Police; Justice Canada; Global Affairs Canada; Statistics Canada; Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada and other federal departments and agencies to ensure a whole-of-government response to this horrendous crime. Through the National Strategy, the Government of Canada is investing up to $22 million over four years to provide support to 63 organizations to identify and provide counselling to victims and survivors of human trafficking; provide transition and second stage housing; and provide mental health services, legal services, and employment services and supports, including training and tools to gain financial independence. This builds on a previous investment of $1 million annually for Justice Canada’s Victims Fund to support victims of human trafficking, as well as $14.5 million over five years and $2.89 million ongoing to create the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline. Investments under the National Strategy are also supporting the launch of a national public awareness campaign, development of training tools to help key sectors identify victims, and enhanced federal capacity to detect and respond to suspected cases. In 2012, the Conservative government of the day indicated that it would invest $25M over four years to address human trafficking. It should be noted that participating federal departments and agencies did not receive new, dedicated funding and carried out their anti-human trafficking activities using existing internal resources. Of this existing funding, only $500,000 was committed for enhancing supports for survivors. Karlee Sapoznik, president of the Alliance Against Modern Slavery, criticized the plan for ignoring the country's "crucial lack of research and data," writing that "we need sustained research on the nature of human trafficking within and involving Canada." And as Nora Loreto decried, “Harper's government has done irreparable harm to Canada's data collection, surely making research on human trafficking more difficult. And, one of the first decisions that the Conservatives made was to cut nearly all of Canada's Status of Women offices.” In an effort to increase proactive law enforcement techniques, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has strengthened efforts to counter human trafficking through awareness, community outreach, building and enhancing partnerships, and advancing operational policy and reporting. The RCMP is also providing ongoing support to national and local efforts to effectively combat human trafficking by investigating, disrupting and bringing to justice those who are involved in this crime. In addition, the Government of Canada provides training to law enforcement and criminal justice practitioners across Canada on trafficking in persons and sex trade offences that are victim-centered and trauma-informed. It is important to note that while the Government acknowledges the importance of training stakeholders, including judges, the development and delivery of judicial education is managed by the judiciary and cannot be mandated by any level of government. The National Judicial Institute, which is at arm’s length from government, is responsible for judicial training and has developed programming to increase the judiciary’s understanding of the complex issues of human trafficking. In the recent Supplementary Estimates C and Main Estimates 2020-21, our government requested additional funds to support improvements to federal policing investigative capacity by bolstering its capability with additional policing professionals, investigators and scientists. This will be used to deal with federal policing initiatives, which include responding to money laundering, cybercrime such as child sexual exploitation, and national security such as responding to terrorism and foreign-influenced activities. Through the Main Estimates we sought $6.3M for the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking. Unfortunately, the Conservatives voted against this funding. Recognizing the importance of increasing knowledge of the scope and scale of the crime in Canada, the Government of Canada continues to collect police-reported data related to incidents of human trafficking, from approximately 1,200 police services and detachments across Canada through the Uniform Crime Reporting Survey. Building on this source of data, under the National Strategy, the Government of Canada is working to strengthen the collection and analysis of human trafficking data and making this information available on an annual basis. Trafficking in persons in Canada, 2019, a dedicated bi-ennial report analyzing police-reported human trafficking data, was released on May 4, 2021. The report is available here: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-005-x/2021001/article/00001-eng.htm Addressing crime and violent victimization is a shared responsibility between the provinces, territories and the federal government, with many programs and support services provided by provinces and territories. In recognition of these jurisdictional roles and the need to work closely together to combat this crime, the Government of Canada is taking steps to increase coordination and collaboration with provincial and territorial partners through federal-provincial-territorial forums. In order to strengthen engagement with other partners, civil society and the private sector, the Government of Canada has committed to hosting annual stakeholder engagement sessions as part of the National Strategy. These engagement sessions will provide opportunities for knowledge and information sharing, identification of emerging trends, and informing policy and program development. The Government of Canada also supports public-private partnerships, such as Project Protect, which is led by the Bank of Montreal Financial Group in partnership with the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada as well as a number of financial institutions. Project Protect continues to provide proactive financial intelligence to support law enforcement investigations of financial crimes that are potentially linked to human trafficking. Please be assured that the Government of Canada is committed to combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable populations while working closely with domestic and international partners. The Government of Canada acknowledges the important annual research undertaken by the Government of the United States of America and will continue to consider seriously the recommendations of international partners as we strive to eradicate human trafficking and support victims and survivors. The Government will continue to work diligently to better understand gaps in Canada’s collective response to this crime to build stronger and safer communities across Canada, in order to remain a global leader in the fight against this crime and in the protection of human rights.
Human traffickingProtection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 14, 2021e-3210e-3210 (Natural resources and energy)MarkJansenDaneLloydSturgeon River—ParklandConservativeABMarch 3, 2021, at 1:56 p.m. (EDT)April 2, 2021, at 1:56 p.m. (EDT)April 30, 2021June 14, 2021April 7, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Cancelling the Keystone XL pipeline has resulted in the loss of thousands of well-paying jobs and further diminished Canada’s ability to get our energy to markets;The threatened cancellations of Enbridge Lines 3 and 5 would have a devastating effect on thousands of skilled workers, their families and supporting industries while also resulting in a shortfall in regional fuel supply;The lack of critical pipeline infrastructure from Western Canada to eastern refineries is part of the reason why Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic provinces rely on foreign oil imports;$477 billion has been spent between 1988 and 2019 to bring in foreign crude oil from countries, many of which do not follow our world-class environmental and human rights standards;Canada imported approximately $19 billion of crude oil in 2019 alone;The lack of market access for Canadian oil means Canadian producers often receive far less than market rates;An Energy East pipeline would help eastern refineries turn a higher profit while also allowing Canada to export its ethically produced oil to Europe and Asia;Connecting eastern refineries to western supply would decrease emissions and help move Canada towards becoming energy self-sufficient while also benefiting local, regional and national economies;The energy resource sector is Canada’s largest industry supporting tens of thousands of high-quality jobs across the country; andCanada’s national economy would derive substantial benefit from the ability to market our oil and natural gas products at a fair price.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to make the construction of an Energy East pipeline a national priority.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mr. Marc G. SerréThe Government of Canada is deeply disappointed in President Biden’s decision to revoke Keystone XL’s permit. While the government acknowledges that the President’s decision fulfills an election campaign promise, the Government of Canada will not waiver in supporting Canada’s workers. There is deep concern for all Canadians who have lost their jobs, whether as a result of this decision, the pandemic, or other changing economic circumstances. The government continues to support the affected communities that depend on jobs in the energy sector.Canada maintains a market-based energy policy that relies on the private sector to decide when and where energy projects should be brought forward. TC Energy’s withdrawal of its application to review the proposed Energy East pipeline in 2017 was a business decision. Project proponents develop their applications in a business environment where market factors, such as supply, demand and both product and transport prices are constantly changing.At this time, there is no project application to build a west-east crude oil pipeline. If a new proposal is put forward, federal regulators will provide a fair and rigorous review process. And the Government of Canada will consider whether to approve a project once the review is complete and public and Indigenous consultations have concluded.While Canada has the third-largest proven reserves of crude oil in the world, some refiners in central and Eastern Canada do import a portion of their crude oil inputs under certain circumstances. Refiners are therefore not dependent on pipeline access for heavy crude oil producers in Western Canada. This is due to several factors. Regional refinery specialization, for instance, influences the decision to import lighter crude oil. Nearly three-quarters of Canada’s crude oil imports come from the United States due to a highly integrated energy market.The government is taking action to make Canada a more attractive place to invest and do business. However, it does not intend to pursue the construction of an energy corridor ahead of market factors. Pipeline and transmission line companies are already using a corridor approach. They are taking advantage of existing utilities, rails, and road corridors. This minimizes the impact on the environment and communities, and facilitates regulatory approvals. There are multiple factors to consider in evaluating the feasibility of an energy corridor, including impacts on Indigenous communities and landowners, environmental impacts, as well as costs and timelines.The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to supporting the competitiveness of the energy sector by working with federal and provincial counterparts, industry and other parties. The government is actively identifying the barriers facing Canada’s oil and gas sector. It is also considering future growth opportunities to connect Canada’s resources to new markets. This is why the government continues to support key infrastructure projects such as the Trans Mountain Expansion project, LNG Canada and Line 3, while ensuring worker safety in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Line 5 is a key conduit in that supply chain. In light of Michigan’s current efforts to shut Line 5, Canada is strongly advocating for the continued safe operation of Line 5 as a critical component of Canada’s energy infrastructure and energy security. The Government of Canada is taking action to set up the energy sector for success today, and help prepare it for an increasingly low carbon future.
Oil and gasPipeline transportation
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 14, 2021e-3290e-3290 (Food and drink)VickeyBrownGordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNDPBCMarch 24, 2021, at 5:22 p.m. (EDT)April 23, 2021, at 5:22 p.m. (EDT)April 30, 2021June 14, 2021April 26, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons in Parliament assembled</Addressee>Whereas:Farmers’ Markets are a key tool for COVID-19 recovery as small business incubators, domestic food system resilience and security builders and Farmers' Market Nutrition Coupon Programs (FMNCPs) are a key support for new and existing farmers’ market development and their provincial associations or equivalent;FMNCPs helps create food security and resiliency by providing vulnerable people access to healthy locally grown foods and dietary education while improving the physical and mental health of participants by increasing the amount and diversity of fruits and vegetables they consume;FMNCPs increase domestic food supply, sustainable farming and farmers by providing a secure source of income via farmers’ market sales, and these farmers are key stakeholders in climate change mitigation, adaptation and prevention; The BC Association of Farmers’ Markets with its long-term experience and partnership with the province, provides an excellent model for FMNCP, providing almost 16,000 vulnerable families, seniors and pregnant women with access to weekly coupons, and $1.9 million to local farmers; andAs there is a waiting list in all communities participating in BC’s program, a national matching program would assist in meeting that demand, supporting those provinces who have a provincial program to expand and encourage provinces without a program to create one.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to initiate a national matching program for all provincial FMNCPs across Canada that would match provinces who are already contributing to their FMNCP and encourage provinces that do not have such a program to implement one by offering matching funding.
Response by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-FoodSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, PC, MPOn June 17, 2019, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) launched the first Food Policy for Canada, a whole-of-government approach supporting the vision that “All people in Canada are able to access a sufficient amount of safe, nutritious and culturally diverse food. Canada’s food system is resilient and innovative, sustains our environment, and supports our economy.”The Food Policy for Canada is an ambitious initiative, the product of consultation and collaboration with Canadians across the country. The Government of Canada heard from more than 45,000 Canadians, including agricultural producers and processors, experts in environment, health and food security, Indigenous groups, non-government organizations, and community advocates.Recognizing the importance of helping communities access healthy food, AAFC is delivering the Local Food Infrastructure Fund, a Food Policy initiative with $50 million in funding to strengthen local food systems and to facilitate access to safe and nutritious food for at-risk populations.The first phase of the Local Food Infrastructure Fund provided up to $25,000 for 362 projects for a total investment of $6.6 million. This funding supported projects including community gardens, the purchase of refrigerated trucks, kitchen and other equipment needed to prepare, store and distribute food, and the installation of solar panels and irrigation systems.In April 2020, the Government launched the Emergency Food Security Fund, to help improve access to food for people experiencing food insecurity in Canada that has been exacerbated as a result of COVID-19. Through this initiative, AAFC has made available up to $200 million to food banks and other food assistance organizations to support the urgent food needs of Canadians.The Government of Canada invested an additional $140 million in 2021-22 through Budget 2021 to top up the Emergency Food Security Fund and Local Food Infrastructure Fund.As Farmers' Market Nutrition Coupon Programs (FMNCPs) help address food insecurity by providing vulnerable people access to healthy locally grown foods, funding may be available as part of the Emergency Food Security Fund through contacting the intermediary organizationsthat distribute funding.In British Columbia, the FMNCP program is supported by the Province of British Columbia, the Provincial Health Services Authority and community donors. The Public Health Agency of Canada’s Multisectoral Partnership Program supported a similar initiative, with an investment of $1.5M from 2020 to 2024 to expand Community Food Centres Canada’s Market Greens initiative to 30 locations across Canada. The Market Greens initiative supports increased access to low-cost fresh produce markets and offers fruit and vegetable vouchers/coupons that can be used at participating local affordable markets.Thank you for sharing your proposal to improve Canadians’ access to healthy, local foods through farmers markets and FMNCPs. The Government of Canada remains committed to considering all opportunities to improve food security for Canadians and a vibrant, productive agriculture sector in Canada.
Farmers marketsFood supply
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 14, 2021432-00898432-00898 (Environment)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCApril 30, 2021June 14, 2021November 5, 2018Petition to the House of CommonsTHEREFORE, YOUR PETITIONERS call on the House of Commons to work with the Government of British Columbia to protect Saanich Inlet by immediately adding it to the list of designated zones where the discharge of raw sewage is not allowed.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraTransport Canada has received the completed application titled “Application for Establishment of a Designated Sewage Area under the Vessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemicals Regulations” submitted by The Corporation of the District of Central Saanich. The application has been reviewed and accepted for addition to Schedule 2 to of the Vessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemicals Regulations (VPDCR) as a Designated Sewage Area.The Department is currently working on amendments to the VPDCR and will be engaging with stakeholders within the coming fiscal year to seek input on areas where the regulations could be improved. As part of this regulatory process, Transport Canada officials will also look at the application process for Designated Sewage Areas, including whether and how applications and approvals can be expedited in future. 
Saanich InletSewage treatment and disposal
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 14, 2021432-00897432-00897 (Environment)PaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCApril 30, 2021June 14, 2021April 28, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWhereas:
  • Indigenous peoples have rights and title to their traditional territories and have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial;
  • the climate crisis requires action by all levels of government and industry;
  • old-growth forests provide immeasurable benefits, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity, culture, recreation, education, food and more;
  • valley-bottom high productivity old-growth ecosystems in British Columbia are endangered;
  • of the remaining 2.7% of original high productivity old-growth forests in British Columbia, 75% are still slated to be logged;
  • only 9% of the original 360,000 hectares of valley-bottom high productivity old-growth on Vancouver Island remain today; only 2.6% of those forests are protected in parks;
  • the last unprotected intact old-growth valley on Southern Vancouver Island, Fairy Creek, is slated for logging, along with the upper Walbran Valley and other remaining pockets of old growth;
  • most Canadians support sustainable harvesting of second and third growth forests, but do not support logging old-growth trees or destroying their surrounding ecosystems.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Work with the provinces and First Nations to immediately halt logging of endangered old-growth ecosystems; 2. Fund the long-term protection of old-growth ecosystems as a priority for Canada's climate action plan and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;3. Support value-added forestry initiatives in partnership with First Nations to ensure Canada's forestry industry is sustainable, and based on the harvesting of second and third growth forests;4. Ban the export of raw logs and maximize resource use for local jobs;5. Ban the use of whole trees for wood pellet biofuel production.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mr. Marc G. SerréThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views regarding British Columbia’s forests.Canada’s 347 million hectares of forest make up nine percent of the world’s forests. According to the latest statistics, dating back to December of 2020, Canada is maintaining roughly 164 million hectares of forests that are certified as sustainably-managed by independent groups. That represents 36 percent of all certified sustainable forests in the world. No nation matches Canada’s record in this area. Furthermore, less than one percent of Canada's forest lands is harvested annually. That is significantly smaller than the roughly 5.5 percent of forest land burned by wildfires or affected by insects.Additionally, the forest sector provided 205,000 jobs for Canadians in 2019, including about 12,000 jobs for Indigenous people. It was the primary source of economic well-being for 300 communities across Canada. As highlighted by the pandemic, forest sector services and products are essential to Canadians, helping to produce personal protective equipment from facemasks to hospital gowns.Forests preserve soils, cycle nutrients, support biodiversity and act as natural cleansers, filtering pollutants from the air and water. Active and sustainable harvest and management of forests also provide critical long-term climate benefits. Protecting older forests allows for greater amounts of carbon to be stored, though it should be noted that mature trees can eventually begin to decay and become carbon emissions sources. Meanwhile, replanting allows for the removal of carbon from the atmosphere as new trees grow. Changes in forest management and the use of harvested wood products can therefore contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change. The Government of Canada is also supporting the increased use of carbon-storing wood products as a substitution for emissions-intensive construction materials.About 90 percent of Canada’s forests are located on provincial and territorial Crown lands, and provincial and territorial governments manage these forests in accordance with the Constitution. In British Columbia, the province owns about 96 percent of the forested land. Provinces and territories have exclusive powers to develop and enforce their legislation, standards and programs to ensure the development, conservation and management of forest resources. Although rules, regulations, and policies that guide forest management vary between provinces and territories, they are all based on the principles of sustainable forest management. By provincial law, the forest industry must renew and maintain all harvested areas to provide for the sustainability of Crown forests. British Columbia’sforest management regime requires licensees operating on Crown lands to meet consultation obligations. This includes the requirement that forest stewardship plans be shared and discussed with affected First Nations.The Government of Canada works closely with provinces and territories to provide science that support sustainable forest management. The federal government is responsible for international trade in forest products and forest management on federal lands, and works closely with First Nations communities to ensure that they secure the economic benefits of Canada’s sustainable forestry industry.Over 1.1 million Indigenous people in Canada live in or near forests and, in British Columbia, the more than 5,000 Indigenous employees in the forest sector represent approximately 10 percent of the labour force, according to the 2016 Census. Increasingly, Government of Canada scientists are carrying out collaborative research with Indigenous communities centred on knowledge co-creation. This means that forest science research and tools developed to support sustainable forest management practices are informed by western and Indigenous science, and reflect local cultures as well as community values and priorities. This approach is important to the government’s reconciliation efforts, as forests provide significant economic benefits to these communities. Forests are also essential to spiritual and cultural traditions for many Indigenous Peoples. Those traditions include hunting, trapping, and the harvesting of medicines and culturally significant plants.In 2019, British Columbia became the first jurisdiction in Canada to introduce legislation to fully implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The legislation mandates that the provincial government bring its laws and policies into harmony with the UN Declaration’s objectives. It also mandated that future legislative amendments be required to enable joint and consent-based decision-making.The Government of Canada has made significant commitments in its Strengthened Climate Plan to advance Indigenous climate leadership, making Indigenous environmental management a cornerstone of the Plan. Supporting self-determined climate action and providing inclusive decision-making guidance is critical to moving forward on reconciliation. This also includes guidance on working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to co-develop decision-making processes and forestry management regimes that will ensure all of Canada’s future climate actions help promote Indigenous self-determination. Through programs such as the Indigenous Forestry Initiative, the Government of Canada is committed to working with Indigenous peoples to ensure that their communities gain long-term sustainable benefits from the forest sector through these value-adding opportunities. Log production is integral for the domestic manufacturing industry, as well as international markets, for a wide range of forest products, including softwood lumber. The forest industry depends on getting sustainably produced products to these markets in a balanced approach between sustainable forest management and economic growth. The Government of Canada’s Notice to Exporters No. 102, regarding theexports of logs from British Columbia, form an important part of the federal government’s efforts to ensure the right balance between log exports and sustainable forest management. Companies exporting forest products from British Columbia must first undergo a surplus testing procedure in consultation with the provincial government to determine whether adequate supply remains in Canada. This helps to ensure sustainability.Like all forest industries in Canada, the wood pellet industry is governed by comprehensive provincial legislation, regulations, and policies that enable sustainable forest management. Strict monitoring and enforcement measures bolster provincial forest management, ensuring that Canada’s forests are harvested legally and sustainably. The majority of Canadian pellets, for instance, come from forests that have been certified for sustainable forest management. All Canadian industrial pellet exports are certified sustainable by the Sustainable Biomass Program—a third-party certification system demonstrating compliance with forest management regulations.Canada has 47 pellet plants across the country, with an annual capacity of about 4.6 million metric tonnes. Canadian wood pellets are made from sawmill and harvesting scrap, created by other industrial processes such as lumber production. In some cases, pellets are made from damaged or low-quality logs not suitable for milling into lumber or other forest products. Reusing forest industry waste to produce pellets improves harvesting efficiency by ensuring no part of the tree is wasted. This also reduces the costs of managing residue removal from forests, and in turn, reduces forest fuel load and forest fire risk.Canada’s strong system of forest laws, monitoring, and enforcement ensures that sustainable forest management is practiced in British Columbia and across the country in consultation and partnership with Indigenous peoples.
Environmental protectionForest policyIndigenous policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 14, 2021e-3281e-3281 (Indigenous affairs)VivianHermansenRachelBlaneyNorth Island—Powell RiverNDPBCMarch 26, 2021, at 2:45 p.m. (EDT)April 25, 2021, at 2:45 p.m. (EDT)April 30, 2021June 14, 2021April 26, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:The Government of Canada's website says the processing time for a Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) is sixteen weeks for complete applications, when in fact wait times are between six months and two years; It takes ten business days for a Canadian passport when applying in person, and twenty business days by mail; These are both secure federal government documents and should have the same standards for processing time;The Government of Canada has made a statement of commitment to achieving reconciliation with Indigenous peoples of Canada based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership as the foundation for transformative change; The current process for obtaining a SCIS does not reflect the spirit of reconciliation; andThe current wait times are an example of systemic racism being perpetrated by the Government of Canada.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to: 1. Explore all options including alternative solutions such as the hiring of additional staff dedicated to processing applications for a SCIS; and2. Take no longer than the equivalent time needed to process a Canadian passport, namely, twenty business days.
Response by the Minister of Indigenous ServicesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Pam DamoffThe Minister of Indigenous Services Canada would like to thank the Member from North Island-Powell River and the petitioner for raising the issue of processing times for the Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS).  The department is committed to processing applications for the SCIS in an efficient and timely manner. It is important to note that the issuance of a SCIS is separate than the application processing for Indian Status.The SCIS, also known as the secure status card, was introduced in 2009 to reduce instances of fraud and identity theft by including security features and a photo. It has further evolved to provide other client service features, including a machine-readable zone to facilitate Canada–U.S. border crossing. The SCIS is issued by the Department to confirm registration of Indian Status and facilitate access to associated programs, rights, services and benefits. An individual must be registered and provide proof of registration with their application to receive a secure status card.The Department’s service standard is sixteen weeks for issuing an SCIS. The current processing time is eight weeks to receive the SCIS once Indian Status has been confirmed. Over the last three fiscal years, the Department has consistently met its service standard above 90% of the time. There is no cost to the applicant. In addition to the SCIS, there are two other options for those registered under the Indian Act to confirm their status. First Nations issue the paper laminate Certificate of Indian Status (CIS) at band offices across the country. This service is offered on demand with little or no wait time. An individual seeking confirmation of Indian Status may also request a Temporary Certificate of Registration Document, normally issued within 24 hours by one of the departmental points of service.Difference Between Indian Status Application and the Secure Certificate of Indian StatusIt is important to note that there is a difference between Indian Status and the SCIS, which provides proof of Indian Status. If an SCIS applicant is already registered under the Indian Act, the SCIS will be issued within the 16-week service standard or faster. Individuals applying to be newly registered for Status may submit a registration application and a SCIS application at the same time. A SCIS will be issued upon registration as a status Indian under the Indian Act.Processing time for applications for registration under the Indian Act is generally between six months and two years, depending on the complexity of the file and the completeness of the application. While some applications can be processed quickly (e.g. registration of a child with two parents already registered), others require more genealogical research and further information from the applicant. The six month to two-year wait time is associated with the registration portion of the application and establishing entitlement to Indian Status under the Indian Act, not the SCIS card issuance itself. As noted, if an SCIS applicant is already registered under the Indian Act, the SCIS will be issued within the 16-week service standard or faster.   Status cards, either the SCIS or CIS, are optional. A third of all registered individuals with Indian Status have chosen to apply and receive the SCIS. The CIS issued at band offices remains more popular. As of April 2021, out of approximately 1,026,000 registered Status Indians, 328,400 had a valid SCIS. In comparison, there are nearly 560,000 paper-laminated CIS in circulation.Secure Certificate of Indian Status Service Offering and ImprovementsLike many Government of Canada services, the processing of applications for the SCIS was impacted by COVID-19 related health restrictions for several months. The Department is now back to normal processing times that existed prior to COVID-19 and is on track to increase the number of applications processed per month in the months ahead.The application process for the SCIS has been streamlined and, in modernizing the Department’s service offering, we are investing in digital solutions to increase efficiency and improve client service.The development and launch of a mobile photo app in 2019 was designed to simplify the application process for the SCIS. The photo app, now in its third release, allows applicants to take the requisite passport quality photo – for free and from anywhere- with a smartphone and submit it online as part of their SCIS application. In addition, applicants who present in person at the departmental service kiosk in Gatineau, QC can now submit an application for the SCIS electronically (on line) as an alternative to a paper application.  In the coming months, this service will be expanded to all 16 departmental service kiosks and over time, this option will be made accessible to the public access through the internet. This initiative will result in efficiencies by making the application process faster and help reduce the rate of error.The Department is also increasing the number of partnerships it has with First Nation organizations, in order to make its services, including the SCIS application process, more accessible and client focused.  The Issuance of the SCIS Compared to a Passport The petition seeks a commitment to the same processing time for the SCIS as the issuance of the Canadian Passport.It is difficult to compare the SCIS and passport processes, as Passport Canada is one of the few Government of Canada programs operating on a full cost-recovery basis. Passport Program operations are funded and service standards are maintained from fees charged for travel document services.Both the passport and SCIS are issued after confirmation of entitlement. The SCIS is currently delivered in 40 business days following registration under the Indian Act, while service standards for the issuance of a passport in Canada after entitlement is confirmed is 20 days. The modernization and client service agenda of the Department is expected to further reduce the wait time for the SCIS as we are committed to processing applications for the Secure Certificate of Status in an efficient and timely manner. In addition, our Government has been clear - during this time, service providers should accept Status Cards, with identification, even if the renewal date has passed. Our Government will continue to take steps to update and improve the processing times of Status Card administration and renewals.
BacklogsRegistration of peopleStatus Indians
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 14, 2021432-00895432-00895 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 30, 2021June 14, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 14, 2021432-00894432-00894 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 30, 2021June 14, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 14, 2021432-00893432-00893 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 30, 2021June 14, 2021June 20, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 14, 2021432-00892432-00892 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 30, 2021June 14, 2021April 20, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas the Canadian Parliament has unanimously passed the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, also known as the Sergei Magnitsky Act, to sanction corrupt foreign officials who, among others, are responsible for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights;Whereas the Former Chinese Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin and his cohorts personally ordered, launched, orchestrated and executed the eradication campaign against Falun Gong using state apparatus, including the extrajudicial torture and killing of Falun Gong practitioners in large numbers with impunity for the past 19 years for their beliefs in "truthfulness, compassion and tolerance”; and whereas Falun Gong practitioners have been killed for their organs in China on a massive scale, which has been well documented and widely reported;Whereas extensive evidence points to fourteen key officials and former officials of the Chinese communist regime who demonstrate prime culpability in the human rights atrocities committed against Falun Gong practitioners in China.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against these perpetrators under the Sergei Magnitsky Act.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 14, 2021e-3031e-3031 (Foreign affairs)MichaelaLavisNathanielErskine-SmithBeaches—East YorkLiberalONDecember 9, 2020, at 5:19 p.m. (EDT)March 9, 2021, at 5:19 p.m. (EDT)April 29, 2021June 14, 2021March 12, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) are unlawful under international law, as recognised by the United Nations Security Council, including in UN Security Resolution 2334 which reaffirmed that the establishment by Israel of settlements in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, has no legal validity and constitutes a flagrant violation under international law;Israeli occupation authorities have issued a decision to forcibly evict 400 Palestinians from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of East Jerusalem;Israeli forces have demolished 176 Palestinian homes in occupied Jerusalem since the beginning of this year and approved the establishment of 17,000 settlement units in Jerusalem; andUnder Article 1 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, all high signatories, of which Canada is one, are required to take actions to ensure that violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention do not occur under any circumstance.We, the undersigned, Residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:- call on Israel to stop its eviction of the Palestinian families in Sheik Jarrah, and its carrying out of the announced land settlement of title and registration policy in occupied East Jerusalem which will result in the permanent appropriation of Palestinian land by the State of Israel in flagrant violation of international law; and- take steps required to stop Israel’s violations of international law, including its continued building of settlements and forced displacement in the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and to end Israel’s blockade of Gaza.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe Government of Canada is committed to the goal of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, including the creation of a Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with Israel. Canada will always support efforts for a two-state solution.Canada firmly believes in the right of Palestinians and Israelis to live with dignity, without fear, and with their human rights respected. We support the principle of “two states for two peoples”, with both Israelis and Palestinians living within secure borders that are mutually respected and recognized.Canada remains gravely concerned by the continued expansion of settlements, demolitions, and evictions, including the ongoing cases in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan. The continued expansion of settlements, demolitions and evictions constitute a serious obstacle to achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. These actions impact families and livelihoods, do not serve peace, and are a violation of international law. Canada calls on Israel to stop settlement activities, including those in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Consistent with our longstanding position, Canada does not recognize permanent Israeli control over territories occupied in 1967. Canada has expressed its concerns regarding settlements, including at the UN Security Council “Session on the devastating violence in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza” on May 16, 2021, the UN General Assembly on May 20, 2021, on the Situation in the Middle East and the Palestinian Question and the UN Human Rights Council Special Session to address the “Grave human rights situation in Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem” on May 27, 2021.The indiscriminate barrage of rockets fired by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad into Israel was completely unacceptable. They put the safety of civilians at great risk. The material and financial support to these groups must also end. Canada supports Israel's right to live in peace with its neighbours within secure boundaries, and its right to assure its own security. This right also comes with the immense responsibility and obligation to act in accordance with international law.For decades, this conflict has caused much pain to both Palestinian and Israeli families and impacted the social fabric in the region. Mutual recognition and respect are critical foundations for a lasting peace. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and with Israeli and Palestinian youth and future generations top of our mind, Canada urges all parties to renew their commitment to peace and security. With this in mind, Canada will continue to work with Israel, the Palestinian Authority and the international community to break the cycle of violence, loss of life and suffering.
Displaced personsEviction from rented accommodationForeign policyIsraelJerusalemPalestine
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 14, 2021432-00890432-00890 (Employment and labour)ChrisLewisEssexConservativeONApril 29, 2021June 14, 2021April 15, 2021Petition to the Ministers of the Crown, the Honourable Minister of Health and Honourable Minister of Public SafetyWe, the undersign citizens of Windsor-Essex and the rest of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Windsor-Essex is home to diverse industry including a large Manufacturing sector (OEM's and supply chains) as well as two major Advanced Manufacturing clusters: Tool, Die, Mold and Gauging and Automation Manufacturers. These businesses are reliant upon a substantial customer base in the U.S. and are a vital comer stone to the entire manufacturing supply chain given their innovative and advanced products and services.These diverse sectors within Manufacturing in Ontario and Windsor-Essex:
  • Have a combined Canadian Manufacturing GDP1 of $30.8B (Motor Vehicles $6.5B, Motor Vehicle Parts $8.9B, Aerospace: $8.2B and Automation (including Tooling): $7.2B
  • Manufacturing (OEM's and supply chains) provide 188,000 jobs2,
  • The Tool, Die, Mold and Gauging and Automation Manufacturers combined provide over 58,000 well- paying and middleclass jobs across Canada and over 80% is exported to the U.S. which is currently at risk.
  • Windsor-Essex generates3 $3.3B in GDP alone, includes 1000+ Manufacturers, 90+ Auto and Parts Manufacturers including 2 OEM's and 250+ Machine, Tool, Die and Mold, Gauging Manufacturers. This does not include the businesses that service supply services to these organizations.
  • This also includes thousands of Windsor-Essex Professionals, Technical and Business Owners with US Work Visas who generate over $1B to the GDP annually in U.S. exports.
  • Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) Manufacturing related COVID-19 Cases only amounts to only .065%4 of the cases in all the Ontario workplaces.
This is assumed to be the same across Canada for US Border communities with different industry at varying degrees. These industries rely on access to the U.S. for both direct and in-direct service activity including: Business Development (Need Word), Design & Engineering, Procurement, Technical and Service, Business Services, etc.In 2020, this Windsor-Essex diverse industry was deemed "essential" by the Ontario Government under Sec. 1 and 23 of Ontario OReg 82/20 (Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act) and exempted from the travel ban at land crossings to the U.S.These "business to business" organizations ship capital goods and technologies to the U.S., but must also send personnel to U.S. customers for sales and design, as well as hands on technical support. This also includes Professionals, Technical and Business Owners to service their U.S. Clients. For Windsor-Essex alone this amounts to ~300-500 industry personnel and their U.S. Client personnel as well as thousands of Canadian citizens who travel to the US to fulfill their employment obligations commuting both frequent and infrequently.Contract negotiations in this vital sector of the economy are based on meetings for U.S. customers at our Canadian facilities for sales, design and equipment acceptance. Contractual obligations between Canadian entities and U.S. entities are no different than a Canadian citizen who resides in Canada that has employment obligations to fulfill in the U.S. therefore the same rights and privileges should be extended to these workers and companies that are bound to these contracts.Denial of entry and inconsistent application of entry and isolation/quarantine rules at the border are costing these industries millions of dollars in lost revenue - and has and will continue to result in lost opportunities, jobs, economic growth and taxation in Canada.WE IN WINDSOR-ESSEX:"ARE THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE THINGS THAT MAKE THINGS""TAKE PRIDE IN TAKING CARE OF OUSELVES"1 Ontario Trillium Network (April 14th, 2020) 2 https://www.unifor.org/en/canadas-auto-industry-fast-facts-2020-13 Windsor Essex Economic Development Corp (WEEDC): http://choosewindsoressex.com/manufacturin 4 Ontario Workplace Safety Insurance Board: https://www.wsib.ca/enTHEREFORE, your petitioners request the Honourable Minister of Health and Honourable Minister of Public Safety and the unanimous support of government to:1) Allow those who have legal access into the U.S. and Canada (Visa with Invitation or Client Contractual Obligation) for the Purpose of Essential Business only and who are deemed “Essential” as part of their respective Provincial Legislation (in Ontario - Sec. 1 and 23 of Ontario OReg 82/20 Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act) to:
  • a. Exit and re-enter any Port of Entry on any frequency (regularly or intermittent) while meeting any of the following conditions (b) to (h). b.
  • b. Be able to re-enter Canada with a valid Health Canada vaccine administered in Canada or the USA with a valid record of vaccination.
  • c. Agree to a Health Canada prevention measures with an approved quick test administered either
  • i. At the Canadian Port of Entry, or
  • ii. Self-administered Prior to Entering the Port of Entry
  • d. Self-Monitor, be exempt from any quarantine action and continue to follow current measures (isolation / mask / self distancing, etc.) by: Health Canada, Provincial and Local Health Unit guidelines and requirements for essential workers
  • i. With a valid Vaccination, or
  • ii. Upon a negative quick test result
  • e. Quarantine with an adequate plan (as per Health Canada PHAC current measures)
  • i. when a positive quick test result, and
  • ii. Receive an immediate confirming PCR test upon re-entry
  • iii. With a positive PCR result
  • f. Any associated costs associated with the vaccine, testing and quarantine measures (through immediate access to the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit - CRSB) shall be borne by Canada
  • g. Allowed re-entry travel to and re-entry into Canada after the 14-day quarantine period.
  • h. For any disputes between an alleged essential traveler and the CBSA and these requirements the essential traveler shall be granted an appeal by the CBSA and shall direct the essential traveler to secondary for disposition by PHAC.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency PreparednessSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JOËL LIGHTBOUND, M.P.Even before COVID-19 was declared to be a global pandemic, our government had taken strong measures to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in Canada, which have continued to evolve since that time. Being considered an “essential worker” or “essential employee” in the province or municipality in which the person is seeking to enter, or by the individual’s workplace, does not automatically mean the person is exempt from pre-arrival testing or quarantine under the federal border measures.Enhanced border measures, such as pre-arrival testing and quarantine requirements, are explicitly stated within the OIC, and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) border services officers (BSOs) do not have the discretion to exempt travellers, who otherwise do not meet the exemptions, from these requirements based on an assumed level of risk or any other factor. BSOs make decisions regarding traveller admissibility and eligibility based on the information available to them at time of processing. The onus is on the traveller to demonstrate that they meet the requirements for entry into Canada, including whether or not an exemption to public health measures may be applicable.Every day, BSOs make over 35,000 decisions across the country and those decisions are made based on all laws and information made available to them at the time of entry. To facilitate decision making, the CBSA provides support to frontline BSOs through operational guideline bulletins, 7/24 live support access and regular case reviews. In addition, the CBSA conducts detailed technical briefings prior to the implementation of new or amended OICs to support the accurate implementation of new provisions and ensure clarity for frontline employees. The CBSA has also established a process to monitor decisions made by BSOs as they relate to the application of OICs for essential service providers and will continue to make adjustments or review the CBSA operational guidance to BSOs, as required. Should the CBSA discover that an incorrect assessment at the border has been made, it works with the Public Health Agency of Canada to rectify the situation.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability InclusionSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) provides $500 per week for a maximum of four weeks to enable workers to stay home if they are unable to work at least 50% of their scheduled work week because they are sick or need to self-isolate due to COVID-19, or have underlying conditions, or are undergoing treatments or have contracted other sicknesses that make them more susceptible to COVID-19. People are not eligible to receive the CRSB when they have to miss work to get a COVID-19 vaccine.Recently, the Government of Canada has increased the number of weeks available for the recovery benefits. This includes an increase in the number of weeks available under the CRSB from 2 to 4 weeks.In addition, in March 2021, the Government of Canada added a new eligibility condition so that those who travel internationally and are required to quarantine or isolate under any order made under the Quarantine Act upon their return to Canada will not be eligible to receive the CRSB, the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit or the Canada Recovery Benefit during the period of their quarantine or isolation.However, exemptions are provided for those travelling to receive necessary medical treatment or to accompany someone who is travelling to receive necessary medical treatment and requires assistance. An exemption is also provided to those who need to isolate upon their return to Canada but would otherwise have been exempt from quarantine (such as a truck driver or a worker who regularly crosses the border for work).
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellThe goal of Canada’s COVID-19 pandemic response is to prevent serious illness and death while minimizing societal disruption. Border measures taken under the Quarantine Act are focused on reducing the introduction and further spread of COVID-19 and its variants in Canada by decreasing the risk of importing cases from outside the country.Since March 25, 2020, border measures have included requirements for non-exempt travellers to quarantine (if asymptomatic) or to isolate (if symptomatic) for a 14-day period and monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, or to quarantine in a designated quarantine facility and undergo health assessments, depending on certain factors. Since February 14, 2021, non-exempt travellers have been required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test taken within 72 hours of arrival (or proof of a positive COVID-19 molecular test, taken at least 14 days and no more than 90 days before arrival). Furthermore, since February 22, 2021, non-exempt travellers have been subject to additional requirements for on-arrival and post-arrival testing. For travellers arriving by air, a stay in government-authorized accommodation pending receipt of a negative result from their on-arrival test has also been in effect since February 22, 2021.On June 9, 2021, the Government of Canada announced plans to begin easing some border measures through a phased approach to allow certain exemptions for fully vaccinated travellers who are already eligible to enter Canada. Under Phase I of the approach, fully vaccinated travellers arriving by air or land will continue to be required to complete the mandatory pre- and on-arrival testing. However, those arriving by air will no longer be required to stay at a government-authorized hotel while awaiting their on-arrival test, and all travellers will now be permitted to leave quarantine upon receipt of a negative result from their on-arrival COVID-19 test. These travellers will not be required to complete a test on Day 8. Fully vaccinated individuals are defined as those who have received the full dosage of a Health Canada-approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to entering Canada.Recognizing that continued safe and efficient flow of essential border traffic is critical to our economy, exemptions to border measures have been put in place for essential service workers, such as truckers, medical professionals and some other critical cohorts. These travellers may be required to observe other federal and provincial public health measures (for example, wearing a mask when they are in public settings), and may be subject to federal alternative testing protocols, as required.While the Government of Canada continues to advise Canadians to avoid non-essential travel to mitigate the further spread of COVID-19 and its variants into Canada, current restrictions will be modified when appropriate, and as vaccination progresses, in accordance with the latest scientific evidence, and in collaboration with our provincial, territorial and international counterparts.
BordersCOVID-19Essential servicesManufacturing industryPandemicTravel restrictions
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 14, 2021e-3032e-3032 (Health)denysebouvierSorayaMartinez FerradaHochelagaLiberalQCDecember 21, 2020, at 11:11 a.m. (EDT)April 20, 2021, at 11:11 a.m. (EDT)April 29, 2021June 14, 2021April 22, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Under the current system, very high costs put low-income individuals and families, people experiencing homelessness, people in institutions and our seniors at a disadvantage;Poor dentition often results in discrimination in hiring or in everyday life;Dental issues can also have a major impact on people’s personal and social lives; andGood dentition is a key to health, pride and self-esteem.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada and Quebec, call upon the Government of Canada to implement a policy of providing free dental health care of all types (general anesthesia, implants, periodontal treatments, orthodontic treatments, prosthodontic treatments) to all residents across the country.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellIn Canada, the provinces and territories are responsible for the design, delivery, and management of health care – including dental care. The Canada Health Act requires the provinces and territories to provide coverage to their eligible residents for medically necessary hospital, physician, and surgical-dental services performed in a hospital, where a hospital is required for the proper performance of the procedure. Beyond those in-hospital services, all provinces and territories provide supplemental programs that provide additional coverage for dental services, at their discretion and on their own terms and conditions. Those programs vary in coverage and are often targeted to specific groups, such as seniors, children, and those receiving social assistance. The Government of Canada is aware that many Canadians are without access to needed dental care. That is why the Minister of Health’s 2019 Mandate Letter and the 2019 Speech from the Throne both committed to support Parliament in studying the possibility of national dental care. The results of such a study will be helpful in determining effective action in this area as existing data on dental care needs is limited. Such a study would advise on the most effective approaches to reducing care gaps in access to dental care and on the role the federal government could play in this area. The Government looks forward to supporting Parliament in its work, should it choose to undertake the study.In the meantime, to address these data gaps, the Government of Canada has partnered with Statistics Canada to design an oral health component for an upcoming cycle of the Canadian Health Measures Survey, funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. This work will provide key information to support the development of oral health programs and policies in Canada.In addition to improving data on dental care, the Federal Government continues to provide coverage for dental care services for certain groups. This includes dental coverage for recognized Inuit and First Nations people through the Non-Insured Health Benefits program and the Children’s Oral Health Initiative (for children up to 7 years of age). In addition, the government provides dental coverage for federal employees, federal retirees, Canadian Armed Forces members, and veterans. The federal government also provides limited dental coverage for federal inmates, and for some newcomers through the Interim Federal Health Program.Provincial and territorial health care programs, including those with dental coverage, are supported by federal funding through the Canada Health Transfer (CHT). This fiscal year, the Government of Canada will provide $43.1 billion in cash support to provinces and territories through the CHT. This is set to increase each year, in line with the growth rate of the economy, with a minimum increase of at least 3% per year. Over the next five years, CHT funding to provinces and territories is expected to exceed $236 billion. Provinces and territories are free to decide how to allocate these funds in order to address the health care needs of their residents.
Health care systemOral and dental health
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 11, 2021432-00949432-00949 (Business and trade)ChrisLewisEssexConservativeONMay 11, 2021June 11, 2021April 27, 2021Petition to the House of Commons WHEREAS
  • More than 12,000 Independent Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions, and these Small Business owners are Sole Proprietors;
  • Federal Assistance Programs like CEBA, CERS, CEWS & RRRF exclude the majority of these Small Business Owners, leaving them to slip through the cracks and forcing them into bankruptcy.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Provide Sector specific funding for Independent Travel Advisors;
  • Extend the qualifications of the RRRF in Urban areas to include Sole Proprietors.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandDepartment of FinanceThe Government thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about support for small business owners.The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy and Lockdown Support have protected millions of Canadian jobs and helped support businesses of every size across Canada through the COVID-19 pandemic. This is why Budget 2021 commits to extending the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy to continue our support for Canadian businesses.The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy protects jobs, encourages employers to rehire workers previously laid off as a result of COVID-19 and helps position Canadian businesses for a robust recovery when the virus is under control. The wage subsidy is available to eligible employers, including sole proprietors, that have experienced a revenue decline in a particular qualifying period by providing a subsidy to the employer in respect of eligible remuneration paid to their eligible employees.The Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy also provides direct relief to qualifying renters and property owners, including businesses, non-profits and charities, that are economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The rent subsidy mirrors the wage subsidy by providing benefits directly to qualifying renters and property owners, including sole proprietors, affected by COVID-19.  The Lockdown Support provides additional support to qualifying renters and property owners that must significantly restrict their activities as a result of a public health order.
Response by the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Mélanie Joly, P.C., M.P.The Government of Canada has taken a number of measures to ensure that our economic recovery is as robust and rapid as possible. Since the pandemic began, the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) and Community Futures Organizations (CFs) have been delivering the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) as a backstop to other broad-based programming. The RRRF helps SMEs whose basic liquidity needs are not addressed by other programs with repayable contributions to continue operations and sustain jobs through the pandemic. Since the Government launched the RRRF in April 2020, the six RDAs and nearly 270 CFs fund have delivered over $1.5 billion to more than 22,000 businesses and organizations helping to preserve over 165,000 jobs across the country. Recognizing that the tourism sector has been particularly hard hit as a result of the pandemic, 25% of the over $2 billion in liquidity support is earmarked for tourism-related businesses and organizations nation wide.The RRRF continues to be a backstop program and businesses must apply for other available emergency support measures, including the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA), the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) and the Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP), before accessing the RRRF. Independent travel agents, including those operating as sole proprietorships, are considered eligible for these programs as well as the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB).Although businesses must be incorporated to apply to the RDAs, sole proprietors are eligible to apply for RRRF funding through their local CFs across the country and through other third parties, such as the Women’s Enterprise Initiative (WEI) Organizations in western Canada or the PME MTL organizations in Québec.Furthermore, Budget 2021 presents a plan to get through the pandemic, create jobs, and make sure Canada’s economy recovers effectively. The Government of Canada recognizes that workers and businesses in the tourism sector and those in the hospitality and culture industries have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic. For this reason, and as noted in Budget 2021, businesses and non-profit organizations in these sectors have received an estimated $15.4 billion through federal emergency support programs to date. Budget 2021 also outlines a number of new investments totalling $1 billion that are targeted toward the tourism sector and its recovery. This includes a $500 million Tourism Relief Fund to support investments by local tourism businesses in adapting their products and services to public health measures. Additionally, Budget 2021 announced $200 million to support Canada’s major festivals; $200 million for local festivals and events; and, $100 million to support Destination Canada’s marketing domestic and international activities. In addition to these tailored supports, funding for safe and secure air travel will also contribute to the revitalization of the tourism sector, including:
  • $82.5 million to Transport Canada to support major Canadian airports in making investments in COVID-19 testing infrastructure;
  • $105.3 million to Transport Canada to further advance technologies to facilitate touchless and secure air travel;
  • $6.7 million to the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority to acquire and operate sanitization equipment; and
  • $271.1 million to the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority to maintain operations and enhanced screening services at the 89 airports where it works.
Budget 2021 also includes extensions to the support programs that have been a lifeline for millions of Canadians, from the wage subsidy and the rent subsidy, to the Canada recovery benefit and the recovery caregiving benefit. With these supports, the Government is setting the foundation for a robust economic recovery.  Funding for early learning and childcare will allow both mothers and fathers to work, thus increasing our workforce and boosting our economic growth.To help small businesses recover and grow, Budget 2021 contains a new Canada recovery hiring program that will run from June to November 2021, and provide up to $595 million to make it easier for businesses to bring back laid off workers or to hire new ones. The Government will also invest up to $4 billion to help up to 160,000 small- and medium-size businesses buy and adopt the new technologies they need to grow and become more productive and more competitive.Finally, over the next four years, the Budget proposes up to $146.9 million to strengthen the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, and an additional $51.7 million for the Black Entrepreneurship Program. These measures will provide affordable financing to these businesses and strengthen capacity within the entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response PlanCOVID-19PandemicTravel agencies
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 11, 2021432-00947432-00947 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 11, 2021June 11, 2021April 20, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 11, 2021432-00946432-00946 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 11, 2021June 11, 2021March 8, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 11, 2021432-00945432-00945 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 11, 2021June 11, 2021April 20, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas the Canadian Parliament has unanimously passed the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, also known as the Sergei Magnitsky Act, to sanction corrupt foreign officials who, among others, are responsible for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights;Whereas the Former Chinese Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin and his cohorts personally ordered, launched, orchestrated and executed the eradication campaign against Falun Gong using state apparatus, including the extrajudicial torture and killing of Falun Gong practitioners in large numbers with impunity for the past 19 years for their beliefs in "truthfulness, compassion and tolerance”; and whereas Falun Gong practitioners have been killed for their organs in China on a massive scale, which has been well documented and widely reported;Whereas extensive evidence points to fourteen key officials and former officials of the Chinese communist regime who demonstrate prime culpability in the human rights atrocities committed against Falun Gong practitioners in China.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against these perpetrators under the Sergei Magnitsky Act.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 11, 2021432-00944432-00944 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 11, 2021June 11, 2021May 31, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 11, 2021432-00943432-00943 (Justice)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservativeABMay 10, 2021June 11, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 11, 2021432-00942432-00942 (Natural resources and energy)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservativeABMay 10, 2021June 11, 2021February 15, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, Alberta has faced systemic economic discrimination against its people and interests by Governments and ideologies that advocate for the shutting down or phasing out of Alberta's energy infrastructure. The consequences of these actions have been the loss of wealth, prosperity, opportunity, wellness, and the ability for Alberta to operate as an equal partner in confederation; Whereas, Albertans cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing discrimination against its people, lands, and resources; Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize Alberta's place as an equal partner in the federation. 2. Remove any barriers to Alberta being able to develop its resources without interference. 3. Ensure unfettered access to international markets for those resources.
Response by the President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Kevin LamoureuxThe Government of Canada recognizes that Alberta is indispensable to the social and economic fabric of Canada and it is committed to supporting Alberta families, workers and businesses. The Government provides significant financial support to all provinces and territories to support social programs. In 2021-22, Alberta will receive $6.8 billion through major transfers to help pay for health care, education and other social services.The Government of Canada is committed to fostering productive relationships with all provinces and territories, including Alberta.The Prime Minister has appointed the Honourable Jim Carr as Special Representative for the Prairies. Minister Carr’s mandate notably includes maintaining open and collaborative relationships with the Prairie provinces, with the goal of working together to serve and improve the lives of all Canadians.The Government recognizes that Albertans have faced economic challenges in recent years due to declines in commodity prices and limited capacity to export products, including oil.The Government took significant action to assist Alberta’s economy with the 2018 purchase of Trans Mountain Corporation, which is overseeing the completion of the Trans Mountain Expansion project, which will significantly increase Alberta’s oil export capacity.We are committed to get Canadian resources to new markets, and offer unwavering support to those in Canada’s natural resource sectors who have faced tough times recently.The Government of Canada has also worked very closely with the Government of Alberta to manage the current COVID-19 situation in a number of areas. The Government of Canada is providing support to Albertans and Alberta businesses, including the oil and gas industry.The Government recognizes that energy-producing regions are facing the compounding challenges of COVID-19 and the shock to oil prices. In addition to a range of programs to support individuals and businesses, the Government of Canada has notably provided $1 billion to the Government of Alberta to support the province’s work to clean up inactive oil and gas wells across the province and $200 million to the Alberta Orphan Wells Association to support its work to clean up orphan oil and gas wells and well sites across Alberta.We know that Canada only succeeds when every region and province – including Alberta – succeeds.  
AlbertaEnergy and fuelFederal-provincial-territorial relationsMarket access
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 11, 2021432-00941432-00941 (Parliament and politics)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservativeABMay 10, 2021June 11, 2021February 15, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, certain regions and provinces of our country face underrepresentation in Canada's legislative decision-making process, and that this underrepresentation had led to an institutional disparity and has created a crisis in national unity. Further, the framers of our Constitution intended that the Senate, as Canada's upper legislative body in our bicameral parliament, would be allocated to ensure fair representation. Whereas the original regional distribution has not evolved as our federation has grown and changed. Therefore, regions of Canada demand fair representation in the Senate to address the uneven distribution of Canada's population (especially where a region an oversized economic contribution to the Federation), and to provide a balance to safeguard regional interests. Whereas, we cannot remain silent in the face of a lack of institutional representation in Canada's Parliament; Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Take the steps required to establish equal representation for each province in the Senate.
Response by the President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Kevin LamoureuxSection 22 of the Constitution Act, 1867 allocates 24 seats in the Senate to each of the following four divisions: Ontario, Quebec, the Maritime Provinces, and the Western Provinces. The Constitution also provides for how the seats are divided amongst provinces in the latter two divisions. Reallocation of the provincial seats in the Senate is a constitutional change that would require engaging in negotiations with provinces to obtain sufficient support. Pursuant to section 42 of the Constitution Act, 1982, changes to the number of members by which a province is entitled to be represented in the Senate requires an amendment supported by the House of Commons, the Senate, and the legislatives assemblies of seven provinces representing 50% of the population of the provinces. While the Government of Canada understands concerns about fairness in provincial representation in the Senate, Canadians have been clear that they do not wish to enter into complex constitutional negotiations at this time.Nonetheless, the Government of Canada has taken action to restore confidence in the Senate and improve its capacity to serve Canadians within the existing constitutional framework. In 2016, the Government established a non-partisan, merit-based process for Senate appointments. The Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments (the Advisory Board) plays an important role in Canada’s democracy, providing the Prime Minister with non-binding, merit-based recommendations for Senate appointments that reflect Canada’s diversity, make a significant contribution to the work of Parliament, and ensures a high standard of integrity, collaboration, and non-partisanship in the Senate.In addition to its role to provide sober, second thought in legislative review, the Senate also plays an important role in ensuring regional representation and the representation of minority voices. The Advisory Board is required to give priority consideration to gender balance and diversity with a view to enable the representation of all Canadian communities.
Representation by populationSenatorial divisions
43rd Parliament229Not certifiedJune 11, 2021e-3352e-3352 (Parliament and politics)BruceBakerMarkGerretsenKingston and the IslandsLiberalONMay 11, 2021, at 12:21 p.m. (EDT)June 10, 2021, at 12:21 p.m. (EDT)June 11, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:The Honourable Member from Cloverdale—Langley City called the Honourable Member from Don Valley West "unclean" due to him being a member of the LGBTQ2+ community;Hundreds of thousands of Canadians also belong to the LGBTQ2+ community; andBeing called "unclean" by an Honourable Member is deeply offensive and alienating to those who are LGBTQ2+.We, the undersigned, Queen's University Liberal Association, call upon the House of Commons to:1. Seek an apology from the Member from Cloverdale—Langley City to the Honourable Member from Don Valley West as well as all LGBTQ2+ Canadians for her deeply offensive and inappropriate comments; and2. Mandate the appropriate committee to ensure that "unclean" be added to the list of unparliamentary language when it is referring to another individual.Jansen, TamaraReferences to membersUnparliamentary language43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 10, 2021432-00888432-00888 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 27, 2021June 10, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 10, 2021432-00887432-00887 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 27, 2021June 10, 2021April 21, 2021Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament AssembledWHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law), sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption;
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of "Truth, Compassion and Tolerance," including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, Qiang Wei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 10, 2021432-00886432-00886 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 27, 2021June 10, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 10, 2021432-00885432-00885 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 27, 2021June 10, 2021June 20, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 10, 2021432-00884432-00884 (Foreign affairs)DenisTrudelLongueuil—Saint-HubertBloc QuébécoisQCApril 27, 2021June 10, 2021January 27, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law), sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption;
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of "Truth, Compassion and Tolerance," including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, Qiang Wei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang.We also call upon the Government of Canada to refuse immigration/visitor visa to those who persecuted Falun Gong practitioners in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoAs part of the immigration application process, all visa applications are carefully assessed for eligibility and admissibility under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. For example, a foreign national may be inadmissible to Canada if they have engaged in criminality or human or international rights violations (including being subject to sanctions), or are a family member of an inadmissible person.In 2017, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law) came into force. It added two new inadmissibility provisions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act concerning sanctioned government officials or individuals acting on behalf of a foreign state who are responsible for corruption, extrajudicial killings, torture or other gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. A foreign national listed in an order or regulation made by the Governor in Council under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act would be inadmissible.If an applicant is determined to be inadmissible on any ground, they may be refused a visa, electronic travel authorization or entry to Canada. Inadmissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by Immigration Officers and are based on evidence, which may consist of police or intelligence reports, statutory declarations or other documents—such as media articles, scholarly journals or publicly-available information.In addition, if a foreign national who is at the border, or is in Canada, is found to be inadmissible, they may be denied entry or ordered to leave Canada. The Canada Border Services Agency is responsible for immigration enforcement at the border and in Canada.For privacy reasons, individual cases cannot be discussed.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 10, 2021432-00883432-00883 (Foreign affairs)TracyGrayKelowna—Lake CountryConservativeBCApril 27, 2021June 10, 2021March 29, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:Farmers in India are peacefully protesting the implementation of farming legislation passed by the Parliament of India in September 2020. Canada has always stood for the protection of fundamental freedoms, both at home and around the world. THEREFORE, we, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to:Release a public statement advocating for the fundamental right to peacefully protest and condemning all attacks on the farmers' rights to peacefully protest; Encourage the release of captured youth leaders, protestors, and journalists that oppose the Indian agriculture legislation laws; andAdvocate that any group should be able to stand up for their rights through the freedom to peacefully protest.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada is committed to the growth and diversification of our strategic partnership with India through constructive and forward-looking bilateral dialogue. Canada attaches great importance to protecting and advancing human rights, and the values of democracy, diversity, pluralism, and rule of law. These values are reflected in our engagement with all international partners, including the Government of India.The Government of Canada has continued to monitor protests by farmers in India, including the multiple dialogues between the government and farmers union representatives and the intervention of the Supreme Court of India in January 2021. Canada welcomes the Government of India’s commitment to ongoing dialogue to discuss issues of concern.
Civil and human rightsFarming and farmersForeign policyIndiaProtests
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 10, 2021432-00882432-00882 (Environment)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCApril 27, 2021June 10, 2021April 20, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWe, the undersigned citizens or residents of Canada,Draw the attention of the Government of Canada.To the following, that is the global ecological crisis, consisting of the climate emergency, the rapid decline in biodiversity, the accumulation of dangerous levels of pollution, and the unequal distribution of the harms and benefits of environmental degradation, which are also felt by Canadians but more acutely by marginalized communities (in particular Indigenous peoples).Therefore we, the undersigned citizens/residents of Canada request the Government of Canada:To introduce federal legislation to recognize the right of all people to live in a healthy and clean environment and take urgent actions to address the global ecological crisis.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellOn April 13, 2021, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change introduced Bill C-28, the Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act. The Bill proposes that the Government recognize in the preamble of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) that every individual in Canada has a right to a healthy environment as provided under that Act. This would be the first time that such a right is recognized in a federal statute in Canada.Amendments related to this proposal include a duty on the Government to protect that right when administering the Act, which may be balanced with relevant factors. The amendments also require that the Government develop an implementation framework to set out how that right will be considered in the administration of the Act. The implementation framework will, among other things, elaborate on:
  • the principles to be considered in the administration of the Act, such as environmental justice (e.g., avoiding disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations) and non-regression (e.g., continuous improvement in environmental protection);
  • research, studies, or monitoring activities to support the protection of a right to a healthy environment; and,
  • the balancing of that right with relevant factors, including social, health, economic, and scientific considerations.
The implementation framework would be developed with input from Canadians, including Indigenous groups, civil society organizations, and industry, within two years of the amendments coming into force. This framework is expected to provide guidance on how a right to a healthy environment as provided under CEPA would be considered in decision-making processes under the Act, and would also set out a path for progressive, continuous improvement in environmental protection.In addition to the amendments related to a right to a healthy environment under CEPA as proposed in Bill C-28, the Government currently takes action under the Chemicals Management Plan to help protect Canadians from environmental contaminants. This includes Indigenous peoples and vulnerable populations, who may be disproportionately exposed to and/or negatively impacted by harmful substances due to factors such as age, behaviour, health status, geography, culture, socio-economics, and the environment.The Government also conducts research and biomonitoring studies to generate critical data to increase its ability to understand, assess, and manage risks associated with exposure to harmful chemicals. For instance, since 2008, the longitudinal Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals study has studied the same families from early pregnancy through delivery and childhood to obtain national-level biomonitoring data on maternal, fetal, infant, and child exposure to certain chemicals. In addition, the Government supports biomonitoring of contaminants of concern in the North through the Northern Contaminants Program.The Government of Canada is also committed to taking action to protect Canadians from the health impacts of climate change. This includes investments to help protect the health of Canadians from the impacts of climate change and increase the resilience of our health systems. These funds, $125 million over 11 years starting in 2016, support needed activities such as research, education, and capacity building so that Canadians are more resilient to the challenges presented by climate change.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSONOn April 13, 2021, the Government of Canada delivered on the September 2020 Speech from the Throne commitment to modernize the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA). Bill C-28, Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act, proposes that, for the first time in a federal law, the Government recognize, in the preamble of CEPA, that every individual in Canada has a right to a healthy environment as provided under that Act.Amendments related to the proposal to recognize, in the preamble, a right to a healthy environment under CEPA also include a duty on the Government to protect that right when administering the Act, which right may be balanced with relevant factors. The amendments also include a requirement on the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and the Minister of Health to conduct research, studies or monitoring activities to support the Government in protecting that right, along with a requirement to develop an implementation framework to set out how that right will be considered in the administration of the Act. The implementation framework will, among other things, elaborate on:
  • the principles to be considered in the administration of the Act such as environmental justice (e.g., avoiding disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations) and non-regression (e.g., continuous improvement in environmental protection);
  • research, studies or monitoring activities to support the protection of a right to a healthy environment;
  • the balancing of that right with relevant factors including social, health, economic and scientific factors. 
As a right to a healthy environment as provided under CEPA is a new concept in federal law and policy, the implementation framework will be developed with input from Canadians, including Indigenous groups, civil society organizations and industry, within two years of the amendments coming into force. The Minister of Environment and Climate Change will be required to publish the framework and annually report on its implementation. The implementation framework is expected to not only provide guidance on how a right to a healthy environment as provided under CEPA will be considered in decision-making processes under the Act, but also to set out a path for progressive, continuous improvement in environmental protection. The recognition of a right to a healthy environment under CEPA is complemented by other amendments such as:
  • recognizing, in the preamble, the importance of considering vulnerable populations in risk assessments and of minimizing the risks posed by exposure to toxic substances and the cumulative effects of toxic substances;
  • defining a “vulnerable population” in a manner that captures biological susceptibility and potential exposure;
  • explicitly recognizing that the Government’s duty to exercise its powers in a manner that protects the environment and human health includes the health of vulnerable populations;
  • requiring the Minister of Health to conduct biomonitoring surveys as part of the obligation to conduct research and studies in relation to the health effects of substances, which may include vulnerable populations.
Furthermore, Canadians are already feeling the impacts of climate change and extreme weather such as the changing intensity and frequency of flooding, storms, wildfires, coastal erosion, extreme heat events, thawing permafrost, and sea level rise. These impacts pose significant risks to the safety, security, health, and well­being of all Canadians, our communities, the economy, and the natural environment. Following adoption of the Paris Agreement in December 2015, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) invited the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to prepare a Special Report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5 degrees and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways. Released in October 2018, the report found that globally net anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions need to reach 'net zero' by around 2050 to meet this goal. To contribute to the achievement of the Paris Agreement, and in pursuit of efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, the Government of Canada is committed to a new 2030 emissions reduction goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40-45% below 2005 levels, and working to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 also responds to the IPCC's latest scientific assessment. Canada's climate plan, the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (PCF), adopted on December 9, 2016, is a comprehensive plan which includes both individual and joint federal, provincial, and territorial climate actions to reduce emissions, accelerate clean economic growth, and build resilience to the impacts of climate change. This plan was developed in collaboration with provinces and territories, and with input from Indigenous peoples, businesses, civil society, and Canadians across the country. The PCF outlines over 50 concrete measures to reduce carbon pollution, help us adapt and become more resilient to the impacts of a changing climate, foster clean technology solutions, and create good jobs that contribute to a stronger economy. Key measures include:
  • regulating methane emissions in the oil and gas sector, which will reduce carbon pollution by about 16.5 million tonnes in 2030;
  • accelerating the phase-out of coal-fired electricity generation by 2030 as part of our efforts to have 90% of electricity from non-emitting sources, and supporting workers and communities transition to a low-carbon economy;
  • developing “net-zero energy ready” building codes to be adopted by 2030 for new buildings;
  • establishing mandatory labeling of building energy use to provide businesses and consumers with information on energy performance, and setting new standards to improve the energy efficiency of appliances and equipment;
  • increasing the stringency of emissions standards for light- and heavy-duty vehicles, and taking steps to improve efficiency and support fuel switching in the rail, aviation, marine, and off-road sectors;
  • adopting a Climate Lens to ensure that future climate impacts are considered and addressed in all federally funded infrastructure projects; and
  • establishing a new Canadian Centre for Climate Services giving Canadians better access to climate science and information. 
Canada’s climate plan is working. Canada’s 2019 GHG emissions projections estimated that Canada’s GHG emissions in 2030 will be 227 million tonnes lower than projected prior to the Pan-Canadian Framework. This improvement, equivalent to approximately a third of Canada’s emissions in 2005, is widespread across all economic sectors reflecting the breadth and depth of the Pan-Canadian Framework. The Government continues to work with partners and stakeholders to fully implement the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. However, the Government of Canada recognizes that more action is needed. This is why, on December 11, 2020, the Government of Canada announced A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy – Canada’s strengthened climate plan. The plan includes ambitious federal policies and programs to accelerate the fight against climate change, create new, well-paying jobs, make life more affordable for households, and build a better future, including steps to:
  • make the places Canadians live and gather more affordable by cutting energy waste;
  • make clean, affordable transportation and power available in every Canadian community;
  • continue to ensure that pollution isn’t free and that households get more money back;
  • build Canada’s clean industrial advantage; and
  • embrace the power of nature to support healthier families and more resilient communities. 
This plan builds on the Pan-Canadian Framework and key climate action measures announced in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement (November 30, 2020), including investments in home energy retrofits, zero emission vehicle infrastructure, nature-based climate solutions (e.g. planting 2 billion trees, climate smart ecosystems, support for commercial tree planting), and strategic interties. Since the adoption of the Pan-Canadian Framework in 2016, the Government of Canada has invested roughly $60 billion toward climate action and clean growth. With the release of the strengthened climate plan, the Government of Canada committed to over 60 measures, including an additional investment of $15 billion, to advance our ambitious climate goals and strengthen our clean economy. The Government has since expanded on these investments and committed an additional $15 billion for public transit and active transportation projects, and $17.6 billion in new, green recovery measures announced under Budget 2021. Additional investments in Canada’s Net-Zero Accelerator, new support for world-leading clean technologies, and investments to help more than 200,000 Canadians make their homes greener and more affordable, will help build a clean economy, reduce pollution, and help Canada reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The Government also acknowledges the disproportionate effects of climate change for Indigenous peoples, and that existing challenges and health stressors for Indigenous peoples are exacerbated by the impacts of natural disasters and environmental degradation including wildfires, permafrost thaw, changing wildlife patterns, diminishing access to traditional food sources, and flooding. To help support Indigenous peoples advance their climate priorities and adapt to the changing climate, the Government of Canada is committed to renewed nation-to-nation, Inuit-to-Crown and government-to-government relationships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership. The Government of Canada also supports without qualification the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including free, prior, and informed consent. Supporting self-determined climate action is critical to advancing Canada’s reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. To support these commitments, Canada’s strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, builds on the foundational principles of Indigenous climate leadership including: 
  • recognizing the unique realities, needs, and priorities of Indigenous peoples across and within distinctions;
  • respecting and promoting self-determination;
  • advancing early and meaningful engagement;
  • incorporating inclusiveness-by-design principles in all of its climate actions;
  • advancing co-development and other collaborative approaches to find solutions;
  • creating a space for Indigenous voices across and within distinctions;
  • positioning Indigenous peoples to have a say at governance tables; and
  • supporting Indigenous approaches and ways of doing by acknowledging traditional, local, and Indigenous Knowledge systems as an equal part in policy development, programs, and decision-making. 
In addition to taking historic climate action at home, we recognize that climate change is a global threat and countries around the world need to do more, on a faster timeline. That is why Canada and the United States (U.S.) forged a renewed bilateral relationship on February 23, 2021, through the release of the Roadmap for a Renewed U.S.-Canada Partnership, and the launch of the U.S.-Canada High Level Ministerial Dialogue on Climate Ambition, www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/news/2021/02/canada-us-high-level-climate-ministerial.htmlWe committed to working together to increase ambition under the Paris Agreement, as exemplified by the announcement of Canada’s new 2030 emission reductions target at the Leaders Summit on Climate in April 2021, and to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. We will also explore taking a continental approach to addressing methane emissions reductions in the oil and gas sectors, standards for light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles, and setting a 100% zero-emissions vehicles sales target. The investments made in Budget 2021, along with other action including strengthened alignment with the United States to further cut pollution from transportation and methane emissions, mean that Canada is now positioned to reduce emissions by about 36% below 2005 levels by 2030. The Government of Canada is committed to working with provinces and territories to advance shared priorities that will further lower emissions including on a regional and bilateral basis. Additional federal, provincial, and territorial measures will build on the progress that proposed federal measures will achieve leading to further emission reductions. The Government of Canada will also continue to partner with First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis Nation to advance Indigenous climate leadership and ensure that federal policies and programs are designed to address Indigenous peoples’ climate priorities. In addition, on November 19, 2020, the Government of Canada tabled the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, which delivers on the Government’s commitment to legislate Canada’s target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Once the bill becomes law, it will establish a legally binding process for the Government of Canada to set five-year emissions reduction targets based on the advice of experts and Canadians to ensure transparency and accountability as Canada charts a path to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. The Act also requires emissions reduction plans for each target and the publication of interim and final reports on implementation of the plans and the emissions reductions they achieve, as well as periodic examination and reporting by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development on the implementation of these mitigation measures. The Act will also establish a Net-Zero Advisory Body to provide independent advice to the Government of Canada on the best pathways to reach its targets, and also enshrine greater accountability and public transparency into Canada’s plan for meeting net-zero emissions by 2050. On February 25, 2021, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change announced the launch of the Net-Zero Advisory Body. This independent group of experts will provide advice on how Canada can reach its target of net-zero emissions by 2050. Reaching net-zero emissions will require support from all parts of society and there is no one way to achieve this goal. That is why the Advisory Body will follow a transparent and inclusive process to engage with and hear from provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous peoples, youth, businesses, environmental groups, and interested Canadians. Its ongoing role will be to ensure its advice remains aligned with and adapts to the best available analysis, research, technological changes, scientific developments, and public perspectives. The Advisory Body’s independent public reports and recommendations will inform the development of the emission-reduction milestone plans required by the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act. The Government of Canada understands that in these extraordinary times it must take the lessons learned from 2020 and invest in efforts that will address the country’s immediate challenges of jobs, economic growth, and inequality. These actions will help set the foundation for longer-term economic and environmental sustainability. Taking climate action now means seizing an opportunity that will help create new jobs in Canada, make the economy stronger and more competitive in the emerging clean global marketplace, and prepare Canada for the climate change risks ahead.       
Civil and human rightsEnvironmental protection
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 9, 2021e-3012e-3012 (Health)JanelleBrennand ArmstrongKarenMcCrimmonKanata—CarletonLiberalONDecember 10, 2020, at 4:05 p.m. (EDT)April 9, 2021, at 4:05 p.m. (EDT)April 26, 2021June 9, 2021April 12, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Toilet paper is provided for free in all public washrooms and federally regulated workplaces as a basic necessity, yet menstrual products are not;Menstruation is a normal and healthy part of life that affects over 50 percent of the Canadian population for a large portion of their lifetime;Not all individuals who menstruate can afford or access menstrual products;Periods do not stop during pandemics, and COVID-19 has exacerbating inequities in Canada by disproportionately affecting those facing vulnerabilities, including those who already faced vulnerability in affording and accessing menstrual products;Stigma attached to menstruation can impact an individual’s ability to access menstrual products;Menstruation and related stigma can cause individuals to miss school or work, leading to disparities in income and education for those who menstruate and increasing gender inequality;The precedent has already been set globally, with Scotland now legally requiring free access to menstrual products; andThe Government response to a similar petition, which cited COVID-19 as the reason why action on this issue would be delayed, fails to acknowledge the fact that COVID-19 is exacerbating the issue and makes progress even more urgent.We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to enact legislation that would require all Canadian jurisdictions to ensure menstrual products are available for free in public and workplace washrooms, and accessible for free in certain locations (such as doctor’s offices, pharmacies, schools, universities, etc.) to anyone who needs them, with the intention of different menstrual products being accessible to all Canadians with reasonable ease and reasonable dignity.
Response by the Minister of LabourSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Anthony HousefatherThe Labour Program recognizes menstrual products are essential to the health of 40% of the federal workforce and yet they are not treated as a basic need. Providing workers with access to menstrual products is expected to support better health outcomes and workplace productivity while helping to reduce the stigma and shame often associated with menstruation. This challenge continues to persist despite the progress that has been made towards gender equity and advancing gender equality.The Labour Program seeks to promote and sustain stable industrial relations and safe, fair, healthy, equitable and productive workplaces within the federal jurisdiction. This mandate is partially achieved through the development and implementation of Occupational Health and Safety Regulations made under the Part II of the Canada Labour Code (the Code) to reduce work-related accidents and illnesses in federal jurisdiction workplaces. The federal jurisdiction is defined in the Code and comprises approximately 8% of the Canadian workforce, including: banking; telecommunication broadcasting air interprovincial rail and road transportation; shipping and related services; grain elevators feed and seed mills; uranium mining; Crown corporations; and the federal public administration.In May 2019, the Labour Program published a Notice of Intent (NOI) outlining a consideration to amend regulations to require employers to provide menstrual products in the workplace for use by their respective employees. The Notice of Intent provided stakeholders and members of the public the opportunity to provide input on the proposed consideration. The majority of individuals who responded to the NOI support the consideration of the initiative.Stakeholders and members of the public shared opinions on what type of menstrual products should be provided and where the products should be located in the workplace. Additionally, respondents commented on the importance of creating safe and equitable access to menstrual products as well as the need to consider potential financial implications of providing menstrual products in the workplace. For more information, please see the What We Heard Report that was published on the Government’s website.The Labour Program strives to maintain balance between the economic impacts of these changes on workplaces while best protecting the health and safety of employees when bringing in major regulatory changes. This is achieved through extensive collaboration and consultation with both union and employer stakeholders in an effort to ensure optimal working conditions and standards for workers while also bringing in changes in a way that does not overburden employers with new regulatory requirements.The Labour Program has decided to move forward with amending the sanitation provisions under the various occupational health and safety regulations under Part II of the Code. As included in the Labour Program’s Forward Regulatory Plan: 2021 to 2023, the objective of the proposed amendments is to require federally regulated employers to provide menstrual products in the workplace to reduce the physical and psychological health risks that may be caused by the lack of access to menstrual products. This approach will be developed in multiple phases including:
  • Convening a roundtable of experts on the subject of the provision of menstrual products in the workplace
  • Publishing a discussion paper and survey on the Labour Program website outlining the findings of the roundtable of experts and seeking public feedback on draft policy options, and
  • Conducting consultations with industry stakeholders, to amend all applicable OHS regulations to require employers to provide menstrual products in their workplace.
The initial phase of convening a roundtable is underway. The Labour Program will then have greater insight into how existing initiatives are being implemented. The roundtable will also inform the Labour Program’s policy and provide a framework for its consultations with stakeholders from various industries in fall 2021.
Feminine hygiene products
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 9, 2021432-00880432-00880 (Foreign affairs)KarenMcCrimmonKanata—CarletonLiberalONApril 26, 2021June 9, 2021January 27, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law), sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption;
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of "Truth, Compassion and Tolerance," including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, Qiang Wei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang.We also call upon the Government of Canada to refuse immigration/visitor visa to those who persecuted Falun Gong practitioners in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoAs part of the immigration application process, all visa applications are carefully assessed for eligibility and admissibility under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. For example, a foreign national may be inadmissible to Canada if they have engaged in criminality or human or international rights violations (including being subject to sanctions), or are a family member of an inadmissible person.In 2017, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law) came into force. It added two new inadmissibility provisions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act concerning sanctioned government officials or individuals acting on behalf of a foreign state who are responsible for corruption, extrajudicial killings, torture or other gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. A foreign national listed in an order or regulation made by the Governor in Council under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act would be inadmissible.If an applicant is determined to be inadmissible on any ground, they may be refused a visa, electronic travel authorization or entry to Canada. Inadmissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by Immigration Officers and are based on evidence, which may consist of police or intelligence reports, statutory declarations or other documents—such as media articles, scholarly journals or publicly-available information.In addition, if a foreign national who is at the border, or is in Canada, is found to be inadmissible, they may be denied entry or ordered to leave Canada. The Canada Border Services Agency is responsible for immigration enforcement at the border and in Canada.For privacy reasons, individual cases cannot be discussed.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 9, 2021432-00879432-00879 (Natural resources and energy)PaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCApril 26, 2021June 9, 2021November 5, 2018PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWe, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:THAT, WHEREAS the Trudeau administration has announced it will spend $4.5 billion of public funds on acquiring the existing Trans Mountain pipeline from Kinder Morgan;WHEREAS this $4.5 billion is not inclusive of construction costs for the expansion, projected to increase the cost of the deal to over $11 billion; WHEREAS the pipeline was valued at $550 million by Kinder Morgan in 2007; WHEREAS the expansion still has to pass the National Energy Board's 157 conditions and over a dozen court challenges before it can be built; WHEREAS during the election, Trudeau promised to overhaul the Harper administration's deeply flawed pipeline approval process, respect Indigenous rights, and end fossil fuel subsidies; WHEREAS a diluted bitumen spill would devastate local ecosystems and economies on the West Coast, or any area surrounding the 800 bodies of water its path crosses; WHEREAS there is no proven way to clean up a diluted bitumen spill in a marine environment; WHEREAS shipping out unprocessed diluted bitumen to refineries in other countries ships out Canadian jobs; and WHEREAS the Trans Mountain expansion will; lock in oil-sands production growth that cannot be reconciled with Canada's greenhouse gas emissions reduction commitments, increase the risk of a diluted bitumen spill, violate the rights of Indigenous communities along the pipeline route, threaten Indigenous communities reliant on the marine environment for their livelihood and cultural practices THEREFORE, we, the undersigned, RESIDENTS OF CANADA, call upon the GOVERNMENT OF CANADA to immediately halt any plans to purchase the Trans Mountain pipeline or otherwise support its expansion.
Response by the Minister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about Canada’s purchase of the Trans Mountain Corporation (TMC) as well as views on TMC’s Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP).On June 18, 2019, the Government of Canada approved TMEP by directing the Canada Energy Regulator to issue a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity and Environmental Assessment Decision Statement related to TMEP.The environment and the economy go hand-in-hand. When we create prosperity today, we can invest in the clean jobs, technologies, and infrastructure of the future — and help Canadians benefit from opportunities presented by a rapidly changing economy.The key to creating prosperity is finding new markets for our businesses to sell their products and services. Nowhere is the need to diversify greater than for our energy sector, where 99 per cent of our conventional resources are sold to one market — and often at large discounts. Canadians understand that we need to open up new international markets, in order to get a full and fair price, support workers and their families, and foster competitiveness. The Government’s approval of TMEP was based on the confidence that:
  • strong environmental protections have been and continue to be put in place, and that the effects of TMEP can be mitigated through conditions and recommendations outlined by the National Energy Board, as well as measures including the historic $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan and the national climate plan.
  • consultations with Indigenous peoples involved meaningful, two-way dialogue, which fulfilled the legal duty to consult and helped identify new accommodation measures and conditions to appropriately address potential impacts on Indigenous rights and concerns expressed by Indigenous communities.
On February 7, 2020, TMC announced that its Board of Directors had approved a total cost estimate of $12.6 billion to bring TMEP into service by the end of 2022. The Government is confident that the TMEP will generate a positive return for Canadians.TMEP as it stands today is very different from the project that Kinder Morgan proposed in 2017. It has been designed to a higher standard for environmental protection, undergone rigorous consultation with Indigenous groups and will support union jobs in B.C. and Alberta. These enhancements have improved TMEP, ensured that construction proceeds in the right way, and that it will support the Canadian economy today and into the future.The Government also announced that every dollar the federal government earns from TMEP will be invested in Canada’s clean energy transition. It is estimated that additional tax revenues from TMEP alone could generate $500 million per year once the project has been completed. This money will be invested in clean energy projects that will power our homes, businesses, and communities for generations to come.In addition, the Government launched the second step of its engagement process with Indigenous groups on June 9, 2020, to explore the possibility of Indigenous economic participation in the Project. In this step of the engagement process, the Government is focused on building consensus on the form of economic participation in the Project preferred by participating Indigenous groups: equity and/or revenue sharing; and identifying or supporting the formation of one or more entities to represent participating Indigenous groups in negotiations with Canada.By moving forward with TMEP, the Government is creating jobs, diversifying markets, accelerating Canada’s clean energy transition, and opening up new avenues for Indigenous economic prosperity.
NationalizationOil and gasTrans Mountain pipeline
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 9, 2021432-00878432-00878 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 26, 2021June 9, 2021October 21, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the human rights violations by Chinese authorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities face torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, obligatory patriotic and cultural education, as well as forced labour. Reports detail closures and destruction of Uyghur religious sites, including mosques and shrines important to that community’s religious, ethnic, and cultural identity. There are also reports of mass arbitrary forced separation of children from their parents by authorities. There are credible reports of forced sterilization, systematic rape and gender-based sexual violence. Throughout the region, Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities also face repressive physical and digital surveillance, which includes severe restrictions on movement, the forced collection of biometric data, and coercive police surveillance. The actions by the Chinese government are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.Canada has acted to address the repression, which is systematic, state-led and ongoing.  Concerns over the human rights situation in the XUAR were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in the XUAR (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020; February 2021). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong.Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.On January 12, the Government of Canada announced that it is adopting a comprehensive approach to addressing human rights abuses in the XUAR. This included measures to address forced labour, via the prohibition of imports into Canada of goods made in whole or part with forced labour and a business integrity declaration for Canadian exporters. Global Affairs Canada will continue to work closely with Canadian firms doing business in or with China to help them understand and mitigate the risks of doing business with entities possibly implicated in forced labour.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.On March 22, 2021, Canada announced sanctions against 4 officials and 1 entity under the Special Economic Measures (People’s Republic of China) Regulations, based on their participation in gross and systematic human rights violations in the XUAR. The Regulations impose a dealings ban on listed persons, which prohibits any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada from undertaking a broad range of financial and business transactions with any of the listed individuals or entities. The individuals listed in the schedule to the regulations are also rendered inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. These measures were taken in coordination with the United States and the United Kingdom, and in solidarity with the European Union. These sanctions underscore Canada’s grave concerns with the ongoing human rights violations occurring in the XUAR, affecting Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities.Canada will continue to call on the People’s Republic of China to fulfill its international human rights obligations and to allow for meaningful, unfettered access to the XUAR so that impartial experts can observe and report on the situation first-hand. Canada will work collaboratively with partners to address the human rights situation in Xinjiang. We have the responsibility to work with others in the international community to ensure that allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity are investigated by an independent international body of legal experts.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 9, 2021432-00877432-00877 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 26, 2021June 9, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 9, 2021432-00876432-00876 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 26, 2021June 9, 2021June 20, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 9, 2021432-00875432-00875 (Natural resources and energy)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCApril 26, 2021June 9, 2021February 3, 2020PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWe, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:THAT, WHEREAS the Trudeau administration has announced it will spend $4.5 billion of public funds on acquiring the existing Trans Mountain pipeline from Kinder Morgan;WHEREAS this $4.5 billion is not inclusive of construction costs for the expansion, projected to increase the cost of the deal to over $11 billion; WHEREAS the pipeline was valued at $550 million by Kinder Morgan in 2007; WHEREAS the expansion still has to pass the National Energy Board's 157 conditions and over a dozen court challenges before it can be built; WHEREAS during the election, Trudeau promised to overhaul the Harper administration's deeply flawed pipeline approval process, respect Indigenous rights, and end fossil fuel subsidies; WHEREAS a diluted bitumen spill would devastate local ecosystems and economies on the West Coast, or any area surrounding the 800 bodies of water its path crosses; WHEREAS there is no proven way to clean up a diluted bitumen spill in a marine environment; WHEREAS shipping out unprocessed diluted bitumen to refineries in other countries ships out Canadian jobs; and WHEREAS the Trans Mountain expansion will; lock in oil-sands production growth that cannot be reconciled with Canada's greenhouse gas emissions reduction commitments, increase the risk of a diluted bitumen spill, violate the rights of Indigenous communities along the pipeline route, threaten Indigenous communities reliant on the marine environment for their livelihood and cultural practices THEREFORE, we, the undersigned, RESIDENTS OF CANADA, call upon the GOVERNMENT OF CANADA to immediately halt any plans to purchase the Trans Mountain pipeline or otherwise support its expansion.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about Canada’s purchase of the Trans Mountain Corporation (TMC) as well as views on TMC’s Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP).On June 18, 2019, the Government of Canada approved TMEP by directing the Canada Energy Regulator to issue a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity and Environmental Assessment Decision Statement related to TMEP.The environment and the economy go hand-in-hand. When we create prosperity today, we can invest in the clean jobs, technologies, and infrastructure of the future — and help Canadians benefit from opportunities presented by a rapidly changing economy.The key to creating prosperity is finding new markets for our businesses to sell their products and services. Nowhere is the need to diversify greater than for our energy sector, where 99 per cent of our conventional resources are sold to one market — and often at large discounts. Canadians understand that we need to open up new international markets, in order to get a full and fair price, support workers and their families, and foster competitiveness. The Government’s approval of TMEP was based on the confidence that:
  • strong environmental protections have been and continue to be put in place, and that the effects of TMEP can be mitigated through conditions and recommendations outlined by the National Energy Board, as well as measures including the historic $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan and the national climate plan.
  • consultations with Indigenous peoples involved meaningful, two-way dialogue, which fulfilled the legal duty to consult and helped identify new accommodation measures and conditions to appropriately address potential impacts on Indigenous rights and concerns expressed by Indigenous communities.
On February 7, 2020, TMC announced that its Board of Directors had approved a total cost estimate of $12.6 billion to bring TMEP into service by the end of 2022. The Government is confident that the TMEP will generate a positive return for Canadians.TMEP as it stands today is very different from the project that Kinder Morgan proposed in 2017. It has been designed to a higher standard for environmental protection, undergone rigorous consultation with Indigenous groups and will support union jobs in B.C. and Alberta. These enhancements have improved TMEP, ensured that construction proceeds in the right way, and that it will support the Canadian economy today and into the future.The Government also announced that every dollar the federal government earns from TMEP will be invested in Canada’s clean energy transition. It is estimated that additional tax revenues from TMEP alone could generate $500 million per year once the project has been completed. This money will be invested in clean energy projects that will power our homes, businesses, and communities for generations to come.In addition, the Government launched the second step of its engagement process with Indigenous groups on June 9, 2020, to explore the possibility of Indigenous economic participation in the Project. In this step of the engagement process, the Government is focused on building consensus on the form of economic participation in the Project preferred by participating Indigenous groups: equity and/or revenue sharing; and identifying or supporting the formation of one or more entities to represent participating Indigenous groups in negotiations with Canada.By moving forward with TMEP, the Government is creating jobs, diversifying markets, accelerating Canada’s clean energy transition, and opening up new avenues for Indigenous economic prosperity.
NationalizationOil and gasTrans Mountain pipeline
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 9, 2021432-00874432-00874 (Justice)DaveMacKenzieOxfordConservativeONApril 26, 2021June 9, 2021March 29, 2021Petition to House of Commons in Parliament AssembledWe, the undersigned citizens or residents of Canada draw the attention of the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to the following:THAT, WHEREAS
  • Bill C-6, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code (Conversion Therapy), is currently in consideration by the Canadian Parliament.
  • The term "conversion therapy" is vaguely defined in this Bill and is open to an inappropriate amount of interpretation by Canadian courts.
  • Under this Bill, Canadian parents, religious leaders, and teachers will be subject to prosecution under the Criminal Code for providing loving support and guidance—according to their fundamental religious or philosophical beliefs—to children who are struggling with their sexuality or gender.
  • Under this Bill, children are given an irresponsible amount of latitude to make major sexual and medical decisions that will have life-long implications.
  • This Bill discriminates against LGBTQ individuals seeking for guidance and counselling towards heterosexual or cis-gender behaviour and regulates choices that Canadian citizens should be permitted to make for themselves.
THEREFORE, your petitioners call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to protect the moral, religious, philosophical and sexual interests of the citizens of Canada by preventing the passage of this Bill into Law.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 9, 2021432-00873432-00873 (Health)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservativeBCApril 26, 2021June 9, 2021March 11, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWHEREAS:Licences for the production of medical cannabis are often abused, with production in excess of personal use amounts diverted for commercial sale on the black market;The amount of cannabis individuals are authorized to possess for medical purposes is impossible for an individual to personally consume;Grow-ops in residential neighbourhoods have negative impacts on nearby residents' health and well-being, such as excessive smells, frequent traffic, and reduced property values;Municipal enforcement agencies have little to no power over cannabis grow-ops in their own jurisdictions;The federal government has failed to subject personal registered medical cannabis production to examination and inspection, allowing grey and black-market cannabis growing operations to flourish under this program.THEREFORE: We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to reform the licensing and oversight of the production of cannabis for personal medical use, and to grant resources and authority to the provinces in regulating and enforcing the production of cannabis for personal medical use, in turn empowering municipal regulation and enforcement..
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellSuccessive court decisions established the right of individuals to have reasonable access to cannabis for medical purposes and have emphasized repeatedly that the government may only restrict an individual’s access to cannabis for medical purposes when such action is justified and consistent with the objective of protecting public health and safety. In response to these court decisions, a legal framework was established under the Cannabis Regulations that allows individuals with a signed medical document from their health care practitioner to access cannabis for medical purposes by:
  • purchasing quality-controlled cannabis from a wide variety of federally licensed sellers inspected by Health Canada;
  • producing a limited amount of cannabis for their own medical purposes, as authorized by their health care practitioner (“personal production”); or,
  • designating someone to produce it for them (“designated production”).
Subject to the legal age limit in their province or territory, they are also able to buy cannabis:
  • at provincial or territorial authorized retail outlets; and/or,
  • through provincial or territorial authorized online sales platforms.
The majority of individuals (approximately 375,000) who access cannabis for medical purposes obtain cannabis from a seller licensed and inspected by Health Canada. A smaller number of individuals (approximately 43,000) produce a limited amount of cannabis for their own medical purposes, or designate someone to produce it for them.Health Canada is committed to protecting patients’ rights to reasonable access to cannabis for medical purposes and recognizes that most patients are using the program for its intended purposes. Abuse of the medical framework undermines the integrity of the system that many patients rely on to access cannabis to address their medical needs.All persons authorized to produce cannabis for medical purposes must abide by the law and operate at all times within the limits set out when they were registered by Health Canada, including respecting their plant limits. Individuals are only authorized to produce and possess cannabis for their own medical purposes (or the individual they are designated to produce for), and it is illegal for them to distribute or sell cannabis to anyone else. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in revocation of their registration and/or criminal charges and prosecution.The Cannabis Regulations require patients to obtain an authorization from their health care practitioner to access cannabis for medical purposes. Health Canada does not play a role in determining whether cannabis is appropriate for a patient. The health care practitioner makes this decision through a discussion with their patient; the health care practitioner will also identify the daily amount needed for the patient’s medical condition. Health Canada expects health care practitioners to make these decisions based on the condition for which the patient is receiving treatment and supporting evidence.Over the last years, Health Canada has increased engagement with the health care practitioner community and the provincial and territorial licensing bodies in order to encourage health care practitioners to authorize appropriate amounts of cannabis for medical purposes, in line with established standards of practice and the best available evidence. Health Canada has published a document entitled Information for Health Care Professionals to help patients and health care practitioners make informed decisions about the benefits and risks of using cannabis for medical purposes, including dosage amounts. The Department continues to review the latest developments in the peer-reviewed scientific literature on dosing and will continue to publish further updates to this document.Regulatory oversight of health care practitioners and the practice of medicine is the responsibility of provinces and territories and professional colleges. Most provincial and territorial licensing bodies have their own set of standards and guidelines for their members, which may include standards of practice on authorizing cannabis for medical purposes. To support provincial and territorial licensing bodies in their oversight of their members, Health Canada has been proactively sharing data on the authorization of cannabis for medical purposes since the spring 2019. This data sharing includes providing specific information on the small number of health care practitioners who are responsible for authorizing large daily amounts of cannabis. In an effort to increase transparency, in December 2020, Health Canada began publishing data on its website on the average daily amounts authorized by health care practitioners.Health Canada actively works within the current regulatory framework to address risks associated with the personal and designated production of cannabis for medical purposes by:
  • conducting additional verifications when warranted (for example, contacting the health care practitioner to confirm the validity of the medical document and to confirm the daily dosage amount);
  • verifying that there are no more than four registrations at any given production site—the maximum allowed in the regulations—to reduce the risk of large-scale production sites;
  • refusing or revoking a registration, if it is determined that an applicant has submitted false or misleading information as part of their application, such as a forged medical document, or where the registration is likely to create a risk to public health or public safety, including the risk of cannabis being diverted to an illicit market or activity; and,
  • conducting inspections of personal registration and designated production sites to further verify compliance with the regulations.
Most recently, on March 8, 2021, Health Canada launched a public consultation on a draft guidance document for the personal and designated production of cannabis for medical purposes. The draft guidance provides proposed factors that may be considered in refusing or revoking a registration. The public consultation is open until May 7, 2021. It is important to note that different levels of government and law enforcement have roles in maintaining public safety with respect to cannabis. It is the responsibility of municipalities to enforce their bylaws with respect to cannabis production, and law enforcement has the authority to take action against illegal cannabis activity under the Cannabis Act and against those who operate outside of the legal framework.With each registration issued, Health Canada reminds registered individuals and designated producers that they need to comply with all relevant provincial/territorial and municipal laws, including local by-laws about zoning, noise, odour, electrical and fire safety, as well as all related inspection and remediation requirements.Health Canada encourages all provinces, territories, and municipalities to use the tools at their disposal to confirm that individuals meet all standards and by-laws. This includes implementing any limitations on zoning, location and nuisances, such as odour, that they feel are appropriate in their jurisdictions. Municipalities could, for example, require building permits and inspections of electrical work at personal production sites.Health Canada supports law enforcement representatives by providing a dedicated service 24 hours a day and seven days a week to confirm, when necessary, that specific individuals are authorized to possess or produce a limited amount of cannabis for medical purposes. The Cannabis Regulations authorize Health Canada to share information that is protected under the Privacy Act in the context of an active law enforcement investigation. In the context of an investigation, law enforcement also has the ability to enter residences and any production sites.The Cannabis Act requires that the Minister initiate a review of the Cannabis Act three years following the coming into force (i.e., by October 17, 2021), and that a report of the review’s findings be tabled before both Houses of Parliament within 18 months of the start of the review. The Government of Canada has also committed to actively monitoring and evaluating patients’ access to cannabis for medical purposes through the implementation of the Cannabis Act, and to undertake an evaluation of the existing medical access framework within five years (i.e., by October 17, 2023), as recommended by the expert Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation. These two exercises will be an opportunity to address some of the challenges associated with the cannabis for medical purposes program.Health Canada is committed to ongoing engagement with stakeholders on the administration and operation of the Cannabis Act. Departmental officials regularly engage with stakeholders on all aspects of the cannabis framework to advance public health and safety objectives.
CannabisCrop productionFederal-provincial-territorial relationsRegulation
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 9, 2021432-00872432-00872 (Business and trade)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservativeBCApril 26, 2021June 9, 2021April 20, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWHEREAS
  • The commercial events space, including trade shows, consumer shows, and expositions, has been one of the most impacted sectors in the pandemic;
  • The sector is committed to a safe restart and is well-prepared to rigorously implement health and safety standards as required by local officials, yet the commercial events industry has predicted that continued restrictions throughout 2021 will result in a worse year than 2020;
  • It is clear that more targeted support is needed. The exposition sector serves as the driving force behind countless other industries, from travel to tourism, and from local small businesses and sports to manufacturing;
  • Giving a hand up to this industry, whose members are active participants in their communities, provides a golden opportunity to simultaneously support local economies, including sparking the creation of well-paying jobs and making it possible for small businesses across the supply chain to not just survive, but succeed.
We, the undersigned Members of the Canadian Association of Exposition Management and impacted Canadians within the commercial events sector, including trade shows, consumer shows, and expositions, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Extend the CEWS until June 2022 for the hardest-hit sectors, which includes producers of trade shows, consumer shows and expositions, as well as those in the supply chain relying on commercial events for a certain percentage of their annual revenue. Extend the CERS until June 2022 for the hardest-hit sectors, including producers of trade shows, consumer shows & expositions, as well as those in the supply chain relying on commercial events for a certain percentage of their annual revenue;
  • Expand the CERS eligibility criteria to include rent paid by show producers to facilities once reopening begins;
  • Establish a specific business events funding stream that includes trade and consumer shows, as well as related businesses such as those in the supply chain relying on commercial events for a certain percentage of their annual revenue, should be established, with a portion of the funding earmarked as forgivable.
  • Amend the current Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP) to ensure a portion of available loans should be forgivable or available at no interest.
Response by the Minister of Innovation, Science and IndustrySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Mélanie Joly, P.C., M.P.Response to part 3:The Government of Canada has taken a number of measures to ensure that our economic recovery is as robust and rapid as possible. Since the pandemic began, the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) and Community Futures Organizations (CFs) have been delivering the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) as a backstop to other broad-based programming. The RRRF helps SMEs whose basic liquidity needs are not addressed by other programs with repayable contributions to continue operations and sustain jobs through the pandemic. Since the Government launched the RRRF in April 2020, the six RDAs and nearly 270 CFs fund have delivered over $1.5 billion to more than 22,000 businesses and organizations helping to preserve over 165,000 jobs across the country. Recognizing that the tourism sector has been particularly hard hit as a result of the pandemic, 25% of the over $2 billion in liquidity support is earmarked for tourism-related businesses and organizations nation wide.Budget 2021 presents a plan to get through the pandemic, create jobs, and make sure Canada’s economy recovers effectively. The Government of Canada recognizes that workers and businesses in the tourism sector and those in the hospitality, events and culture industries have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic. For this reason, and as noted in Budget 2021, businesses and non-profit organizations in these sectors have received an estimated $15.4 billion through federal emergency support programs to date. Budget 2021 outlines a number of new investments that are targeted toward the tourism sector and its recovery. This includes a $500 million Tourism Relief Fund to support businesses and organizations in undertaking a wide range of activities to help them recover from the pandemic and position themselves for future growth. The Fund will help to revitalize the tourism sector in Canada, while bringing concrete economic benefits to communities of all sizes throughout the country.  Budget 2021 also  announced $200 million to support Canada’s major festivals as well as$200 million for local festivals and event.It also includes $100 million to support Destination Canada’s marketing domestic and international activities to help visitors discover and explore the country.  As part of this investment, Destination Canada, through its Business Events Canada division, will work with major municipal Destination Marketing Organizations on strategies to attract business events and conferences to Canada’s biggest cities.Response by The Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade      Signed by (Minister or Parliament Secretary): Rachel Bendayan     Response to part 4:          The Government of Canada is continuing to adapt measures that will support Canadians through the pandemic and drive a robust and resilient recovery. Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP) provides support to hard-hit businesses that require additional capital, based on having already benefited from other programs such as Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy, and Canada Emergency Business Account – which are either fully supported or partially forgivable – to help them bridge to the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Understanding that many small and medium-sized enterprises are concerned with taking on more debt, loans will have flexible repayment terms of up to 10 years and principal payments that may be delayed by up to 12 months, and the HASCAP interest rate – at 4% – is a favourable rate for hard hit businesses. Further, personal guarantees are not taken under HASCAP.HASCAP was launched on February 1, with now 51 financial institutions participating. Interest in the program has been high with approximately 1000 expressions of interest per week as at mid-March. The total of authorizations and applications in progress is 4400 as of April 25.                                                                   
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandDepartment of FinanceThe Government thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about support for the commercial events sector.As of May 2, 2021, the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy has helped more than 5.3 million Canadians keep their jobs and provided more than $77 billion in support to the Canadian economy. As of May 2, 2021, the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy and Lockdown Support have helped more than 177,000 organizations with rent, mortgage, and other expenses, and provided $3.3 billion in support.The wage subsidy, rent subsidy, and Lockdown Support programs are currently set to expire in June 2021. In order to bridge Canadians through the rest of this crisis to recovery, continued support is needed. To give workers and employers certainty and stability over the coming months, Budget 2021 proposes to extend these programs until September 25, 2021. Extending these support measures will mean that millions of jobs will continue to be protected. The Government is also seeking the legislative authority to have the ability to further extend the wage subsidy, rent subsidy and Lockdown Support programs through regulations until November 20, 2021, should the economic and public health situation require it beyond September 2021.The rent subsidy is a broad-based, legislated program and as such, requires straightforward, objective rules that can accommodate organizations of all sizes and sectors, while still maintaining the integrity of the program. For that reason, eligible expenses are limited to those paid under agreements in writing entered into before October 9, 2020 (and continuations of those agreements).
Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response PlanCOVID-19EventsPandemic
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 9, 2021e-3168e-3168 (Foreign affairs)RoyWignarajahHeatherMcPhersonEdmonton StrathconaNDPABFebruary 10, 2021, at 9:04 a.m. (EDT)April 11, 2021, at 9:04 a.m. (EDT)April 26, 2021June 9, 2021April 12, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="271244" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Foreign Affairs</Addressee>Whereas:Canada is a member of the Sri Lanka Co-Group at the UN Human Rights council; The High Commissioner of the Council released the Sri Lanka report on January 27, 2021;The High Commissioner urges the Member States to take steps to refer the situation in Sri Lanka to the International Criminal Court, in paragraph 59 of the report;Twice before, the UNHRC has leant its support to domestic accountability and reconciliation initiatives, culminating in resolution 30/1, from which Sri Lanka unilaterally withdrew in March 2020;The High Commissioner indicates that Sri Lanka has now demonstrated its inability and unwillingness to pursue a meaningful path towards accountability for international crimes and serious human rights violations;In March 2011, the UN Secretary General’s Panel of Experts and Internal Review Panel on Accountability in Sri Lanka reported that as many as 40,000 Tamils were killed and 70,000 people were unaccounted for in the final six months of the war ending in 2009; andThe failure to refer Sri Lanka to the ICC will embolden it to continue international atrocity crimes unabated, against the Tamils.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Foreign Affairs to: 1. Work with members of the Co-Group, and garner support from other council members, to adopt a new resolution at the upcoming February and March 2021 sessions, guaranteeing justice to victims of international atrocity crimes;2. Ensure the new resolution incorporates mechanisms to refer Sri Lanka to the International Criminal Court; and3. Ensure the new resolution mandates non-recurrence of mass atrocities and proposes a referendum with international monitors and victims’ participation, to determine the Tamils’ political future, as remedial justice.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada had long supported UNHRC resolution 30/1 and its successors, and was disappointed when the Government of Sri Lanka withdrew its support from the resolution and its consensual framework in February 2020. Canada, along with its partners in the Core Group on the Sri Lanka resolution, believes that previous domestic processes have proven insufficient to tackle impunity and deliver real reconciliation.At the Council’s 46th session (February-March 2021), Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs highlighted Sri Lanka’s deteriorating human rights situation. At the Session, through Core Group efforts, the Council adopted a new resolution which advances accountability in Sri Lanka by mandating the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights ‘to collect, consolidate, analyse and preserve information and evidence’ of gross violations of human rights and humanitarian law. The continued reporting and the attention of the UNHRC will assist in monitoring ongoing human rights concerns in the country. The new resolution 46/1 strengthens the capacity of the OHCHR to collect and preserve information and evidence of crimes related to Sri Lanka’s civil war that ended in 2009. The resolution also requests the OHCHR to enhance its monitoring and reporting on the situation of human rights in Sri Lanka, including the preparation of a comprehensive report with further options for advancing accountability to be presented at the Human Rights Council fifty-first session (September 2022). Canada and the international community will consider these options for future accountability processes – which may include an international investigation – when the OHCHR presents its comprehensive report.UNHRC resolution 46/1 does not incorporate a mechanism to refer Sri Lanka to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Only the United Nations Security Council can refer cases to the ICC if the country concerned is not a party to the Rome Statute or has not accepted the ICC’s jurisdiction. That said, Canada recognizes the importance of an independent and credible justice process that has the trust and confidence of victims and believes this remains necessary for reconciliation and long-term prosperity. The OHCHR’s new mandate will be critical for establishing future accountability processes. Canada also encourages all non-States Parties to consider acceding to the Rome Statute of the ICC.Resolution 46/1 emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to dealing with the past to ensure accountability, to serve justice, to provide remedies to victims, and to avoid the recurrence of violations of human rights and to promote healing and reconciliation. The resolution further calls upon the Government of Sri Lanka to protect civil society actors, including human rights defenders, and to investigate any attacks and to ensure a safe and enabling environment as well as to foster freedom of religion or belief and pluralism by promoting the ability of all religious communities to manifest their religion, and to contribute openly and on an equal footing to society. The resolution reaffirms the UNHRC’s commitment to sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.Canada will continue to urge Sri Lanka to uphold its human rights obligations, end impunity and undertake a comprehensive accountability process for all violations and abuses of human rights. Canada believes that resolution 46/1 is a step toward securing a safe, peaceful and inclusive future for Sri Lanka, and, to this end, we stand ready to support efforts that work towards this goal.
Crimes against humanityForeign policyReferendaSri LankaTamils
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 7, 2021432-00870432-00870 (Indigenous affairs)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCApril 23, 2021June 7, 2021February 28, 2020PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • Canadian constitutional law is accountable to the human rights obligations outlined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples;
  • Canada has also committed to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action;
  • The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has called on Canada to:
    • immediately suspend work on the Coastal GasLink pipeline until free, prior, and informed consent is obtained from Indigenous Peoples;
    • Immediately cease the forced eviction of Wet'suwet'en Peoples;
    • Prohibit the use of lethal weapons against Indigenous Peoples and guarantee no force will be used against them;
    • Withdraw the RCMP and associated security and policing services, from traditional lands;
  • Hereditary Chiefs have the right to grant consent, or not, for activities on their territories; and,
  • The Coastal GasLink project has the potential to release massive amounts of methane through the extraction, transport, liquefaction and regasification processes
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to:
  • Commit to upholding the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action by immediately:
    • Halting all existing and planned construction of the Coastal GasLink project on Wet'suwet'en territory;
    • Ordering the RCMP to dismantle their exclusion zone and stand down;
    • Schedule nation-to-nation talks between the Wet'suwet'en Nation and federal and provincial governments; and,
    • Prioritize the real implementation of UNDRIP.
Response by the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): GARY ANANDASANGAREEThe Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations (CIR) would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their interest in the Wet’suwet’en Nation and Coastal GasLink pipeline project. The Government endorsed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples without qualification in 2016 and is committed to its full implementation in partnership with Indigenous peoples. On December 3, 2020, the Ministers of Justice and CIR introduced to Parliament Bill C-15 – An Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.The Minister of CIR and the British Columbia Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation met with the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs between February 27 and 29, 2020. These talks focused on two separate topics: the recognition of Wet’suwet’en Aboriginal rights and title throughout their territory and the issues arising out of the Coastal GasLink project. These topics were discussed separately. The Coastal GasLink pipeline remains entirely within provincial jurisdiction.Canada, British Columbia, and the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on May 14, 2020. This MOU establishes a path forward for discussions toward substantive agreements that would describe future governance and the implementation of Wet’suwet’en rights and title. These nation-to-nation talks have been ongoing.The Government is committed to reconciliation with all Indigenous peoples, including the Wet’suwet’en Nation.
Coastal GasLink Pipeline ProjectIndigenous rightsWet'suwet'en First Nation
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 7, 2021432-00869432-00869 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 23, 2021June 7, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 7, 2021432-00868432-00868 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 23, 2021June 7, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 7, 2021432-00867432-00867 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 23, 2021June 7, 2021June 20, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 7, 2021432-00866432-00866 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 23, 2021June 7, 2021April 20, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas the Canadian Parliament has unanimously passed the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, also known as the Sergei Magnitsky Act, to sanction corrupt foreign officials who, among others, are responsible for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights;Whereas since 1999, the Former Chinese Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin and his cohorts personally ordered, launched, orchestrated and executed the eradication campaign against Falun Gong using its state apparatus, including the extrajudicial torture and killing of Falun Gong practitioners in large numbers with impunity for their beliefs in "truthfulness, compassion and tolerance"; and whereas Falun Gong practitioners have been killed for their organs in China on a massive scale, which has been well documented and widely reported;Whereas Canadian Citizen Ms. Sun Qian has been sentenced to 8 years in prison and another eight Falun Gong practitioners with Canadian ties are suffering imprisonment in China, with sentences of up to 16 years, for their belief; andWhereas extensive evidence points to fourteen key officials and former officials of the Chinese Communist Regime who demonstrate prime culpability in the human rights atrocities committed against Falun Gong practitioners in China.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against these perpetrators under the Sergei Magnitsky Act.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 7, 2021432-00865432-00865 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKApril 23, 2021June 7, 2021April 21, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • Sex selection abortion is legal as Canada has no legal restrictions on abortion;
  • Sex selective abortion is antithetical to our commitment to equality between men and women;
  • A 2019 DART & Maru/Blue poll, conducted for the National Post, showed that 84% of Canadians believe it should be illegal to have an abortion if the family does not want the child to be a certain sex;
  • International organizations including the World Health Organization, United Nations Women, and United Nations Children's Fund have identified unequal sex ratios at birth as a growing problem internationally;
  • Canada's health care profession recognizes sex selection as a problem.
Therefore, we the undersigned citizens of Canada call upon the House of Commons to pass a Criminal Code prohibition of sex selective abortion.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government of Canada condemns all practices that are motivated by discriminatory views of women and girls, including sex selective practices.In Canada, the administration and funding of health care services is a provincial responsibility that falls under the purview of the provincial governments. As is the case for other medical procedures, the delivery of abortion services is determined by the policies of the provincial governments and the standards set by the medical profession itself.
AbortionSexual discrimination
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 7, 2021432-00864432-00864 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKApril 23, 2021June 7, 2021February 19, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 7, 2021432-00863432-00863 (Health)PaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCApril 23, 2021June 7, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament AssembledWHEREAS:
  • The majority of COVID-19 communications and mandates by health officials include social distancing, masking, hand sanitizing, contact tracing, and vaccination;
  • Natural, time-tested immune system essentials and holistic health practices have received less attention for their role in preventive healthcare;
  • A holistic and complementary approach to health would be more affordable for taxpayers than treating disease;
  • Many Canadians already invest in natural immunity, proactive self-care and prevention strategies;
  • Eating fresh vegetables, exercising, managing stress, drinking water, walking in fresh air/sunshine and getting adequate sleep are simple and cost-effective measures to improve immune function and overall wellness;
  • Vitamin D has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms associated with COVID-19;
  • Many Canadians are deficient in Vitamin D during winter months and yet are isolating for safety in their homes without supplementing;
  • Other vitamins and nutrients essential for optimal immunity and overall health include Vitamin C, Zinc, Selenium and plant extracts, and show promising results for COVID-19 prevention;
  • Greater attention and education on natural health solutions would help optimize Canadians' immune systems, increasing quality of life and productivity;
THEREFORE, we the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada respectfully request that the Government of Canada: 1) Educate and empower Canadians on holistic approaches to optimize and maintain their natural immunity and wellbeing. 2) Cover practices for health sustainability and wellness care under the Canada Health Act, including chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, and meopathic and naturopathic medicines. 3) Support, promote, and enhance Canadians' access to holistic health services and natural products. 4) Include immune-strengthening measures and practices in COVID-19 prevention messaging.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellThe Government of Canada is responsible for establishing and administering legislation and regulations to ensure the safety, efficacy and quality of natural health products sold in Canada. Health Canada recognizes that, for many Canadians, natural health products are an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including helping to maintain and support immune function.Natural health products in Canada (such as vitamin and mineral supplements and herbal products) are regulated under the Natural Health Products Regulations (NHPR), which were created to differentiate natural health products from prescription and non-prescription drugs, which are regulated under the Food and Drug Regulations.Natural health products are generally low-risk products meant to be used by individuals for minor, non-serious conditions. However, low-risk does not mean no risk. That is why Health Canada reviews the safety, efficacy and quality of natural health products prior to their entry on the Canadian market, in accordance with the NHPR and will take appropriate action. Health Canada has not authorized an application for a product containing Vitamin D with claims to reduce symptoms associated with COVID-19. Claims related to prevention of COVID-19 infection or symptomatic treatment of COVID-19 are considered higher risk and would require a high degree of supporting scientific evidence prior to approval for this use.It may be of interest to note that the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development recently completed audit report of Health Canada’s Natural Health Products Program. A number of recommendations were made as a result, all of which Health Canada agrees with.Although the federal government plays a crucial role in supporting health care by providing funding to the provinces and territories, the provincial and territorial governments have primary jurisdiction in the administration and delivery of health care services. This includes determining which services to cover under their respective health care insurance plans. Under the Canada Health Act, a province or territory must provide coverage for medically necessary hospital and physician services (i.e., insured health services, including access to holistic health services) to their eligible residents. Wellness care and practices aimed at sustaining health, including chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, and homeopathic and naturopathic medicines, are part of a range of additional services and benefits, which are outside the scope of the Act, and may be provided at provincial and territorial discretion, on their own terms and conditions. 
COVID-19Natural health productsPandemicPublic health
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 7, 2021432-00862432-00862 (Foreign affairs)PaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCApril 23, 2021June 7, 2021January 27, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law), sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption;
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of "Truth, Compassion and Tolerance," including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, Qiang Wei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang.We also call upon the Government of Canada to refuse immigration/visitor visa to those who persecuted Falun Gong practitioners in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoAs part of the immigration application process, all visa applications are carefully assessed for eligibility and admissibility under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. For example, a foreign national may be inadmissible to Canada if they have engaged in criminality or human or international rights violations (including being subject to sanctions), or are a family member of an inadmissible person.In 2017, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law) came into force. It added two new inadmissibility provisions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act concerning sanctioned government officials or individuals acting on behalf of a foreign state who are responsible for corruption, extrajudicial killings, torture or other gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. A foreign national listed in an order or regulation made by the Governor in Council under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act would be inadmissible.If an applicant is determined to be inadmissible on any ground, they may be refused a visa, electronic travel authorization or entry to Canada. Inadmissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by Immigration Officers and are based on evidence, which may consist of police or intelligence reports, statutory declarations or other documents—such as media articles, scholarly journals or publicly-available information.In addition, if a foreign national who is at the border, or is in Canada, is found to be inadmissible, they may be denied entry or ordered to leave Canada. The Canada Border Services Agency is responsible for immigration enforcement at the border and in Canada.For privacy reasons, individual cases cannot be discussed.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 7, 2021432-00861432-00861 (Business and trade)NellyShinPort Moody—CoquitlamConservativeBCApril 23, 2021June 7, 2021April 22, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWHEREAS
  • More than 24,000 Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions;
  • These Travel Advisors are being asked by Canadian Airlines and their subsidiary Travel Companies to repay commissions earned at the end of 2019 & beginning of 2020 on their clients' trips that were cancelled due to said Travel Restrictions, known as "commission recalls" or "Commission claw-backs".
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Ensure that any financial assistance to Airlines and their subsidiary Travel Companies, will be conditional on the protection of Travel Advisor commissions;
  • Ensure that commissions already clawed back by the Airlines & their subsidiary Travel Companies will be repaid to Travel Advisors in a timely manner.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraTransport Canada has been working with a range of air industry participants, the organizations that represent them, and other government departments to analyze the current situation and develop appropriate options to support Canada’s air transport sector generally.The Government of Canada recognizes that travel agencies and their agents play a vital role in the air travel system, both in terms of assisting Canadians wanting to explore the world beyond our borders and welcoming tourists to Canada and by virtue of the latter play a critical role in supporting jobs and businesses. On November 8, 2020, the Government of Canada announced it would develop a package of assistance for Canada’s airlines to ensure the existence of a robust air transport sector that connects Canadian communities. Agreements have now been reached with Air Canada, Transat, A.T., and Sunwing, based on repayable instruments to protect taxpayers’ money. Any assistance to air carriers comes with strict conditions to protect Canadians and the public interest. All carriers will be required to provide refunds for tickets cancelled due to the pandemic, and Air Canada must restore services to Canadian communities where these were cut due to the pandemic. Additionally, as part of the Air Canada and Transat agreements, travel agencies and their agents, most of which are small businesses, owned and operated by women, and significantly affected by the pandemic, may assist in the processing of refunds for tickets the travel agents sold but will not have their sales commissions recalled on refunded fares by Air Canada and Transat. The government is currently negotiating financial packages with other Canadian carriers to achieve similar outcomes. 
AirlinesCOVID-19PandemicReimbursementTravel agencies
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 7, 2021432-00860432-00860 (Business and trade)NellyShinPort Moody—CoquitlamConservativeBCApril 23, 2021June 7, 2021April 22, 2021Petition to the House of Commons WHEREAS
  • More than 12,000 Independent Travel Advisors in Canada have been without income for one year due to Government imposed COVID Travel restrictions, and these Small Business owners are Sole Proprietors;
  • Federal Assistance Programs like CEBA, CERS, CEWS & RRRF exclude the majority of these Small Business Owners, leaving them to slip through the cracks and forcing them into bankruptcy.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Provide Sector specific funding for Independent Travel Advisors;
  • Extend the qualifications of the RRRF in Urban areas to include Sole Proprietors.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandDepartment of FinanceThe Government thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about support for small business owners.The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy and Lockdown Support have protected millions of Canadian jobs and helped support businesses of every size across Canada through the COVID-19 pandemic. This is why Budget 2021 commits to extending the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy to continue our support for Canadian businesses.The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy protects jobs, encourages employers to rehire workers previously laid off as a result of COVID-19 and helps position Canadian businesses for a robust recovery when the virus is under control. The wage subsidy is available to eligible employers, including sole proprietors, that have experienced a revenue decline in a particular qualifying period by providing a subsidy to the employer in respect of eligible remuneration paid to their eligible employees. The Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy also provides direct relief to qualifying renters and property owners, including businesses, non-profits and charities, that are economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The rent subsidy mirrors the wage subsidy by providing benefits directly to qualifying renters and property owners, including sole proprietors, affected by COVID-19.  The Lockdown Support provides additional support to qualifying renters and property owners that must significantly restrict their activities as a result of a public health order.
Response by the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Mélanie Joly, P.C., M.P.The Government of Canada has taken a number of measures to ensure that our economic recovery is as robust and rapid as possible. Since the pandemic began, the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) and Community Futures Organizations (CFs) have been delivering the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) as a backstop to other broad-based programming. The RRRF helps SMEs whose basic liquidity needs are not addressed by other programs with repayable contributions to continue operations and sustain jobs through the pandemic. Since the Government launched the RRRF in April 2020, the six RDAs and nearly 270 CFs fund have delivered over $1.5 billion to more than 22,000 businesses and organizations helping to preserve over 165,000 jobs across the country. Recognizing that the tourism sector has been particularly hard hit as a result of the pandemic, 25% of the over $2 billion in liquidity support is earmarked for tourism-related businesses and organizations nation wide.The RRRF continues to be a backstop program and businesses must apply for other available emergency support measures, including the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA), the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) and the Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP), before accessing the RRRF. Independent travel agents, including those operating as sole proprietorships, are considered eligible for these programs as well as the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB).Although businesses must be incorporated to apply to the RDAs, sole proprietors are eligible to apply for RRRF funding through their local CFs across the country and through other third parties, such as the Women’s Enterprise Initiative (WEI) Organizations in western Canada or the PME MTL organizations in Québec.Furthermore, Budget 2021 presents a plan to get through the pandemic, create jobs, and make sure Canada’s economy recovers effectively. The Government of Canada recognizes that workers and businesses in the tourism sector and those in the hospitality and culture industries have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic. For this reason, and as noted in Budget 2021, businesses and non-profit organizations in these sectors have received an estimated $15.4 billion through federal emergency support programs to date. Budget 2021 also outlines a number of new investments totalling $1 billion that are targeted toward the tourism sector and its recovery. This includes a $500 million Tourism Relief Fund to support investments by local tourism businesses in adapting their products and services to public health measures. Additionally, Budget 2021 announced $200 million to support Canada’s major festivals; $200 million for local festivals and events; and, $100 million to support Destination Canada’s marketing domestic and international activities. In addition to these tailored supports, funding for safe and secure air travel will also contribute to the revitalization of the tourism sector, including:
  • $82.5 million to Transport Canada to support major Canadian airports in making investments in COVID-19 testing infrastructure;
  • $105.3 million to Transport Canada to further advance technologies to facilitate touchless and secure air travel;
  • $6.7 million to the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority to acquire and operate sanitization equipment; and
  • $271.1 million to the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority to maintain operations and enhanced screening services at the 89 airports where it works.
Budget 2021 also includes extensions to the support programs that have been a lifeline for millions of Canadians, from the wage subsidy and the rent subsidy, to the Canada recovery benefit and the recovery caregiving benefit. With these supports, the Government is setting the foundation for a robust economic recovery.  Funding for early learning and childcare will allow both mothers and fathers to work, thus increasing our workforce and boosting our economic growth.To help small businesses recover and grow, Budget 2021 contains a new Canada recovery hiring program that will run from June to November 2021, and provide up to $595 million to make it easier for businesses to bring back laid off workers or to hire new ones. The Government will also invest up to $4 billion to help up to 160,000 small- and medium-size businesses buy and adopt the new technologies they need to grow and become more productive and more competitive.Finally, over the next four years, the Budget proposes up to $146.9 million to strengthen the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, and an additional $51.7 million for the Black Entrepreneurship Program. These measures will provide affordable financing to these businesses and strengthen capacity within the entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response PlanCOVID-19PandemicTravel agencies
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 7, 2021e-3147e-3147 (Employment and labour)EmmanuelKiyandaAlexandreBoulericeRosemont—La Petite-PatrieNDPQCFebruary 2, 2021, at 11:48 a.m. (EDT)April 3, 2021, at 11:48 a.m. (EDT)April 23, 2021June 7, 2021April 7, 2021Petition to <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="253379" mp-riding-display="1">the Minister of Labour </Addressee>Whereas: The purpose of the Employment Equity Act, passed in 1986, is to achieve equality in the workplace and to correct the conditions of disadvantage experienced by designated groups, identified as women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities; Today, the situation for Black people is problematic and the Act does not collect information to understand how dire the situation is and how it can be fixed; Black communities in Canada have doubled in size in the last 25 years to reach 1.2 million people; The experiences and the diversity of Black communities are often lumped into the “visible minority” category and neglected; Even when Black people find jobs, the systemic racism they experience in the workplace may mean they hit a glass ceiling; According to Statistics Canada; Being Black in Canada means having a salary that is 26% lower on average, having a much higher unemployment rate and being the victim of workplace discrimination more often; A Black man, in 2015, earned approximately $15,000 less than other men. In 2000, this gap was $11,869; and In 2016, a Black woman was nearly twice as likely as other women (19.6% compared with 10.9%) to be the victim of unfair treatment or discrimination in the workplace. We, the undersigned, citizens (or residents) of Canada, call upon the Minister of Labour to consider the Black population as a separate designated group in the Act.
Response by the Minister of LabourSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Anthony HousefatherThank you for your petition regarding the experience of Black Canadians and requesting that the Black population be recognized as a separate designated group under the Employment Equity Act (EEA).The Government of Canada believes that Canada’s strength lies in its diversity. Creating equitable, diverse and inclusive workplaces will help grow our middle class and build a country where every Canadian has a real and fair chance to succeed. One of the ways the Government of Canada promotes equality is through the EEA, which seeks to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment experienced by four designated groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities in federally regulated workplaces. These groups were identified by the 1984 Equality in Employment: A Royal Commission Report as having lower salaries, higher unemployment rates and greater concentration in lower-paying occupational groups.Since 1984, we have learned more about these barriers and the communities that comprise the designated groups. The category of visible minorities, for example, encompasses different populations with different labour market experiences. This is why, in 2021, a review of the EEA is necessary and is a priority for our government.In the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, our Government announced an investment of $6.6 million to support a Task Force on modernizing the EEA. The Minister of Labour’s supplementary mandate letter (January 2021) includes the commitment to launch a review of the EEA  in alignment with the aim of advancing work on equity, diversity and inclusion for women, LGBTQ2 Canadians, Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized Canadians, persons with disabilities and other underrepresented groups.The Task Force will undertake a comprehensive review of the EEA and its supporting programs, consult with a wide range of stakeholders and provide recommendations on how to modernize the EEA. Among the issues the Task Force will be considering is determining what changes are required to the designated groups covered by the Act, how the EEA can lead to better representation, retention, and promotion of equity-deserving groups, and what data employers should be required to collect.The Government of Canada has taken steps to advance equity over the years, but we know that more work needs to be done to create a level playing field for all Canadians. The Government of Canada continues to be committed to supporting equity-deserving groups, including Black people, and building a society where everyone has equal rights and opportunities to be their true, authentic selves.
Black CanadiansEmployment equityRacial equality
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 7, 2021432-00858432-00858 (Foreign affairs)KellyMcCauleyEdmonton WestConservativeABApril 22, 2021June 7, 2021April 12, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas the Canadian Parliament has unanimously passed the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, also known as the Sergei Magnitsky Act, to sanction corrupt foreign officials who, among others, are responsible for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights;Whereas the Former Chinese Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin and his cohorts personally ordered, launched, orchestrated and executed the eradication campaign against Falun Gong using state apparatus, including the extrajudicial torture and killing of Falun Gong practitioners in large numbers with impunity for the past 19 years for their beliefs in "truthfulness, compassion and tolerance”; and whereas Falun Gong practitioners have been killed for their organs in China on a massive scale, which has been well documented and widely reported;Whereas extensive evidence points to fourteen key officials and former officials of the Chinese communist regime who demonstrate prime culpability in the human rights atrocities committed against Falun Gong practitioners in China.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against these perpetrators under the Sergei Magnitsky Act.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 7, 2021432-00857432-00857 (Foreign affairs)KellyMcCauleyEdmonton WestConservativeABApril 22, 2021June 7, 2021April 12, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law), sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption;
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of "Truth, Compassion and Tolerance," including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, Qiang Wei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang.We also call upon the Government of Canada to refuse immigration/visitor visa to those who persecuted Falun Gong practitioners in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoAs part of the immigration application process, all visa applications are carefully assessed for eligibility and admissibility under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. For example, a foreign national may be inadmissible to Canada if they have engaged in criminality or human or international rights violations (including being subject to sanctions), or are a family member of an inadmissible person.In 2017, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law) came into force. It added two new inadmissibility provisions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act concerning sanctioned government officials or individuals acting on behalf of a foreign state who are responsible for corruption, extrajudicial killings, torture or other gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. A foreign national listed in an order or regulation made by the Governor in Council under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act would be inadmissible.If an applicant is determined to be inadmissible on any ground, they may be refused a visa, electronic travel authorization or entry to Canada. Inadmissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by Immigration Officers and are based on evidence, which may consist of police or intelligence reports, statutory declarations or other documents—such as media articles, scholarly journals or publicly-available information.In addition, if a foreign national who is at the border, or is in Canada, is found to be inadmissible, they may be denied entry or ordered to leave Canada. The Canada Border Services Agency is responsible for immigration enforcement at the border and in Canada.For privacy reasons, individual cases cannot be discussed.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 7, 2021e-3184e-3184 (Environment)AndreaNoblePaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCFebruary 18, 2021, at 6:05 p.m. (EDT)March 20, 2021, at 6:05 p.m. (EDT)April 22, 2021June 7, 2021March 22, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Bill C-12 is a first-of-its-kind climate accountability legislation in Canada;As it currently stands, the bill is not strong enough to help Canada meet its climate targets, and does not legally bind our government to targets; andIt does not hold our government accountable to creating jobs for workers transitioning out of the fossil fuel industry, and does not indicate its commitment to work with Indigenous nations on actions to combat climate change.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to take urgent action based on science and independent expertise to make Bill C-12 a world-class climate law by adopting three amendments to the bill before it passes:1. Set the first emissions target for 2025, strengthen the role of the advisory body and the role of the Environment Commissioner, and ban fossil fuel executives from the advisory panel;2. Bill C-12 should be aligned with Canada’s commitment to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, putting workers and communities first, with no exceptions, and set targets for sustainable job creation to ensure a just transition for all workers; and3. Create true legal accountability for the government by setting clear, unconditional obligations on the Minister of Environment to actually meet targets, not just plan to meet them.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mr. Marc G. SerréThe Government of Canada is committed to putting Canadian workers and communities first during the global transition to a low-carbon economy and delivering on Canada’s strengthened climate plan, announced in December 2020. This includes helping Canadians prepare so they can be in a position to find new opportunities for sustainable employment in a low-carbon future while setting Canada on the path to net-zero emissions by 2050 as outlined in Bill C-12.COVID-19 and the economic downturn that followed have fundamentally altered the speed and trajectory of the measures required to support Canadian workers. The pandemic has changed the world, but not the Government of Canada’s resolve to help workers navigate economic disruptions while also fighting climate change.The strengthened climate plan supports Canada’s environmental and economic goals, which include creating well-paid job opportunities for Canadian workers. The plan will play a central role in helping the government fulfill the commitment to create over one million jobs, which will restore employment to pre-pandemic levels. All while ensuring the country realizes its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.The plan’s new investments and measures set clear objectives for sustainable job creation to meet the climate targets set out by Bill C-12 and include:
  • Creating thousands of jobs by offering incentives to Canadians to retrofit their homes and buildings. This will also help consumers and business-owners cut energy costs and save on monthly heating costs.
  • Growing the electricity sector to provide a wide range of jobs, from wind turbine and rooftop solar installers to software engineers developing new ways to improve Canada’s grids.
  • Introducing a Hydrogen Strategy for Canada. This initiative will strengthen Canada’s economic competitiveness and is expected to generate more than 350,000 high-paying jobs by 2050.
  • Investing an additional $300 million over five years to advance the government’s commitment to make sure rural, remote and Indigenous communities have the opportunity to be powered by clean, reliable energy by 2030. Projects under this plan will aim to be community-owned and will provide long-term, revenue-generating assets to Indigenous communities across Canada.
  • Collaboration between the Government of Canada and Atlantic provinces to complete the Atlantic Loop that will connect surplus clean power to regions moving away from coal. This project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve the resiliency of the grid provide clean and affordable power, and create jobs.
  • Leveraging Canada’s competitive advantage in mining through the government’s “mines-to-mobility” approach. This initiative will help build Canadian battery and critical mineral supply chains. It will also help create a labour force of skilled workers needed to supply the electric vehicle industry, for the aerospace sector, and for other components of the clean energy economy.
Through these investments, the government is taking strong action to achieve net-zero emissions by the year 2050, while creating jobs and helping workers through the clean energy transformation.The Government of Canada is also working to ensure workers and communities are not left behind in the electricity sector’s transformation. Following the December 2018 announcement to phase out coal-fired electricity generation by 2030, the government established Canada’s Task Force on Just Transition. Task Force members consulted with impacted workers and communities, and provided recommendations to the government. Based on the Task Force’s findings, the government is investing:
  • $35 million towards the Canada Coal Transition Initiative for skills development and economic diversification in Canada’s coal regions.
  • $150 million to support priority infrastructure projects in affected communities.
Since October 2020, the Government of Canada has announced investments of over $32 billion to create sustainable jobs, build a clean energy economy, and fight and protect against climate change. These recent investments are in addition to the roughly $60 billion the government had already invested in climate action and clean growth since 2015. These demonstrably strong investments and measures highlighted by the strengthened climate plan will help Canadians achieve ambitious emissions objectives for 2050 set out by Bill C-12, as well as ensure that workers and communities come first in the clean energy future.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Jonathan WilkinsonThank you for your petition in regards to improving Bill C-12, the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act.Bill C-12 codifies the Government’s commitment for Canada to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and creates a detailed accountability regime to ensure that we methodically plan, report and course correct on our way to net zero. The Bill requires the Government to set national emissions reduction targets at five-year intervals for 2030, 2035, 2040 and 2045. It also requires the Government to develop emission reduction plans that must be designed to achieve each target, and that explain how they will contribute to reaching net-zero in 2050.In December 2020, the Government published a Strengthened Climate Plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, designed to ensure that Canada exceeds the previous 2030 target of 30% reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from 2005 levels. The plan is one of the most detailed GHG emissions reduction plans in the world.Recognizing the scientific imperative for early and ambitious action to meet the 2050 net zero goal, at the April Leaders Climate Summit the Government announced a new 2030 target of 40-45% reduction in GHG emissions from 2005 levels. Budget 2021 then supported that new target by providing additional support for short- and long-term decarbonization actions.As required under the Paris Agreement, Canada plans to provide an updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in the coming months. That updated NDC will reflect this new target and will provide an overview of the numerous interconnected measures being taken to achieve it and the projected trajectory of emissions reductions out to 2030. In turn, these steps will be consistent with the obligation in the Act to publish a plan to achieve the new target within 6 months of the Bill coming into force.Bill C-12 imposes numerous obligations over the next decade to keep governments on track. In addition to setting targets and developing plans with measures to achieve them, the Bill requires the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change to prepare two types of reports: progress reports and assessment reports.Progress reports will provide updates on Canada’s progress towards achieving the target for the next milestone year. The first progress report will be prepared at least two years before 2030. Assessment reports will explain whether the most recent target was achieved. They will also describe the effectiveness and adequacy of the measures taken, and will course correct, as needed. If Canada fails to achieve a target, the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change must include in the assessment report for that period an explanation of why Canada failed to meet the target and a description of any actions the Government will take to address the failed target.The Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development also has a key role under C-12 in holding the Government to account. The Bill requires the Commissioner to examine and report at least once every five years on the implementation of GHG mitigation measures, and in particular on the measures to achieve each interim target.The Bill also establishes an advisory body of up to 15 members who will serve part-time for renewable terms of up to three years. Their role is to provide advice to the Minister and conduct engagement on optimal pathways to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The Bill will require the Minister to give the Advisory Body an opportunity to comment on the setting or amending of targets or establishing or amending of a plan. The Advisory Body must submit an annual report on its advice and activities to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change who must then publicly respond to the advice.The members of the first Net-Zero Advisory Body were announced in February 2021. The Advisory Body brings together 14 individuals with a range of expertise in science, business, labour, policy-making, rural economic development, and Indigenous governance and different experiences including from the transportation, clean technology, forestry, electricity, finance, and not-for-profit sectors. The members were selected to represent the diversity of the Canadian population including members from British Columbia, the Prairies, Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic Canada, and the North. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act proposes to establish the Net-Zero Advisory Body in legislation. The Advisory Body already started its critical work but once established by the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, members would be subject to the Governor in Council’s open, transparent, and merit-based appointment process.A number of suggestions have been made about how to improve the Bill. The Government is open and committed to strengthening this bill as it moves through Parliament. Proposed amendments will be discussed by parliamentarians as the Bill is debated in the House of Commons and the Senate.The Government of Canada will continue to work for the health and well-being of Canadians, and for a cleaner, more resilient and prosperous world for this and future generations.
Greenhouse gasesIndigenous rightsJob creation
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 7, 2021432-00855432-00855 (Taxation)GordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNDPBCApril 22, 2021June 7, 2021April 20, 2021Petition to Government of CanadaWhereas:
  • Volunteer firefighters account of 83% of Canada's total firefighting essential first responders;
  • In addition, approximately 8,000 essential search and rescue volunteers respond to thousands of incidents every year;
  • The tax code of Canada currently allows volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers to claim a $3,000 tax credit if 200 hours of volunteer services were completed in a calendar year;
  • This works out to a mere $450 per year, which we allow these essential volunteers to keep of their own income from their regular jobs, $2.25 an hour;
  • If they volunteer more than 200 hours, which many do, this tax credit becomes even less;
  • These essential volunteers not only put their lives on the line and give their time, training, and efforts to Canadians, but they also allow cities and municipalities to keep property taxes lower than if paid services were required;
  • Increasing this tax credit would allow these essential volunteers to keep more of their hard-earned money, likely to be spent in the communities in which they lives; and
  • It would help retain these volunteers in a time when volunteerism is decreasing.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to support Private Members' Bill C-264 and increase the tax exemption from $3,000 to $10,000 for lines 31220 and 31240 to help our essential volunteer firefighters and volunteer search and rescue people across the country.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about the Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit and the Search and Rescue Volunteer Tax Credit.The Government recognizes the contributions of all volunteers and the important roles they play in their communities. In light of this, reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by volunteers in the course of their duties may generally be reimbursed on a non-taxable basis. Additionally, emergency services volunteers are eligible for an income exemption of up to $1,000 if they received an honorarium from a government, municipality, or other public authority. The Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit and the Search and Rescue Volunteer Tax Credit provide tax recognition for eligible volunteers who do not receive an honorarium or who do not claim the income exemption. Our Government is committed to a tax system that is fair, and that works for the middle class. The first action of our second mandate was to introduce a measure that would increase the amount of money Canadians can earn before paying federal income tax to $15,000 by 2023.  To ensure that this tax relief goes to the people who need it most, the benefits would be phased out for the wealthiest Canadians.At this time, our Government is focused on helping Canadians get through the challenges they face as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government will continue to support Canadians through this challenge while ensuring that our economy is ready to bounce back quickly.
C-264, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (volunteer firefighting and search and rescue volunteer services)Emergency servicesTax creditsVolunteering and volunteers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 7, 2021432-00854432-00854 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 22, 2021June 7, 2021June 20, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 7, 2021432-00853432-00853 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 22, 2021June 7, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 7, 2021432-00852432-00852 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 22, 2021June 7, 2021October 21, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the human rights violations by Chinese authorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities face torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, obligatory patriotic and cultural education, as well as forced labour. Reports detail closures and destruction of Uyghur religious sites, including mosques and shrines important to that community’s religious, ethnic, and cultural identity. There are also reports of mass arbitrary forced separation of children from their parents by authorities. There are credible reports of forced sterilization, systematic rape and gender-based sexual violence. Throughout the region, Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities also face repressive physical and digital surveillance, which includes severe restrictions on movement, the forced collection of biometric data, and coercive police surveillance. The actions by the Chinese government are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.Canada has acted to address the repression, which is systematic, state-led and ongoing.  Concerns over the human rights situation in the XUAR were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in the XUAR (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020; February 2021). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong.Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.On January 12, the Government of Canada announced that it is adopting a comprehensive approach to addressing human rights abuses in the XUAR. This included measures to address forced labour, via the prohibition of imports into Canada of goods made in whole or part with forced labour and a business integrity declaration for Canadian exporters. Global Affairs Canada will continue to work closely with Canadian firms doing business in or with China to help them understand and mitigate the risks of doing business with entities possibly implicated in forced labour.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.On March 22, 2021, Canada announced sanctions against 4 officials and 1 entity under the Special Economic Measures (People’s Republic of China) Regulations, based on their participation in gross and systematic human rights violations in the XUAR. The Regulations impose a dealings ban on listed persons, which prohibits any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada from undertaking a broad range of financial and business transactions with any of the listed individuals or entities. The individuals listed in the schedule to the regulations are also rendered inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. These measures were taken in coordination with the United States and the United Kingdom, and in solidarity with the European Union. These sanctions underscore Canada’s grave concerns with the ongoing human rights violations occurring in the XUAR, affecting Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities.Canada will continue to call on the People’s Republic of China to fulfill its international human rights obligations and to allow for meaningful, unfettered access to the XUAR so that impartial experts can observe and report on the situation first-hand. Canada will work collaboratively with partners to address the human rights situation in Xinjiang. We have the responsibility to work with others in the international community to ensure that allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity are investigated by an independent international body of legal experts.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 4, 2021e-2824e-2824 (Social affairs and equality)JessicaBrownMatthewGreenHamilton CentreNDPONSeptember 15, 2020, at 3:13 p.m. (EDT)January 13, 2021, at 3:13 p.m. (EDT)April 21, 2021June 4, 2021January 13, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:RCMP planned gross spending for 2019-20 is $5.1 billion with 0.5% forecasted increase for FTEs to support cannabis policing;Up to $274 million was announced for law enforcement regarding cannabis legalization, $113 million of which was budgeted between the RCMP, Canada Border Service Agency, and Public Safety Canada over five years;Canadian governments earned $186 million from excise taxes and general taxes on goods and services directly related to the sale of cannabis within 5.5 months of legalization;Excise tax revenues are estimated at $66 million in fiscal year 2019-20;BIPOC communities face disproportionate discrimination and criminalization for cannabis-related activities;In Toronto, from 2007-2017, 25% of those arrested for simple cannabis possession were Black, despite Toronto’s Black population only being 8.4%, and equivalent usage rates among whites;Indigenous people account for 30% of Canada’s inmates while comprising only 3.8% of the population;Policing, judicial, and correctional systems are failing BIPOC in Canada; andBIPOC communities face disproportionate barriers to entering the legal cannabis industry related to federal/provincial licensing.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada and cannabis industry stakeholders, call upon the Government of Canada to reallocate the total revenues from the cannabis excise tax, and corresponding amount from previously promised law enforcement funding, to develop a department for the equality of Black, Indigenous, and people of colour. This department would oversee and allocate funding for community initiatives including:- harm reduction andeducation programs;- PTSD treatment programs;- community revitalization programs; and- the creation of a business development program with the express mandate of creating and funding opportunities for BIPOC in the regulated cannabis sector.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency PreparednessSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JOËL LIGHTBOUND, M.P.The Government of Canada is committed to fostering a robust and equitable legal cannabis market and to taking steps to address the systemic discrimination and disproportionate representation of Indigenous peoples, as well as Black Canadians and members of marginalized communities as offenders and victims in the criminal justice system. Canada’s cannabis taxation framework includes Coordinated Cannabis Taxation Agreements (CCTAs) between the federal government and its provincial/territorial counterparts. The CCTAs include a commitment from the federal government to keep only 25% of cannabis taxation revenues, with the remaining 75% apportioned to provinces and territories.Our government delivered on our promise to work towards removing the stigma of a criminal record for people who have shown themselves to be law-abiding citizens. We know that a criminal record for the simple possession of cannabis created barriers to accessing employment, housing and education. That is why we passed legislation in the last Parliament to waive pardon wait times and application fees for those convicted of simple possession of cannabis. Cannabis enforcement and policing reformsCombatting organized crime has been a longstanding priority for Canada’s national police force, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The RCMP contributes to the implementation of the Cannabis Act by working collaboratively with law enforcement agencies across the country and internationally and focusing its resources and activities against the most significant criminal threats and risks facing Canadians.The Government of Canada remains firm that there is no place for racism or bias of any kind within police services in Canada. Among other commitments in the Speech from the Throne, the government committed to moving forward on enhanced civilian oversight of our law enforcement agencies, including the RCMP, modernizing training for police and law enforcement, and moving forward on RCMP reforms, with a shift toward community-led policing.The Government of Canada is committed to working with provincial, territorial, municipal and Indigenous leaders to respond to real concerns about systemic racism and discrimination in how policing is delivered today. Budget 2021 includes $75 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, and $13.5 million ongoing, to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to take action to combat systemic racism through: reforming recruitment and training processes; the collection, analysis, and reporting of race-based data; more rapidly evaluating the impact of policing activities on certain communities; and improving community engagement and consultation with Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities. Criminal justice reformsThe Government of Canada recognizes that the Black, Indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC) community has been disproportionately overrepresented in the criminal justice system. Existing sentencing policies, including mandatory minimum penalties (MMPs), which have focused on punishment through imprisonment, have disproportionately affected and over incarcerated members of BIPOC community.In February 2021, the Government introduced Bill C-22, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to reform sentencing measures for certain offences, including by repealing some of the mandatory minimum penalties (MMPs) of imprisonment that contribute to higher rates of imprisonment and disproportionately affect Indigenous peoples and Black Canadians. This would include all six offences under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.These legislative measures complement a number of new investments included in the recent Fall Economic Statement and Budget 2021. This includes funding for community organizations and programs that support at-risk youth, provide alternatives to criminal charges where appropriate, and help address inequities faced by Indigenous peoples, Black Canadians and other racialized individuals in the justice system. These investments will notably support Community Justice Centres, Gladue reporting (which take into account the unique historical circumstances of Indigenous offenders in sentencing and decision-making), Impact of Race and Culture Assessments (which take into account the unique conditions of Black Canadians in sentencing and decision making) and Drug Treatment Courts.The Government of Canada also recognizes that the BIPOC community is disproportionately impacted by the serious barriers created by a criminal record. Upon release from prison, a criminal record may prevent a former offender from accessing employment, housing and education programs, thereby limiting reintegration into society. These barriers have long been exacerbated by changes made to the Criminal Records Act (CRA) in 2010 and 2012 by the Conservative government of the day which made it more difficult to obtain a pardon by limiting eligibility criteria and increasing the application fee from $50 to $631.To address this situation, the Government of Canada committed $88.2M over five years in Budget 2021 and $13M ongoing to the Parole Board of Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and Public Safety Canada. This new funding is intended to reduce application fees, create an online application portal, and support community organizations that will help people navigate the pardon application process. This is expected to have a significant impact on the BIPOC community which has consistently been overrepresented in the criminal justice system by improving access to employment, education and housing.The Government of Canada is also working to reduce the overrepresentation of Indigenous offenders in the criminal justice system through a federal-provincial/territorial Aboriginal Working Group. In June 2018, the Working Group was tasked with developing recommendations to form the basis of a Pan-Canadian Strategy to Address the Overrepresentation of Indigenous People in the Criminal Justice System. The Government of Canada is working with its partners to explore some of the key recommendations in relation to crime prevention through Indigenous policing and culturally appropriate programs and services, as well as support for restorative and Indigenous justice approaches, reintegration, and programs to address structural barriers.Through 2017 Budget, Public Safety Canada allocated $10M over five years to implement the Indigenous Community Corrections Initiative (ICCI) which supports Indigenous communities in responding to corrections and community safety issues in a holistic and culturally relevant manner. The objectives of the ICCI are to support the development of alternatives to custody and/or reintegration projects for Indigenous offenders.Budget 2021 also includes a number of other funding proposals to address inequities in the criminal justice system, including:
  • $6.7M over five years starting in 2021-22, and $1.4M ongoing, to Justice Canada and Statistics Canada to improve the collection and use of disaggregated data. This is part of ongoing efforts to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples and racialized groups in the justice system.
  • $861 million over five years, beginning in 2021-22, and $145 million ongoing, to support culturally responsive policing and community safety services in Indigenous communities. This includes:
  • $43.7 million over five years, beginning in 2021-22, to co-develop a legislative framework for First Nations policing that recognizes First Nations policing as an essential service.
  • $540.3 million over five years, beginning in 2021-22, and $126.8 million ongoing, to support Indigenous communities currently served under the First Nations Policing Program and expand the program to new Indigenous communities.
  • $64.6 million over five years, beginning in 2021-22, and $18.1 million ongoing, to enhance Indigenous-led crime prevention strategies and community safety services.
  • $103.8 million over five years, beginning in 2021-22, for a new Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Initiative to support Indigenous communities to develop more holistic community-based safety and wellness models.
  • $27.1 million to Justice Canada to help Indigenous families navigate the family justice system and access community-based family mediation services.
  • $24.2 million to Justice Canada to support engagement with Indigenous communities and organizations on the development of legislation and initiatives that address systemic barriers in the criminal justice system, including collaboration on an Indigenous justice strategy.
 The Government of Canada continues to strive to build prosperous, safe, healthy and equitable communities across the country and to ensuring a society free of racism and discrimination for vulnerable communities. 
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellThe Government of Canada is committed to the fight against racism and systemic racial discrimination and recognizes that racism is pervasive and a lived reality for many racialized communities in this country, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC).This Government has put in place a new control framework for cannabis to protect the public health and safety of Canadians, including by keeping it out of the hands of youth and profits out of the hands of criminal entities, such as organized crime.Canada’s cannabis taxation framework includes Coordinated Cannabis Taxation Agreements (CCTAs) between the federal government and its provincial/territorial counterparts. The CCTAs include a commitment from the federal government to keep only 25% of cannabis taxation revenues, with the remaining 75% apportioned to provinces and territories.The Public Accounts for 2020 include federal-only cannabis excise duty revenues under the coordinated cannabis taxation framework of $52.0 million. These revenues were $18.3 million for 2019. Neither of these amounts include the revenues collected and distributed to provincial/territorial partners in the coordinated regime (e.g., the 75% of revenues).All federal revenues, including those from taxation, are deposited in the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF). Funds from the CRF are used for the disbursement of all Government of Canada expenditures, investments, and transfers. The Government of Canada does not in actual practice earmark any of its revenues, including those from taxation, for disbursement towards specific activities or initiatives.While revenues from the Cannabis Excise taxes cannot be reallocated, the Government of Canada is committed to supporting BIPOC communities. In addition to striving to build prosperous, safe, healthy and equitable communities across the country, and to ensuring a society free of racism and discrimination for vulnerable communities, the Government strives to support initiatives, including harm reduction and public education programs, treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), community revitalization programs, and the development of businesses.Harm reduction and prevention efforts, such as public education and awareness initiatives, are a fundamental component of the Government’s public health approach to reducing the harms associated with cannabis, especially for youth. Budget 2018 dedicated a total of $62.5M over 5 years (beginning in 2018-19) to public education and outreach efforts for cannabis through the Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP). Public education and awareness efforts funded under SUAP specifically target vulnerable populations, including youth and young adults, women, seniors, individuals with a family history of living with addiction and mental health issues, and Indigenous communities. Through SUAP’s micro-grants funding program, cannabis public education materials were translated into multiple languages (English, French, Armenian, Gujarati, Korean, and Spanish) with a possible reach of over 9,500 Canadians.Health Canada’s SUAP provides grants and contributions funding to other levels of government, community-led and not-for-profit organizations and, in some cases, individuals, to respond to drug and substance use issues in Canada. This funding supports a wide range of evidence-informed and innovative problematic substance use prevention, harm reduction and treatment initiatives across Canada at the community, regional and national levels. Indigenous governments, organizations and communities have unique needs for culturally appropriate interventions. SUAP funding to Indigenous organizations, including national, regional and community-based groups, supports the development and delivery of approaches that are tailored to the distinct needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, and strengthens the capacity of Indigenous organizations to lead and sustain interventions within their broader health promotion and wellness, prevention, and harm reduction initiatives.SUAP has provided over $19.M in funding to 23 Indigenous-led organizations to support Indigenous-led and culturally appropriate public education and harm reduction projects related to substance use. The following two Indigenous led projects are examples of how harm reduction and education is being supported:
  • SUAP provides $684,483 to The Métis Nation of Ontario for their Cannabis Preparedness Initiative project, which promotes positive behaviours in relation to cannabis use among Métis communities, families and individuals. The project reaches 33 health delivery sites across Ontario offering cannabis prevention, education and awareness through education workshops and culturally specific resource materials.
  • SUAP also provides $978,493 to First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba (Nanaandawegimig) for their Toward a First Nation Strategy For Action on the Legalization and Regulation of Cannabis in Manitoba project, which is developing community-driven, culturally and linguistically appropriate resources on cannabis that integrate evidence-informed Western scientific information with local Indigenous understandings. Resources will be distributed to 63 First Nation communities in Manitoba.
The Government of Canada also remains committed to supporting BIPOC communities through mental health resources and PTSD treatment programs and to working with stakeholders, provinces and territories to set national standards for access to mental health services.Budget 2021 directly supports PTSD treatment programs by proposing an investment of $50 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, to support a trauma and PTSD stream of mental health programming for populations at high risk of experiencing COVID-19 trauma (including those exposed to various trauma brought about by COVID-19).Additionally, Budget 2021 continues to fund Wellness Together Canada, a free and confidential online mental health resource aimed at improving access to mental health resources. To date, the Government of Canada has invested $68 million in the service, with an additional $62 million through Budget 2021. Launched in April 2020, Wellness Together Canada provides 24/7 support to individuals across Canada in both official languages, ranging from self-assessment, self-guided programming, and peer support, to confidential sessions with social workers, psychologists and other professionals. Simultaneous interpretation in 200 languages and dialects for phone counselling sessions is available, and the portal supports populations with barriers to care, including those in isolation or remote areas, facing stigma or financial difficulties, and official language minority communities.Other funding that the Government of Canada has committed to support BIPOC communities and mental health include:
  • $100 million over three years, starting in 2021-22, to support projects for innovative mental health interventions for populations disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, including health care workers, front-line workers, youth, seniors, Indigenous people, and racialized and Black Canadians;
  • $45 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, to help develop national mental health service standards in collaboration with provinces and territories, health organizations, and key stakeholders, so that Canadians can access timely care, treatment, and support;
  • $500 million through the Safe Restart Agreement in July 2020, to provinces and territories for immediate mental health and substance use service needs, including strengthening the service infrastructure (workforce, targeted programs) to manage post-pandemic demands that have been exacerbated due to the pandemic by providing wrap-around care, harm reduction and evidence-based treatment services and programs; and,
  • $10 million for the Promoting Health Equity: Mental Health of Black Canadians Initiative, to support community-based projects across Canada.
These initiatives, taken collectively, provide a comprehensive response to mental health concerns, lay the groundwork for longer-term improvements to the health system, and increase access to mental health resources and supports so that Canadians can get the help they need, when they need it.In addition to increased supports for mental health, the Government of Canada is committed to supporting community revitalization, especially now, as communities strive to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, through Budget 2021, the Government of Canada has announced a $500 million investment over two fiscal years (2021-22 to 2022-23) through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund. This Fund will provide support to adapt and improve community infrastructure, enhancing community vitality and social and economic cohesion and helping to bring Canadians back to these shared spaces. Through this Fund, the Government of Canada’s six Regional Development Agencies will address the asymmetrical impacts of COVID-19 across all of Canada’s regions, targeting support to both rural/remote/smaller communities and urban communities. The Fund will engage with underrepresented groups such that the breadth and depth of voices that make up the communities are included and support the building of strong and inclusive communities.Support for BIPOC communities extends as well through the Government of Canada’s commitment to creating and funding economic opportunities.Budget 2021 proposes additional initiatives that encourage business development opportunities in BIPOC communities, including initiatives for Black Canadians, which include:
  • $200M in 2021-22 to Employment and Social Development Canada to establish a Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund that would create a sustainable source of funding, including for Black youth and social purpose organizations, and help combat anti-Black racism and improve social and economic outcomes in Black communities; and,
  • $100M in 2021-22 to the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative at Employment and Social Development Canada.
Economic development funding for a range of sectors is also available for Indigenous communities and businesses through various federal programs. First Nation and Inuit communities interested in licensed cannabis production or retail can apply to the Community Opportunities Readiness Program at Indigenous Services Canada. The program provides project-based funding for various activities to support communities to pursue economic opportunities.The Government of Canada is committed to a renewed, nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous peoples, based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership. Throughout the process of legalizing and regulating cannabis, Health Canada has been working closely with Indigenous leaders, organizations and communities across the country to help ensure that the specific interests of Indigenous peoples, as they relate to cannabis, are carefully considered. The Department continues to work with interested Indigenous communities and organizations to advance shared objectives such as protecting public health and public safety, supporting Indigenous communities and citizens in meeting their diverse objectives, and working toward mutually beneficial arrangements.The Government of Canada has publicly committed to creating a diverse market of large and small cultivators and processors in the cannabis market, and reducing barriers to participation. It has taken action by, for example, creating micro licences and additional supports, such as the Indigenous Navigator Service that supports self-identified Indigenous affiliated applicants who are interested in obtaining a federal licence to cultivate or process cannabis under the Cannabis Act. Through the service a licensing professional, dedicated to working with Indigenous applicants, can help and guide these applicants through the licensing application process, which may reduce the time it takes to review the application or the need to hire third party consultants.As of April 30, 2021, there are 32 Indigenous-owned or affiliated businesses which have received a federal licence to cultivate or process cannabis, four of which are located on reserve. Another 37 Indigenous-affiliated businesses hold licences to cultivate industrial hemp. To date, there are 63 self-identified Indigenous-affiliated applicants, including 14 located on reserve, currently at different stages of the federal licensing process. Their applications cover a range of activities, including standard cultivation and/or standard processing, micro cultivation and/or micro processing, nursery, and medical sales without possession.Additionally, distribution and retail systems, which vary across provinces and territories, can also provide business opportunities in the legal cannabis industry. Some provinces, such as British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec have included provisions in their cannabis legislation that enable the negotiation of agreements with Indigenous communities with respect to retail sales. Several jurisdictions have authorized Indigenous owned businesses to sell cannabis, and have authorized retail stores in First Nation communities. It is recommended to contact respective provincial and territorial regulatory bodies for more information on authorized retails stores in their jurisdiction.
Equal opportunitiesProgramsVisible minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 4, 2021e-3181e-3181 (Health)AngellaMacEwenDanielBlaikieElmwood—TransconaNDPMBFebruary 24, 2021, at 11:20 a.m. (EDT)March 26, 2021, at 11:20 a.m. (EDT)April 21, 2021June 4, 2021March 30, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:India and South Africa have brought a motion forward at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to temporarily waive certain parts of the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement around COVID-19 medical technologies;If the member countries of the WTO approve this temporary waiver, it would help ensure production of sufficient quantities of affordable COVID-19 diagnostics, treatments and vaccines, which would increase the global supply of these goods, benefiting the global pandemic effort;Without the waiver, low- and middle-income countries don't have the ability to manufacture vaccines, and any countries will have to rely on pharmaceutical companies and wealthy countries for charity, or go without access to lifesaving medicines and technology;Pharmaceutical companies have received unprecedented taxpayer funding to help develop COVID-19 vaccines; andMany countries are now facing new and more contagious variants of COVID-19, making the global deployment of vaccines even more urgent.We, the undersigned, people of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to support the proposal from India and South Africa for a waiver from certain provisions of the TRIPS Agreement for the prevention, containment and treatment of COVID-19 at the WTO TRIPS Council without delay.
Response by the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International TradeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rachel BendayanThe Government of Canada continues to actively work with all international partners to reach a rapid and just end to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our government recognizes the integral role that industry has played in innovating to develop and deliver life-saving COVID-19 vaccines, and firmly believes in the importance of protecting intellectual property (IP). Canada remains committed to finding solutions and reaching an agreement that accelerates global vaccine production and does not negatively impact public health, including being ready to discuss proposals on a waiver for IP protection, in particular for COVID-19 vaccines, under the World Trade Organisation’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). Canada will continue working closely with all WTO Members, including engaging on new proposals from any Member or group, in seeking a consensus-based outcome to address any IP challenges created by COVID-19. Since the introduction of the IP waiver proposal, Canada has actively worked with partners to identify barriers to vaccine access—many of which are unrelated to IP, such as supply chain constraints. For instance, Canada is actively engaged in the work of the Trade and Health Initiative at the WTO, which aims to strengthen global supply chains and support the delivery of essential medicines and medical supplies, including vaccines, around the world. Canada has also encouraged the WTO Director General’s efforts to enhance the WTO’s role in global dialogue with the pharmaceutical sector towards accelerating the production and distribution of affordable, safe, effective COVID-19 vaccines and other medical products in coordination with the World Health Organization and other relevant organizations. Canada has always been, and remains, a strong advocate for equitable access to vaccines and medical supplies around the world through our support for the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator and the COVAX Facility. To date, we have announced $1.3 billion to support low- and middle-income countries to access COVID-19 vaccines, tests, and treatments because we understand that the pandemic is not over anywhere, until it is over everywhere. The Government of Canada continues to support a robust, multifaceted, and global effort to address the pandemic, one that draws upon all of the necessary resources and tools available in the international rules-based trading framework, as well as new mechanisms for global cooperation on the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines and other medical products. As equitable, timely and affordable access to testing, treatments, and vaccines will be critical for controlling and ending this pandemic, Canada remains committed to continued engagement with all members of the international community to find solutions to these global challenges.
Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property RightsCOVID-19Intellectual propertyPandemicPharmaceuticals
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 4, 2021432-00849432-00849 (Health)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCApril 21, 2021June 4, 2021February 26, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned Citizens of Canada draw to the attention of the House the following: THAT, WHEREAS today, more is spent on prescription drug costs than doctors, and skyrocketing drug costs threaten the sustainability of our health care system;WHEREAS there are over 3 million uninsured or under-insured Canadians for drug coverage;WHEREAS a patchwork of provincial programs and work based plans means that access to medicine depends on where you live and where you work;WHEREAS by negotiating purchases in bulk and combining administration costs, a single pharmacare program could save billions;WHEREAS drug safety can be undermined because drug companies influence research reports and pay for drug approvals; and WHEREAS Canada is one of the few industrialized countries without a national pharmacare program.THEREFORE, YOUR PETITIONERS call upon the Government of Canada, in cooperation with the provinces and territories, to:
  • Establish a Canada-wide prescription drug program, phasing in drug coverage for all citizens, beginning with catastrophic drug costs;
  • Reduce the costs of prescription drugs for Canadians by implementing a bulk purchasing plan; and
  • Introduce measures to ensure that new drugs are evaluated through evidence-based research to be more effective, before they are prescribed.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellThe Government of Canada is committed to strengthening Canada’s health care system, supporting the health of Canadians, and working together with provinces, territories, and stakeholders to improve access to prescription medications.Prescription drugs are an important part of Canada’s health care system. They can help diagnose, cure, control and prevent disease and improve the well-being of Canadians. When Canadians are in good physical and mental health, they are able to live healthier and happier lives. No Canadian should have to choose between paying for prescription drugs and putting food on the table, yet many are still forced to make this impossible decision. This is why the government remains committed to a national, universal pharmacare program.The Government of Canada is working together with provinces, territories, and stakeholders to build the foundational elements of national universal pharmacare. These foundational steps include establishing a Canadian Drug Agency, a national formulary, and a national strategy for high-cost drugs for rare diseases, as outlined in Budget 2019, the Speech from the Throne and the Fall Economic Statement.The government has established a Canadian Drug Agency Transition Office and is taking steps to develop a national formulary. Health Canada has also initiated public and stakeholder engagement to support the development of a national strategy on high cost drugs for rare diseases, which will help patients and families with rare diseases access the medication they need. The government has allocated up to $1 billion over two years starting in 2022-23 and up to $500 million ongoing in support of this strategy.The Government of Canada has modernized the way patented drug prices are regulated in Canada by amending the Patented Medicines Regulations to provide the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) with the tools and information needed to protect Canadians from excessive patented medicine prices. This was the first substantive update to the regulations since 1987 and it is expected that these amendments, published in Canada Gazette, Part II on August 21, 2019, will save Canadians billions in drug spending over the next 10 years. The federal government is also working with provinces and territories as an active member of the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA). The pCPA combines governments’ collective buying power to negotiate lower prices on brand name drugs for all public plans, and sets the price point for many generic drugs. As of May 6, 2021, the pCPA has completed more than 420 joint brand drug negotiations and achieved price reductions on nearly 67 of the most commonly prescribed drugs and, as of April 1, 2019, the pCPA was estimated to have achieved approximately $2.26 billion in annual cost savings for public drug plans.Under the Food and Drugs Act, Health Canada regulates the safety, efficacy, and quality of therapeutic products, such as drugs and vaccines for use by humans in Canada before and after the products enter the Canadian marketplace. This includes oversight at all stages of a product’s life cycle, from early testing in clinical trials, to the scientific review of submissions, to post-market surveillance of adverse drug reactions and compliance monitoring and enforcement activities.Fees are charged to industry in relation to these regulatory activities. Canada is not alone in this approach; other international counterparts, such as the European Medicines Agency, and the United States Food and Drug Administration, also charge fees for delivering similar regulatory services.Health Canada’s fees support unbiased, rigorous and independent scientific assessments. These fees are paid even if a drug is not approved.Before a therapeutic product is authorized for sale in Canada, the manufacturer must provide evidence of its safety, efficacy and quality, as defined by regulations, including:
  • manufacturing details and controls to ensure consistent quality;
  • pre-clinical data (animal and cell studies) to support safety; and,
  • clinical data to support the proposed indication, including substantial evidence of effectiveness.
Scientists review every drug submission to assess the product’s safety, efficacy and quality in order to determine whether the risks associated with the product are acceptable in light of its potential benefits. If authorized for sale in Canada, procedures for safety monitoring and plans to minimize identified risks outlined by the manufacturer are also reviewed.Health Canada reviewers are scientists and physicians with many years of experience reviewing therapies, and with expertise in different domains including, but not limited to, clinical medicine, toxicology and pharmacology, biochemistry, virology, immunology, microbiology, and other scientific disciplines relevant to the development, testing and manufacture, and quality control of drugs and vaccines. This expertise ensures high standards in the advice given to stakeholders, and in the review of health products before they are prescribed.Health Canada has also developed work-sharing agreements with leading and trusted international regulatory authorities, which helps us leverage international expertise, increase efficiencies in access to safe, effective and high quality medicines, and ensure our review processes are aligned and at the leading edge internationally.Health Canada is also developing ways to better use information from real world experience to assess and monitor drug and device safety and effectiveness. Through regulatory modernization initiatives, we are working with health system partners to optimize the use of information gathered from a variety of sources.Launched in 2018 as part of Health Canada’s Regulatory review of Drugs and Devices initiative, the process for “Aligned reviews between Health Canada and Health Technology Assessment (HTA) agencies” reduces the time between Health Canada approvals and HTA reimbursement recommendations, and contributes to important progress in building a program to provide early parallel scientific advice with HTAs to assist new drug development. These initiatives help to speed up access for patients to drugs.The Government of Canada will continue to take action to improve the affordability, accessibility and appropriate use of prescription drugs through regulatory improvements, enhanced partnerships and better integration of drug review processes.
Health care systemPharmacarePharmaceuticals
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 4, 2021e-3071e-3071 (Economy and finance)BronwenBricePaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCDecember 29, 2020, at 10:28 a.m. (EDT)February 27, 2021, at 10:28 a.m. (EDT)April 21, 2021June 4, 2021March 2, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Our government’s fixation on profit and growth is taking us down a dangerous path leading to a widening gap between rich and poor, spiralling poverty, environmental breakdown and a mental health crisis;GDP growth has been a poor measure of a success. It counts polluting factories and the manufacture of weapons, but tells us nothing about the quality of education our children receive, the availability of well paid and secure jobs or the number of species threatened with extinction. Yet GDP growth is still the government’s main economic goal;A wellbeing economy would prioritise public health and wellbeing indicators, reorienting our economy towards what matters most, and civil society and the public should play a key role in determining what these new health and wellbeing indicators should be;The consensus for the shift to a wellbeing economy is growing. Scientists have called on governments to “shift from pursuing GDP growth and affluence toward sustaining ecosystems and improving wellbeing” to tackle the climate emergency. Business leaders are pressing for an economic reset that recognises human dependence on nature and includes measures of economic performance beyond GDP,  and most citizens agree that the government should prioritise health and wellbeing goals above economic growth;Wellbeing economics has already been adopted by several jurisdictions. New Zealand unveiled the world’s first wellbeing economy budget in 2019 and Amsterdam has adopted a Doughnut economy model to guide the city’s development.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to discontinue GDP measurement and shift to a wellbeing economy.
Response by the Minister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Sean FraserThe Government thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about well-being measurement.  The Government shares the view that traditional measures of economic success, like growth in GDP, need to be complemented with a range of quality of life measures, based on an understanding that not everything that matters can be measured in purely economic or financial terms.  In 2019, the Prime Minister tasked the Minister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance with ‘better incorporating quality of life measurements into government decision-making and budgeting’, drawing on the global examples of countries like New Zealand and Scotland. Subsequently, on April 19, 2021 as part of Budget 2021, the Department of Finance released a draft Quality of Life Framework as part of Annex 4 and, concurrently, a discussion paper entitled Measuring What Matters: Toward a Quality of Life Strategy for Canada. This document lays out the global and domestic context for the Government’s work to identify quality of life measurements, describes the process undertaken to arrive at a draft framework summarizing a set of measures intended for use in government decision-making, and invites the Canadian public to provide feedback.  It can be read online at: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/services/publications/measuring-what-matters-toward-quality-life-strategy-canada.html.Notably, the document addresses many of the issues raised in the petition, including the need for the Government to draw on a broad spectrum of evidence beyond traditional economic measures to inform its decisions as well as the importance of considering distributions of quality of life determinants with a view to closing gaps, and long-term impacts on future quality of life to ensure sustainability and resilience.Petitioners may also be interested in key aspects of Budget 2021, which further advance the Government’s ambitions in its quality of life measurement exercise, including Annex 5, the ‘Budget Impacts Report’, which assesses each Budget 2021 measure in terms of who it is expected to affect most, and how those groups are expected to be affected, using the draft Quality of Life Framework to articulate this.Budget 2021 also makes key investments in federal data, to fill key gaps in the evidence of what matters most to Canadians.  These include:
  • Resources for Statistics Canada to fill key gaps in its quality of life measurement, shedding light on how non-economic, societal and environmental factors are contributing to Canadians’ quality of life;
  • Resources for Statistics Canada to improve the disaggregation of key data sets, including household surveys so as to provide better information on socio-economic outcomes for racialized groups, Indigenous and LGBTQ2 individuals;
  • Resources for Indigenous Services Canada for the development of distinctions-based First Nations, Inuit and Métis data strategies;
  • Resources for Statistics Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada for the development of a ‘Census of the Environment’.
The Government encourages the petitioners to review the aforementioned discussion paper, and to submit their views electronically at fin.qualityoflife-qualitedevie.fin@canada.ca.  The paper can be found at: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/services/publications/measuring-what-matters-toward-quality-life-strategy-canada.html.  Their feedback will help to inform next steps for the Quality of Life Framework.   
Gross domestic productHealth
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 4, 2021e-3132e-3132 (Justice)RysaKronebuschRandallGarrisonEsquimalt—Saanich—SookeNDPBCJanuary 29, 2021, at 1:20 p.m. (EDT)March 30, 2021, at 1:20 p.m. (EDT)April 21, 2021June 4, 2021April 1, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The Supreme Court of Canada (Bedford v. Canada, 2013) found laws that violated sex workers’ Section 7 rights to "security of person" to be unconstitutional;Bill C-36, the Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act, passed in November 2014, denies sex workers of their Section 7 rights to "security of person" in a roundabout way by criminalizing the purchase of sexual services for the first time in Canadian history;Bill C-36 puts our most marginalized members of society at risk of being beaten, raped and killed because criminalization hinders their ability to seek assistance from law enforcement and puts barriers to accessing health, safety and other benefits available to workers;Bill C-36 hinders workers' rights to negotiate the terms of employment;Amnesty International has called for decriminalization of consensual sex work, including laws that prohibit associated activities, based on evidence that these laws make sex workers less safe and provide impunity for abusers because sex workers are often too scared of being penalized to report crime to police; andAmnesty International has stated that laws on sex work should focus on protecting people from exploitation and abuse, rather than trying to ban all sex work and penalize sex workersWe, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to repeal Bill C-36 to ensure all Canadians, regardless of their chosen profession, are not denied their constitutional right to security of person.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiIn 2014, former Bill C-36, the Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act, enacted a version of the “Nordic Model”, first implemented in Sweden in 1999, and then subsequently in other countries, including Norway, France and Ireland. The Government is very concerned about the safety of all the persons engaged in the sex trade and is committed to taking into account the interests of all impacted groups. Former Bill C-36 requires that a comprehensive Parliamentary review of its provisions be undertaken within five years of its enactment. Parliament is responsible for starting this review, which will provide an appropriate forum for Parliamentarians to examine the full range of effects that this legislation has had since its coming into force.
Bedford v. CanadaCivil and human rightsProstitution and prostitutesProtection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 4, 2021432-00846432-00846 (Justice)TedFalkProvencherConservativeMBApril 21, 2021June 4, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 4, 2021432-00845432-00845 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 21, 2021June 4, 2021March 8, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 4, 2021432-00844432-00844 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 21, 2021June 4, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 4, 2021432-00843432-00843 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 21, 2021June 4, 2021June 8, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 4, 2021432-00842432-00842 (Foreign affairs)NellyShinPort Moody—CoquitlamConservativeBCApril 21, 2021June 4, 2021April 21, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law), sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption;
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of "Truth, Compassion and Tolerance," including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, Qiang Wei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang.We also call upon the Government of Canada to refuse immigration/visitor visa to those who persecuted Falun Gong practitioners in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoAs part of the immigration application process, all visa applications are carefully assessed for eligibility and admissibility under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. For example, a foreign national may be inadmissible to Canada if they have engaged in criminality or human or international rights violations (including being subject to sanctions), or are a family member of an inadmissible person.In 2017, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law) came into force. It added two new inadmissibility provisions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act concerning sanctioned government officials or individuals acting on behalf of a foreign state who are responsible for corruption, extrajudicial killings, torture or other gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. A foreign national listed in an order or regulation made by the Governor in Council under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act would be inadmissible.If an applicant is determined to be inadmissible on any ground, they may be refused a visa, electronic travel authorization or entry to Canada. Inadmissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by Immigration Officers and are based on evidence, which may consist of police or intelligence reports, statutory declarations or other documents—such as media articles, scholarly journals or publicly-available information.In addition, if a foreign national who is at the border, or is in Canada, is found to be inadmissible, they may be denied entry or ordered to leave Canada. The Canada Border Services Agency is responsible for immigration enforcement at the border and in Canada.For privacy reasons, individual cases cannot be discussed.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 4, 2021432-00841432-00841 (Foreign affairs)NellyShinPort Moody—CoquitlamConservativeBCApril 21, 2021June 4, 2021April 21, 2021Petition to the Government of Canada WHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law) sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption;
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party corrupt officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of "Truth, Compassion and Tolerance," including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, Qiang Wei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 4, 2021e-2559e-2559 (Foreign affairs)ConitaChanStephanieKusieCalgary MidnaporeConservativeABJune 10, 2020, at 9:06 a.m. (EDT)October 8, 2020, at 9:06 a.m. (EDT)April 21, 2021June 4, 2021October 8, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Canadian citizens are deeply concerned about how our government deals with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and lacks of concrete actions to safeguard Canada’s sovereignty, national interests, and core values from infiltration and interference of the totalitarian CCP.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Apply our Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law) to sanction Chinese and Hong Kong officials who are responsible for or complicit in gross human rights violations against Chinese civilians and Canadians, especially the atrocities in Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the unimaginable horror of organ harvesting;2. Ban Huawei from our 5G networks;3. Close down all Confucius Institutes; and4. Bring in an Australian style Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Act.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob Oliphant1.  Canada is judicious in its approach regarding when to deploy sanctions, or draws on other courses of action in its diplomatic toolkit, based on foreign policy priorities. Canada continues to work with international partners to ensure that human rights are respected around the world. The Government of Canada tailors its responses to the specifics of each unique situation and, wherever possible, coordinates closely with like-minded allies to maximize the effectiveness of sanctions.On March 22, 2021, Canada announced sanctions against 4 officials and 1 entity under the Special Economic Measures (People’s Republic of China) Regulations, based on their participation in gross and systematic human rights violations in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR). The Regulations impose a dealings ban on listed persons, which prohibits any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada from undertaking a broad range of financial and business transactions with any of the listed individuals or entities. The individuals listed in the schedule to the regulations are also rendered inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. These measures were taken in coordination with the United States and the United Kingdom, and in solidarity with the European Union. These sanctions underscore Canada’s grave concerns with the ongoing human rights violations occurring in the XUAR, affecting Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities.Canada will continue to call on the People’s Republic of China to fulfill its international human rights obligations and to allow for meaningful, unfettered access to the XUAR so that impartial experts can investigate the situation first-hand. Canada will continue to work collaboratively with partners to address the human rights situation in Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Tibet, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.2.  The government is carefully examining the security challenges and potential threats involved in 5G technology, while recognizing the transformative importance of 5G advancements for continued economic development and prosperity. Canada’s examination considers a number of implications ranging from foreign policy coherence to technical, security, economic and legal implications of 5G.Canada views this issue as an important element within the context of our key relationships, in particular the United States. Ensuring Canada’s telecommunications system is secure from exploitation from malicious actors is key to protecting our shared critical infrastructure and advancing our shared economic interests.Canada takes the security of its telecommunications system very seriously. Since 2013, the Canadian security review program, led by CSE, has worked to mitigate the cybersecurity risks that stem from designated equipment and services. While the government cannot commit on specific companies, work will continue in collaboration with telecommunications service providers and equipment vendors to mitigate cyber security risks in current and future networks as 5G technology is adopted by Canadians.Canada is working with our Five Eyes partners, other close allies and with national security experts to ensure that we take a decision on 5G which ensures our interests are protected and that Canada’s telecommunications system is safe from hostile actors over the long term.3.  The Government of Canada regularly engages with educational institutions and provincial authorities to raise awareness of any potential threats arising from the activities of foreign states on Canadian soil. To support researchers, research institutions and government funders in undertaking consistent, risk-targeted due diligence of potential risks to research security, the Government of Canada has asked the members of the Government of Canada - Universities Working Group to develop specific risk guidelines to integrate national security considerations into the evaluation and funding of research partnerships. These guidelines will be provided for consideration by June 25, 2021. Confucius Institutes in Canada operate in partnership with Canadian educational institutions. Should Canadians have concerns about their operations, the Government of Canada encourages them to engage with the relevant institution and/or provincial authority.4.  The Government of Canada does not tolerate harmful activities such as foreign interference and applies a whole-of-government approach to safeguarding our communities, democratic institutions, and economic prosperity. The Government of Canada is always looking to learn from the experiences of our international partners to see what may be advisable or possible in Canada. In December 2020, the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness publicly outlined the threats related to foreign interference, and the critical work of the security and intelligence community in a letter addressed to all Members of Parliament. The Government of Canada is always evaluating the tools and authorities required by our security agencies to keep Canadians safe, while respecting their fundamental rights.Canada has been leading the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism aimed at identifying and responding to foreign threats to democracy since it was agreed at the 2018 Charlevoix Summit. Since its establishment, the mechanism has focussed on countering foreign state sponsored disinformation, in recognition of the critical threat this issue poses to the rules-based international order and democratic governance. The mechanism’s coordination unit, located at Global Affairs Canada, also supports whole of government efforts aimed at safeguarding the Canadian federal elections, as a member of the Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections (SITE) Task Force, along with the Communications Security Establishment, the Canadian Security Intelligence Services and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.There has been an increase in Foreign Interference (FI) investigations at the RCMP over the last few years, which could be attributed to several factors including increased reporting by victims, greater awareness by local police and media attention. It is predominantly the RCMP’s Federal Policing National Security program that looks to identify common activities that could be attributed to FI including intimidation, harassment and threats. This work requires collaboration with police of local jurisdiction and other local partners, as these types of criminality are almost always brought to their attention first. Should there be criminal or illegal activities occurring in Canada that are found to be backed by a foreign state, the Federal Policing National Security program will take the lead in these types of investigations, given the complexity and the classification of information that form their basis. As such, the RCMP can only confirm that it is monitoring and actively investigating threats of FI in Canada.The Government of Canada’s security and intelligence community is combatting foreign interference threats within their respective mandates. The Government of Canada continues to look for new and innovative ways to enhance the measures in place to address foreign interference. 
ChinaForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 3, 2021432-00839432-00839 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 20, 2021June 3, 2021March 8, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 3, 2021432-00838432-00838 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 20, 2021June 3, 2021March 8, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 3, 2021432-00837432-00837 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 20, 2021June 3, 2021June 8, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 3, 2021432-00836432-00836 (Foreign affairs)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservativeONApril 20, 2021June 3, 2021September 11, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the human rights violations by Chinese authorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities face torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, obligatory patriotic and cultural education, as well as forced labour. Reports detail closures and destruction of Uyghur religious sites, including mosques and shrines important to that community’s religious, ethnic, and cultural identity. There are also reports of mass arbitrary forced separation of children from their parents by authorities. There are credible reports of forced sterilization, systematic rape and gender-based sexual violence. Throughout the region, Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities also face repressive physical and digital surveillance, which includes severe restrictions on movement, the forced collection of biometric data, and coercive police surveillance. The actions by the Chinese government are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.Canada has acted to address the repression, which is systematic, state-led and ongoing.  Concerns over the human rights situation in the XUAR were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in the XUAR (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020; February 2021). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong.Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.On January 12, the Government of Canada announced that it is adopting a comprehensive approach to addressing human rights abuses in the XUAR. This included measures to address forced labour, via the prohibition of imports into Canada of goods made in whole or part with forced labour and a business integrity declaration for Canadian exporters. Global Affairs Canada will continue to work closely with Canadian firms doing business in or with China to help them understand and mitigate the risks of doing business with entities possibly implicated in forced labour.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.On March 22, 2021, Canada announced sanctions against 4 officials and 1 entity under the Special Economic Measures (People’s Republic of China) Regulations, based on their participation in gross and systematic human rights violations in the XUAR. The Regulations impose a dealings ban on listed persons, which prohibits any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada from undertaking a broad range of financial and business transactions with any of the listed individuals or entities. The individuals listed in the schedule to the regulations are also rendered inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. These measures were taken in coordination with the United States and the United Kingdom, and in solidarity with the European Union. These sanctions underscore Canada’s grave concerns with the ongoing human rights violations occurring in the XUAR, affecting Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities.Canada will continue to call on the People’s Republic of China to fulfill its international human rights obligations and to allow for meaningful, unfettered access to the XUAR so that impartial experts can observe and report on the situation first-hand. Canada will work collaboratively with partners to address the human rights situation in Xinjiang. We have the responsibility to work with others in the international community to ensure that allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity are investigated by an independent international body of legal experts.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 3, 2021432-00835432-00835 (Foreign affairs)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKApril 20, 2021June 3, 2021September 16, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the human rights violations by Chinese authorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities face torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, obligatory patriotic and cultural education, as well as forced labour. Reports detail closures and destruction of Uyghur religious sites, including mosques and shrines important to that community’s religious, ethnic, and cultural identity. There are also reports of mass arbitrary forced separation of children from their parents by authorities. There are credible reports of forced sterilization, systematic rape and gender-based sexual violence. Throughout the region, Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities also face repressive physical and digital surveillance, which includes severe restrictions on movement, the forced collection of biometric data, and coercive police surveillance. The actions by the Chinese government are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.Canada has acted to address the repression, which is systematic, state-led and ongoing.  Concerns over the human rights situation in the XUAR were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in the XUAR (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020; February 2021). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong.Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.On January 12, the Government of Canada announced that it is adopting a comprehensive approach to addressing human rights abuses in the XUAR. This included measures to address forced labour, via the prohibition of imports into Canada of goods made in whole or part with forced labour and a business integrity declaration for Canadian exporters. Global Affairs Canada will continue to work closely with Canadian firms doing business in or with China to help them understand and mitigate the risks of doing business with entities possibly implicated in forced labour.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.On March 22, 2021, Canada announced sanctions against 4 officials and 1 entity under the Special Economic Measures (People’s Republic of China) Regulations, based on their participation in gross and systematic human rights violations in the XUAR. The Regulations impose a dealings ban on listed persons, which prohibits any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada from undertaking a broad range of financial and business transactions with any of the listed individuals or entities. The individuals listed in the schedule to the regulations are also rendered inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. These measures were taken in coordination with the United States and the United Kingdom, and in solidarity with the European Union. These sanctions underscore Canada’s grave concerns with the ongoing human rights violations occurring in the XUAR, affecting Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities.Canada will continue to call on the People’s Republic of China to fulfill its international human rights obligations and to allow for meaningful, unfettered access to the XUAR so that impartial experts can observe and report on the situation first-hand. Canada will work collaboratively with partners to address the human rights situation in Xinjiang. We have the responsibility to work with others in the international community to ensure that allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity are investigated by an independent international body of legal experts.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 3, 2021432-00834432-00834 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKApril 20, 2021June 3, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 3, 2021432-00833432-00833 (Foreign affairs)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABApril 20, 2021June 3, 2021September 16, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the human rights violations by Chinese authorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities face torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, obligatory patriotic and cultural education, as well as forced labour. Reports detail closures and destruction of Uyghur religious sites, including mosques and shrines important to that community’s religious, ethnic, and cultural identity. There are also reports of mass arbitrary forced separation of children from their parents by authorities. There are credible reports of forced sterilization, systematic rape and gender-based sexual violence. Throughout the region, Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities also face repressive physical and digital surveillance, which includes severe restrictions on movement, the forced collection of biometric data, and coercive police surveillance. The actions by the Chinese government are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.Canada has acted to address the repression, which is systematic, state-led and ongoing.  Concerns over the human rights situation in the XUAR were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in the XUAR (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020; February 2021). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong.Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.On January 12, the Government of Canada announced that it is adopting a comprehensive approach to addressing human rights abuses in the XUAR. This included measures to address forced labour, via the prohibition of imports into Canada of goods made in whole or part with forced labour and a business integrity declaration for Canadian exporters. Global Affairs Canada will continue to work closely with Canadian firms doing business in or with China to help them understand and mitigate the risks of doing business with entities possibly implicated in forced labour.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.On March 22, 2021, Canada announced sanctions against 4 officials and 1 entity under the Special Economic Measures (People’s Republic of China) Regulations, based on their participation in gross and systematic human rights violations in the XUAR. The Regulations impose a dealings ban on listed persons, which prohibits any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada from undertaking a broad range of financial and business transactions with any of the listed individuals or entities. The individuals listed in the schedule to the regulations are also rendered inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. These measures were taken in coordination with the United States and the United Kingdom, and in solidarity with the European Union. These sanctions underscore Canada’s grave concerns with the ongoing human rights violations occurring in the XUAR, affecting Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities.Canada will continue to call on the People’s Republic of China to fulfill its international human rights obligations and to allow for meaningful, unfettered access to the XUAR so that impartial experts can observe and report on the situation first-hand. Canada will work collaboratively with partners to address the human rights situation in Xinjiang. We have the responsibility to work with others in the international community to ensure that allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity are investigated by an independent international body of legal experts.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 3, 2021432-00832432-00832 (Health)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABApril 20, 2021June 3, 2021March 16, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWE, THE UNDERSIGNED RESIDENTS OF CANADA, draw the attention of the House to the following:WHEREAS sexually explicit material — including demeaning material and material depicting sexual violence — can be easily accessed on the Internet by young persons; Whereas a significant proportion of the sexually explicit material accessed online is made available on the Internet for commercial purposes and is not protected by any effective age-verification method; WHEREAS the consumption of sexually explicit material by young persons is associated with a range of serious harms, including the development of pornography addiction, the reinforcement of gender stereotypes and the development of attitudes favourable to harassment and violence — including sexual harassment and sexual violence — particularly against women; WHEREAS Parliament recognizes that the harmful effect of the increasing accessibility of sexually explicit material online for young persons is an important public health and public safety concern; WHEREAS online age-verification technology is increasingly sophisticated and can now effectively ascertain the age of users without breaching their privacy rights; WHEREAS anyone making sexually explicit material available on the Internet for commercial purposes has a responsibility to ensure that it is not accessed by young persons; WHEREAS online age-verification was the primary recommendation made by stakeholders during a 2017 study by the Standing Committee on Health.THEREFORE your petitioners call upon the House of Commons to adopt Bill S-203, Protecting Young Persons from Exposure to Pornography Act.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that children are safe from sexual abuse and exploitation, including when they are online. The Criminal Code of Canada provides a robust framework for protecting children from sexual exploitation, both online and in person. This includes offences such as possessing, making, accessing or distributing child pornography (section 163.1), making sexually explicit material available to a child (section 171.1) and luring a child (section 172.1), in addition to a range of other child-specific sexual offences. Canada’s laws addressing child sexual offending also apply extra-territorially, meaning that prosecutions may occur in Canada for offences allegedly committed by Canadian citizens or permanent residents abroad.An Act respecting the mandatory reporting of Internet child pornography by persons who provide Internet service came into force on December 8, 2011. This Act requires a Canadian provider of Internet services to report child pornography that they find on their servers in the ordinary course of conducting their business to police. As the designated organization under this Act, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P) also receives and processes reports of child pornography and child abuse on the Internet. C3P is a non-governmental organization that operates Cybertip.ca, which forwards child sexual exploitation leads to the appropriate authorities. C3P also provides public education and awareness materials, as well as support and referral services. In addition, C3P operates Project Arachnid, an automated web crawler that detects and processes tens of thousands of images per second and sends take down notices to online service providers to remove child sexual abuse material globally.In 2004, the Government of Canada created the National Strategy for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation on the Internet (National Strategy). The National Strategy focuses on law enforcement, prevention and education, and support for Cybertip.ca, Canada’s national tip-line for reporting online sexual exploitation and abuse. The National Strategy was renewed in 2009, bringing the total investment in fighting CSE online to over $18 million per year for Public Safety Canada, the RCMP and Justice Canada. In 2019, the Government of Canada announced an additional $22.24 million over three years to combat this crime. Public Safety Canada is the lead department on the National Strategy.Senate Public Bill S-203, An Act to restrict young persons’ online access to sexually explicit material, proposes measures to restrict access to sexually explicit material online, including through a new offence and new powers to compel Internet Service Providers to take steps to prevent the sharing of sexually explicit material to a young person. This bill will be debated in accordance with the rules that govern Senate Public Bills.
InternetLegal agePornographyYoung people
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 3, 2021432-00831432-00831 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABApril 20, 2021June 3, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 3, 2021432-00830432-00830 (Public safety)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABApril 20, 2021June 3, 2021November 12, 2020Petition to the Government of Canada We, the undersigned Citizens and Residents of Canada draw the attention of the Government of Canada to the following:
  • That highly damaging noise levels repeatedly reach the ears of firearm users despite the use of traditional hearing protection;
  • That section 7 of our Charter of Rights and Freedoms recognises an individual's right to personal health and safety;
  • That sound moderators are the only universally recognised health and safety device that has a criminal prohibition in Canada;
  • That, as affirmed in Bedford v. Canada at the Supreme Court of Canada, one cannot be prevented from taking reasonable steps to improve personal safety in a hazardous situation;
  • That the majority of G7 nations and many others have recognised the health and safety benefits involved, and allow the legal use of sound moderators by hunters and sport shooters;
  • That sound moderators reduce noise pollution and noise complaints in communities with shooting ranges, in rural and farm communities, and in areas used for recreational activities where hunting and target shooting is legal;
  • That sound moderators facilitate significantly increased humane husbandry of game animals, livestock, and pets as hunting companions;
  • That hearing damage is a significant quality of life and public health issue costing taxpayers millions annually.
THEREFORE, your petitioners call upon the Government of Canada to:
  • Take a stand and empower Canadians to be responsible for their own health and safety by removing the prohibition of sound moderators from the Criminal Code of Canada;
  • Allow the legal acquisition, possession, and use of sound moderators on firearms by all licensed firearms users in Canada;
  • Call upon the provinces and territories to amend provincial and territorial prohibitions and allow the use of sound moderators while engaged in all legal hunting and sport shooting activities.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government believes in implementing effective measures with respect to firearms that prioritize public safety, while remaining mindful of the impact of such measures on firearms owners and businesses.Any device or contrivance designed or intended to muffle or stop the sound or report of a firearm has been unlawful in Canada since the early 1900s. These items are prescribed as prohibited devices in the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted. Sound reduction or elimination diminishes the public’s ability to react to gun shots and makes it difficult for law enforcement to become aware of a possible criminal incident.                              Firearms owners can make use of other forms of hearing protection that are commonly available and that do not adversely impact public safety.
Gun controlHearing health
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 3, 2021432-00829432-00829 (Health)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABApril 20, 2021June 3, 2021January 28, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: That, all human life should be regarded with great respect, from conception to natural death.Therefore we, the undersigned request the Canadian Parliament and Government to: Support measures which protect human life.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government supports women’s right to choose. In its 1988 Morgentaler decision, which struck down section 287 of the Criminal Code, the Supreme Court of Canada held that forcing a woman, by threat of criminal sanction, to carry a fetus to term was a profound interference with her right to life, liberty and security of the person (section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms). This Government is committed to upholding all the rights enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, including section 7.All women in Canada have the right to safe and consistent access to reproductive health services and our government will always support that. We hope that all political parties will stand up for the rights of women and girls here at home and around the world, including their reproductive rights.
Health care system
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 3, 2021432-00828432-00828 (Foreign affairs)GérardDeltellLouis-Saint-LaurentConservativeQCApril 20, 2021June 3, 2021September 11, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the human rights violations by Chinese authorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities face torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, obligatory patriotic and cultural education, as well as forced labour. Reports detail closures and destruction of Uyghur religious sites, including mosques and shrines important to that community’s religious, ethnic, and cultural identity. There are also reports of mass arbitrary forced separation of children from their parents by authorities. There are credible reports of forced sterilization, systematic rape and gender-based sexual violence. Throughout the region, Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities also face repressive physical and digital surveillance, which includes severe restrictions on movement, the forced collection of biometric data, and coercive police surveillance. The actions by the Chinese government are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.Canada has acted to address the repression, which is systematic, state-led and ongoing.  Concerns over the human rights situation in the XUAR were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in the XUAR (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020; February 2021). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong.Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.On January 12, the Government of Canada announced that it is adopting a comprehensive approach to addressing human rights abuses in the XUAR. This included measures to address forced labour, via the prohibition of imports into Canada of goods made in whole or part with forced labour and a business integrity declaration for Canadian exporters. Global Affairs Canada will continue to work closely with Canadian firms doing business in or with China to help them understand and mitigate the risks of doing business with entities possibly implicated in forced labour.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.On March 22, 2021, Canada announced sanctions against 4 officials and 1 entity under the Special Economic Measures (People’s Republic of China) Regulations, based on their participation in gross and systematic human rights violations in the XUAR. The Regulations impose a dealings ban on listed persons, which prohibits any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada from undertaking a broad range of financial and business transactions with any of the listed individuals or entities. The individuals listed in the schedule to the regulations are also rendered inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. These measures were taken in coordination with the United States and the United Kingdom, and in solidarity with the European Union. These sanctions underscore Canada’s grave concerns with the ongoing human rights violations occurring in the XUAR, affecting Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities.Canada will continue to call on the People’s Republic of China to fulfill its international human rights obligations and to allow for meaningful, unfettered access to the XUAR so that impartial experts can observe and report on the situation first-hand. Canada will work collaboratively with partners to address the human rights situation in Xinjiang. We have the responsibility to work with others in the international community to ensure that allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity are investigated by an independent international body of legal experts.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament229Not certifiedJune 2, 2021e-3111e-3111 (Employment and labour)VéroniqueMartineauDanielBlaikieElmwood—TransconaNDPMBFebruary 1, 2021, at 5:24 p.m. (EDT)June 1, 2021, at 5:24 p.m. (EDT)June 2, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:In 2015, the government signalled its intention to “[undertake] a broad review of the EI system with the goal of modernizing [the] system of income support for unemployed workers, [as the current system] leaves too many workers with no unemployment insurance safety net”;The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the limitations of the current EI system, which barely provides any protection when unemployment strikes, forcing the federal government to put in place temporary emergency measures to ensure the financial security of millions of unemployed workers who would otherwise fall through the cracks; andThe pandemic has also highlighted the need for major — and especially permanent — changes to the EI system.We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1) Put in place, as soon as possible, a broad consultation process with the goal of fundamentally reforming the system to make it simpler and fairer;2) Establish a single eligibility threshold of 350 hours or 13 weeks of work;3) Increase the benefit rate to 70% of earnings based on the 12 best weeks of earnings;4) Introduce a minimum threshold of 35 weeks of benefits; and5) Immediately bring in certain improvements, including the return of an independent tripartite tribunal and access to regular EI benefits for women who have been absent from work for pregnancy, maternity and parental responsibilities.Application processEmployment insuranceWomen43rd Parliament229Not certifiedJune 2, 2021e-3141e-3141 (Government services and administration)RichardDacostaDeanAllisonNiagara WestConservativeONFebruary 2, 2021, at 11:15 a.m. (EDT)June 2, 2021, at 11:15 a.m. (EDT)June 2, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="6" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Prime Minister</Addressee>Whereas:Canada is in imminent need of a Governor General; andSuch person should embody values at the core of Canadian democracy through their public service and demonstrated ability to live and guide others in developing and practising those values.We, the undersigned, all citizens of Canada, caring that we bequeath a better nation to our succeeding generations, and respectfully, call upon the Prime Minister to appoint Justice Murray Sinclair to the Viceregal position of Governor General of Canada, forthwith.Governor GeneralPolitical appointmentsSinclair, Murray43rd Parliament229Not certifiedJune 2, 2021e-3139e-3139 (Public safety)RobertPoirierDanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservativeMBFebruary 2, 2021, at 4:25 p.m. (EDT)June 2, 2021, at 4:25 p.m. (EDT)June 2, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Many rural Canadians, particularly in Manitoba, are concerned with the threat to public safety associated with night hunting;There continues to be ambiguity and an ongoing discussion regarding the rights associated with hunting past dusk; andThe specific issue of night hunting raises considerable concern regarding safety, due to the large populations, including but not limited to farmers, ranchers, workers, and persons participating in outdoor activities and leisure in southern latitudes.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to encourage the Government of Manitoba to implement a complete prohibition on night hunting south of the 53rd parallel in Manitoba due to the clear threat to public safety.Hunting and sport fishingManitoba43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021e-3161e-3161 (Justice)SukhwinderDhillonCathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKFebruary 9, 2021, at 9:12 a.m. (EDT)April 10, 2021, at 9:12 a.m. (EDT)April 16, 2021May 31, 2021April 12, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons in Parliament assembled</Addressee>Whereas:Sex-selective abortion is legal, as Canada has no legal restrictions on abortion;Sex-selective abortion is antithetical to our commitment to equality between men and women;A 2019 DART & Maru/Blue poll, conducted for the National Post, showed that 84% of Canadians believe it should be illegal to have an abortion if the family does not want the child to be a certain sex;International organizations including the World Health Organization, United Nations Women, and United Nations Children’s Fund have identified unequal sex ratios at birth as a growing problem internationally; andCanada’s health care profession recognizes sex selection as a problem.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to pass a Criminal Code prohibition of sex-selective abortion.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government of Canada condemns all practices that are motivated by discriminatory views of women and girls, including sex selective practices.In Canada, the administration and funding of health care services is a provincial responsibility that falls under the purview of the provincial governments. As is the case for other medical procedures, the delivery of abortion services is determined by the policies of the provincial governments and the standards set by the medical profession itself.
AbortionSexual discrimination
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021432-00826432-00826 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKApril 16, 2021May 31, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021432-00825432-00825 (Justice)TamaraJansenCloverdale—Langley CityConservativeBCApril 16, 2021May 31, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021432-00824432-00824 (Natural resources and energy)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCApril 16, 2021May 31, 2021February 3, 2020PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWe, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:THAT, WHEREAS the Trudeau administration has announced it will spend $4.5 billion of public funds on acquiring the existing Trans Mountain pipeline from Kinder Morgan;WHEREAS this $4.5 billion is not inclusive of construction costs for the expansion, projected to increase the cost of the deal to over $11 billion; WHEREAS the pipeline was valued at $550 million by Kinder Morgan in 2007; WHEREAS the expansion still has to pass the National Energy Board's 157 conditions and over a dozen court challenges before it can be built; WHEREAS during the election, Trudeau promised to overhaul the Harper administration's deeply flawed pipeline approval process, respect Indigenous rights, and end fossil fuel subsidies; WHEREAS a diluted bitumen spill would devastate local ecosystems and economies on the West Coast, or any area surrounding the 800 bodies of water its path crosses; WHEREAS there is no proven way to clean up a diluted bitumen spill in a marine environment; WHEREAS shipping out unprocessed diluted bitumen to refineries in other countries ships out Canadian jobs; and WHEREAS the Trans Mountain expansion will; lock in oil-sands production growth that cannot be reconciled with Canada's greenhouse gas emissions reduction commitments, increase the risk of a diluted bitumen spill, violate the rights of Indigenous communities along the pipeline route, threaten Indigenous communities reliant on the marine environment for their livelihood and cultural practices THEREFORE, we, the undersigned, RESIDENTS OF CANADA, call upon the GOVERNMENT OF CANADA to immediately halt any plans to purchase the Trans Mountain pipeline or otherwise support its expansion.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about Canada’s purchase of the Trans Mountain Corporation (TMC) as well as views on TMC’s Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP).On June 18, 2019, the Government of Canada approved TMEP by directing the Canada Energy Regulator to issue a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity and Environmental Assessment Decision Statement related to TMEP.The environment and the economy go hand-in-hand. When we create prosperity today, we can invest in the clean jobs, technologies, and infrastructure of the future — and help Canadians benefit from opportunities presented by a rapidly changing economy.The key to creating prosperity is finding new markets for our businesses to sell their products and services. Nowhere is the need to diversify greater than for our energy sector, where 99 per cent of our conventional resources are sold to one market — and often at large discounts. Canadians understand that we need to open up new international markets, in order to get a full and fair price, support workers and their families, and foster competitiveness. The Government’s approval of TMEP was based on the confidence that:
  • strong environmental protections have been and continue to be put in place, and that the effects of TMEP can be mitigated through conditions and recommendations outlined by the National Energy Board, as well as measures including the historic $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan and the national climate plan.
  • consultations with Indigenous peoples involved meaningful, two-way dialogue, which fulfilled the legal duty to consult and helped identify new accommodation measures and conditions to appropriately address potential impacts on Indigenous rights and concerns expressed by Indigenous communities.
On February 7, 2020, TMC announced that its Board of Directors had approved a total cost estimate of $12.6 billion to bring TMEP into service by the end of 2022. The Government is confident that the TMEP will generate a positive return for Canadians.TMEP as it stands today is very different from the project that Kinder Morgan proposed in 2017. It has been designed to a higher standard for environmental protection, undergone rigorous consultation with Indigenous groups and will support union jobs in B.C. and Alberta. These enhancements have improved TMEP, ensured that construction proceeds in the right way, and that it will support the Canadian economy today and into the future.The Government also announced that every dollar the federal government earns from TMEP will be invested in Canada’s clean energy transition. It is estimated that additional tax revenues from TMEP alone could generate $500 million per year once the project has been completed. This money will be invested in clean energy projects that will power our homes, businesses, and communities for generations to come.In addition, the Government launched the second step of its engagement process with Indigenous groups on June 9, 2020, to explore the possibility of Indigenous economic participation in the Project. In this step of the engagement process, the Government is focused on building consensus on the form of economic participation in the Project preferred by participating Indigenous groups: equity and/or revenue sharing; and identifying or supporting the formation of one or more entities to represent participating Indigenous groups in negotiations with Canada.By moving forward with TMEP, the Government is creating jobs, diversifying markets, accelerating Canada’s clean energy transition, and opening up new avenues for Indigenous economic prosperity.
NationalizationOil and gasTrans Mountain pipeline
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021e-3108e-3108 (Health)DawnRobertsPaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCFebruary 1, 2021, at 12:58 p.m. (EDT)March 3, 2021, at 12:58 p.m. (EDT)April 16, 2021May 31, 2021March 3, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The majority of COVID-19 communications and mandates by health officials include social distancing, masking, hand sanitizing, contact tracing, and vaccination;Natural, time-tested immune system essentials and holistic health practices have received less attention for their role in preventive healthcare;A holistic and complementary approach to health would be more affordable for taxpayers than treating disease;Many Canadians already invest in natural immunity, proactive self-care and prevention strategies;Eating fresh vegetables, exercising, managing stress, drinking water, walking in fresh air/sunshine and getting adequate sleep are simple and cost-effective measures to improve immune function and overall wellness;Vitamin D has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms associated with COVID-19;Many Canadians are deficient in Vitamin D during winter months and yet are isolating for safety in their homes without supplementing;Other vitamins and nutrients essential for optimal immunity and overall health include Vitamin C, Zinc, Selenium and plant extracts, and show promising results for COVID-19 prevention; andGreater attention and education on natural health solutions would help optimize Canadians’ immune systems, increasing quality of life and productivity.We, the undersigned, the citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1) Educate and empower Canadians on holistic approaches to optimize and maintain their natural immunity and well-being; 2) Cover practices for health sustainability and wellness care under the Canada Health Act, including chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, and homeopathic and naturopathic medicines; 3) Support, promote, and enhance Canadians’ access to holistic health services and natural products; and 4) Include immune-strengthening measures and practices in COVID-19 prevention messaging.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellThe Government of Canada is responsible for establishing and administering legislation and regulations for natural health products. Health Canada recognizes that, for many Canadians, natural health products are an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including helping to maintain and support immune function.Since 2004, natural health products in Canada have been regulated under the Natural Health Products Regulations (NHPR) to help provide Canadians access to a wide range of natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality. The NHPR were created to differentiate natural health products from prescription and non-prescription drugs, which are regulated under the Food and Drug Regulations.Natural health products are generally low-risk products (such as vitamin and mineral supplements and herbal products), meant to be used by individuals for minor, non-serious conditions. However, low-risk does not mean no risk. That is why Health Canada reviews the safety, efficacy and quality of natural health products prior to their entry on the Canadian market, in accordance with the NHPR. Health Canada has not received an application for a product containing Vitamin D with claims to reduce symptoms associated with COVID-19. Claims related to prevention of COVID-19 infection or symptomatic treatment of COVID-19 are considered higher risk and would require a high degree of supporting scientific evidence prior to approval for this use.The Department is committed to making sure that Canadians have the information they need to make informed choices. For this reason, Health Canada has been focusing on improving the labelling of natural health products so that these labels are easier for consumers to read, supporting them in selecting and safely using these products. These changes are not expected to impact the availability of natural health products for consumers. For more information on Health Canada’s regulation of natural health products, please visit our website.Although the federal government plays a crucial role in supporting health care by providing funding to the provinces and territories, the provincial and territorial governments have primary jurisdiction in the administration and delivery of health care services. This includes determining which services to cover under their respective health care insurance plans. Under the Canada Health Act, a province or territory must provide coverage for medically necessary hospital and physician services (i.e., insured health services, including access to holistic health services) to their eligible residents. Wellness care and practices aimed at sustaining health, including chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, and homeopathic and naturopathic medicines, are part of a range of additional services and benefits, which are outside the scope of the Act, and may be provided at provincial and territorial discretion, on their own terms and conditions. 
COVID-19Natural health productsPandemicPublic health
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021432-00822432-00822 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 16, 2021May 31, 2021May 29, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, it has been 17 years since the Chinese communist regime launched a persecution to "eradicate" Falun Gong—a spiritual practice centred on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance;Whereas, millions of Falun Gong practitioners have been arbitrarily detained, including family members of Canadians. The mass extrajudicial imprisonment, forced labour, torture, rape, and killing along with hate propaganda have been reported by major human rights organizations;Whereas, an update report released in June 2016 by three reputable investigators David Kilgour, David Matas and Ethan Gutmann indicates that prisoners of conscience, primarily Falun Gong practitioners, have been killed on demand to fuel a massive state-run transplant industry, supplying most of the organs for an estimated tens of thousands transplants a year in Chinese hospitals since 2000.Whereas, the U.S. House of Representatives and European Parliament passed resolutions in June 2016 and December 2013 respectively condemning and calling for an immediate end to China's systematic and statesanctioned organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience, including Falun Gong. In February 2015, Canada's Parliamentary Subcommittee on International Human Rights unanimously passed a similar motion; andWhereas, since May 2015, over 200,000 Chinese citizens have filed criminal complaints against former Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin who orchestrated the persecution of Falun Gong;Therefore, we, the undersigned, request that the Canadian Parliament and government:
  • Establish measures to stop the Chinese regime's mass murder of innocent people for their organs, including but not limited to introducing Canadian legislation to ban organ tourism and criminalize those involved;
  • Take every opportunity to call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021432-00821432-00821 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 16, 2021May 31, 2021June 20, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021432-00820432-00820 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 16, 2021May 31, 2021October 21, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the human rights violations by Chinese authorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities face torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, obligatory patriotic and cultural education, as well as forced labour. Reports detail closures and destruction of Uyghur religious sites, including mosques and shrines important to that community’s religious, ethnic, and cultural identity. There are also reports of mass arbitrary forced separation of children from their parents by authorities. There are credible reports of forced sterilization, systematic rape and gender-based sexual violence. Throughout the region, Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities also face repressive physical and digital surveillance, which includes severe restrictions on movement, the forced collection of biometric data, and coercive police surveillance. The actions by the Chinese government are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.Canada has acted to address the repression, which is systematic, state-led and ongoing.  Concerns over the human rights situation in the XUAR were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in the XUAR (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020; February 2021). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong.Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.On January 12, the Government of Canada announced that it is adopting a comprehensive approach to addressing human rights abuses in the XUAR. This included measures to address forced labour, via the prohibition of imports into Canada of goods made in whole or part with forced labour and a business integrity declaration for Canadian exporters. Global Affairs Canada will continue to work closely with Canadian firms doing business in or with China to help them understand and mitigate the risks of doing business with entities possibly implicated in forced labour.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.On March 22, 2021, Canada announced sanctions against 4 officials and 1 entity under the Special Economic Measures (People’s Republic of China) Regulations, based on their participation in gross and systematic human rights violations in the XUAR. The Regulations impose a dealings ban on listed persons, which prohibits any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada from undertaking a broad range of financial and business transactions with any of the listed individuals or entities. The individuals listed in the schedule to the regulations are also rendered inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. These measures were taken in coordination with the United States and the United Kingdom, and in solidarity with the European Union. These sanctions underscore Canada’s grave concerns with the ongoing human rights violations occurring in the XUAR, affecting Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities.Canada will continue to call on the People’s Republic of China to fulfill its international human rights obligations and to allow for meaningful, unfettered access to the XUAR so that impartial experts can observe and report on the situation first-hand. Canada will work collaboratively with partners to address the human rights situation in Xinjiang. We have the responsibility to work with others in the international community to ensure that allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity are investigated by an independent international body of legal experts.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021432-00819432-00819 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 16, 2021May 31, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021432-00818432-00818 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 16, 2021May 31, 2021March 8, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021e-3205e-3205 (Transportation)MatthewFrancisBobBratinaHamilton East—Stoney CreekLiberalONFebruary 24, 2021, at 11:04 a.m. (EDT)March 26, 2021, at 11:04 a.m. (EDT)April 16, 2021May 31, 2021March 30, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The federal government is planning to restrict public access to the Hamilton and Burlington piers through the use of physical barriers;These piers are an important part of our community;The area has been open for public use for decades; andThe area is a unifying space for the Hamilton and Burlington communities.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, in association with SAVE OUR PIER Hamilton Beach Community, call upon the Government of Canada to maintain responsible public access to the Hamilton and Burlington piers without the use of barriers in a similar manner to the accessibility found in comparable municipal public spaces.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraThe Burlington Canal Piers support essential commercial marine traffic entering and exiting Hamilton Harbour. The identification of safety risks applicable to the operation of commercial marine facilities is an ongoing function for the department. The Burlington Canal Piers were not designed for recreational use, and their open design could pose safety risks due to high wave action and ice build-up.Transport Canada takes the concerns voiced by the Burlington and Hamilton community seriously. Transport Canada continues to work with key stakeholders such as the Cities of Burlington and Hamilton in evaluating options that will allow for the possible recreational use of the Piers.  An approach is currently being discussed with the City of Hamilton and the City of Burlington that would enable recreational use to continue, and Transport Canada looks forward to continue working together to explore this option. 
BurlingtonHamiltonLand useWharves
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021e-2738e-2738 (Environment)SherylMcCumseyRachelBlaneyNorth Island—Powell RiverNDPBCJuly 16, 2020, at 8:14 a.m. (EDT)November 13, 2020, at 8:14 a.m. (EDT)April 16, 2021May 31, 2021November 13, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="253395" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Health</Addressee>Whereas:We do not consent to and strongly oppose the use of herbicides as well as surfactants applied by the forestry industry which is detrimental to the environment, local flora and fauna, and water sources; andHerbicides are being used by the forestry industry to prevent the natural return of the forest’s biodiversity, increasing the risk to forest fires and in turn accelerating climate change, risking a loss of economic value, threatening communities and the overall health of Canadians.We, the undersigned, the electors of Canada, call upon the Minister of Health to ban the commercial use of herbicides in the forestry industry in Canada, with the exception of addressing invasive species that are well documented.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellThe Government of Canada is committed to the health and safety of Canadians, their environment and their food supply. Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) will continue diligently ensuring that only pest control products meeting our stringent health and environmental standards will be approved for use in Canada. Pesticides are regulated under the Pest Control Products Act (PCPA), which is administered by Health Canada, to protect Canadians and their environment from risks associated with the use of pesticides. If the use of a pesticide poses unacceptable risks to human health or the environment, it is not registered or otherwise authorized for use in Canada.Before a pesticide is allowed to be used or sold in Canada, it must undergo a rigorous scientific assessment process that provides reasonable certainty that no harm, including negative impacts to forestry biodiversity, will occur when pesticides are used according to label directions. Results from more than 200 types of scientific studies must be submitted to determine whether the pesticide would have any negative effect on people, animals (including birds, mammals, beneficial insects and other wildlife), or plants, including organisms in the soil and water.The application of herbicides by provincial authorities for the management of their forests can only be done in accordance with the approved label. For example, it is only permitted to use glyphosate within the first 5 years after harvest, either prior to planting new trees (site preparation) or after seedlings have been planted (conifer release, stand thinning). As such, a forest cultivation site would receive one, or at most, two treatments early on in a 50 to 80 year cultivation cycle.Federal, provincial/territorial and municipal governments have shared responsibilities in regulating pesticides. While Health Canada authorizes pesticides, it does not determine whether a product should or will be used (for example, for forestry management or any other purpose). Permitting or restricting the use of federally-approved pesticides falls under the authority of the province, for both provincial crown land and privately held land within the province. The decision to use an herbicide in forestry operations would be included as part of a forest management plan. While there are some differences from province to province, the approval of plans generally fall under the jurisdiction of a provincial natural resources department.Provincial responsibilities for pesticides generally also include regulating the sale, use, transportation, storage and disposal of pesticides. Provinces also conduct compliance monitoring that complements federal compliance programs, and issue spray licences and/or permits to pesticide applicators, operators and vendors. For example, the use of herbicides in forestry management may require the use of aerial application. Pesticide regulators, generally located within provincial environment departments, issue site specific permits when any pesticide is applied by air. These provincial approvals are designed to complement the federal pesticide regulatory system.
Forest products industryHerbicides
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021e-2590e-2590 (Foreign affairs)AlexLeeHon.Judy A.SgroHumber River—Black CreekLiberalONMay 13, 2020, at 4:40 p.m. (EDT)August 11, 2020, at 4:40 p.m. (EDT)April 16, 2021May 31, 2021August 12, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:On 22 April 2020, Taiwan announced a donation of 500,000 medical masks to Canada to be distributed to frontline healthcare workers and First Nations peoples; and The donation was announced only days after Canadian planes sent to China to obtain medical supplies returned empty.We, the undersigned, The Citizens and Residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to: 1- Publicly thank the Taiwanese government for their gift of medical masks to Canadian healthcare workers and First Nation communities; 2- Publicly congratulate the Taiwanese people on having successfully contained the COVID-19 crisis;3- Publicly endorse Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the World Health Organization (WHO) and World Health Assembly, among other intergovernmental organizations , including by co-signing a letter to the WHO Director-General, drafted by Japan and the United States and signed by other like-minded nations, to invite the Taiwanese delegation to the World Health Assembly4- Encourage stronger bilateral relations between Canada and Taiwan, including cabinet-level communication and travel; and5- Invite Taiwan's health minister Chen Shih-chung to address a parliamentary committee to discuss Taiwan’s successes at combating the COVID-19 pandemic and share learnings with Canadian authorities.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada officially expressed its appreciation both publicly and privately. On April 28, 2020, Executive Director Jordan Reeves of the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei conveyed a public expression of gratitude in response to Taiwan’s donation of 500,000 masks to Canada.The Government of Canada welcomes the participation from the entire international community to work together to promote global health. The contributions from the people of Taiwan during the COVID-19 pandemic has been greatly appreciated by Canada. Together, we will overcome the pandemic.Canada has consistently supported Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations where there is a practical imperative and where Taiwan’s absence would be detrimental to global interests. This includes supporting Taiwan’s role as an observer in the World Health Assembly.As Canada's 13th largest trading partner, Taiwan has served as a critical regional hub for global supply chains as well as an important link to Asia for many Canadian businesses and industries. Canada and Taiwan continue to promote growing economic, people-to-people and cultural ties based on shared values, robust business-to-business ties, and significant science, technology and innovation collaboration. Canadian officials engage with appropriate Taiwan contacts to advance Canada’s substantive interests. The Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade has promoted Canada’s commercial interest in discussions with her Taiwan counterpart.Canada and Taiwan continue to engage in health-related discussions related to combating the COVID-19 pandemic, including during the latest Canada-Taiwan Economic Consultations, where both sides discussed health cooperation and trade in personal protective equipment, among other issues. Canada looks forward to further engaging Taiwan in areas of mutual interest relating to global public health in the future.
COVID-19Foreign policyPandemicTaiwan
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021432-00814432-00814 (Justice)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservativeABApril 15, 2021May 31, 2021February 19, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021432-00813432-00813 (Justice)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservativeABApril 15, 2021May 31, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021432-00812432-00812 (Justice)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservativeABApril 15, 2021May 31, 2021February 12, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, property rights are not clearly outlined in Canada's Constitution and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, therefore leading to a clear and obvious lack of ability for citizens to be protected by measures that exist to protect other fundamental rights. Whereas, this exclusion has led to the systematic discrimination against citizens; including landowners, first nations people, minority law abiding firearms owners, and others subject to unfair legislative practises. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government to take the following actions to address the situation:1. That the Government should seek the agreement of the provinces to amend the Constitution to include property rights; and2. That the Government should also take steps to enact legislation to ensure that full, just, and timely compensation will be paid to all persons who are deprived of personal or private property as a result of any federal government initiative, policy, process, regulation or legislation.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiDuring the negotiations and debates prior to the adoption of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982 (which forms part of the Constitution of Canada), it was decided that the final text would not contain a constitutionally-protected right to property. Provinces expressed concerns that property rights would interfere with their authority to make laws relating to property and civil rights as provided for under the Constitution Act, 1867. The Government also notes that the Canadian Bill of Rights, which was adopted by Parliament in 1960, remains in force and is treated by the courts as having "quasi-constitutional" status. Subsection 1(a) protects the right of individuals to the enjoyment of property and the right not to be deprived of that right without due process of law.If a federal law cannot be sensibly construed and applied so that it does not abrogate, abridge or infringe the rights and freedoms recognized and declared by the Canadian Bill of Rights, then such law is inoperative unless Parliament has expressly declared that it shall operate notwithstanding the Canadian Bill of Rights.
ConstitutionGovernment compensationProperty rights
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021432-00811432-00811 (Parliament and politics)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservativeABApril 15, 2021May 31, 2021February 15, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, certain regions and provinces of our country face underrepresentation in Canada's legislative decision-making process, and that this underrepresentation had led to an institutional disparity and has created a crisis in national unity. Further, the framers of our Constitution intended that the Senate, as Canada's upper legislative body in our bicameral parliament, would be allocated to ensure fair representation. Whereas the original regional distribution has not evolved as our federation has grown and changed. Therefore, regions of Canada demand fair representation in the Senate to address the uneven distribution of Canada's population (especially where a region an oversized economic contribution to the Federation), and to provide a balance to safeguard regional interests. Whereas, we cannot remain silent in the face of a lack of institutional representation in Canada's Parliament; Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Take the steps required to establish equal representation for each province in the Senate.
Response by the President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Kevin LamoureuxSection 22 of the Constitution Act, 1867 allocates 24 seats in the Senate to each of the following four divisions: Ontario, Quebec, the Maritime provinces, and the Western provinces. The Constitution also provides for how the seats are divided amongst provinces in the latter two divisions. Reallocation of the provincial seats in the Senate is a constitutional change that would require engaging in negotiations with provinces to obtain sufficient support. Pursuant to section 42 of the Constitution Act, 1982, changes to the number of members by which a province is entitled to be represented in the Senate requires an amendment supported by the House of Commons, the Senate, and the legislatives assemblies of seven provinces representing 50% of the population of the provinces. While the Government of Canada understands concerns about fairness in provincial representation in the Senate, Canadians have been clear that they do not wish to enter into complex constitutional negotiations at this time.Nonetheless, the Government of Canada has taken action to restore confidence in the Senate and improve its capacity to serve Canadians within the existing constitutional framework. In 2016, the Government established a non-partisan, merit-based process for Senate appointments. The Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments (the Advisory Board) plays an important role in Canada’s democracy, providing the Prime Minister with non-binding, merit-based recommendations for Senate appointments that reflect Canada’s diversity, make a significant contribution to the work of Parliament, and ensures a high standard of integrity, collaboration, and non-partisanship in the Senate.In addition to its role to provide sober, second thought in legislative review, the Senate also plays an important role in ensuring regional representation and the representation of minority voices. The Advisory Board is required to give priority consideration to gender balance and diversity with a view to enable the representation of all Canadian communities.
Representation by populationSenatorial divisions
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021432-00810432-00810 (Natural resources and energy)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservativeABApril 15, 2021May 31, 2021February 15, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, Alberta has faced systemic economic discrimination against its people and interests by Governments and ideologies that advocate for the shutting down or phasing out of Alberta's energy infrastructure. The consequences of these actions have been the loss of wealth, prosperity, opportunity, wellness, and the ability for Alberta to operate as an equal partner in confederation; Whereas, Albertans cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing discrimination against its people, lands, and resources; Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize Alberta's place as an equal partner in the federation. 2. Remove any barriers to Alberta being able to develop its resources without interference. 3. Ensure unfettered access to international markets for those resources.
Response by the President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Kevin LamoureuxThe Government of Canada recognizes that Alberta is indispensable to the social and economic fabric of Canada and it is committed to supporting Alberta families, workers and businesses. The Government provides significant financial support to all provinces and territories to support social programs. In 2021-22, Alberta will receive $6.8 billion through major transfers to help pay for health care, education and other social services.The Government of Canada is committed to fostering productive relationships with all provinces and territories, including Alberta.The Prime Minister has appointed the Honourable Jim Carr as Special Representative for the Prairies. Minister Carr’s mandate notably includes maintaining open and collaborative relationships with the Prairie provinces, with the goal of working together to serve and improve the lives of all Canadians.The Government recognizes that Albertans have faced economic challenges in recent years due to declines in commodity prices and limited capacity to export products, including oil.The Government took significant action to assist Alberta’s economy with the 2018 purchase of Trans Mountain Corporation, which is overseeing the completion of the Trans Mountain Expansion project, which will significantly increase Alberta’s oil export capacity.We are committed to get Canadian resources to new markets, and offer unwavering support to those in Canada’s natural resource sectors who have faced tough times recently.The Government of Canada has also worked very closely with the Government of Alberta to manage the current COVID-19 situation in a number of areas. The Government of Canada is providing support to Albertans and Alberta businesses, including the oil and gas industry.The Government recognizes that energy-producing regions are facing the compounding challenges of COVID-19 and the shock to oil prices. In addition to a range of programs to support individuals and businesses, the Government of Canada has notably provided $1 billion to the Government of Alberta to support the province’s work to clean up inactive oil and gas wells across the province and $200 million to the Alberta Orphan Wells Association to support its work to clean up orphan oil and gas wells and well sites across Alberta.We know that Canada only succeeds when every region and province – including Alberta – succeeds. 
AlbertaEnergy and fuelFederal-provincial-territorial relationsMarket access
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021432-00809432-00809 (Taxation)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservativeABApril 15, 2021May 31, 2021February 12, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, the current Government's refusal to work with Provinces to amend the equalization formula has contributed to a national unity crisis, whereas Alberta has historically made an oversized contribution to Canada's economic well being, and that the recent global market challenges affecting Alberta's oil and gas industry have been exacerbated by the actions of the current Government; Whereas, the current equalization formula is not responsive to the fiscal and economic realities facing Alberta and other regions of the country that are resource dependant; Whereas, the current formula fails to acknowledge the need for jurisdictions that are long term net recipients of equalization to undertake meaningful economic development and ensure that their actions do not restrict the economic success of other jurisdictions; Whereas, the measures the Government announced in the 2020 Speech from the Throne are wholly insufficient to address the scope of the challenges faced by affected provinces.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government to take the following actions to address the situation:1. That the Government immediately increase and backdate the Fiscal Stabilization Program; and 2. That the Government commit to working with provinces to address the current inequities that exist in the Equalization Formula.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about the current equalization formula.As indicated in the Fall Economic Statement 2020, the government has introduced, in Bill C-30 - the Budget Implementation Act - legislative amendments to reform the Fiscal Stabilization Program to provide a more effective backstop to provinces that face an extraordinary drop in revenues. The modernization of the program would index the maximum payment of $60 per capita, which was set in 1987, to total Canadian economic growth per person since that time, nearly tripling it to $170 per person in 2019-20 and 2020-21. The higher cap would apply to 2019-20 Stabilization claims and onward. In addition, technical changes would modernize and simplify the program, effective for 2021-22 Stabilization claims and onward. The Government recognizes that Alberta is indispensable to the social and economic fabric of Canada and it is committed to supporting Alberta families, workers and businesses.  The Government provides significant financial support to all provinces and territories to support social programs.  In 2021-22, Alberta will receive $6.8 billion through major transfers to help pay for health care, education and other social services.In addition to the funding regularly provided to provinces and territories through major transfers, the Government has announced significant direct support for provinces and territories to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government provided more than $1.9 billion in direct payments to the Government of Alberta through the Safe Restart Agreement, the Safe Return to Class Fund and the Essential Workers Support Fund. Budget 2021 reiterates the Government’s commitment to supporting provinces and territories through COVID-19. For instance, the Government has committed $4 billion to continue supporting Canada’s health care systems, including $465.3 million for Alberta, as well as $1 billion for our country’s immunization plan, including $116.3 million for Alberta. Moreover, thanks as well to the unprecedented investment by the federal government to help stabilize the economy with broad measures to support businesses and individuals, provincial and territorial tax bases will benefit from the economic effects of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, Canada Emergency Business Account and other programs.Equalization is the Government of Canada’s transfer program used to reduce fiscal disparities among provinces.  The principle of Equalization is set out in the Constitution, namely “to ensure that provincial governments have sufficient revenues to provide reasonably comparable levels of public services at reasonably comparable levels of taxation.”  Since its inception in 1957, the Equalization program has provided benefits at some point in time to every province in Canada. Equalization is funded entirely by the federal government from general revenues; provincial governments make no contributions to the Equalization program. The allocation of Equalization payments is based on a measure of fiscal capacity, which represents the revenues a province could raise if it were to tax at the national average tax rate.  Equalization supports provinces that have a lower-than-average ability to raise revenues by filling the gap between a province’s fiscal capacity and the national average fiscal capacity.  Alberta does not receive Equalization because it has a higher-than-average ability to raise revenues, despite its recent economic challenges.  Equalization reduces, but does not eliminate fiscal disparities; the fiscal capacities of non-receiving provinces remain above the national average. Equalization payments are calculated according to a formula set out in the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Actand in regulations made under the Act.  The legislation governing the Equalization program is reviewed on a periodic basis to ensure the program is meeting its objectives and using the most up-to-date and accurate measures in the determination of provincial entitlements.  The federal government consults regularly with provincial governments as part of the review process.  For example, regular working level meetings were held between federal and provincial officials to discuss the 2019 renewal of Equalization.  Provinces were also consulted on the renewal at the December 2017 Federal-Provincial-Territorial Finance Ministers’ Meeting.  Equalization was renewed for a five-year period beginning April 1, 2019 through the Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No. 1, which received Royal Assent on June 21, 2018.  Improvements to the accuracy and efficiency of the calculation of entitlements were made through amendments to the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Regulations, 2007, which were published in the Canada Gazette Part II, Vol. 152, No. 14 on July 11, 2018.  The Government of Canada will continue to work collaboratively with all provinces on Equalization in the lead-up to the next renewal of the program, which must take place before March 31, 2024.Another program – the Fiscal Stabilization Program – provides financial assistance to provinces in the event of sudden, significant declines in revenues, even if the province does not qualify for Equalization.  The program provides financial assistance to any province faced with a year-over-year decrease of more than 5 per cent in its non-resource revenues or of more than 50 per cent in its resource revenues, with adjustments for interactions between the revenue sources.  Payments are currently capped at $60 per person for a given fiscal year.The Fiscal Stabilization program was last reviewed in 1995 and, following calls from provincial and territorial governments and academics for the program to be modernized, the federal government is proposing reforms as announced in the Fall Economic Statement 2020.Specifically, the federal government is proposing to index the maximum payment of $60 per capita, which was set in 1987, to total Canadian economic growth per person since that time.  This means that the cap would nearly triple to about $170 per person in 2019-20 and 2020-21, and would grow thereafter in line with Canadian economic growth per person.  In years when the economy declines, the cap would remain at its preceding year’s level.  The Minister of Finance would retain the discretion to extend interest-free loans for eligible revenue declines above the cap, if requested by a province.  In addition, the federal government is proposing technical changes to modernize and simplify the program. The higher cap would apply to 2019-20 Stabilization claims and onward and could provide billions in additional support to provinces for revenue declines experienced in 2020-21.  For Alberta in particular, the maximum payment for 2020-21 is projected to rise from $265 million to $752 million as a result of this change.  These changes would make the Fiscal Stabilization program more generous when provinces need help the most.The Government recognizes that energy-producing regions are facing the compounding challenges of COVID-19 and the shock to oil prices.  The federal government has therefore announced significant funding to assist oil-producing provinces, including:
  • $1 billion to Alberta;
  • $400 million to Saskatchewan;
  • $320 million to Newfoundland and Labrador; and
  • A fully-repayable loan of $200 million to the Alberta Orphan Well Association, to clean up orphan and inactive oil and gas wells. 
In addition, the federal government is providing support to conventional and offshore oil and gas companies through the Emissions Reduction Fund.
Equalization formulaFederal-provincial-territorial fiscal arrangementsFiscal Stabilization Program
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021432-00808432-00808 (Parliament and politics)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservativeABApril 15, 2021May 31, 2021February 15, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, the Government through rhetoric, policy, action, and inaction has led to a national unity crisis. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government to take the following actions to address the situation:1. That the Government take responsibly for creating a national unity crisis; and2. That the Government ensure that there are no bureaucratic or legislative roadblocks for provinces who wish to exercise their constitutionally allowed measures of autonomy.
Response by the President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Kevin LamoureuxNational unity is of paramount importance. The Government of Canada is committed to a united Canada and to ensuring that the federal government works for all Canadians.The Government of Canada is committed to fostering productive and collaborative relationships with all provinces and territories and to respecting the Constitutional division of powers to allow all orders of government to act within their areas of jurisdiction.
Government accountabilityNational unityProvincial jurisdiction
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021432-00807432-00807 (Environment)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCApril 15, 2021May 31, 2021April 19, 2018Petition to the House of CommonsTHEREFORE, YOUR PETITIONERS call on the House of Commons to work with the Government of British Columbia to protect Saanich Inlet by immediately adding it to the list of designated zones where the discharge of raw sewage is not allowed.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraTransport Canada has received the completed application titled “Application for Establishment of a Designated Sewage Area under the Vessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemicals Regulations” submitted by The Corporation of the District of Central Saanich. The application has been reviewed and accepted for addition to Schedule 2 to of the Vessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemicals Regulations (VPDCR) as a Designated Sewage Area.The Department is currently working on amendments to the VPDCR and will be engaging with stakeholders within the coming fiscal year to seek input on areas where the regulations could be improved. As part of this regulatory process, Transport Canada officials will also look at the application process for Designated Sewage Areas, including whether and how applications and approvals can be expedited in future. 
Saanich InletSewage treatment and disposal
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021432-00806432-00806 (Foreign affairs)ScottReidLanark—Frontenac—KingstonConservativeONApril 15, 2021May 31, 2021March 29, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021e-2302e-2302 (Foreign affairs)PaolaArdilesJennyKwanVancouver EastNDPBCDecember 10, 2019, at 4:16 p.m. (EDT)January 9, 2020, at 4:16 p.m. (EDT)April 15, 2021May 31, 2021January 13, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:On October 18, 2019, in Chile, thousands of students engaged in protest against increases to transit fares, energy utility prices, and increasing inequality in their country;This movement rapidly grew to include workers, professionals, union members, and citizens, and now includes demands for universal health care, living wages and pensions, access to public education, and an end to the Pinochet-era constitution of 1980;From October 19 to 27, 2019, a state of emergency was declared in Chile, the military was deployed to the streets to enforce a curfew, and peaceful protests were repressed;Since then, millions of people have protested and more than 6,362 Chilean nationals have been detained, including 2,381 wounded, 759 children and adolescents, and 346 legal actions have been brought against the government for homicide and other serious violations, including 246 reports of torture and 58 reports of sexual violence; andThe Government of Canada positions itself as a defender of human rights, the freedom of association, and claims to be working to reduce inequality globally.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Urge the Chilean government to end military and police repression and abuse of powers;2. Urge Chilean authorities to investigate and punish all those who are responsible for the human rights violations, so that there is no impunity for crimes committed since the protests began; 3. Urge other nations to respect Chile’s sovereignty and ensure that military forces do not intervene in the country’s affairs.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe Government of Canada is committed to the promotion and protection of human rights, a core element of Canada’s engagement in the Americas. The Government of Canada has carefully followed the human rights situation in Chile, including during the 2019 protests and period of social unrest.The Government of Canada is aware that many Chilean citizens suffered grave injuries during the 2019 protests. These injuries, including ocular wounds, were as a result of the excessive use of force by law enforcement officials and were very concerning.The Government of Canada has engaged directly with the Government of Chile regarding the social unrest, the Government’s response and the promotion and protection of human rights. Canada notes that the Government of Chile has taken steps to address the excessive use of force experienced during the social unrest, including through a commitment to a reform of the national police force (Carabineros). The Government of Canada also notes the efforts by Chilean prosecutors in their ongoing investigations of the human rights violations, and the disciplinary action and the expulsion of a number of police officers that have followed.In response to concerns about the 2019 civil unrest, several international and domestic observation missions were conducted to investigate allegations of human rights violations. The observation missions included the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, Human Rights Watch, Chile’s National Institute for Human Rights, among others. Canada understands that the Government of Chile has received the reports from these international observations missions. Canada is aware that in their assessment and reports, none of the observation missions mentioned above concluded that human rights violations during the period of social unrest were systemic, planned, or ordered by the Government of Chile. Notwithstanding, Canada is aware that the reports confirmed excessive use of force on the part of law enforcement officials, most notably from the Carabineros police force, resulting in serious human rights violations across the country.The Government of Canada will remain engaged with the Government of Chile as it addresses recommendations made in the international and national human rights reports and through its forthcoming process to draft a new Constitution. The Constitutional process is part of the Government of Chile’s response to citizens’ demands for change. It was encouraging to witness the peaceful exercise of democracy through the October 2020 plebiscite held in Chile and abroad, and the recent Constitutional Convention, regional governor, municipal and councillor elections held on May 15 -16, 2021. The elected Constitutional Convention is a historic first, with gender parity and 17 seats reserved for Indigenous representatives. The constituents will now have up to 12 months to redraft the Constitution.Canada will remain engaged in the human rights situation in Chile, including by continuing to advocate regularly with the Chilean government, civil society and human rights defenders in Chile and Canada, and by collaborating with non-governmental organizations on projects and initiatives aligned with Government of Canada priorities, including the promotion and protection of human rights, diversity and inclusion.Please be assured that the Government of Canada will continue to closely follow the situation in Chile.
ChileForeign policyOppressionProtests
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021e-3201e-3201 (Public safety)Nicholas JamesMartinTerryDowdallSimcoe—GreyConservativeONFebruary 24, 2021, at 6:17 p.m. (EDT)March 26, 2021, at 6:17 p.m. (EDT)April 15, 2021May 31, 2021March 31, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The Government of Canada and Minister of Public Safety have introduced Bill C-21, which includes sections that would prohibit the overwhelming majority of airsoft guns from sale in Canada and many paintball markers;Bill C-21's ban on the sale of airsoft guns will cause hundreds of small businesses to close overnight, leaving thousands unemployed and without a source of income;Bill C-21 will negatively impact the lives of thousands of Canadians who rely on the sale of airsoft guns as a source of income or part of their business revenue;Bill C-21 represents some of the most strict rules regarding airsoft in the world;Countries with severe gun control measures still allow the possession, sale, and use of airsoft guns; andAirsoft and paintball do not represent any risk to public safety, having existed in Canada for decades, and being enjoyed by residents and citizens across Canada and all around the world.We, the undersigned, residents and citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Reject Bill C-21 to save the jobs of thousands of Canadians;2. Fully and unambiguously legalize airsoft and paintball so citizens and residents can continue to purchase and use as sporting equipment3. Recognize that airsoft and paintball are safe activities that many tens of thousands of Canadians participate in;4. Recognize that airsoft and paintball do not represent any risk to public safety and banning will not improve public safety; and5. Not needlessly target law abiding citizens who use airsoft and paintball for sporting purposes.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency PreparednessSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JOËL LIGHTBOUND, M.P.Whereas Conservative members of Parliament have made many promises to the gun lobby weaken gun control in Canada, our Government will continue to listen to law enforcement, survivors of gun violence and public health experts to keep our communities safe.Replica firearms that are indistinguishable from legitimate ones are prohibited because they pose a threat to public safety and can be used to commit criminal offences. For twenty years the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) have called on the government to close the loophole on the sale and importation of indistinguishable replica firearms. In their opinion, these can either be mistaken for, or converted into deadly weapons, and have been used in crimes which compromise the safety of the Canadian public. In response to Bill C-21, the CACP’s statement read that “We also agree with implementing initiatives that target the criminal use and diversion of firearms to the illicit market by prohibiting the importation, exportation and sale of ‘replica’ firearms, something the CACP urged the government to do in a resolution passed by our membership back in 2000.”The Government has heard concerns from municipal police chiefs about these dangers as well, and support for the measures we hope to achieve. The Police Chief for Winnipeg declared that “In 2020 Winnipeg Police Services seized 215 replica guns that were used to commit crimes. Maybe Bill C-21 is onto something”. The President of the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police declared that “We do support this legislative package moving forward”, acknowledging that “In terms of replica firearms, those have been a challenge for quite some time. They look so real now that it's really difficult to distinguish”. Over the past six months, concerns have also been raised by police in Langford, Kelowna, Canmore, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Gatineau and Ottawa about these firearms.These are not new concerns. In 2019, a Manitoba judge urged new rules governing replica firearms to reduce the risk of fatal shootings involving police and suicides-by-cop. Already this year, there have been too many cases of fatal shootings involving police who believed that a person was brandishing a legitimate firearm. In 2015, the Edmonton Police Service launched a comprehensive public awareness campaign to discourage people from wielding their replicas in public after they reported that imitation guns were involved in approximately 1,598 files. Back in 2009, CBC Marketplace ran a segment about the threat posed by replica firearms which prompted the following response from then Justice Minister Rob Nicholson’s office: “Because they often look almost exactly like bullet-firing firearms, replicas can be used in crime to intimidate victims and are often, mistaken for bullet-firing firearms by law enforcement.”The Government has also seen the dangers posed by these firearms in British Columbia. Late last year a teenager was arrested after brandishing a replica firearm at a school. According to Const. Nancy Saggar, “police educated the youth on the dangers of possessing and displaying a replica, especially near a school.”Bill C-21 simply proposes to close a gap with respect to replica firearms. The current definition of “replica firearm” in the Criminal Code, in force since 1998, only applies to low-velocity firearms (approximately 366 feet per second (fps) or less), such as pellet guns. These low-velocity firearms may not be imported, exported, transferred or sold in Canada, with limited exceptions for some businesses that have the necessary authorizations to sell replicas to other businesses (e.g., in the movie industry).The definition does not include mid-velocity firearms, such as airguns, that have a velocity of approximately 366-500 fps. A replica firearm exactly resembles (or with near precision) a regulated firearm (with a velocity that exceeds 500 fps). Bill C-21 would address the gap by ensuring that mid-velocity airguns that exactly resemble (or with near precision) a regulated firearm are subject to the same rules as replica firearms. Specifically, Bill C-21 would prohibit the importation, exportation, transfer and sale of an airgun that exactly resembles (or with near precision) a conventional regulated firearm.Canadians will continue to be able to safely enjoy airguns should Bill C-21 become law. As with existing replica firearms, it would not be an offence to possess a “replica airgun.” Airgun users in Canada could continue to possess and use their existing replica airguns if Bill C-21 becomes law. They could continue to acquire new airguns, paintball guns, pellet guns and BB guns, but not those that exactly resemble (or with near precision), a regulated firearm. Business owners would still be able to sell airguns that do not exactly resemble (or with near precision) a regulated firearm. The Government is confident that manufacturers will respond to these provisions by adjusting designs, and that airgun users will continue to have access to new models with full functionality. As with replica firearms, limited exceptions would permit businesses, with authorization, to sell airguns that exactly resemble(or with near precision) a regulated firearm, to other businesses in specific circumstances.This approach to the control of replica firearms and airguns is not unique to Canada. A number of other jurisdictions such as the UK, Australia, Japan and Germany have taken similar approaches to these devices.The Government recognizes the need to continue to work collaboratively with all relevant stakeholders to enhance public safety and reduce gun crime by focusing on prevention, effective law enforcement, and strong community partnerships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government does not intend to ban all airguns. Bill C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments(firearms) proposes to close a gap with respect to replica firearms. Currently the definition of “replica firearm” in the Criminal Code, which is any device that is designed or intended to exactly resemble or to resemble with near precision a regulated firearm, only applies to low-velocity guns (approximately 366 feet per second (fps) or less), such as pellet guns. The Bill would ensure that mid-velocity guns (approximately 366-500 fps), such as airguns, that also exactly resemble or resemble with near precision a regulated firearm, are treated the same legally as replica firearms. All other mid-power guns, including airguns, would not be captured by these amendments.Replica firearms have been prohibited in Canada since 1998 for the purposes of importation, exportation, transfer or sale. It is not, however, an offence to possess a replica firearm. There are limited exceptions for some businesses that have the necessary authorizations to sell replicas to other businesses (e.g., in the movie industry). Replica firearms are prohibited for the above purposes because they pose a threat to public safety as they are indistinguishable from regulated firearms and can be used to commit criminal offences. Similarly, it can be difficult for law enforcement to differentiate between a replica firearm and an actual firearm.Mid-velocity airguns that also exactly resemble (or with near precision) a regulated firearm pose the same public safety risk as replica firearms. Despite this, currently these devices can be easily acquired and no licence or background checks are required. Bill C-21 would ensure that they could no longer be imported into or sold in Canada.Law enforcement stakeholders, such as the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, have called for the government to address the gap in the law with respect to replica firearms since 2000, and have expressed public support for the proposed amendments in Bill C-21.Should Bill C-21 come into force, business owners would still be able to sell mid-velocity firearms, such as airguns, that do not exactly resemble (or with near precision) a regulated firearm. Manufacturers of affected airguns may alter their appearance to ensure that they no longer exactly (or with near precision) resemble a regulated firearm. Airgun users in Canada could continue to possess and use their existing replica airguns. They could continue to acquire new airguns, paintball guns, pellet guns and BB guns, but not those that exactly resemble (or with near precision), a regulated firearm.
Air gunsC-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms)Safety
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021432-00803432-00803 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 15, 2021May 31, 2021June 8, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021432-00802432-00802 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 15, 2021May 31, 2021February 19, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021432-00801432-00801 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 15, 2021May 31, 2021March 29, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 31, 2021432-00800432-00800 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 15, 2021May 31, 2021September 30, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the human rights violations by Chinese authorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities face torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, obligatory patriotic and cultural education, as well as forced labour. Reports detail closures and destruction of Uyghur religious sites, including mosques and shrines important to that community’s religious, ethnic, and cultural identity. There are also reports of mass arbitrary forced separation of children from their parents by authorities. There are credible reports of forced sterilization, systematic rape and gender-based sexual violence. Throughout the region, Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities also face repressive physical and digital surveillance, which includes severe restrictions on movement, the forced collection of biometric data, and coercive police surveillance. The actions by the Chinese government are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.Canada has acted to address the repression, which is systematic, state-led and ongoing.  Concerns over the human rights situation in the XUAR were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in the XUAR (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020; February 2021). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong.Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.On January 12, the Government of Canada announced that it is adopting a comprehensive approach to addressing human rights abuses in the XUAR. This included measures to address forced labour, via the prohibition of imports into Canada of goods made in whole or part with forced labour and a business integrity declaration for Canadian exporters. Global Affairs Canada will continue to work closely with Canadian firms doing business in or with China to help them understand and mitigate the risks of doing business with entities possibly implicated in forced labour.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.On March 22, 2021, Canada announced sanctions against 4 officials and 1 entity under the Special Economic Measures (People’s Republic of China) Regulations, based on their participation in gross and systematic human rights violations in the XUAR. The Regulations impose a dealings ban on listed persons, which prohibits any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada from undertaking a broad range of financial and business transactions with any of the listed individuals or entities. The individuals listed in the schedule to the regulations are also rendered inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. These measures were taken in coordination with the United States and the United Kingdom, and in solidarity with the European Union. These sanctions underscore Canada’s grave concerns with the ongoing human rights violations occurring in the XUAR, affecting Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities.Canada will continue to call on the People’s Republic of China to fulfill its international human rights obligations and to allow for meaningful, unfettered access to the XUAR so that impartial experts can observe and report on the situation first-hand. Canada will work collaboratively with partners to address the human rights situation in Xinjiang. We have the responsibility to work with others in the international community to ensure that allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity are investigated by an independent international body of legal experts.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament229Not certifiedMay 31, 2021e-3307e-3307 (Justice)AlineVlasceanuPaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCMarch 31, 2021, at 10:01 a.m. (EDT)May 30, 2021, at 10:01 a.m. (EDT)May 31, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:Canadians are victims in 2.2 million incidents of violent crime a year;On a daily basis, thousands of these victims and survivors are re-traumatized by a criminal justice system that does not properly and automatically inform them of their rights and criminal justice processes;The Canadian Victims Bill of Rights (CVBR) was enacted in 2015 to provide for victims’ rights to information, protection, participation, and seeking restitution;A parliamentary committee was required to review the CVBR five years after the bill came into force, but no review has taken place; andThe CVBR lacks the teeth to make sure victims’ rights are upheld, leading to common complaints and frequent injustices for victims, including (i) finding out about trials after they have occurred, (ii) discovering their right to submit a victim impact statement after the deadline has passed, (iii) being unaware of their right to information about their federally incarcerated offender and accidentally coming into contact with their offender when said offender is released into the community, (iv) and having no real recourse when their rights are infringed.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to order the review of the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights as required by the Act itself, legitimately and wholly taking into consideration the 15 recommendations put forth by the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime in their 2020 Progress Report.Canadian Victims Bill of RightsStatutory reviewVictims of crime43rd Parliament229Not certifiedMay 31, 2021e-3220e-3220 (Justice)ChadHoughtonPhilipLawrenceNorthumberland—Peterborough SouthConservativeONApril 29, 2021, at 7:07 p.m. (EDT)May 29, 2021, at 7:07 p.m. (EDT)May 31, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:Conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression";This broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behaviour; andBill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;We, the undersigned, residents of Northumberland County, call upon the House of Commons to: 1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to fix the definition of conversion therapy by adding the following to Section 320.101 "c) to the expression of views on sexual orientation, sexual feelings or gender identity, such as where teachers, school counsellors, pastoral counsellors, faith leaders, doctors, mental health professionals, friends or family members provide support to persons struggling with their sexual orientation, sexual feelings or gender identity, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations"; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 28, 2021432-00799432-00799 (Public safety)MarcDaltonPitt Meadows—Maple RidgeConservativeBCApril 14, 2021May 28, 2021March 25, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWHEREAS
  • The Government of Canada has introduced Bill C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms), which includes sections that would prohibit the overwhelming majority of Airsoft guns from sale in Canada and many Paintball markers;
  • Panther Paintball and Airsoft Sports Park is a business in Surrey, British Columbia, that relies on the business of Airsoft and Paintball activities;
  • Bill C-21 would directly and negatively impact the ability for Panther to operate as a business; and
  • Bill C-21 would directly and negatively impact Canadians in British Columbia from being able to participate in a safe and responsible sporting activity.
Therefore, we, the undersigned resident and citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1) Reject Bill C-21 to save the business of Panther Paintball and Airsoft Park and the jobs of the employees who work there;2) Recognize that Bill C-21 would not increase public safety by targeting Airsoft and Paintball activities;3) Recognize that removing a safe sport that is responsible and compliant with social distancing guidelines during a Global Pandemic will actually reduce public safety; and4) Fully legalize Airsoft and Paintball in law.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency PreparednessSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JOËL LIGHTBOUND, M.P.Whereas Conservative members of Parliament have made many promises to the gun lobby weaken gun control in Canada, our Government will continue to listen to law enforcement, survivors of gun violence and public health experts to keep our communities safe.Replica firearms that are indistinguishable from legitimate ones are prohibited because they pose a threat to public safety and can be used to commit criminal offences. For twenty years the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) have called on the government to close the loophole on the sale and importation of indistinguishable replica firearms. In their opinion, these can either be mistaken for, or converted into deadly weapons, and have been used in crimes which compromise the safety of the Canadian public. In response to Bill C-21, the CACP’s statement read that “We also agree with implementing initiatives that target the criminal use and diversion of firearms to the illicit market by prohibiting the importation, exportation and sale of ‘replica’ firearms, something the CACP urged the government to do in a resolution passed by our membership back in 2000.”The Government has heard concerns from municipal police chiefs about these dangers as well, and support for the measures we hope to achieve. The Police Chief for Winnipeg declared that “In 2020 Winnipeg Police Services seized 215 replica guns that were used to commit crimes. Maybe Bill C-21 is onto something”. The President of the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police declared that “We do support this legislative package moving forward”, acknowledging that “In terms of replica firearms, those have been a challenge for quite some time. They look so real now that it's really difficult to distinguish”. Over the past six months, concerns have also been raised by police in Langford, Kelowna, Canmore, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Gatineau and Ottawa about these firearms.These are not new concerns. In 2019, a Manitoba judge urged new rules governing replica firearms to reduce the risk of fatal shootings involving police and suicides-by-cop. Already this year, there have been too many cases of fatal shootings involving police who believed that a person was brandishing a legitimate firearm. In 2015, the Edmonton Police Service launched a comprehensive public awareness campaign to discourage people from wielding their replicas in public after they reported that imitation guns were involved in approximately 1,598 files. Back in 2009, CBC Marketplace ran a segment about the threat posed by replica firearms which prompted the following response from then Justice Minister Rob Nicholson’s office: “Because they often look almost exactly like bullet-firing firearms, replicas can be used in crime to intimidate victims and are often, mistaken for bullet-firing firearms by law enforcement.”The Government has also seen the dangers posed by these firearms in British Columbia. Late last year a teenager was arrested after brandishing a replica firearm at a school. According to Const. Nancy Saggar, “police educated the youth on the dangers of possessing and displaying a replica, especially near a school.”Bill C-21 simply proposes to close a gap with respect to replica firearms. The current definition of “replica firearm” in the Criminal Code, in force since 1998, only applies to low-velocity firearms (approximately 366 feet per second (fps) or less), such as pellet guns. These low-velocity firearms may not be imported, exported, transferred or sold in Canada, with limited exceptions for some businesses that have the necessary authorizations to sell replicas to other businesses (e.g., in the movie industry).The definition does not include mid-velocity firearms, such as airguns, that have a velocity of approximately 366-500 fps. A replica firearm exactly resembles (or with near precision) a regulated firearm (with a velocity that exceeds 500 fps). Bill C-21 would address the gap by ensuring that mid-velocity airguns that exactly resemble (or with near precision) a regulated firearm are subject to the same rules as replica firearms. Specifically, Bill C-21 would prohibit the importation, exportation, transfer and sale of an airgun that exactly resembles (or with near precision) a conventional regulated firearm.Canadians will continue to be able to safely enjoy airguns should Bill C-21 become law. As with existing replica firearms, it would not be an offence to possess a “replica airgun.” Airgun users in Canada could continue to possess and use their existing replica airguns if Bill C-21 becomes law. They could continue to acquire new airguns, paintball guns, pellet guns and BB guns, but not those that exactly resemble (or with near precision), a regulated firearm. Business owners would still be able to sell airguns that do not exactly resemble (or with near precision) a regulated firearm. The Government is confident that manufacturers will respond to these provisions by adjusting designs, and that airgun users will continue to have access to new models with full functionality. As with replica firearms, limited exceptions would permit businesses, with authorization, to sell airguns that exactly resemble(or with near precision) a regulated firearm, to other businesses in specific circumstances.This approach to the control of replica firearms and airguns is not unique to Canada. A number of other jurisdictions such as the UK, Australia, Japan and Germany have taken similar approaches to these devices.The Government recognizes the need to continue to work collaboratively with all relevant stakeholders to enhance public safety and reduce gun crime by focusing on prevention, effective law enforcement, and strong community partnerships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government does not intend to ban all airguns. Bill C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments(firearms) proposes to close a gap with respect to replica firearms. Currently the definition of “replica firearm” in the Criminal Code, which is any device that is designed or intended to exactly resemble or to resemble with near precision a regulated firearm, only applies to low-velocity guns (approximately 366 feet per second (fps) or less), such as pellet guns. The Bill would ensure that mid-velocity guns (approximately 366-500 fps), such as airguns, that also exactly resemble or resemble with near precision a regulated firearm, are treated the same legally as replica firearms. All other mid-power guns, including airguns, would not be captured by these amendments.Replica firearms have been prohibited in Canada since 1998 for the purposes of importation, exportation, transfer or sale. It is not, however, an offence to possess a replica firearm. There are limited exceptions for some businesses that have the necessary authorizations to sell replicas to other businesses (e.g., in the movie industry). Replica firearms are prohibited for the above purposes because they pose a threat to public safety as they are indistinguishable from regulated firearms and can be used to commit criminal offences. Similarly, it can be difficult for law enforcement to differentiate between a replica firearm and an actual firearm.Mid-velocity airguns that also exactly resemble (or with near precision) a regulated firearm pose the same public safety risk as replica firearms. Despite this, currently these devices can be easily acquired and no licence or background checks are required. Bill C-21 would ensure that they could no longer be imported into or sold in Canada.Law enforcement stakeholders, such as the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, have called for the government to address the gap in the law with respect to replica firearms since 2000, and have expressed public support for the proposed amendments in Bill C-21.Should Bill C-21 come into force, business owners would still be able to sell mid-velocity firearms, such as airguns, that do not exactly resemble (or with near precision) a regulated firearm. Manufacturers of affected airguns may alter their appearance to ensure that they no longer exactly (or with near precision) resemble a regulated firearm. Airgun users in Canada could continue to possess and use their existing replica airguns. They could continue to acquire new airguns, paintball guns, pellet guns and BB guns, but not those that exactly resemble (or with near precision), a regulated firearm.
Air gunsC-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms)Safety
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 28, 2021432-00798432-00798 (Justice)TamaraJansenCloverdale—Langley CityConservativeBCApril 14, 2021May 28, 2021February 19, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 28, 2021e-3058e-3058 (Natural resources and energy)hughthorburnPaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCDecember 21, 2020, at 11:07 a.m. (EDT)March 21, 2021, at 11:07 a.m. (EDT)April 14, 2021May 28, 2021March 23, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Canada must transition away from fossil fuels in order to remain below the 1.5° warming threshold and prevent catastrophic climate change;Natural gas is a fossil fuel primarily composed of methane;Extracting natural gas through hydraulic fracking releases methane into the atmosphere;For the first 20 years after it is released, methane is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas;A recent study by Environment Canada researchers found that methane emissions from oil and gas operations in Western Canada were almost twice as high as previously thought;Enormous amounts of freshwater are consumed in the fracking process;Leaks of fracking fluid and poor management of fracking wastewater has resulted in widespread groundwater contamination;From at least as far back as 2016, the BC Oil and Gas Commission has been aware that waste water from fracking can contain hazardous levels of radioactive materials, and yet regulators do not require companies to test for radioactivity or to report on results of testing;Scientific studies have linked hydraulic gas fracking to increased risks of asthma, birth defects and cancer; andDue to these devastating environmental and health concerns, many jurisdictions around the world have either placed moratoriums on hydraulic gas fracking or banned it outright, including France, Germany, Bulgaria, Ireland, Scotland, the United Kingdom, Tunisia, New York State and Vermont State.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. ban hydraulic gas fracking in Canada; and2. accelerate our transition to renewable energy.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mr. Marc G. SerréThe Government of Canada takes very seriously both the challenges and opportunities that are emerging as Canadians confront the climate crisis and transition to cleaner energy resources.Provinces and territories have primary legislative jurisdiction over natural resource development within their boundaries. This includes the responsibility for regulating hydraulic fracturing. The Government of Canada’s role is to provide provinces and territories with scientific and policy advice to support safe and environmentally responsible resource development.The government supports the use of evidence to inform those directly and indirectly engaged in responsible natural resource development. Support for sustainable resource development includes direct research, or funding of research, that improves on-site safety and mitigates the environmental impacts of shale oil and gas development. The government is working with industry experts to ensure wellbore integrity. It is also collaborating with regulators, industry, as well as provinces and territories, to work towards the highest possible safety and environmental standards.By sharing the latest scientific knowledge and understanding of resource management and environmental protection, the Government of Canada supports the continuous improvement of provincial regulatory oversight of hydraulic fracturing. As part of the effort to better understand the impacts of hydraulic fracturing, the federal government has established several research projects. One example is the Environmental Geoscience Program’s Induced Seismicity Research Project. It addresses address critical knowledge gaps on issues related to public safety and the environment.Additionally, Natural Resources Canada is currently engaged in relevant scientific work through the Environmental Geoscience Program and the Public Safety Geoscience Program. The Geological Survey of Canada and CanmetENERGY Laboratories are doing similar work. Taken together, this research reduces exploration and development risks and informs best practices, standards and regulations that support safe and sustainable resource development. Canadians can find scientific relevant research on the GEOSCAN online database.The traditional energy sector will continue to play a strong role in Canada’s climate plan and clean energy transformation. The Government of Canada is supporting that transformation with bold policy steps, like a tax on carbon pollution and has made generational investments since 2015 to support climate action and clean growth. Budget 2021 provides an additional $17.6 billion towards a green recovery. Shortly after the April budget was tabled, the government announced a new climate target, aiming to achieve at least a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below 2005 levels by 2030.The transformation of energy production and use will be key to reaching emissions reduction targets. Significant investments will help Canada meet this challenge by advancing clean energy domestically while positioning the country to meet growing global demands. Initiatives include:
  • Investing in home and building retrofits to help Canadians reduce heating costs while also contributing to Canada’s climate action plan. These investments will also create thousands of good jobs and new careers. Specifically, the government is investing $2.6 billion for a grants program to support Canadians making their homes more energy efficient. This initiative is complemented by a $4.4 billion loans program.
  • Taking action to encourage Canadians to use cleaner modes of transportation. From low- and zero-emission vehicles and public transit to more active and non-emitting options, like bicycles and active transportation. The government is also investing $1.5 billion in the Clean Fuels Fund to increase the production and use of low-carbon fuels, including hydrogen.
  • Making clean, affordable power available in everycommunity by expanding the supply of clean electricity through investments in renewable and next-generation clean energy and technology. The government is also investing $964 million to advance renewable energy and grid modernization projects;
  • Making strategic investments to help Canadian companies meet the demands of domestic and global consumers for low-carbon goods and services. Focus is on enabling the adoption of low-carbon technologies to support economic growth and decarbonization across all sectors. The government is investing $319 million to support research, development, and demonstrations that would improve the commercial viability of carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies, and $36.8 million to advance research on critical battery minerals.
Climate action through programs and tax measures also play a key part in supporting the transformation to clean energy production and use, such as:
  • A proposal to increase the carbon price by $15 per year, starting in 2023, rising to $170 per tonne of carbon pollution in 2030. The carbon pricing framework would be revenue neutral, and therefore affordable for Canadians, since the majority of households would receive dividends.
  • Investing $8 billion for a Net-Zero Accelerator to support decarbonisation projects, scale-up clean technology, and accelerate Canada’s industrial transformation;
  • Introducing tax reductions for businesses that manufacture zero emission technologies; and
  • Adjusting existing tax incentives to further support clean energy technologies.
On November 19, 2020, the government introduced the Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act in Parliament which, if passed, will formalize Canada’s target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. It will do so by establishing interim emissions reduction targets at five-year milestones towards that goal, as well as requiring a series of science-based emissions-reduction plans and progress reports to support accountability and transparency.To sum up, the Government of Canada continues to engage and collaborate with provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous Peoples, municipalities, industry, academia and civil society organizations as well as international partners to protect the environment, accelerate energy transformation and achieve Canada’s climate targets.
Hydraulic fracturingRenewable energy and fuel
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 28, 2021432-00796432-00796 (Justice)TedFalkProvencherConservativeMBApril 14, 2021May 28, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 28, 2021432-00795432-00795 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 14, 2021May 28, 2021June 1, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 28, 2021432-00794432-00794 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 14, 2021May 28, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 28, 2021432-00793432-00793 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 14, 2021May 28, 2021March 29, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 28, 2021432-00792432-00792 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 14, 2021May 28, 2021September 30, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the human rights violations by Chinese authorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities face torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, obligatory patriotic and cultural education, as well as forced labour. Reports detail closures and destruction of Uyghur religious sites, including mosques and shrines important to that community’s religious, ethnic, and cultural identity. There are also reports of mass arbitrary forced separation of children from their parents by authorities. There are credible reports of forced sterilization, systematic rape and gender-based sexual violence. Throughout the region, Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities also face repressive physical and digital surveillance, which includes severe restrictions on movement, the forced collection of biometric data, and coercive police surveillance. The actions by the Chinese government are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.Canada has acted to address the repression, which is systematic, state-led and ongoing.  Concerns over the human rights situation in the XUAR were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in the XUAR (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020; February 2021). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong.Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.On January 12, the Government of Canada announced that it is adopting a comprehensive approach to addressing human rights abuses in the XUAR. This included measures to address forced labour, via the prohibition of imports into Canada of goods made in whole or part with forced labour and a business integrity declaration for Canadian exporters. Global Affairs Canada will continue to work closely with Canadian firms doing business in or with China to help them understand and mitigate the risks of doing business with entities possibly implicated in forced labour.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.On March 22, 2021, Canada announced sanctions against 4 officials and 1 entity under the Special Economic Measures (People’s Republic of China) Regulations, based on their participation in gross and systematic human rights violations in the XUAR. The Regulations impose a dealings ban on listed persons, which prohibits any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada from undertaking a broad range of financial and business transactions with any of the listed individuals or entities. The individuals listed in the schedule to the regulations are also rendered inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. These measures were taken in coordination with the United States and the United Kingdom, and in solidarity with the European Union. These sanctions underscore Canada’s grave concerns with the ongoing human rights violations occurring in the XUAR, affecting Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities.Canada will continue to call on the People’s Republic of China to fulfill its international human rights obligations and to allow for meaningful, unfettered access to the XUAR so that impartial experts can observe and report on the situation first-hand. Canada will work collaboratively with partners to address the human rights situation in Xinjiang. We have the responsibility to work with others in the international community to ensure that allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity are investigated by an independent international body of legal experts.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 28, 2021e-3213e-3213 (Foreign affairs)Aung NaingTheinGarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 3, 2021, at 1:28 p.m. (EDT)April 2, 2021, at 1:28 p.m. (EDT)April 14, 2021May 28, 2021April 7, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:Military in Myanmar staged a coup and detained democratically elected members of parliament, civilian government senior officials including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint, and civil society leaders on February 1, 2021;Tens of thousands of people who valued democracy and justice peacefully protested against the coup in many cities of Myanmar but the military and police cracked down the protests with live ammunitions during daytime and conducted night-time raids to arrest the people;Myanmar’s Assistance Association for Political Prisoners reported that more than 540 individuals were arrested and three were shot dead by police since February 1, 2021;The number of people arrested and fatalities due to use of lethal force by police are growing everyday; andCanada shall not remain silent on these violations of human rights done by the Myanmar military.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to: 1. Use the Special Economic Measures (Burma) Regulations to impose sanctions against all members, and their business entities, of the State Administration Council of Myanmar (SAC), which is chaired and assembled by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing following the February 2021 coup;2. Form a subcommittee under the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development to monitor, study and report the human rights violations of the SAC and to support a peaceful democratic transition in Myanmar;3. Condemn the fatal shootings and arrests of the people who oppose the military coup; and4. Support all non-violent movements in Myanmar and Canada who are against the military coup.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada unequivocally condemns the Myanmar military’s seizure of power, the overthrow of the democratically-elected civilian government, and the detention of politicians, civil society leaders, journalists, peaceful protestors and human rights defenders. Canada further condemns the use of force by Myanmar security forces on peaceful protestors, as well as the deliberate efforts to suppress dissent through disruption of communications, acts of intimidation, and the introduction of new and unacceptable laws. These actions constitute a blatant and unacceptable disregard for the democratic process, hard-fought civil and political rights, and the will of the people of Myanmar. Canada rejects claims made by coup leadership of large-scale election fraud in the 2020 general elections, as they have no basis in fact, and have been refuted by international, diplomatic and domestic elections observers.Canada has made its position clear both bilaterally and in conjunction with its international partners. On February 1, 2021, Canada issued a Ministerial statement calling for the immediate release of those detained and the restoration of the democratically-elected civilian government. These demands were reiterated in a subsequent G7 Foreign Ministers statement issued on February 3, 2021. On February 23, 2021, Canada joined a second G7 statement condemning the unacceptable attacks perpetrated by Myanmar security forces against peaceful demonstrators, and calling for restraint and full humanitarian access. Canada has also registered its condemnation in an intervention at a UN Human Rights Council Special Session on Myanmar, an opening statement at World Trade Organization’s Trade Policy Review of Myanmar, an intervention at the UN General Assembly and a joint Canada-UK statement at the International Labour Organization Governing Body meeting. In response to the deplorable violence committed by the Myanmar military on the country’s Armed Forces Day, Canada released a Ministerial Statement, and joined a Chief of Defence Statement with Australia, Greece Italy, Japan, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.Officials at Global Affairs Canada also briefed the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE) on March 24, 2021 on the situation in Myanmar in the wake of the military coup, and, on April 15, 2021, the FAAE met for a second time to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on displaced persons from Myanmar.On February 18, 2021, Canada announced targeted sanctions against the military leaders of the coup, including Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, his Deputy Soe Win, and 7 others. These sanctions were developed and imposed in coordination with the United Kingdom, following similar measures by the United States. Importantly, these listing were in addition to a robust sanctions regime under the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) that has been in place since 2007, and is the most comprehensive among Canada’s likeminded allies. Currently, there are 44 Myanmar entities and 54 individuals listed under SEMA. These sanctions encompass several measures, including:
  • a freeze on assets in Canada of any designated Myanmar nationals connected with the Myanmar State, as well as prohibitions on several categories of transactions, services and dealings involving property of designated persons, wherever situated; and
  • an arms embargo, including prohibitions on exporting and importing arms and related material to and from Myanmar, on communicating technical data related to military activities or arms and related material, and on financial services related to military activities or arms and related material.
Canada continues to work in close coordination with its international partners in pursuit of a range of additional measures to bring pressure to bear on the military junta. These measures include advocating for the adoption of international arms embargos on Myanmar, efforts to target the financial foundations of the Tatmadaw and constrict its grip on information in Myanmar, and continued support to pro-democracy and human rights forces on the ground.Canada will also continue to work with international partners to ensure that vulnerable and conflict-afflicted populations in Myanmar, including the Rohingya, live in safety and with dignity. Canada has reviewed its international assistance to Myanmar, and does not and will not provide direct funding to the Tatmadaw regime. Canada will, however, continue to support poverty alleviation among vulnerable and conflict-affected populations, particularly women and ethnic groups, through civil society organizations. As the prospects for sustainable and voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar are further diminished by the coup, Canada continues to work with international partners to mobilize support for the Rohingya people. We continue to help meet the immediate and longer-term needs of Rohingya refugees and their host communities in Bangladesh, through programming on health, critical protection services, learning, livelihood opportunities, environmental rehabilitation, and social cohesion.Canada continues to provide development assistance for vulnerable populations in Myanmar, particularly women and ethnic minority groups, working mainly through support to civil society organizations, champions of democratization, and human rights defenders.The military coup has also reaffirmed the critical need for accountability for the crimes committed by the Tatmadaw. Canada continues to pursue a joint intervention with the Netherlands in support of The Gambia’s case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice, and supports the work of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar. We continue to work with our international partners to ensure justice for the victims, and accountability for the perpetrators, of gross violations and abuses of human rights.Building an international constituency to urge the immediate cessation of violence and release of detainees, and to advance peace, democracy, accountability and human rights remains a priority for the Government of Canada.
Civil and human rightsEconomic sanctionsForeign policyMyanmar
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 28, 2021432-00790432-00790 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABApril 14, 2021May 28, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 28, 2021432-00789432-00789 (Justice)JeremyPatzerCypress Hills—GrasslandsConservativeSKApril 14, 2021May 28, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 28, 2021e-3034e-3034 (Culture and heritage)DanielTraversBruceStantonSimcoe NorthConservativeONDecember 10, 2020, at 3:23 p.m. (EDT)April 9, 2021, at 3:23 p.m. (EDT)April 14, 2021May 28, 2021April 12, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The SS Keewatin is the only remaining passenger steam vessel of the RMS Titanic era still floating and available for public tours, interpretation and witnessing, in-person, the grandeur and relevance of her story;The Canadian Pacific Railway operated SS Keewatin as part of their Great Lakes Steamship fleet between Port McNicoll and Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay), Ontario, from 1912 to 1965;The vessel’s current owner purchased and brought it back to Port McNicoll in 2012 to become a village destination and attraction, prompting hundreds of volunteers under the direction of The R.J. and Diane Peterson Keewatin Foundation (the Foundation) to spend the last eight years staffing the vessel, restoring her interior and conducting tens of thousands of public tours; andThe owner has recently announced the vessel will be moved to Kingston, Ontario.We, the undersigned, Residents of Simcoe County, call upon the Government of Canada to reject the application by the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston and Skyline Investments Inc. that would remove the SS Keewatin from her rightful place in Port McNicoll, and instead, work with the volunteers and the Foundation to ensure she remains in Port McNicoll to tell her story and that of the immense role she and her sister steamships played in the settlement of Canada in the late 19th and early 20th century and in the passenger steamship era on the Great Lakes.
Response by the Minister of Canadian Heritage Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Julie DabrusinThe Government would like to thank the petitioners of Simcoe County for expressing their concern regarding the preservation of the 1907 steamship, the S.S. Keewatin, in Port McNicoll. It appreciates the work accomplished by the numerous local volunteers to conserve the vessel and offer public tours of the steamship.It is the Government’s understanding that the S.S. Keewatin was originally owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway and operated between Port McNicoll and what is now Thunder Bay; that the ship was decommissioned in 1965 and sold to a private individual and moved to the United States; and that it was purchased in 2012 by a private entity and returned to Canada, where it now resides in Port McNicoll. As you are aware, the Minister of Canadian Heritage administers the Cultural Property Export and Import Act. Through tax incentives, this legislation supports the transfer of significant cultural property from private hands to public institutions that are designated. Designation allows organizations to apply for these incentives on behalf of the donor or seller. Under the Act, the Minister may designate organizations that demonstrate the capacity to preserve and make heritage objects accessible to all Canadians, but the Act does not allow the Minister to direct a private entity to donate or sell their property to a specific institution.Applications for designation related to the potential donation of a specific object or a collection are submitted to the Department of Canadian Heritage with the support of the donor.  The purpose of this review is to ensure that the objects are preserved by professionally run organizations and are made accessible to Canadians for generations to come.  The application for designation presented by the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston and Skyline Investments Inc. is deemed eligible and, as such, the Government of Canada does not have any grounds to reject its review and must render a decision based on the technical and financial assessment process in place.In closing, while the Government recognizes that the decision surrounding the donation belongs to the owner of the S.S. Keewatin, we remain hopeful that it will be donated to a heritage organization in Canada so that its story can continue to be told.
Maritime heritagePort McNicollS.S. Keewatin
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 28, 2021e-3162e-3162 (Justice)JillianMcLeodHon.Judy A.SgroHumber River—Black CreekLiberalONFebruary 8, 2021, at 3:36 p.m. (EDT)March 10, 2021, at 3:36 p.m. (EDT)April 14, 2021May 28, 2021March 12, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="245291" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Justice</Addressee>Whereas:The advocacy group Justice 4 Families has received 104,774 signatures on a "Change org" petition supporting the strengthening of laws and sentencing in regard to impaired and dangerous driving;Stunt driving has seen an increase of up to 95% in many regions of Ontario alone;There were 15 victims of impaired drivers in 2020 and in three cases, these were repeat offenders; andThe Parole Board of Canada hasn't had a proper audit or review of policies or mandate since 2014.We, the undersigned, Justice 4 Families, call upon the Minister of Justice to: 1. Amend the Criminal Code to include stunt driving and street racing as federal offenses with applicable jail terms; 2. Amend the Criminal Code to create mandatory minimum sentences of 15 years for federal driving offenses; 3. Amend the Criminal Code to make mandatory each charge be served consecutively; 4. Amend the Criminal Code to increase minimum penalties including fines, jail terms, impounding, license suspension for impaired driving; 5. Amend the Criminal Code to reflect that the intent to harm or cause death while driving impaired is assumed and that the vehicle driven be considered a weapon; 6. Amend parole eligibility regulations to make it mandatory that convicted offenders serve 3/4 of their sentences for impaired driving causing bodily harm, impaired driving causing death, dangerous operation causing bodily harm, dangerous operation causing death, criminal negligence causing bodily harm and criminal negligence causing death; and We thank the Honourable Justice Minister David Lametti for his consideration.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government of Canada is committed to ensuring the safety of the roads and highways, which is why, in 2018, new legislation was passed to strengthen the criminal laws around impaired and dangerous driving. The legislation streamlined and simplified applicable offences, and street racing is now properly considered under the offence of dangerous driving and is also considered as an aggravating factor for the purposes of sentencing.There are currently very serious penalties for criminal driving offences. For instance, the maximum penalties for impaired driving causing bodily harm and dangerous driving causing bodily harm are 14 years’ imprisonment if the Crown proceeds by indictment. In addition, impaired driving causing death and dangerous driving causing death are punishable by up to life imprisonment, which is the most serious penalty in Canadian criminal law. The Government is confident that existing sentencing laws provide courts with the ability to impose appropriate penalties in dangerous and impaired driving cases.Issues such as vehicle impoundment and licence suspension are more appropriately addressed by provincial and territorial governments under their constitutional authority over highways and driver licensing.The Parole Board of Canada makes conditional release decisions and contributes to public safety through the controlled, timed and gradual release of offenders back into society pursuant to the Corrections and Conditional Release Act. In granting parole, the Parole Board must be satisfied that the offender will not present an undue risk to society before the end of the sentence and that the release of the offender will contribute to the protection of society by facilitating the offender’s return to the community as a law-abiding citizen. The protection of society is the paramount consideration in all Parole Board decisions.
Dangerous drivingImpaired drivingMandatory sentencingVehicular homicide
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 27, 2021e-2985e-2985 (Transportation)GenevieveSingletonAlistairMacGregorCowichan—Malahat—LangfordNDPBCNovember 30, 2020, at 10:56 a.m. (EDT)March 30, 2021, at 10:56 a.m. (EDT)April 13, 2021May 27, 2021April 1, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas: Transport Canada’s Interim Protocol on the use of Southern BC Anchorages created a “voluntary protocol” aimed at reducing lights and noise and creating an equitable rotation of anchorages, which has been largely ignored and not enforced, and residents have seen both the frequency and duration of freighters at anchor increase over the past ten years;Ancient clam beds, prawns, oysters, and endangered species, such as the southern resident killer whale, are at risk of environmental impact from these vessels, which have been shown to swing at anchor, increasing the risks of them coming aground and causing environmental and ecological disaster;The federal government sees value in protecting the sensitive marine habitat in these waters through the establishment of a National Marine Conservation Area and that they should therefore not be used as an overflow industrial parking lot for the Port of Vancouver; and First Nations in the region were not consulted, nor did they give their free, prior, and informed consent to the establishment of these anchorages in their unceded and traditional territories;We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to support NDP member of Parliament Alistair MacGregor's Bill C-250, An Act to amend the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 (anchorage prohibition), to end the use of Southern BC Anchorages in the Strait of Georgia to protect our Vancouver Island coast and delicate ecosystems.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraThe Government’s goal for managing anchorages in Canada is one where commercial shipping is conducted safely for the benefit of all Canadians, while seeking to minimize the impact to the marine environment and surrounding communities.Transport Canada is aware that increased ship activity and utilization of anchorages in the Southern Gulf Islands has been met with concern by Indigenous and local communities.  Noise and light from vessels at anchor have been identified as significant concerns, as have impacts on the environment, endangered species, and fish harvesting practices and cultural activities of local First Nations.In Canada, navigation is a common law right, and as such, a ship is generally free to anchor temporarily, and for a reasonable period of time, in any location deemed appropriate.  The current Southern Gulf Islands anchorage sites on the south coast of British Columbia were historically identified by vessel masters in consideration of a number of factors, including the quality of anchor-holding ground, shelter from high winds, proximity to shipping routes, and port logistics.  Safety and security considerations were at the forefront for identifying these anchorage sites, which were then mapped onto charts over time, rather than through a regulatory process of decision making.Since 2017, Transport Canada has been in communication with local and Indigenous communities regarding the Interim Protocol for the Use of Southern B.C. Anchorages, including seeking input and feedback.   Indigenous and local coastal community input has been important in the development of management approaches for anchorages. The input received over this period has surfaced a number of socio-environmental considerations of importance to communities that are informing the development of a framework for the management of anchorages. Engagement with Indigenous and local communities, as well as marine industry stakeholders, is a key component of the Anchorages Initiative under the Oceans Protection Plan, and will continue in the near future.Prohibiting anchorages in the Southern Gulf Islands, which forms part of the Asia Pacific Gateway, would have a negative impact on Canada’s import and export capacity.  Presently, the existing Southern Gulf Islands anchorages are used primarily by vessels awaiting berth at the Port of Vancouver to load or unload bulk cargo, the majority of which is grain, coal, and potash.  The elimination of these anchorage sites would mean that these vessels would be forced to seek suitable anchorages elsewhere (e.g., other coastal communities) outside the prohibited waters.  This would cause a significant disruption to industry, supply chains, and the everyday lives of Canadians.The Government’s vision for anchorages management in the Southern Gulf Islands is focused on reducing anchorage use and transits by commercial vessels, and that these vessels comply with code of conduct while at anchor – whether through incentives or disincentives.  Consistent with this vision, these improvements should also be part of broader active traffic management measures – including the promotion of more collaborative uses of technology, data sharing, and advanced analytics by port operators and users – to optimize gateway fluidity with a view to promoting supply-chain efficiency and mitigating the socio-environmental impacts of anchorages on Indigenous and local communities. Transport Canada is actively working with key stakeholders such as the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority to achieve this vision. 
Dockage facilitiesFreight transportationStrait of Georgia
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 27, 2021432-00785432-00785 (Health)PaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCApril 13, 2021May 27, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament AssembledWHEREAS:
  • The majority of COVID-19 communications and mandates by health officials include social distancing, masking, hand sanitizing, contact tracing, and vaccination;
  • Natural, time-tested immune system essentials and holistic health practices have received less attention for their role in preventive healthcare;
  • A holistic and complementary approach to health would be more affordable for taxpayers than treating disease;
  • Many Canadians already invest in natural immunity, proactive self-care and prevention strategies;
  • Eating fresh vegetables, exercising, managing stress, drinking water, walking in fresh air/sunshine and getting adequate sleep are simple and cost-effective measures to improve immune function and overall wellness;
  • Vitamin D has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms associated with COVID-19;
  • Many Canadians are deficient in Vitamin D during winter months and yet are isolating for safety in their homes without supplementing;
  • Other vitamins and nutrients essential for optimal immunity and overall health include Vitamin C, Zinc, Selenium and plant extracts, and show promising results for COVID-19 prevention;
  • Greater attention and education on natural health solutions would help optimize Canadians' immune systems, increasing quality of life and productivity;
THEREFORE, we the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada respectfully request that the Government of Canada: 1) Educate and empower Canadians on holistic approaches to optimize and maintain their natural immunity and wellbeing. 2) Cover practices for health sustainability and wellness care under the Canada Health Act, including chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, and meopathic and naturopathic medicines. 3) Support, promote, and enhance Canadians' access to holistic health services and natural products. 4) Include immune-strengthening measures and practices in COVID-19 prevention messaging.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellThe Government of Canada is responsible for establishing and administering legislation and regulations to ensure the safety, efficacy and quality of natural health products sold in Canada. Health Canada recognizes that, for many Canadians, natural health products are an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including helping to maintain and support immune function.Natural health products in Canada (such as vitamin and mineral supplements and herbal products) are regulated under the Natural Health Products Regulations (NHPR), which were created to differentiate natural health products from prescription and non-prescription drugs, which are regulated under the Food and Drug Regulations.Natural health products are generally low-risk products meant to be used by individuals for minor, non-serious conditions. However, low-risk does not mean no risk. That is why Health Canada reviews the safety, efficacy and quality of natural health products prior to their entry on the Canadian market, in accordance with the NHPR and will take appropriate action. Health Canada has not authorized an application for a product containing Vitamin D with claims to reduce symptoms associated with COVID-19. Claims related to prevention of COVID-19 infection or symptomatic treatment of COVID-19 are considered higher risk and would require a high degree of supporting scientific evidence prior to approval for this use.It may be of interest to note that the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development recently completed audit report of Health Canada’s Natural Health Products Program. A number of recommendations were made as a result, all of which Health Canada agrees with.Although the federal government plays a crucial role in supporting health care by providing funding to the provinces and territories, the provincial and territorial governments have primary jurisdiction in the administration and delivery of health care services. This includes determining which services to cover under their respective health care insurance plans. Under the Canada Health Act, a province or territory must provide coverage for medically necessary hospital and physician services (i.e., insured health services, including access to holistic health services) to their eligible residents. Wellness care and practices aimed at sustaining health, including chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, and homeopathic and naturopathic medicines, are part of a range of additional services and benefits, which are outside the scope of the Act, and may be provided at provincial and territorial discretion, on their own terms and conditions. 
COVID-19Natural health productsPandemicPublic health
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 27, 2021432-00784432-00784 (Foreign affairs)PaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCApril 13, 2021May 27, 2021January 27, 2021Petition to the Government of Canada WHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law) sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption;
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party corrupt officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of "Truth, Compassion and Tolerance," including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, Qiang Wei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 27, 2021432-00783432-00783 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 13, 2021May 27, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 27, 2021432-00782432-00782 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 13, 2021May 27, 2021June 20, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 27, 2021432-00781432-00781 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 13, 2021May 27, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 27, 2021432-00780432-00780 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 13, 2021May 27, 2021April 12, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the human rights violations by Chinese authorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities face torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, obligatory patriotic and cultural education, as well as forced labour. Reports detail closures and destruction of Uyghur religious sites, including mosques and shrines important to that community’s religious, ethnic, and cultural identity. There are also reports of mass arbitrary forced separation of children from their parents by authorities. There are credible reports of forced sterilization, systematic rape and gender-based sexual violence. Throughout the region, Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities also face repressive physical and digital surveillance, which includes severe restrictions on movement, the forced collection of biometric data, and coercive police surveillance. The actions by the Chinese government are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.Canada has acted to address the repression, which is systematic, state-led and ongoing.  Concerns over the human rights situation in the XUAR were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in the XUAR (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020; February 2021). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong.Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.On January 12, the Government of Canada announced that it is adopting a comprehensive approach to addressing human rights abuses in the XUAR. This included measures to address forced labour, via the prohibition of imports into Canada of goods made in whole or part with forced labour and a business integrity declaration for Canadian exporters. Global Affairs Canada will continue to work closely with Canadian firms doing business in or with China to help them understand and mitigate the risks of doing business with entities possibly implicated in forced labour.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.On March 22, 2021, Canada announced sanctions against 4 officials and 1 entity under the Special Economic Measures (People’s Republic of China) Regulations, based on their participation in gross and systematic human rights violations in the XUAR. The Regulations impose a dealings ban on listed persons, which prohibits any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada from undertaking a broad range of financial and business transactions with any of the listed individuals or entities. The individuals listed in the schedule to the regulations are also rendered inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. These measures were taken in coordination with the United States and the United Kingdom, and in solidarity with the European Union. These sanctions underscore Canada’s grave concerns with the ongoing human rights violations occurring in the XUAR, affecting Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities.Canada will continue to call on the People’s Republic of China to fulfill its international human rights obligations and to allow for meaningful, unfettered access to the XUAR so that impartial experts can observe and report on the situation first-hand. Canada will work collaboratively with partners to address the human rights situation in Xinjiang. We have the responsibility to work with others in the international community to ensure that allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity are investigated by an independent international body of legal experts.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 27, 2021432-00779432-00779 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKApril 13, 2021May 27, 2021March 8, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • Sex selection abortion is legal as Canada has no legal restrictions on abortion;
  • Sex selective abortion is antithetical to our commitment to equality between men and women;
  • A 2019 DART & Maru/Blue poll, conducted for the National Post, showed that 84% of Canadians believe it should be illegal to have an abortion if the family does not want the child to be a certain sex;
  • International organizations including the World Health Organization, United Nations Women, and United Nations Children's Fund have identified unequal sex ratios at birth as a growing problem internationally;
  • Canada's health care profession recognizes sex selection as a problem.
Therefore, we the undersigned citizens of Canada call upon the House of Commons to pass a Criminal Code prohibition of sex selective abortion.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government of Canada condemns all practices that are motivated by discriminatory views of women and girls, including sex selective practices.In Canada, the administration and funding of health care services is a provincial responsibility that falls under the purview of the provincial governments. As is the case for other medical procedures, the delivery of abortion services is determined by the policies of the provincial governments and the standards set by the medical profession itself.
AbortionSexual discrimination
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 27, 2021432-00778432-00778 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKApril 13, 2021May 27, 2021March 8, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • Sex selection abortion is legal as Canada has no legal restrictions on abortion;
  • Sex selective abortion is antithetical to our commitment to equality between men and women;
  • A 2019 DART & Maru/Blue poll, conducted for the National Post, showed that 84% of Canadians believe it should be illegal to have an abortion if the family does not want the child to be a certain sex;
  • International organizations including the World Health Organization, United Nations Women, and United Nations Children's Fund have identified unequal sex ratios at birth as a growing problem internationally;
  • Canada's health care profession recognizes sex selection as a problem.
Therefore, we the undersigned citizens of Canada call upon the House of Commons to pass a Criminal Code prohibition of sex selective abortion.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government of Canada condemns all practices that are motivated by discriminatory views of women and girls, including sex selective practices.In Canada, the administration and funding of health care services is a provincial responsibility that falls under the purview of the provincial governments. As is the case for other medical procedures, the delivery of abortion services is determined by the policies of the provincial governments and the standards set by the medical profession itself.
AbortionSexual discrimination
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 27, 2021432-00777432-00777 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKApril 13, 2021May 27, 2021March 8, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • Sex selection abortion is legal as Canada has no legal restrictions on abortion;
  • Sex selective abortion is antithetical to our commitment to equality between men and women;
  • A 2019 DART & Maru/Blue poll, conducted for the National Post, showed that 84% of Canadians believe it should be illegal to have an abortion if the family does not want the child to be a certain sex;
  • International organizations including the World Health Organization, United Nations Women, and United Nations Children's Fund have identified unequal sex ratios at birth as a growing problem internationally;
  • Canada's health care profession recognizes sex selection as a problem.
Therefore, we the undersigned citizens of Canada call upon the House of Commons to pass a Criminal Code prohibition of sex selective abortion.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government of Canada condemns all practices that are motivated by discriminatory views of women and girls, including sex selective practices.In Canada, the administration and funding of health care services is a provincial responsibility that falls under the purview of the provincial governments. As is the case for other medical procedures, the delivery of abortion services is determined by the policies of the provincial governments and the standards set by the medical profession itself.
AbortionSexual discrimination
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 27, 2021432-00776432-00776 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKApril 13, 2021May 27, 2021March 4, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • Sex selection abortion is legal as Canada has no legal restrictions on abortion;
  • Sex selective abortion is antithetical to our commitment to equality between men and women;
  • A 2019 DART & Maru/Blue poll, conducted for the National Post, showed that 84% of Canadians believe it should be illegal to have an abortion if the family does not want the child to be a certain sex;
  • International organizations including the World Health Organization, United Nations Women, and United Nations Children's Fund have identified unequal sex ratios at birth as a growing problem internationally;
  • Canada's health care profession recognizes sex selection as a problem.
Therefore, we the undersigned citizens of Canada call upon the House of Commons to pass a Criminal Code prohibition of sex selective abortion.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government of Canada condemns all practices that are motivated by discriminatory views of women and girls, including sex selective practices.In Canada, the administration and funding of health care services is a provincial responsibility that falls under the purview of the provincial governments. As is the case for other medical procedures, the delivery of abortion services is determined by the policies of the provincial governments and the standards set by the medical profession itself.
AbortionSexual discrimination
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 27, 2021e-3030e-3030 (Citizenship and immigration)ValérieBeauchampAlexandreBoulericeRosemont—La Petite-PatrieNDPQCDecember 9, 2020, at 4:53 p.m. (EDT)February 7, 2021, at 4:53 p.m. (EDT)April 13, 2021May 27, 2021February 8, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="253396" mp-riding-display="1"> Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship</Addressee>Whereas:Mr. Mamadou Konaté arrived in Quebec in 2016 to escape threats in his country, the Ivory Coast, and was recognized as a refugee by the Red Cross and the United Nations after suffering the consequences of the war; He took literacy and French courses so he could become proficient in French and build his life here in our community while fully integrating into Quebec society; He courageously answered the Quebec government’s call to work in housekeeping, risking his life in the hot zones of three CHSLDs during the pandemic; He contracted COVID-19 while working with vulnerable seniors and immediately returned to work in CHSLDs after his recovery; It goes against our values to deport those who came to support our citizens during a historic health crisis and who demonstrated courage and solidarity in such circumstances;The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship has the authority to grant Mr. Mamadou Konaté status under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to lift the deportation order against Mamadou Konaté and to grant him a work permit as well as a temporary resident permit pending the granting of permanent residence.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoCanada offers protection to those with a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group, as well as those at risk of torture or cruel and unusual treatment or punishment.  Canada upholds fair and efficient procedures that will maintain the integrity of the Canadian refugee protection system, while protecting the health and safety of Canadians and maintaining the security of Canadian society.While the decision to remove someone from Canada is not taken lightly, the Government of Canada is unwavering in its commitment to protect Canadians and to fulfill our international legal obligations with respect to refugees and persons deserving protection.Everyone ordered removed from Canada is entitled to due process before the law, and all removal orders are subject to various levels of appeal.  Individuals may seek leave for judicial review, as well as administrative review procedures that assess the potential risk to the person of returning to the country of origin.Once a person has exhausted all available recourses, they must respect our legislations and leave the country.  For any questions on removals, please communicate with the Canada Border Services Agency at questions@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.Detailed information on Canada’s inland asylum claim system can be found on the Claiming asylum in Canada – what happens? page of IRCC’s Website.Due to privacy laws, IRCC cannot comment on specific cases without consent.
Deportation, extradition and removal of foreignersKonaté, MamadouPermanent resident statusWork permits
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 27, 2021e-3019e-3019 (Citizenship and immigration)RoxaneHatemAlexandreBoulericeRosemont—La Petite-PatrieNDPQCDecember 3, 2020, at 4:05 p.m. (EDT)February 1, 2021, at 4:05 p.m. (EDT)April 13, 2021May 27, 2021February 1, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:We are a group of immigration applicants who have been living in Quebec for years;We have been forced to prepare this petition because wait times have become extremely long, exceeding 30 months in some cases;This situation is putting most of us at risk of losing our status and jobs; andOur request is simple: we are asking to have our status regularized and to be compensated for the delay in processing times which are in no way consistent with the times that were announced.We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the House of Common: 1. To grant a bridging open work permit (BOWP) to persons who have applied for permanent residence in Quebec until a final decision has been made;2. To give us a realistic completion date and make a commitment to meet it;3. Extend the validity of the medical evaluation for persons whose evaluation has expired. If that is not possible, the second medical evaluation is to be paid for by the Canadian government;4. To include the delay in wait times in the citizenship calculation and propose reasonable compensation;5. To issue an acknowledgement of receipt for applications submitted in 2019 and 2020.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoThe pandemic has significantly impacted Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada’s processing capacity and the processing times for many permanent residence applicants have lengthened.Quebec is the only province that has the authority to set its own immigration target levels, within the parameters of the Canada-Quebec Accord (i.e., in categories for which it has selection authority). When establishing the total number of immigrants to the country as a whole, the federal government takes Quebec’s advice into consideration on the number of immigrants that it wishes to receive in all categories (including in categories under federal authority). Quebec’s immigration plan is established annually and incorporated in the federal immigration levels plan.The processing of permanent residence applications is dependent on admissions space. IRCC finalizes the number of applications for permanent residence based on the parameters set by Quebec in its immigration plan. In situations where there are more Certificats de Sélection du Québec (CSQ) issued than available spaces, inventories develop and processing times grow. IRCC will continue to finalize Quebec-destined permanent resident applications as expeditiously as possible, within the parameters imposed by Quebec immigration levels.The Department is committed to advancing Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) files through the intake process in order to issue acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letters. Modified AOR letters are sent to clients that have not yet reached this stage to ensure that clients have at least a file number as an indication from IRCC that their file has been received. Using the first in - first out principal, as one file is completed and AOR is sent, a different file will be received into the inventory with a modified AOR sent. This allows IRCC to maintain a balanced inventory of files, ensuring the proper number of files are moving in and out of each stage. IRCC has made significant changes to the intake process to reduce the number of rejections based on incompleteness for these files. As opposed to rejecting incomplete applications, applicants are now contacted to complete their files. The applications will then be put back in the processing system, without effect to the CSQ expiry date. However, current IRCC operational priorities and capacity limits due to COVID are further impacting the ability to advance these files in the short term, as we concentrate on in-Canada applicants and inventories that can be finalized towards the federal and Quebec provincial admissions target.  The Department is in constant discussion with the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration and internal stakeholders to identify solutions for those waiting at the pre-intake stage of the process, especially for QSW, which can be implemented in the near future. The option of a bridging open work permit (BOWP) is provided to certain federal economic class applicants currently in Canada to bridge the gap between the expiry of their current work permit and the final decision on their application for permanent residence. Under the bridging provisions, skilled worker permanent residence applicants who are in Quebec and have a Quebec Selection Certificate are eligible for an employer-specific work permit without having to obtain a labour market impact assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada. However, as these work permits are employer-specific, the applicant needs to obtain an offer of employment to be eligible to apply and does not benefit from the flexibility that an open work permit provides.
BacklogsBridging open work permitMedical examinationsPermanent resident statusProvince of Quebec
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 27, 2021e-2742e-2742 (Foreign affairs)MohamadOukarAlexandreBoulericeRosemont—La Petite-PatrieNDPQCJuly 21, 2020, at 12:10 p.m. (EDT)November 18, 2020, at 12:10 p.m. (EDT)April 13, 2021May 27, 2021November 20, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The citizens of the Republic of Yemen have been suffering from a humanitarian crisis since war began in 2015, and this has resulted in the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, with 20.1 million (approximately two thirds of the entire population) at risk for famine, 14 million of which require immediate assistance to survive;There has been a previous petition from 2017 that was presented to the House of Commons in May of 2019, and the government responded with an allocation of $46.7 million to support the crisis;However, the current COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly worsened the situation in Yemen and has the potential to cause more deaths than those from the past five years of devastating war, and additional restrictions are being imposed to the humanitarian aid being provided by the UN’s World Food Programme, causing significant delays to the 8.2 million people receiving that aid; andThe UN's World Food Programme urgently needs an additional US$ 737 million to ensure operations can continue unimpeded over the next six months.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:- Continue to encourage both sides in the conflict to seek a long-term, peaceful, and democratic resolution; and- Provide another life-saving allocation to support the humanitarian response in Yemen, in light of the new circumstances and challenges triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Response by the Minister of International Development Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Karina GouldThe Government of Canada is deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict in Yemen, which has caused civilian deaths, displaced families, threatened security and disrupted essential services.For too long now, the people of Yemen, particularly women and children, have been bearing the brunt of the crisis. The ongoing conflict is fueling widespread instability and exacerbating what continues to be the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated the humanitarian needs in Yemen.That is why on March 1, 2021, Canada announced $69.9 million to respond to the humanitarian needs of people in Yemen, building on the $225 million that Canada has provided since 2015. This funding is supporting the efforts of United Nations (UN) agencies, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and non governmental organizations in providing urgent assistance, such as food, medicine and clean water, for the most vulnerable communities in Yemen.Canada is also constantly working to improve the effectiveness and quality of programming in humanitarian situations. In Yemen, Canada is doing this in part by providing predictable multi-year funding and unearmarked contributions. This includes through our support to joint donor mechanisms such as the Yemen Humanitarian Fund (a Country-Based Pooled Fund) and the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). On March 1, 2021, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs approved an allocation of $40 million from the CERF to enable the scale-up of the life-saving humanitarian response in Yemen.In addition to humanitarian support, Canada is investing in peace and stability in Yemen. Since December 2018, Canada has provided over $22 million in peace and security assistance in Yemen to support the UN-led peace process. Canada supports an inclusive peace process in Yemen, with a focus on increasing women’s participation.Canada supports a political solution as the only way to end this conflict and remains fully supportive of UN Security Council Resolution 2216, adopted under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter. Canada firmly supports the efforts of the UN Special Envoy of the Secretary General for Yemen, Mr. Martin Griffiths, to achieve a lasting ceasefire and inclusive and sustainable peace. Canada also strongly supported the UN sponsored peace consultations on Yemen, which took place in December 2018. Canada urges all parties in Yemen to show restraint, de escalate hostilities and halt the tragic loss of life. In addition, Canada urges all parties to commit to a political dialogue and to work together toward the holding of subsequent rounds of peace consultations.In September 2017, Canada worked closely with the Netherlands and a core group of partner countries at the UN Human Rights Council to call for the creation of a new mechanism to investigate human rights abuses and violations in Yemen. This led to the creation of a high level independent group of experts. In September 2019, Canada worked diligently with other countries at the Human Rights Council to renew the mandate of the Group of Eminent Experts on Yemen.Please be assured that the Government of Canada will continue to closely monitor the situation in Yemen, fully support efforts to resume talks toward a permanent and peaceful end to the conflict in that country, and encourage all parties to work toward that goal.
COVID-19Foreign policyInternational development and aidPandemicRepublic of Yemen
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 27, 2021432-00772432-00772 (Infrastructure)ScotDavidsonYork—SimcoeConservativeONApril 13, 2021May 27, 2021January 27, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS
  • The Pefferlaw Dam in Pefferlaw, Ontario was constructed across the Pefferlaw River in the 1820s and has become a local landmark, contributing to the distinct charm and character of the area;
  • The Dam's structure has deteriorated and been deemed “unsafe' by the Lake Simcoe Regional Conservation Authority, and requires significant rehabilitation and repair;
  • The local ecosystem will be drastically affected by changes to the water flow and other impacts related to the Dam's deterioration; and
  • The Pefferlaw Dam has cultural, historical, environmental, economic and recreational significance to the residents and visitors of Pefferlaw, Ontario.
We, the undersigned, residents of Pefferlaw and other concerned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to partner with the Government of Ontario and provide the federal funding required to rehabilitate the Pefferlaw Dam.
Response by the Minister of Infrastructure and CommunitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Andy FillmoreThe Government of Canada is providing over $11.8 billion in federal funding for  infrastructure projects in Ontario under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). This funding will see the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario make unprecedented investments in public transit, green infrastructure, communities, recreational and cultural infrastructure, and in rural and northern communities.Under the Integrated Bilateral Agreement struck to implement ICIP, proposed projects must first be prioritized by the Province of Ontario before they are submitted to Infrastructure Canada for funding consideration. Infrastructure Canada has not received an application from the Ontario for the rehabilitation of the Pefferlaw Dam, which may be eligible under the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of ICIP.Also, the Perfferlaw Dam project is not being funded under Infrastructure Canada’s Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) program.The rehabilitation of the Pefferlaw Dam may also be eligible under the federal Gas Tax Fund if the Town of Georgina, as the Ultimate Recipient under the program, chooses to apply its allocation to this project.
Maintenance, repair and renovation servicesPefferlaw Dam
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 27, 2021e-3229e-3229 (Health)JanetWillisElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCMarch 3, 2021, at 1:36 p.m. (EDT)April 2, 2021, at 1:36 p.m. (EDT)April 13, 2021May 27, 2021April 7, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Recent statistics indicate 50% to 80% of patients contracting COVID-19 will continue with symptoms many months past initial infection;Tens of thousands of Canadians are experiencing ongoing symptoms serious enough to affect their livelihoods, overall health, and ability to function daily;Ongoing symptoms can be serious and may include debilitating fatigue, damage to brain, heart, lungs, kidney or liver, depression, cognitive impairment, life threatening symptoms, and muscle weakness;The Canada Recovery Benefit application requires individuals to seek work, but many with long COVID are unable to do so;Many patients contracting COVID-19 during the first wave were denied testing and now are scrutinized, denied medical help, and blocked from research initiatives and rehabilitation; andWithout help, "Long Haulers" are likely to become chronically ill, creating a huge societal and economic crisis for Canada.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Recognize and label long COVID as a health syndrome;2. Create a registry system for long COVID patients, include this data in Health Canada's daily case count, and consider these patients "Unrecovered" or "Not Infectious";3. Swiftly fund robust, targeted research of COVID-19 and long COVID; and4. Establish clinics for diagnosed long COVID patients, whether COVID-19 tested or not, to address medical, cognitive, psychological, rehabilitative and employment issues.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellThe Government of Canada recognizes that many Canadians who were infected with the COVID-19 virus face a long recovery. While the evidence is building, there is still much that is unknown about “long COVID”, also called “Post COVID-19 condition”. The range of symptoms linked to this condition, their evolution post-infection, and their frequency among diverse subgroups of the Canadians population are still not well understood. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is actively working in collaboration with international and Canadian experts to advance the evidence base on the long-term impacts of COVID-19 required to inform effective public health actions.Sound scientific evidence is key to addressing and recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. To that end, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Government of Canada has invested over $250 million towards more than 400 COVID-19 research projects since March 2020. Some of these projects specifically focus on the long-term health impacts of COVID-19. CIHR has recently launched another funding competition to address research gaps in our knowledge of COVID-19, including on Post COVID-19 condition. This represents an additional investment of up to $119 million.For example, CIHR is currently funding the Canadian COVID-19 Prospective Cohort Study, which will provide a comprehensive evaluation of early and medium term (1-year) outcomes in 2,000 patients with COVID-19 infection and their family caregivers. This study is underway in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. Such studies will yield important findings to inform surveillance efforts, as well as public health action and clinical practice.PHAC has established a number of new surveillance efforts in the context of the pandemic to guide public health measures, including on the wider health impacts of COVID-19. Surveillance of the wider health impacts includes monitoring mental health, substance use, chronic disease, and other adverse outcomes directly or indirectly linked to the pandemic and public health measures. For example, new surveys have been undertaken by PHAC in collaboration with Statistics Canada to better understand the mental health of Canadians during the pandemic.Although long COVID has been recognized and labelled by a number of organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), there is currently no agreed upon clinical case definition of Post COVID-19 condition. Therefore, the evidence base necessary to inform appropriate methodologies for routine monitoring and reporting activities is currently lacking.  PHAC and CIHR are currently collaborating with Canadian and international experts to further describe and assess Post COVID-19 condition in the Canadian population by exploring various data sources, assessing current research findings to inform approaches and definitions, and monitoring and reporting efforts. CIHR is also a member of the Global Research Collaboration for Infectious Disease Preparedness (GloPID-R), an alliance of research funding organizations on a global scale that facilitates rapid end effective research response to support new, urgent scientific priorities related to COVID-19.The Provinces and Territories are responsible for the management and delivery of health care services for their residents, including the rehabilitation and treatment services for people with long COVID. Clinics for care of patients with symptoms consistent with long COVID have been established in different locations across Canada, including Calgary’s Rockyview General Hospital and Peter Lougheed Centre, Montreal’s Clinical Research Institute, and Vancouver’s St. Paul’s Hospital.
COVID-19Medical researchPandemic
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 27, 2021e-3060e-3060 (Economy and finance)RoseRayDougShipleyBarrie—Springwater—Oro-MedonteConservativeONDecember 21, 2020, at 11:10 a.m. (EDT)February 19, 2021, at 11:10 a.m. (EDT)April 13, 2021May 27, 2021February 24, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:From 2009 to 2018, Fortress Real Developments and its affiliate brokerages raised $920 million in Syndicated Mortgage Investments (SMIs). The SMIs were promoted to Canadians as safe, 8% interest, secured principal, and registered eligible;The Financial Services Commission of Ontario received numerous complaints from investors and warnings from industry experts regarding the high risk of Fortress SMIs since 2011, but did not act until February 2018;In April 2018, the RCMP raided Fortress and its affiliate brokerages revealing to investors that 50% of their principal was deducted towards commissions, fees and their own interest. Property values were grossly inflated, resulting in ineligibility for registered funds;Thousands of hardworking Canadians, including seniors, have lost their life savings. The victims and families are suffering from extreme financial and emotional hardship due to the hundreds of millions of dollars that have been confirmed as a loss to the investors; andThe RCMP has yet to lay charges on what is believed to be the largest mortgage fraud in Canadian history.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:1. support the launch of an independent public forensic inquiry to investigate the financial records and assets of Fortress and principals, its brokerages, executives and trustees, including Sorrenti Law;2. ensure that the RCMP Integrated Market Enforcement Teams has the resources and funds to continue their investigation;3. review the Standing Up for White Collar Crime Act, and increase the current punishment and imprisonment if the fraud exceeds one million dollars; and4. mandate communication across all financial Canadian regulators to reduce loopholes and protect investors.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency PreparednessSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JOËL LIGHTBOUND, M.P.The Government of Canada takes very seriously its responsibilities for ensuring the security and integrity of our financial system. A comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing (AML/ATF) Regime exists at the federal level to detect, deter, investigate, and prosecute financial crimes, such as fraud, money laundering and the financing of organized crime and terrorist activities.Our government continues to work closely with other federal departments, as well as provincial, territorial and municipal governments, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations, to prevent and combat financial crimes in Canada and to offer support to those affected by these crimes.While the Government cannot comment on any potential ongoing investigations, please be assured that our Government is fully committed to protecting the safety and security of Canadians by tackling financial crime in Canada.  Since 2019, our Government has provided hundreds of millions of dollars to anti-money laundering and financial crime efforts, including to strengthen legislation and invest in law enforcement and technology to support investigations.We are pleased to note that the RCMP was provided funds toward the creation of new Integrated Money Laundering Investigative Teams, to conduct money laundering and proceeds of crime investigations. These have already been stood up in Alberta, Ontario, BC and Quebec. Separate to this recent initiative, Integrated Market Enforcement Teams are mandated to investigate serious Criminal Code capital market fraud offences that are of regional or national significance and threaten investor confidence or economic stability in Canada. We are pleased to note the establishment of both the Public Safety Financial Crime Coordination Centre (FC3) and CBSA Trade Fraud and Trade-based Money Laundering Centre of Expertise to further address these crimes.This stands in sharp contrast to the previous Harper Conservatives who cut half a billion dollars from the RCMP’s budget and oversaw the closure of all 13 Integrated Proceeds of Crime Units dedicated to addressing such financial crimes.Through Budget 2021 we are proposing additional investments to permit FINTRAC to build its expertise related to virtual currency and supervise evolving threats. To better catch those who launder money, we are proposing a publicly accessible corporate beneficial ownership registry, while amendments to the Income Tax Act will be sought to streamline the revocation process of charitable status for organizations listed as a terrorist entity to prevent abuse. We hope to be able to count on the member’s support for these important initiatives.
Allegations of fraud and fraudFortress Real Developments Inc.Judicial inquiriesMortgage investment corporations
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 27, 2021432-00769432-00769 (Foreign affairs)EmmanuelDubourgBourassaLiberalQCApril 13, 2021May 27, 2021March 29, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law), sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption;
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of "Truth, Compassion and Tolerance," including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, Qiang Wei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang.We also call upon the Government of Canada to refuse immigration/visitor visa to those who persecuted Falun Gong practitioners in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoAs part of the immigration application process, all visa applications are carefully assessed for eligibility and admissibility under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. For example, a foreign national may be inadmissible to Canada if they have engaged in criminality or human or international rights violations (including being subject to sanctions), or are a family member of an inadmissible person. In 2017, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law) came into force. It added two new inadmissibility provisions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act concerning sanctioned government officials or individuals acting on behalf of a foreign state who are responsible for corruption, extrajudicial killings, torture or other gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. A foreign national listed in an order or regulation made by the Governor in Council under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act would be inadmissible.If an applicant is determined to be inadmissible on any ground, they may be refused a visa, electronic travel authorization or entry to Canada. Inadmissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by Immigration Officers and are based on evidence, which may consist of police or intelligence reports, statutory declarations or other documents—such as media articles, scholarly journals or publicly-available information.In addition, if a foreign national who is at the border, or is in Canada, is found to be inadmissible, they may be denied entry or ordered to leave Canada. The Canada Border Services Agency is responsible for immigration enforcement at the border and in Canada.For privacy reasons, individual cases cannot be discussed.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 27, 2021432-00768432-00768 (Foreign affairs)EmmanuelDubourgBourassaLiberalQCApril 13, 2021May 27, 2021March 29, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law), sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption;
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of "Truth, Compassion and Tolerance," including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, Qiang Wei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang.We also call upon the Government of Canada to refuse immigration/visitor visa to those who persecuted Falun Gong practitioners in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoAs part of the immigration application process, all visa applications are carefully assessed for eligibility and admissibility under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. For example, a foreign national may be inadmissible to Canada if they have engaged in criminality or human or international rights violations (including being subject to sanctions), or are a family member of an inadmissible person. In 2017, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law) came into force. It added two new inadmissibility provisions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act concerning sanctioned government officials or individuals acting on behalf of a foreign state who are responsible for corruption, extrajudicial killings, torture or other gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. A foreign national listed in an order or regulation made by the Governor in Council under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act would be inadmissible.If an applicant is determined to be inadmissible on any ground, they may be refused a visa, electronic travel authorization or entry to Canada. Inadmissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by Immigration Officers and are based on evidence, which may consist of police or intelligence reports, statutory declarations or other documents—such as media articles, scholarly journals or publicly-available information.In addition, if a foreign national who is at the border, or is in Canada, is found to be inadmissible, they may be denied entry or ordered to leave Canada. The Canada Border Services Agency is responsible for immigration enforcement at the border and in Canada.For privacy reasons, individual cases cannot be discussed.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 26, 2021e-3239e-3239 (Business and trade)DianneVargaPaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCMarch 5, 2021, at 10:35 a.m. (EDT)April 4, 2021, at 10:35 a.m. (EDT)April 12, 2021May 26, 2021April 7, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:1.8 million Canadian households spend more than 30% of their income on rent, and 800,000 households spend more than 50%;2.4 million Canadian households experienced core housing need in 2020;Financialization of housing inflates Canadian real estate prices;Inflation is exacerbated by wealthy investors using Canada’s housing market to launder money and evade taxes;Corporations, numbered companies and real estate investment trusts (REITs) are rapidly buying up affordable housing units and flipping them to market rate units;REITs benefit from large federal tax exemptions;Some government policies designed to increase housing affordability transfer tax dollars to the private sector but do not protect existing affordable housing, or create new permanent affordable housing; andWhile some parts of Canada have rent and vacancy controls, there are no national standards to protect tenants.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to: 1. Recognize housing unaffordability and homelessness as twin national crises;2. Re-define affordable housing using an updated formula that better reflects the economic realities faced by millions of Canadians;3. Remove tax exemptions for REITs;4. Increase regulation of foreign investment in residential real estate;5. Require restrictive covenants on affordable housing units built with taxpayer subsidies to ensure that those units remain affordable;6. Create national standards to establish rent and vacancy controls;7. Create an empty home tax for residential property owners who leave buildings and units vacant;8. Regulate investors out of residential real estate that is priced below median regional prices to increase access to affordable properties for Canadians buying homes; and9. Prioritize funding for non-profit and cooperative housing.
Response by the Minister of Families, Children and Social DevelopmentSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Adam VaughanThe Government of Canada would like to thank the petitioners for sharing their views on housing affordability and homelessness. High housing costs, especially in urban centres, continue to place middle class and low-income Canadians under huge financial pressure. A long-term plan for a faster-growing Canadian economy must include housing that is affordable for working Canadians, especially young families. Stable housing is critical for communities and for a strong middle class. This why Canada's National Housing Strategy (NHS) was launched in November 2017 and is a 10-year, now, $70+ billion plan that gives more Canadians a place to call home. Building on this, Budget 2021 proposes to invest $2.5 billion, and reallocate $1.3 billion in existing funding to speed up the construction, repair, or support of 35,000 affordable housing units.Approximately 1.7 million Canadian households were in core housing need in 2016, over 1.5 million of which were experiencing affordability issues (Statistic Canada 2016). To respond to affordability challenges in housing, people, and the belief that every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable home, are at the center of Canada’s first ever National Housing Strategy (NHS).To help more Canadians access housing that meets their needs and they can afford, the NHS sets out to achieve bold outcomes by 2027-2028, including:  
  • Reducing or eliminating housing need for 530,000 households; 
  • Creating 160,000* new housing units, and repairing and renewing more than 300,000?housing units; and,  
  • Protecting 385,000 community housing units and expanding by another 55,000 units. 
*Targets for new housing units account for the new investments announced in 2020. COVID-19 has exacerbated many of the hardships faced by Canadians experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. The 2020 Speech from the Throne and Budget 2021 included a commitment to entirely end chronic homelessness in Canada, increasing the level of ambition of the National Housing Strategy’s stated goal of a 50% reduction in chronic homelessness by 2027-28. Through the pandemic, the government has more than doubled funding for Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy. Budget 2021 proposes to provide an additional $567 million over two years for Reaching Home. This would generally maintain the 2021-22 funding levels announced in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement in response to the pressures of COVID-19. Budget 2021 also proposes to provide $45 million over two years, for a pilot program aimed at reducing veteran homelessness through the provision of rent supplements, and wrap-around services for homeless veterans such as counselling, addiction treatment, and help finding a job.In regard to economic realities faced by Canadians, various indicators and measures are used to understand and address affordability challenges for Canadians. The traditional metric used to measure housing affordability, the 30% shelter cost-to-income ratio (STIR), gives an overall view of what percentage of a household’s income is being spent on shelter costs. Recognizing that there are other ways to reflect the economic realities related to housing that Canadians face, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) committed through the NHS to developing a new indicator that would measure the ability of a household to afford basic goods such as food and transportation after paying for housing. Information about this new measure, the housing hardship measure, was published in January 2020, and defines a household as being in Housing Hardship if it cannot afford a basic basket of non-housing goods and services after paying for their Housing.  More information on this new indicator can be found here: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/blog/2020-housing-observer/new-affordability-metric-assesses-household-ability-afford-basic-goodsConcerning covenants on affordable housing units built under the NHS:
  • The supply programs under the National Housing Strategy – including the Affordable Housing Innovation Fund, Rental Construction Financing Initiative, National Housing Co-Investment Fund, Federal Lands Initiative and Rapid Housing Initiative – each have varying minimum requirements pertaining to housing affordability and project viability and sustainability.
  • Special covenants are incorporated into the contractual agreements with proponents under each of these programs to ensure affordability requirements are adhered to for the prescribed period.
Through the National Housing Strategy, the Government of Canada is prioritizing funding for non-profit and co-operative housing providers.
  • Partnerships with non-profit housing providers are prioritized under the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, which supports the creation of new affordable housing and the repair and renewal of existing affordable and community housing. The Government is investing $13.2 billion over 10 years to create 60,000 new housing units and repair or renew 240,000 housing units. As of March 31, 2021, the Government has committed over $3.6 billion to support the creation of close to 13,900 new units and the repair and renewal of 74,600 units.
  • The Government is investing $500 million over 10 years through the Federal Community Housing Initiative to support federally administered community housing projects reaching the end of their operating agreements from past social housing programs. This initiative will benefit the non-profit and co-operative housing providers that own federally administered community housing. As of March 31, 2020, over $14.8 million in rent assistance has been provided to over 5,200 low-income units, supporting over 24,622 community housing units. Budget 2021 proposes an additional investment of $118.2 million over seven years through this initiative to support non-profit and co-operative community housing providers that deliver long-term housing to many households that are vulnerable.
  • Through the Canada Community Housing Initiative, the federal government provides $4.3 billion over 9 years (cost-matched by provinces and territories for a total $8.6 billion investment) to provinces and territories to protect, regenerate and expand social housing through ongoing support to housing providers delivering subsidized housing, including Urban Native Social Housing units. As of December 31, 2020, provinces and territories had committed $192.8 million to support 45,400 units.
The Government of Canada is currently on track to deliver Canada’s first-ever National Housing Strategy: a ten-year plan to help improve the affordability, availability, and quality of housing for Canadians. Having a safe and affordable place to call home is more important than ever, particularly for those made vulnerable among us.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandDepartment of FinanceThe Government thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about the importance of affordable housing. We are committed to every Canadian having a safe and affordable place to call home, which is why we have invested:
  • Over $70 billion in the National Housing Strategy, launched in 2017, that will support the construction of up to 125,000 affordable homes and increase Canada’s housing supply.
  • The First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, which reduces a first-time buyer’s mortgage payments to make buying a home more affordable. The government recently expanded access to this support, to make sure more middle class Canadians in Toronto, Vancouver, and Victoria, who live in Canada’s most expensive housing markets, can benefit from this support.
  • The Rapid Housing Initiative to address urgent housing needs for vulnerable Canadians in all regions of Canada. This $1 billion program will be expanded with an additional $1.5 billion from the recent federal budget.
  • On January 1, 2022, our government will introduce Canada's first national tax on vacant property owned by non-resident, non-Canadians. Houses should not be passive investment vehicles for offshore money. They should be homes for Canadian families.
  • An unprecedented $300 million investment, through the Rental Construction Housing Initiative, to support the conversion of the empty office space that has appeared in our downtowns into affordable housing.
  • The largest transit investment in Canadian history to build public transit across Canada, from urban to rural areas, and to make our communities more livable and more affordable. This is critical to supporting working families and providing them with more options of where to buy a home in Canada. The federal government will invest $14.9 billion in public transit projects over the next eight years, with $3 billion per year in permanent funding.
Part 3)  Remove tax exemptions for REITs Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are generally publicly traded Canadian trusts that earn passive income from real estate (e.g., rental income). They benefit from a flow-through tax treatment to the extent that they distribute their profits out to their investors. Therefore, rental income earned by a REIT is generally taxed in a similar way whether it is earned by a REIT and distributed to an investor or earned directly by an unincorporated landlord. Given the similar tax treatment applicable in both scenarios, the Government is of the view that REITs are not subject to a preferential tax treatment in this context. While rental income earned by a Canadian-controlled private corporation (CCPC) does not explicitly, benefit from a flow-through treatment, the tax system does contain provisions (such as the Refundable Dividend Tax On Hand (RDTOH) and the Dividend Tax Credit) which allow passive income earned by a CCPC to be distributed to shareholders so that the total corporate and personal tax liability is roughly equivalent to the tax liability otherwise payable if the rental income was earned directly by an unincorporated landlord. Overall, there is a generally neutral tax treatment on rental income whether that income is earned through a REIT, through a CCPC, or directly by an unincorporated landlordPart 4)  Increase regulation of foreign investment in residential real estate  The federal government continues to make significant investments in new initiatives to strengthen Canada’s Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing (AML/ATF) Regime, including specific actions to counter money laundering in real estate from either domestic or foreign sources.For example, Budget 2019 announced the creation of new dedicated real estate audit teams at the Canada Revenue Agency to monitor transactions in the real estate sector. Furthermore, it provided additional funding to the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) to increase its enforcement activities in the real estate sector to better deter, detect, and prevent financial crime. Regulated entities under the Canadian anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing Regime such as real estate brokers, real estate developers and banks have obligations, which include reporting suspicious transactions, record keeping and client identification.More recently, Budget 2021 proposes to provide $2.1 million over two years to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada to support the implementation of a publicly accessible corporate beneficial ownership registry by 2025. This will help make beneficial ownership information more available to counter the misuse of corporations for illicit purposes.Recent regulatory amendments (coming into force June 2021) have strengthened AML/ATF obligations for all reporting sectors, including the real estate sector. For example, real estate agents, brokers and developers will be required to take reasonable measures during certain transactions or activities to collect beneficial ownership information, determine if a client is a politically exposed person, and to take enhanced measures if the client is high-risk. The latter includes specific obligations such as establishing the client’s source of funds and source of wealth, and obtaining senior management review of a transaction of $100,000 or more.In addition, Budget 2021 announced the government’s intention to implement a national, annual 1 per cent tax on the value of non-resident, non-Canadian owned residential real estate that is considered to be vacant or underused, effective January 1, 2022.Part 7)  Create an empty home tax for residential property owners who leave buildings and units vacant Budget 2021 announced the government’s intention to implement a national, annual 1 per cent tax on the value of non-resident, non-Canadian owned residential real estate that is considered to be vacant or underused, effective January 1, 2022.Part 8)  Regulate investors out of residential real estate that is priced below median regional prices to increase access to affordable properties for Canadians buying homesEvery Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home, whether that means owning or renting within their community. Finding an affordable place to call home is a challenge for many Canadians, particularly in the largest cities like Toronto and Vancouver where the rising cost of living, limited housing supply, and strong population growth have pushed home purchase and rental costs beyond what many people can afford.The Government of Canada is committed to supporting housing affordability, in particular for those who are finding it increasingly difficult to find an affordable place to rent, or to purchase their first home.The Government’s guarantee of insured mortgages helps facilitate Canadians’ access to mortgage financing at low rates, thereby supporting Canadians in becoming homeowners.The Government is also on track to deliver over $70 billion by 2027-28 under the National Housing Strategy to help more Canadians find a place to call home. For example, Budget 2021 announced additional funding of $1.5 billion for the Rapid Housing Initiative in 2021-22 to address the urgent housing needs of vulnerable Canadians.To make homeownership more affordable, the Government launched the $1.25 billion First-Time Home Buyer Incentive in September 2019, which gives eligible first-time home buyers the ability to lower their borrowing costs by sharing the cost of buying a home with the government. As announced in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, the Government is expanding the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive to enhance eligibility in the higher priced markets of Toronto, Vancouver and Victoria. The expansion will be available this spring.As noted above, the regulation of residential real estate is generally a property rights matter, which is a provincial jurisdiction.  At the same time, our Government recognizes that different levels of government must work together to fully understand the housing challenges impacting our communities, and how best to address them together. For example, the Governments of Canada and British Columbia are partners in the establishment of the Expert Panel on the Future of Housing Affordability and Supply, which has a mandate to identify and evaluate measures that different levels of government can take to increase the supply of housing and to improve affordability in high-priced markets in British Columbia. The Panel is expected to provide its final report later this spring.
Business practice and regulationHousing
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 26, 2021432-00766432-00766 (Economy and finance)LaurelCollinsVictoriaNDPBCApril 12, 2021May 26, 2021March 4, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA AND THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned, RESIDENTS OF THE PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, draw the attention of the Government of Canada and the House of Commons to the following that:The current CERS legislation does not allow rent subsidy for non-arm's length tenants. We have been in tourist retail business for 22 years, leasing 4 retail units from a Landlord who is a family member. We have 4 legal lease agreements and both the Landlord and tenant have their own corporations. The tenant pays market rent, has never missed a payment and has never received a concession on rent. We conduct our business relationship in a 100% arm's length manner. Both corporations pay corporate tax independent of one another. The tourist industry has been affected more than most businesses. 90% of our revenue comes from international travellers. Our business is falling through the cracks and we may fail to make it through the pandemic without the rent subsidy. Rent is our largest business expense.Therefore, your petitioners request the Government of Canada and the House of Commons to please change this legislation so that businesses like ours qualify for the CERS rent subsidy.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about changes to the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy legislation so that more businesses qualify. As the Government announced on April 19th in Budget 2021, the government in proposing to extend the rent subsidy until September 25, 2021. This is a program that provides simple and easy-to-access rent support directly to small businesses. Businesses currently benefit from the up 65% rent subsidy. Combined with the lockdown support, a business can have up to 90% of their rent covered.The Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy, including the Lockdown Support, was created to help organizations pay their commercial rent while facing the economic and health challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The rent subsidy delivers direct, targeted, and accessible rent support to qualifying organizations affected by the pandemic without the need to work through their landlords, and further extends this support to include property owners. This means that the rent subsidy generally not only covers commercial rent expenses, but also property taxes, property insurance, and interest on commercial mortgages. As of April 18, 2021, 162,470 organizations have received support from the CERS and Lockdown Support, representing $2.97 billion paid out since the launch of the programs.To ensure that the rent subsidy is focused on providing relief to organizations in need of support, specific requirements apply to the expenses that qualify for the program. In particular, only expenses paid or payable to an arm’s-length party are eligible under the program. This rule supports the integrity of the program by preventing subsidies from being paid in circumstances where there may be no outflow of funds from a group of non-arm’s length parties. For example, where one company owns a building that is rented to another company and both companies are wholly owned by the same entity, such companies are considered to be not at arm’s length. In such cases, the “rent” is simply a transfer of funds from one entity in the group to another and does not represent a real economic cost. However, the actual costs borne by the group, including mortgage interest, property taxes and real property insurance paid by the corporation that owns the building could be eligible expenses for the rent subsidy.Overall, the government has made sure that the rent subsidy is helping as many businesses as possible, while striking the right balance to help ensure that businesses that are in need are the ones entitled to support under this program.The government has taken other actions to help businesses that have been highly impacted by the pandemic, including those that may not be able to access certain support programs. Through the regional development agencies and the Community Futures Network of Canada, the $2 billion Regional Relief and Recovery Fund provides loans to eligible businesses unable to access emergency liquidity programs, including the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, the rent subsidy, and the Canada Emergency Business Account. The government has directed the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund to provide $500 million in support of the tourism sector. As of March 4, 2021, the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund had helped protect more than 126,000 jobs and supported over 20,800 businesses, including more than 4,000 tourism businesses.
Canada Emergency Rent SubsidyCOVID-19PandemicRentSmall and medium-sized enterprisesTourism
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 26, 2021432-00765432-00765 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 12, 2021May 26, 2021November 3, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the human rights violations by Chinese authorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities face torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, obligatory patriotic and cultural education, as well as forced labour. Reports detail closures and destruction of Uyghur religious sites, including mosques and shrines important to that community’s religious, ethnic, and cultural identity. There are also reports of mass arbitrary forced separation of children from their parents by authorities. There are credible reports of forced sterilization, systematic rape and gender-based sexual violence. Throughout the region, Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities also face repressive physical and digital surveillance, which includes severe restrictions on movement, the forced collection of biometric data, and coercive police surveillance. The actions by the Chinese government are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.Canada has acted to address the repression, which is systematic, state-led and ongoing.  Concerns over the human rights situation in the XUAR were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in the XUAR (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020; February 2021). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong.Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.On January 12, the Government of Canada announced that it is adopting a comprehensive approach to addressing human rights abuses in the XUAR. This included measures to address forced labour, via the prohibition of imports into Canada of goods made in whole or part with forced labour and a business integrity declaration for Canadian exporters. Global Affairs Canada will continue to work closely with Canadian firms doing business in or with China to help them understand and mitigate the risks of doing business with entities possibly implicated in forced labour.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.On March 22, 2021, Canada announced sanctions against 4 officials and 1 entity under the Special Economic Measures (People’s Republic of China) Regulations, based on their participation in gross and systematic human rights violations in the XUAR. The Regulations impose a dealings ban on listed persons, which prohibits any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada from undertaking a broad range of financial and business transactions with any of the listed individuals or entities. The individuals listed in the schedule to the regulations are also rendered inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. These measures were taken in coordination with the United States and the United Kingdom, and in solidarity with the European Union. These sanctions underscore Canada’s grave concerns with the ongoing human rights violations occurring in the XUAR, affecting Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities.Canada will continue to call on the People’s Republic of China to fulfill its international human rights obligations and to allow for meaningful, unfettered access to the XUAR so that impartial experts can observe and report on the situation first-hand. Canada will work collaboratively with partners to address the human rights situation in Xinjiang. We have the responsibility to work with others in the international community to ensure that allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity are investigated by an independent international body of legal experts.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 26, 2021432-00764432-00764 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 12, 2021May 26, 2021June 20, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 26, 2021432-00762432-00762 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 12, 2021May 26, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 26, 2021432-00761432-00761 (Foreign affairs)JohnWilliamsonNew Brunswick SouthwestConservativeNBApril 12, 2021May 26, 2021March 25, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWhereas:
  • For many generations, Hong Kong has accepted migrants and refugees from mainland China and elsewhere in Asia who were seeking freedoms and a better life.
  • Today, the Hong Kong people are seeking assistance from other democracies and Canada should stand with them.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:(1) Protect the rights of our citizens by informing Beijing that the mobility rights of Hong Kong Canadians are non-negotiable and sacrosanct;(2) Quickly open a path to Canadian citizenship for family members of Canadian citizens in Hong Kong;(3) Offer a three-year working visa with a path to citizenship for Hong Kong students completing an accredited study program in Canada; (4) Expedite asylum claims made by Hong Kong people involved in the pro-democracy movement; and(5) Work with the United Kingdom, United States, France, Australia, New Zealand and other democracies to protect the fundamental and inviolable rights of all dual-national citizens living in Hong Kong.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada has a special relationship with Hong Kong that is rooted in a shared history and extensive commercial, institutional and people-to-people ties.(1) The maintenance of Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy, as outlined in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, is a high priority for the Government of Canada. Canada has stated on several occasions, through public declarations and private conversations with the Government of China, that the imposition of the National Security Law on Hong Kong lies in direct conflict with China’s international obligations under the legally-binding, UN-registered Sino-British Joint Declaration. Through the Joint Declaration, Hong Kong is guaranteed that fundamental rights and freedoms will be ensured by law.The National Security Law was enacted in a secretive process, without the inclusive participation of Hong Kong’s legislature, judiciary or electorate, and in violation of China’s international obligations. The National Security Law also raises the prospect of prosecution in Hong Kong for political crimes, and undermines the One Country, Two Systems framework and existing commitments to protect the rights of the people of Hong Kong. Canada believes this law will undermine the confidence of the people of Hong Kong and of the international community and exacerbate tensions in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. With an estimated 300,000 Canadians living in Hong Kong, Canada has a strong interest in supporting Hong Kong’s relative autonomy and basic freedoms, which serve to underpin the territory’s continued stability and prosperity.Following the imposition of the National Security Law on Hong Kong in June 2020, Canada updated the travel advice for Hong Kong in order to advise Canadians of the potential impacts of the National Security Law. Canadians travelling to Hong Kong are advised that activities considered as national security violations are broadly and vaguely defined. These could include activities that are not considered illegal in Canada and that occurred outside of Hong Kong. With the imposition of the National Security Law, there is a risk of being arbitrarily detained on national security grounds, even while one is transiting through Hong Kong.The Government of Canada is also concerned by the recent passage of a new law in Hong Kong that could impact movement rights in the Special Administrative Region. The right to leave Hong Kong is guaranteed under the Basic Law and should be upheld. The Government is monitoring the situation closely, and will continue to work with international partners to ensure that fundamental rights and freedoms are respected.(5) Canada has worked with international partners to support the fundamental rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents and Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy under the Basic Law and the One Country, Two Systems framework. Canada has joined the international community in reiterating its serious concern at the imposition of the National Security Law for Hong Kong by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China. In advance of the imposition of the law, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement on May 22, 2020, expressing deep concern over proposals to introduce national security legislation in Hong Kong. Another statement was issued with Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States on May 28, 2020, reiterating concerns over the anticipated introduction of the National Security Law. On June 17, 2020, Canada joined its G7 partners to release a joint statement urging China to reconsider its decision.On November 18, 2020, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States reiterated our serious concerns regarding China’s imposition of new rules to disqualify elected legislators in Hong Kong amid a concerted campaign to silence all critical voices following the postponement of the Legislative Council elections, the imposition of charges against a number of elected legislators, and actions to undermine the freedom of Hong Kong’s vibrant media.On January 9, 2021, Canada joined Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States to condemn the mass arrests of 55 lawmakers under the NSL, including opposition figures, pro-democracy campaigners, human rights lawyers and academics and candidates from the primaries in clearly stating that the National Security Law is being used to eliminate dissent and opposing political views.Following the adoption by the National People’s Congress of a package of changes to the electoral system in Hong Kong, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the High Representative of the European Union, released a joint statement on March 12 expressing our grave concerns at the Chinese authorities’ decision. The joint statement made it clear such a decision strongly indicates that the authorities in mainland China are determined to eliminate dissenting voices and opinions in Hong Kong, while also stifling political pluralism, contrary to the aim of moving towards universal suffrage as set out in the Basic Law.Canada remains committed to working with international partners to ensure that the free, stable and prosperous nature of Hong Kong is maintained. The Government of Canada closely monitors the situation in Hong Kong and raises concerns publicly and privately with officials as needed, including on issues involving the rights of dual nationals living in Hong Kong. The Nationality Law of the People’s Republic of China applies in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Under this law, dual nationality is not legally recognized in Hong Kong. Global Affairs Canada has updated the dual nationality section of the department’s Travel Advice and Advisories (TAA) webpage to reflect Hong Kong’s enforcement of this law. Since local authorities may refuse to grant consular access to detained individuals who declare themselves as Chinese nationals, we strongly recommend that Canadians present themselves as Canadian to authorities at all times. Canada continues to monitor developments and proactively inform Canadian nationals of their rights.Support for human rights and the rule of law, both at home and abroad, remains a priority and Canada continues to closely monitor the situation in Hong Kong, and will take further action when necessary.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoCanada shares many ties with the people of Hong Kong and is concerned with the deteriorating human rights situation there. We will continue to support the connections between Canada and Hong Kong, and stand up to the abuse of human rights everywhere, including the people of Hong Kong.Canada has longstanding and extensive pathways that Hong Kong residents can use to come to Canada either temporarily or permanently. This includes a family reunification program which is targeting to grant permanent resident status to 103,500 individuals from all over the globe in 2021. The program allows for the sponsorship of spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, dependent children including adopted children, parents, grandparents, or orphaned relatives under the age of 18. To help further facilitate reunification with family members abroad, Canada also offers opportunities for temporary resident status, including the ability of parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to apply for the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa, which is valid for up to 10 years and allows extended stays of up to two years at a time. The Government of Canada also encourages all permanent residents, including family members of Canadians, to become Canadian citizens and to become active in their communities, to ensure they benefit from all the privileges of being a full member in Canadian society.In November 2020, the Government of Canada introduced a new temporary residence initiative for Hong Kong youth that provides open work permits of up to three (3) years to those who have completed a degree or diploma (program of two years or more) from a designated Canadian post-secondary institution in the last five (5) years, or the equivalent credential from a learning institution abroad. Applications for the new open work permit opened on February 8, 2021. Individuals with these open work permits who would like to permanently remain in Canada may apply for permanent residency after only one year of working in Canada.   The Government of Canada is also creating two new streamlined pathways to permanent residence, which will be available later this year. The first will target those from Hong Kong who have gained a minimum of 1 year of authorized work experience in Canada and meet other criteria such as minimum language and education levels. The second pathway will allow those who have graduated from a post-secondary institution in Canada to apply directly for permanent residence. As with all permanent residents, individuals who may come through these new pathways for people for Hong Kong will be encouraged and supported to become Canadian citizens.The Department has also implemented a number of new measures to promote and facilitate our existing immigration programs for Hong Kong residents. IRCC has shifted work to ensure there are sufficient resources dedicated to further speed up processing of Hong Kong permanent residence applications, including for family sponsorship, where travel is permitted under current COVID-19 restrictions, or where the applicant is already in Canada. Canada is also increasing efforts to attract Hong Kong youth to Canada, including through International Experience Canada, by prioritizing Hong Kong applicants and promoting the program in Hong Kong.Taken together, these measures represent a significant expansion of the opportunities for Hong Kong residents to come to Canada. Canada has opened its doors, as others have done, and these measures are a strong complement to those announced by Canada’s close partners, including the United Kingdom and Australia.With regard to those fleeing persecution, Canada has a robust asylum system and like all foreign nationals who are in Canada, Hong Kong residents have access to this protection. Individuals who are eligible to make a claim are referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB), an independent, administrative tribunal. Board decisions are made by an independent decision-maker in accordance with the law, based on the merits of the specific facts presented in an individual case.To provide fair and efficient adjudicative justice, the IRB regularly monitors and updates country conditions in refugee-producing countries or regions. Refugee claims from Hong Kong before the IRB are currently being actively examined and case management strategies are being utilized to ensure the efficient and timely determination of these claims. Namely, claims from Hong Kong residents have been identified for triage as part of the Board’s Task Force on Less Complex Claims. This means that, based on current conditions, the Board has identified claims made by Hong Kong residents in Canada as suitable to be decided without a hearing or through a short-hearing, if there are only one or two key determinative issues to be resolved. If there are more complicated questions of credibility or identity, then such cases will not be able to be addressed as a less complex claim and will be decided with a regular hearing.Due to the worsening conditions in Hong Kong that could put some individuals at risk, in November 2020 the Government of Canada also implemented an exemption to the 12-month bar on a pre-removal risk assessment (PRRA) for Hong Kong residents. A PRRA examines the risk an individual may face if they are returned to their home country. Normally, individuals who receive a negative decision on their asylum claim from the IRB or the Federal Court, or on their previous PRRA application, are not eligible to apply for a PRRA for at least 12 months from the date of their decision.  Residents of Hong Kong are exempt from the 12-month bar if their IRB or previous PRRA decision was made between November 13, 2019 and November 12, 2020, inclusive.In addition to the in-Canada asylum system, Canada offers protection to persecuted people outside of Canada who have fled their country of origin through the Refugee Resettlement Program. In 2019, Canada resettled more than 30,000 refugees and was the world’s top refugee resettlement country for the second year in a row. Refugees having fled persecution in Hong Kong and lacking options to permanently settle elsewhere, can potentially be sponsored by Canadian citizens or permanent residents, or by designated referral partners such as the United Nations Refugee Agency. Canada has also committed to implement a new resettlement stream for human rights defenders, adding 250 resettlement spaces over and above its existing refugee resettlement commitments to the Immigration Levels Plan beginning in 2021. Canada is working with international and Canadian partners to implement the new stream this year. Hong Kong human rights defenders having fled persecution may be eligible for resettlement under this new stream.The Government of Canada will continue to strengthen and deepen the ties between Canada and Hong Kong. Support for human rights and the rule of law, both at home and abroad, remains a priority and Canada continues to closely monitor the situation in Hong Kong, and will take further action if and when necessary.
Civil and human rightsForeign policyHong KongImmigration and immigrants
43rd Parliament229Not certifiedMay 25, 2021e-3277e-3277 (Health)StewartStaudingerBlaineCalkinsRed Deer—LacombeConservativeABMarch 23, 2021, at 11:34 a.m. (EDT)May 22, 2021, at 11:34 a.m. (EDT)May 25, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The COVID-19 response recommended by the federal government has resulted in economic devastation across the country;Public health measures have contributed to increased levels of depression, anxiety, abuse and suicide;The negative effects of public health measures have disproportionately impacted the most vulnerable Canadians;Canada’s debt levels and fiscal situation makes further lockdowns economically unviable; andThe rollout of vaccines in Canada is unpredictable and far behind other countries.We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Recognize that the COVID-19 response is not only a public health emergency, but a public emergency that affects every aspect of daily life;2. Ensure that the most vulnerable, particularly long-term care home residents, seniors, and people with underlying health issues, are the recipients of focused protection and support;3. Accelerate the approval of therapeutic drugs already been approved elsewhere in the world and proven to significantly lessen the impact of COVID-19;4. Launch a public health campaign highlighting the diet and lifestyle contributions to metabolic and autoimmune diseases, the leading co-morbidities causing negative COVID-19 outcomes;5. Give greater consideration to the public harms resulting from public health measures as a part of a holistic approach to infectious disease response; 6, Acknowledge that the fundamental rights and freedoms of Canadians have been infringed upon since the onset of the COVID-19, and release all documents used to determine the constitutionality of the public health restrictions employed across the country; and7. Reject the further restriction of fundamental rights and freedoms without explicit, publicly available, external peer reviewed scientific evidence justifying action under section 1 of the Canadian Charter.COVID-19PandemicPublic health43rd Parliament229Not certifiedMay 25, 2021e-2998e-2998 (Health)MerissaDinnerCarolHughesAlgoma—Manitoulin—KapuskasingNDPONFebruary 24, 2021, at 1:42 p.m. (EDT)May 25, 2021, at 1:42 p.m. (EDT)May 25, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Safe Injection Site Algoma and Detox requests forthwith a federal exemption under section 56 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; andThere needs to be an exemption from prosecution for clients with small quantities of drugs for personal consumption while at the facility.We, the undersigned, citizens of Sault Ste. Marie, call upon the Government of Canada to allow, support, and help fund a safe injection site and effective detox in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Drug treatment centresSafe injection sitesSault Ste. Marie43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 14, 2021432-00763432-00763 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABApril 12, 2021May 14, 2021March 29, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament229Not certifiedMay 11, 2021e-3092e-3092 (Holidays and observances)LisaKearneyHon.HedyFryVancouver CentreLiberalBCFebruary 10, 2021, at 2:36 p.m. (EDT)May 11, 2021, at 2:36 p.m. (EDT)May 11, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:In Canada, 50% of women in information communication & technology exit the industry within the first four years of their career;In Canada, women make up about 10% of the cybersecurity workforce;A lack of diversity and inclusion leads to barriers and challenges unique to women resulting in feelings of "impostor syndrome" & women exiting the industry;Research has shown a diverse workforce increases problem solving, profits & speeds resolutions;Diversity increases the security of our systems, people & data;Working in cybersecurity provides women with stability & economic opportunities for themselves & their families;Canada’s national & economic security is at risk due to increasing cyber-attacks & lack of diverse skilled workers to defend Canada's assets;Diverse and inclusive environments where women are valued will strengthen the community, resulting in increased retention and job satisfaction;International Women in Cyber Day (IWCD) fosters recognition of women’s achievements in the industry, thereby supporting the retention of women in this workforce; andAn IWCD will also demonstrate to young women and girls that they are seen, supported and recognized for their contributions in the cybersecurity industry and provide them with the confidence to succeed.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to recognize September 1st of each year as International Women in Cyber Day, and for the government to provide funding to develop sustainable programs in raising awareness and removing barriers for women and marginalized groups, with the goal to recruit, retrain and retain these groups by offering training, mentorship. scholarships, conferences and recognition awards.e-SecurityInternational Women in Cyber DayWomen43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021432-00760432-00760 (Foreign affairs)MichaelCooperSt. Albert—EdmontonConservativeABMarch 26, 2021May 10, 2021March 9, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law), sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption;
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of "Truth, Compassion and Tolerance," including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, Qiang Wei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang.We also call upon the Government of Canada to refuse immigration/visitor visa to those who persecuted Falun Gong practitioners in China.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoAs part of the immigration application process, all visa applications are carefully assessed for eligibility and admissibility under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. For example, a foreign national may be inadmissible to Canada if they have engaged in criminality or human or international rights violations (including being subject to sanctions), or are a family member of an inadmissible person.  In 2017, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law) came into force. It added two new inadmissibility provisions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act concerning sanctioned government officials or individuals acting on behalf of a foreign state who are responsible for corruption, extrajudicial killings, torture or other gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. A foreign national listed in an order or regulation made by the Governor in Council under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act would be inadmissible.If an applicant is determined to be inadmissible on any ground, they may be refused a visa, electronic travel authorization or entry to Canada. Inadmissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by Immigration Officers and are based on evidence, which may consist of police or intelligence reports, statutory declarations or other documents—such as media articles, scholarly journals or publicly-available information.In addition, if a foreign national who is at the border, or is in Canada, is found to be inadmissible, they may be denied entry or ordered to leave Canada. The Canada Border Services Agency is responsible for immigration enforcement at the border and in Canada.For privacy reasons, individual cases cannot be discussed.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021432-00759432-00759 (Foreign affairs)MichaelCooperSt. Albert—EdmontonConservativeABMarch 26, 2021May 10, 2021March 9, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas the Canadian Parliament has unanimously passed the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, also known as the Sergei Magnitsky Act, to sanction corrupt foreign officials who, among others, are responsible for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights;Whereas the Former Chinese Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin and his cohorts personally ordered, launched, orchestrated and executed the eradication campaign against Falun Gong using state apparatus, including the extrajudicial torture and killing of Falun Gong practitioners in large numbers with impunity for the past 19 years for their beliefs in "truthfulness, compassion and tolerance”; and whereas Falun Gong practitioners have been killed for their organs in China on a massive scale, which has been well documented and widely reported;Whereas extensive evidence points to fourteen key officials and former officials of the Chinese communist regime who demonstrate prime culpability in the human rights atrocities committed against Falun Gong practitioners in China.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against these perpetrators under the Sergei Magnitsky Act.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021432-00758432-00758 (Foreign affairs)ZiadAboultaifEdmonton ManningConservativeABMarch 26, 2021May 10, 2021March 16, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law), sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption;
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of "Truth, Compassion and Tolerance," including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, Qiang Wei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang.We also call upon the Government of Canada to refuse immigration/visitor visa to those who persecuted Falun Gong practitioners in China.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoAs part of the immigration application process, all visa applications are carefully assessed for eligibility and admissibility under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. For example, a foreign national may be inadmissible to Canada if they have engaged in criminality or human or international rights violations (including being subject to sanctions), or are a family member of an inadmissible person. In 2017, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law) came into force. It added two new inadmissibility provisions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act concerning sanctioned government officials or individuals acting on behalf of a foreign state who are responsible for corruption, extrajudicial killings, torture or other gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. A foreign national listed in an order or regulation made by the Governor in Council under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act would be inadmissible.If an applicant is determined to be inadmissible on any ground, they may be refused a visa, electronic travel authorization or entry to Canada. Inadmissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by Immigration Officers and are based on evidence, which may consist of police or intelligence reports, statutory declarations or other documents—such as media articles, scholarly journals or publicly-available information.In addition, if a foreign national who is at the border, or is in Canada, is found to be inadmissible, they may be denied entry or ordered to leave Canada. The Canada Border Services Agency is responsible for immigration enforcement at the border and in Canada.For privacy reasons, individual cases cannot be discussed.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021432-00757432-00757 (Foreign affairs)ZiadAboultaifEdmonton ManningConservativeABMarch 26, 2021May 10, 2021March 17, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas the Canadian Parliament has unanimously passed the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, also known as the Sergei Magnitsky Act, to sanction corrupt foreign officials who, among others, are responsible for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights;Whereas since 1999, the Former Chinese Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin and his cohorts personally ordered, launched, orchestrated and executed the eradication campaign against Falun Gong using its state apparatus, including the extrajudicial torture and killing of Falun Gong practitioners in large numbers with impunity for their beliefs in "truthfulness, compassion and tolerance"; and whereas Falun Gong practitioners have been killed for their organs in China on a massive scale, which has been well documented and widely reported;Whereas Canadian Citizen Ms. Sun Qian has been sentenced to 8 years in prison and another eight Falun Gong practitioners with Canadian ties are suffering imprisonment in China, with sentences of up to 16 years, for their belief; andWhereas extensive evidence points to fourteen key officials and former officials of the Chinese Communist Regime who demonstrate prime culpability in the human rights atrocities committed against Falun Gong practitioners in China.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against these perpetrators under the Sergei Magnitsky Act.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021432-00756432-00756 (Foreign affairs)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABMarch 26, 2021May 10, 2021May 29, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, it has been 17 years since the Chinese communist regime launched a persecution to "eradicate" Falun Gong—a spiritual practice centred on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance;Whereas, millions of Falun Gong practitioners have been arbitrarily detained, including family members of Canadians. The mass extrajudicial imprisonment, forced labour, torture, rape, and killing along with hate propaganda have been reported by major human rights organizations;Whereas, an update report released in June 2016 by three reputable investigators David Kilgour, David Matas and Ethan Gutmann indicates that prisoners of conscience, primarily Falun Gong practitioners, have been killed on demand to fuel a massive state-run transplant industry, supplying most of the organs for an estimated tens of thousands transplants a year in Chinese hospitals since 2000.Whereas, the U.S. House of Representatives and European Parliament passed resolutions in June 2016 and December 2013 respectively condemning and calling for an immediate end to China's systematic and statesanctioned organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience, including Falun Gong. In February 2015, Canada's Parliamentary Subcommittee on International Human Rights unanimously passed a similar motion; andWhereas, since May 2015, over 200,000 Chinese citizens have filed criminal complaints against former Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin who orchestrated the persecution of Falun Gong;Therefore, we, the undersigned, request that the Canadian Parliament and government:
  • Establish measures to stop the Chinese regime's mass murder of innocent people for their organs, including but not limited to introducing Canadian legislation to ban organ tourism and criminalize those involved;
  • Take every opportunity to call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021432-00755432-00755 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABMarch 26, 2021May 10, 2021November 29, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021432-00754432-00754 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABMarch 26, 2021May 10, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021432-00753432-00753 (Foreign affairs)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABMarch 26, 2021May 10, 2021March 8, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021e-3177e-3177 (Foreign affairs)KarolinaHanulaPaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCFebruary 18, 2021, at 1:55 p.m. (EDT)March 20, 2021, at 1:55 p.m. (EDT)March 26, 2021May 10, 2021March 22, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Poland’s government faces international condemnation for threatening and violating human rights of women, LGTBQIA2S+ and ethnic minority constituents;In 2019, the United Nations identified an increase in racist and xenophobic “hate crimes and the use of hate speech and incitement to hatred within the political framework in Poland”;In 2020, the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights memorandum on the stigmatization of LGBTQIA2S+ persons in Poland identified “Anti-LGBT declarations” and “Family Charters” in 94 local government entities, stigmatization by government officials, government funded homophobia, anti-LGTBQIA2S+ litigation and prosecution;In January 2021, Poland’s government put a near-total abortion ban into effect, after the country’s illegitimately-constituted constitutional court criminalized terminations for severe foetal impairment;Mass protests have erupted in Poland against the abortion ban and ongoing threats against LGBTQIA2S+ people, calling for democracy, inclusive governance, equality, diversity and respect for human rights; andPolice have used excessive force against peaceful protesters including tear gas, pepper spray, metal batons, unlawful detainment and arrests, while far-right groups have violently attacked protesters.We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to urgently: 1. Condemn stigmatization, violence and prosecution against women, ethnic minorities, and LGBTQIA2S+ persons in Poland;2. Raise the matter of human rights in Poland at the ministerial level;3. Call on Poland’s government to uphold its obligations under international human rights law and conventions;4. Engage bilaterally and multilaterally, including through the Equal Rights Coalition, to protect human rights in Poland; and5. Support civil-society groups defending human rights in Poland, including through Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe Government of Canada is monitoring closely the developments and trendlines on inclusion in Poland. This comes in the context of a foreign policy that prioritizes all aspects of inclusion. The Government of Canada is a leading voice on the rights of women, ethnic minorities, and LGBTQIA2S+ persons around the world. The human rights of all persons are universal and indivisible. Everyone should enjoy the same fundamental human rights, regardless of their sexual orientation, their gender identity or their ethnicity.Around the world, including in Poland, Canada strongly advocates for access to the full range of sexual and reproductive health services and information, including strengthening national health systems, investing in family planning and contraceptives, comprehensive sexual education, and supporting a women’s right to choose safe and legal abortion and access to post-abortion care. It is with this in mind that Canada recommended that Poland take immediate action to ensure that safe and legal abortions are available and accessible in practice, in keeping with the 1993 Act on Family Planning and consistent with Poland’s obligations under Articles 12 and 16 of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Canada will continue to call on Poland to uphold its obligations under international human rights law and conventions, including at the next United Nations Universal Periodic Review of Poland in 2022.The Government of Canada regularly raises concerns about human rights during meetings with Polish politicians and officials at all levels, often working with partner governments which share our concerns. The Government of Canada engages with Polish civil society to ensure that we are listening to and understanding the preoccupations of Polish citizens.  The Embassy of Canada in Poland works with numerous organizations including those that support women’s rights. The mission completed three projects over the past year with the Centrum Praw Kobiet. In accordance with our feminist foreign policy, the Government of the Canada is engaged with other organizations, institutions and companies to support gender equality in business, cultural production, and public administration. In terms of advocating for religious freedom and combatting anti-Semitism in Poland, Canada is engaged with the Jewish community and the anti-racism civil society organization Nigdy Wiecej to monitor the situation for religious and ethnic minority groups. Global Affairs Canada’s Office of Human Rights, Freedom and Inclusion also regularly engages with civil society groups, coordinated by Amnesty International.The Embassy of Canada in Warsaw proudly, actively and visibly supports LGBTQIA2S rights, coordinating numerous initiatives to support the community in Poland. On May 15, 2020 –  the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia – the Embassy brought together representatives from Polish LGBTQIA2S civil society organizations, ambassadors and other members of the diplomatic community, in a virtual effort to offer support. The Embassy has also hosted multiple bilateral meetings with LGBTQIA2S non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and leading advocates. The Embassy has provided financial support to a LGBTQIA2S film festival, hosted an online showing of a Canadian film on transgender themes “Venus,” and provided financial support for a group supporting LGBTQIA2S youth. It proudly flew the rainbow flag for one month in front of the Embassy. Canada was the only diplomatic mission to participate in the Equality Parade kayak event. The health and well-being of the LGBTQIA2S community will remain a priority concern for the Embassy of Canada.Please be assured that the Government of Canada remains committed to the human rights, diversity and inclusion of all people and communities, and will continue to be active on these issues in Poland.
Civil and human rightsMinoritiesPolandWomen
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021e-2914e-2914 (Environment)VictorBricePaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCOctober 22, 2020, at 4:35 p.m. (EDT)December 21, 2020, at 4:35 p.m. (EDT)March 26, 2021May 10, 2021December 24, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:British Columbia’s coastal valley-bottom old-growth forests with very large trees are endangered due to industrial logging;‘Old-growth forests’ describes forests that contain trees that are more than 250 years old;These forests are rich and diverse ecosystems that support endangered plants and wildlife;Protecting old-growth forests is essential for Indigenous cultural practices and maintaining biodiversity;We are in a climate crisis; Old-growth forests are instrumental for keeping carbon out of our atmosphere, and for flood and fire mitigation;Large-scale industrial logging is not sustainable; Old-growth forests are not a renewable resource;75% of B.C.’s old-growth forests, including thousand year old trees, have already been logged; Only 3% of B.C.’s original forests with very big, and very old trees remain;According to independent research, the amount of old-growth forests is misrepresented by BC government reports, because the government includes non-productive and small tree sub-alpine forests as ‘old-growth’; These types of forests are not BC’s iconic old-growth forests with very large trees;Forestry falls under provincial jurisdiction; The provincial government is responsible for sustainably managing forests;The federal Minister for Environment and Climate Change has a mandate to protect our environment, conserve our natural heritage, and ensure a clean, safe and sustainable environment for present and future generations; and Protecting old-growth forests should fall under this mandate.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Request that the Minister of Environment and Climate Change work with the provinces on protecting valley bottom, high productivity old-growth forests with large trees; and2. Introduce federal legislation that protects all old-growth forests.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mr. Marc G. SerréThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views regarding British Columbia’s forests.Canada’s 347 million hectares of forest make up 9% of the world’s forests. The forest area of Canada is stable, with less than half of 1% of Canada's forest lands harvested annually. That is significantly smaller than the areas burned by wildfires or affected by insects, which is just under  5.5%.Forests benefit Canadians environmentally through the range of ecosystem services they provide. They preserve soils, cycle nutrients and support biodiversity. They also act as natural cleansers, filtering pollutants from air and water. Forests are sustainably managed in Canada so that they can continue to provide social, cultural and ecological benefits, while also providing goods such as wood and other forest products to Canadians. Canada’s highly-integrated forest sector uses virtually every fibre from each tree it harvests so that waste and residues are themselves turned into useful products. In 2019, the forest sector provided more than 200,000 jobs for Canadians, including about 12,000 jobs for Indigenous people, and it was the primary source of economic well-being for roughly 300 communities across Canada. As recognized during the COVID pandemic, forest sector services and products are essential to Canadians. Producing, for example, the pulp used to make medical masks, hospital gowns, sanitary wipes and toilet paper.On behalf of the Government of Canada, the Canadian Forest Service at the Department of Natural Resources Canada works closely with provinces and territories on the sustainable management of forest resources. Natural Resources Canada is responsible for international trade in forest products and the management of federal lands and federal parks. In Canada, sustainable forest management decisions and activities are based on scientific research, rigorous planning processes and public and stakeholder consultation. Natural Resources Canada provides science expertise that advances understanding of forest ecosystems and actively informs forest management practices to ensure they are sustainable.   About 90% of Canada’s forests, by area, are located on provincial and territorial Crown lands. In British Columbia (B.C.), the province owns about 96% of the forested land base. As per the Constitution Act, 1867, forest management on these lands falls under the purview of provincial governments. The provinces have exclusive powers to develop and enforce their legislation, standards and programs to ensure the development, conservation and management of forest resources. Although rules, regulations, and policies that guide forest management vary from one province and territory to another, they are all based on the principles of sustainable forest management. By law, the forest industry must renew and maintain all harvested areas to provide for the sustainability of Crown forests. In addition to Canada’s strict forest laws, Canada has the largest area of third-party certified forests in the world. In B.C., over 51 million hectares of its forests are certified as sustainable.The Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM), established in 1985, is composed of federal, provincial, and territorial Ministers responsible for forests. In 2020, the CCFM released a long-term strategic vision for Canada’s forests that reaffirms the country’s commitment to sustainable forest management. Its ultimate goal is to make Canada a global leader in sustainable forest management and innovation.Canada’s strong system of forest laws, monitoring, and enforcement ensures sustainable forest management practices across the country.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSONEnvironment and Climate Change Canada would like to thank the petitioners for their interest in Canadian forests and forest ecosystems, in particular the old growth forests and habitats found in British Columbia (B.C.).Canada’s forests, and in particular B.C’.s old growth forests, are rich with biodiversity and provide important habitat for a range of wildlife. For example, B.C.’s old growth forests provide habitat for numerous species of migratory birds and species at risk including Marbled Murrelet, Spotted Owl, Southern Mountain Caribou, and many others.  In addition to these habitat functions, forests are key to the health of our climate influencing rainfall, temperature, and other metrics. Temperate old growth forests, like those in B.C., also function as important carbon reservoirs.Appreciating the significance of forests to biodiversity conservation and climate, the federal government has contributed to protecting nearly 400,000 ha of forest habitat in B.C. This includes conservation projects under programs such as the Target 1 Challenge, Natural Heritage Conservation Program, Ecological Gifts Program, and others.At the same time, the federal government has made forests a central part of Canada’s plan to tackle climate change. Climate-focused efforts include work with partners across the country to plant two billion trees, and explore a variety of other nature-based climate solutions. The federal government is also working to protect 25% of our lands and waters by 2025, and consideration will be given to including more old growth forests as protected areas through this process.The federal government is also working to ensure forests, including old growth forests, are considered in the context of ongoing species at risk and nature-related engagement with provincial and territorial partners. For example, Environment and Climate Change Canada, provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples and stakeholders are engaged in the development of a forest sector action plan that will help guide collaborative efforts to recover species at risk under the Pan Canadian Approach to Species at Risk. These climate and nature cooperation plans and priorities aside, it should nevertheless be noted that approximately 96% of B.C.’s forests are on provincial crown land. Under the Constitution Act, 1867, forest management on those lands is within the jurisdiction of the B.C. provincial government. In this context, most forest habitat for species at risk in B.C. is also under provincial management.With this in mind, the Government of B.C. commissioned an Old Growth Strategic Review in 2019 to assess the province’s state of old growth management through environmental, social, cultural, and economic lenses. The Review was published in September 2020.The petitioners are encouraged to engage with the Government of B.C. to discuss further the province’s plans for implementation of the Review’s recommendations, and other activities in the area of B.C.’s mature and old growth forests and ecosystems.
Federal-provincial-territorial relationsForestsNature conservation
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021e-3125e-3125 (Environment)SonjaWoodLaurelCollinsVictoriaNDPBCJanuary 28, 2021, at 3:56 p.m. (EDT)February 27, 2021, at 3:56 p.m. (EDT)March 26, 2021May 10, 2021March 2, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Environment and Climate Change</Addressee>Whereas:The Windsor Causeway in Nova Scotia was constructed in 1968 without proper fish passage; to this day it impedes the migrations of many fishes, but most importantly the Endangered Inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic Salmon and the impacts on fish habitat;The Province of Nova Scotia is currently twinning Hwy. 101 at the causeway site, and construction plans call for a 'test' aboiteau to be built near the remaining channel of the Avon River;The EA study, prepared in 2017 by N.S. Transportation, Infrastructure and Renewal (TIR) for crossing the Avon River, inadequately explores or explains all the relevant options for fish passage and flood control, or options for bridges and free-tidal-flow;Options for dykes and a 'partial opening' at the causeway, with bridges and actual costs/benefits need to be clearly outlined in the EA study; andThe lack of comprehensiveness in the aforementioned EA extends to the limits placed on the study area – decidedly only concerned with the lands, waters and stakeholders immediately upstream of the causeway, while impacts to the adjacent marine-side of the causeway are not given consideration.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to deny the approval of the request of the Province of Nova Scotia to build an aboiteau at the Avon River until a full and proper EA study has been completed and addresses all of these shortfalls.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSONThe Highway 101 Twinning Three Mile Plains to Falmouth Project (the Project), which included an upgrade of the aboiteau on the Avon River, was subject to a Nova Scotia provincial environmental assessment.  On June 27, 2017, the Nova Scotia Minister of Environment approved the Project, subject to conditions. Under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act,2012 (CEAA 2012), the Project was not described in the Regulations Designating Physical Activities, as such, it did not require a federal environmental assessment.In August 2019, the Impact Assessment Act (IAA) came into force repealing CEAA 2012. The Project is not a designated project listed in the Physical Activities Regulations under the new act. While the IAA allows the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to designate a project that is not prescribed by regulations, it prevents him from designating a project that has substantially begun or where a federal authority has already issued an authorization related to the project.Having spoken with the Province of Nova Scotia as well as the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), who participated in the provincial assessment, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada has indicated that construction of this Project is well advanced. DFO has already issued an authorization for the Project which included the infilling of the salt marsh up to the existing Avon River. Since the Project has already begun and since DFO has already issued an authorization, the project cannot be designated for a federal impact assessment. However, the provincial approval included conditions requiring the proponent to provide DFO with a detailed design of the aboiteau structure to enable fish passage together with an analysis of any other options for fish passage at the Avon River causeway. The information provided must be to DFO’s satisfaction. DFO is currently reviewing information related to this condition.We are confident that both the Province of Nova Scotia and DFO are ensuring elements of the Project related to fish and fish passage are assessed and mitigated adequately.
Avon RiverCausewaysNova Scotia
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021432-00749432-00749 (Economy and finance)LaurelCollinsVictoriaNDPBCMarch 26, 2021May 10, 2021March 9, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA AND THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned, RESIDENTS OF THE PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, draw the attention of the Government of Canada and the House of Commons to the following that:The current CERS legislation does not allow rent subsidy for non-arm's length tenants. We have been in tourist retail business for 22 years, leasing 4 retail units from a Landlord who is a family member. We have 4 legal lease agreements and both the Landlord and tenant have their own corporations. The tenant pays market rent, has never missed a payment and has never received a concession on rent. We conduct our business relationship in a 100% arm's length manner. Both corporations pay corporate tax independent of one another. The tourist industry has been affected more than most businesses. 90% of our revenue comes from international travellers. Our business is falling through the cracks and we may fail to make it through the pandemic without the rent subsidy. Rent is our largest business expense.Therefore, your petitioners request the Government of Canada and the House of Commons to please change this legislation so that businesses like ours qualify for the CERS rent subsidy.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about changes to the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy legislation so that more businesses qualify. As the Government announced on April 19th in Budget 2021, the government in proposing to extend the rent subsidy until September 25, 2021. This is a program that provides simple and easy-to-access rent support directly to small businesses. Businesses currently benefit from the up 65% rent subsidy. Combined with the lockdown support, a business can have up to 90% of their rent covered.The Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy, including the Lockdown Support, was created to help organizations pay their commercial rent while facing the economic and health challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The rent subsidy delivers direct, targeted, and accessible rent support to qualifying organizations affected by the pandemic without the need to work through their landlords, and further extends this support to include property owners. This means that the rent subsidy generally not only covers commercial rent expenses, but also property taxes, property insurance, and interest on commercial mortgages. As of April 18, 2021, 162,470 organizations have received support from the CERS and Lockdown Support, representing $2.97 billion paid out since the launch of the programs.To ensure that the rent subsidy is focused on providing relief to organizations in need of support, specific requirements apply to the expenses that qualify for the program. In particular, only expenses paid or payable to an arm’s-length party are eligible under the program. This rule supports the integrity of the program by preventing subsidies from being paid in circumstances where there may be no outflow of funds from a group of non-arm’s length parties. For example, where one company owns a building that is rented to another company and both companies are wholly owned by the same entity, such companies are considered to be not at arm’s length. In such cases, the “rent” is simply a transfer of funds from one entity in the group to another and does not represent a real economic cost. However, the actual costs borne by the group, including mortgage interest, property taxes and real property insurance paid by the corporation that owns the building could be eligible expenses for the rent subsidy.Overall, the government has made sure that the rent subsidy is helping as many businesses as possible, while striking the right balance to help ensure that businesses that are in need are the ones entitled to support under this program.The government has taken other actions to help businesses that have been highly impacted by the pandemic, including those that may not be able to access certain support programs. Through the regional development agencies and the Community Futures Network of Canada, the $2 billion Regional Relief and Recovery Fund provides loans to eligible businesses unable to access emergency liquidity programs, including the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, the rent subsidy, and the Canada Emergency Business Account. The government has directed the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund to provide $500 million in support of the tourism sector. As of March 4, 2021, the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund had helped protect more than 126,000 jobs and supported over 20,800 businesses, including more than 4,000 tourism businesses.
Canada Emergency Rent SubsidyCOVID-19PandemicRentSmall and medium-sized enterprisesTourism
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021432-00748432-00748 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 26, 2021May 10, 2021May 29, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, it has been 17 years since the Chinese communist regime launched a persecution to "eradicate" Falun Gong—a spiritual practice centred on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance;Whereas, millions of Falun Gong practitioners have been arbitrarily detained, including family members of Canadians. The mass extrajudicial imprisonment, forced labour, torture, rape, and killing along with hate propaganda have been reported by major human rights organizations;Whereas, an update report released in June 2016 by three reputable investigators David Kilgour, David Matas and Ethan Gutmann indicates that prisoners of conscience, primarily Falun Gong practitioners, have been killed on demand to fuel a massive state-run transplant industry, supplying most of the organs for an estimated tens of thousands transplants a year in Chinese hospitals since 2000.Whereas, the U.S. House of Representatives and European Parliament passed resolutions in June 2016 and December 2013 respectively condemning and calling for an immediate end to China's systematic and statesanctioned organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience, including Falun Gong. In February 2015, Canada's Parliamentary Subcommittee on International Human Rights unanimously passed a similar motion; andWhereas, since May 2015, over 200,000 Chinese citizens have filed criminal complaints against former Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin who orchestrated the persecution of Falun Gong;Therefore, we, the undersigned, request that the Canadian Parliament and government:
  • Establish measures to stop the Chinese regime's mass murder of innocent people for their organs, including but not limited to introducing Canadian legislation to ban organ tourism and criminalize those involved;
  • Take every opportunity to call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021432-00747432-00747 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 26, 2021May 10, 2021November 29, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021432-00746432-00746 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 26, 2021May 10, 2021October 21, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021432-00745432-00745 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 26, 2021May 10, 2021March 8, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021432-00744432-00744 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 26, 2021May 10, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021432-00743432-00743 (Social affairs and equality)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCMarch 26, 2021May 10, 2021March 8, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsTHEREFORE, YOUR PETITIONERS call on the House of Commons to recognize that violence against women remains a critical problem in Canada, and disproportionately impacts indigenous women, as reflected in the crisis of missing and murdered Aboriginal women; that striving for pay equity and equal participation for women in leadership roles must be political priorities for all Members of Parliament; and that shifting cultural attitudes towards women and gender minorities in our society requires structural changes to education and socialization.
Response by the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): GARY ANANDASANGAREEThe Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations would like to thank the petitioners for drawing attention to the critical issues of gender discrimination and violence against women, specifically Indigenous women. Striving for pay equity and equal participation for women in leadership roles is crucial to shifting cultural attitudes in Canada.Violence against women and girls has devastating health and social impacts on the lives of individuals, families, communities, and Canadian society as a whole. We are addressing this tragic violence through a whole-of-government approach involving multiple jurisdictions. Through the National Strategy to Address Gender-Based Violence, we will strive towards ensuring that all Canadians have the opportunity to live in safe, supportive, and inclusive communities. As noted in your petition, Indigenous women and girls are disproportionately impacted by violence. This is why we have been and will continue to work in partnership with Indigenous organizations, provinces, and territories to bring an end to the national tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual plus  (2SLGBTQQIA+) people..On June 3, 2019, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls released its Final Report, Reclaiming Power and Place, during a special closing ceremony in Gatineau, Quebec. The Inquiry’s Final Report is far-reaching and complex and deals with several underlying systemic issues, which will require thorough review andanalysis. The Inquiry’s 231 Calls for Justice are directed towards all levels of government and various stakeholders. The recommendations outlined within the Final Report guide all Canadians, levels of governments, Indigenous communities, and civil society in terms of how to prevent the systemic violence that has resulted in this national tragedy.Following the release of the Final Report, our Government reiterated its commitment to ending the ongoing national tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. The Government of Canada is working with various partners including Indigenous, provincial-territorial and municipal governments to end this national tragedy. An advisory body, comprised of over 100 First Nations, Inuit, Métis women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people is in place to oversee the development of the National Action Plan. It includes a Core Working Group and a National Family and Survivor’s Circle which serve as a liaison with the broader federal, provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous organizations and communities as well as the distinctions-based (First Nations, Inuit, Métis), urban and 2SLGBTQQIA+ sub-working groups. Each working group is developing their own contribution to the National Action Plan.We are making a lot of progress, with a number of National Action Plan components either finalized or nearing completion. This includes the release of Yukon’s MMIWG2S+ Strategy in December 2020 accomplished in partnership with the Yukon Advisory Committee, and the near-completion of the chapters led by the Federal, Urban and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Sub-Working Groups. Moving forward, the National Action Plan will evolve, remaining evergreen and accountable to families, survivors and partners across Canada.Alongside this work, the Government of Canada continues to explore new ways of working with Indigenous groups, including co-developing approaches to recognize and implement Indigenous rights. Engaging with Indigenous partners ensures that the resulting treaties and agreements are reflective of the diverse needs and interests of Indigenous groups, and inclusive of their priorities, including towards closing socio-economic gaps and advancing their visions for self-determination. It also provides opportunities for all parties to recognize how colonialism has impacted Indigenous cultures, including governance structures and the role of women, and to address this through future agreements. By mobilizing Canada as a whole, we will foster the progressive change necessary to empower Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, putting an end to the systemic violence that has victimized them for so long.
Response by the Minister of LabourSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Anthony HousefatherThe Government of Canada is unequivocal that harassment and violence of any kind is completely unacceptable and recognizes that violence against women is a critical problem in our country. Our government is committed to addressing workplace harassment and violence. On October 25, 2018, Bill C-65, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code (harassment and violence), the Parliamentary Employment and Staff Relations Act and the Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 1, received Royal Assent. This historic piece of legislation demonstrates to Canadians that their government will not tolerate harassment and violence in federally regulated workplaces by strengthening provisions in the Canada Labour Code in order tocreate a more robust and integrated regime to better protect employees. Under this regime, employers are required to take steps to prevent, protect against, and respond to occurrences of harassment and violence in the workplace, which includes a spectrum of behaviours, ranging from teasing/bullying to sexual harassment and physical violence.  The Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations were published in Canada Gazette, Part II on June 24, 2020, and came into force along with Bill C-65 on January 1, 2021.Furthermore, our government tabled legislation to modernize the Canada Labour Code, including a new Leave for Victims of Family Violence. This new leave, which came into force on September 1, 2019, offers important support to employees who are themselves victims of family violence, or who are the parents of a minor child who is a victim of such violence. The new leave of up to ten days per calendar year, with the first five days of leave paid, will allow those who take it to engage in activities such as seeking medical attention for themselves or their child in respect of a physical or psychological injury or disability; obtaining services from an organization which provides services to victims of family violence; obtaining psychological or other professional counselling; relocating temporarily or permanently; seeking legal or law enforcement assistance or preparing for or participating in any civil or criminal legal proceeding; or taking any measures prescribed by regulation. This new leave, as well as a new Personal Leave of up to five days per calendar year, with the first three days of leave paid, are among a range of measures that came into force on September 1, 2019 to provide federally regulated employees with more flexibility to balance the demands of paid work and their personal and family responsibilities. To this end, employees may take the new Personal Leave to, among other things, treat their illness or injury, carry out responsibilities related to the health or care of any of their family members, and address any urgent matter concerning themselves or their family members.On the issue of pay equity, our government supports equal pay for work of equal value and the fair treatment of all workers in the workplace, regardless of gender. Pay equity is not just the right thing to do – it’s the smart thing to do. When Canadian women can count on equal pay for work of equal value, our economy grows stronger. To achieve this our government is committed to move beyond the current complaints-based approach to pay equity. On October 29, 2018, new proactive pay equity legislation was tabled in Parliament, as part of Bill C-86 – Budget Implementation Act, 2018 No. 2. The Pay Equity Act (Act) received Royal Assent on December 13, 2018 and the necessary regulations needed to bring the legislation into force were pre-published in Part I of the Canada Gazette on November 13, 2020 for a 60-day public comment period. Once the regulations are finalized, our government will look to a potential coming into force date of the new proactive pay equity regime in summer 2021. The new regime will bring about a dramatic shift in how the right to pay equity is protected in federally regulated workplaces. It will direct employers to take proactive steps to ensure that they are providing equal pay for work of equal value because we know that a strong middle class depends on a job market where both women and men have a real and fair chance at success. Proactive pay equity is particularly likely to benefit women who are also part of other vulnerable groups. The Government of Canada believes that Canada’s strength lies in its diversity. Creating equitable, diverse and inclusive workplaces will help grow our middle class and build a country where every Canadian has a real and fair chance to succeed. One of the ways the Government of Canada promotes equality is through the Employment Equity Act, which seeks to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment experienced by women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities in federally regulated workplaces. Since the Act’s introduction in 1986, there has been some progress made for the four designated groups. But more needs to be done to advance equity, diversity and inclusion for women, LGBTQ2 Canadians, Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized Canadians, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. The Minister of Labour’s supplementary mandate letter contains a commitment to launch a review of the Employment Equity Act, with the support of the President of the Treasury Board and the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth. The Minister of Labour will be launching a task force to review the Act, which will have a mandate to study, consult, and advise on how a renewed Employment Equity Act can help ensure that Canada’s economic recovery is equitable, inclusive, and fair.
Response by the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic DevelopmentSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Gudie HutchingsINTRODUCTIONThe Government of Canada would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their concerns in regards to gender-based violence, especially as it disproportionately impacts Indigenous women. The Government is deeply committed to advancing gender equality, including through preventing and addressing the root causes of gender-based violence, promoting women’s leadership and democratic participation, improving women’s economic security and prosperity, and challenging negative attitudes towards women and gender diverse people.After 42 years of serving Canadian women, Status of Women Canada became the Department for Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) in December 2018. WAGE continues to advance more equitable economic, political, and social outcomes for Canadian women, and now has an expanded mandate for gender equality that includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. WAGE is also forging new relationships with grassroots organizations who work hard to advance gender equality in Canada. WAGE is also coordinating gender equality issues within the federal government.   CANADA’S STRATEGY TO PREVENT AND ADDRESS GENDER-BASED VIOLENCEThe #MeToo and Time’s Up movements, as well as the global Women’s Marches, have brought issues of sexism, misogyny, and gender-based violence (GBV) to the forefront. The Government of Canada is committed to preventing and addressing GBV against women, girls, Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual (2SLGBTQQIA) people.Launched in 2017, It’s Time: Canada’s Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence (the Strategy) advances efforts in three areas: preventing GBV; supporting survivors and their families; and, promoting responsive legal and justice systems. The Strategy helps to address gaps in support for diverse populations, including Indigenous women and girls, women living in northern, rural, and remote communities, women living with disabilities, newcomers, children and youth, seniors, 2SLGBTQQIA and gender non-binary people.The Strategy is a whole-of-government approach that brings together GBV-related efforts of all federal departments and agencies, builds on existing federal initiatives and programs, and lays the foundation for greater action on GBV. The Strategy also provides funding for six departments/agencies: WAGE; Public Health Agency of Canada; Public Safety Canada; the Department of National Defence; the Royal Canadian Mounted Police; and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.Building on the foundation laid by the Strategy, the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development is also mandated to develop a National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence (GBV National Action Plan) with support from the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. In January 2021, Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for the Status of Women endorsed the FPT Ministerial Joint Declaration for a Canada free of Gender-Based Violence and announced their common vision, principles, goals and pillars for the GBV National Action Plan. Budget 2021 proposes an investment of $601.3 million dollars over five years, to several Departments, to advance towards a new National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. The National Action Plan would align with and complement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ Calls for Justice.GBV Knowledge CentreThe GBV Knowledge Centre (KC) is the focal point of the Strategy and is responsible for governance and coordination, reporting and evaluation, data and research, and knowledge mobilization. The KC shares existing resources on GBV from across government. It supports the development and sharing of research and data to enable more coordinated, evidence-based action on GBV. In December 2018, the KC launched an online platform, with a searchable database, which compiles existing information, data, and evidence on GBV.GBV ProgramLaunched through the Strategy, WAGE’s GBV Program aims to support organizations working in the sector in developing and implementing promising practices to address gaps in supports for Indigenous women and their communities, and other underserved groups of survivors in Canada. As part of the GBV Program, WAGE is co-funding a project with the Nova Scotia Government to develop effective and culturally-sensitive supports to the cycles of violence that affect women and children in Indigenous and African Nova Scotian communities. This important co-investment between Nova Scotia and Canada will be a signature initiative under Standing Together, Nova Scotia’s plan to prevent domestic violence, and aligns with Canada’s GBV Strategy.Some of the expected outcomes of the GBV program include developing or adapting a service model to better support survivors of sexual violence, a community-healing approach for Indigenous women and their families, and a peer support model for women with disabilities and deaf survivors of GBV.On March 18, 2020, the Government of Canada announced a new set of economic measures to help stabilize the economy and help Canadians affected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government of Canada took swift action to ensure that organizations that support women and families facing violence had the resources they needed to keep their doors open and continue providing vital services. $100 million is being provided to frontline organizations across the country, including dedicated funding for those serving Indigenous women both on and off reserve. Over 1000 organizations across the country have received federal emergency funding to date, and this funding is supporting nearly 800,000 women and children. These organizations have used this funding to adapt quickly to this new reality and continue providing their lifesaving services in the face of the global pandemic. They used the funds to secure additional space to provide for physical distancing, to purchase cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment, and pivoted quickly to adapt some support and services to online delivery.VIOLENCE AGAINST INDIGENOUS WOMENThe Government of Canada is committed to ending the ongoing national crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Despite only accounting for 4 percent of the Canadian population, Indigenous women and girls represent 28 percent of homicides perpetrated against women and are 12 times more likely to be murdered or missing than non-Indigenous women in Canada.In response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ (the National Inquiry) 2017 interim report, WAGE established a Commemoration Fund, with over $13M in funding, to support 110 projects supporting Indigenous governments and organizations’ work with families, survivors, and communities to implement commemorative initiatives that help honour the lives and legacies of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people.Following the release of the National Inquiry’s Final Report in June 2019, the Government committed to develop and implement a national action plan to address violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people.CULTURAL SHIFTS IN ATTITUDES TOWARDS WOMEN AND GENDER DIVERSITY Challenging and changing harmful gender norms and attitudes is essential to achieve equality for people of all genders. Everyone has a role to play in addressing the attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate exclusion, inequity and violence.The Government of Canada has been engaging men and boys as allies and advocates for gender equality. Eleven roundtables were hosted across the country in 2018, including regional and thematic tables (Indigenous people, LGBTQ2 people, racialized communities, youth, and corporate) to discuss challenges and best practices to promote inclusive attitudes and behaviours. Some key issues that emerged include recognizing that men and boys are not a homogenous group, and that they also have gendered intersecting identities. Additionally, many groups emphasized the importance of ensuring accountability towards the broader gender equality goals and respect for the leadership of the women’s and LGBTQ2 movements, in any engagement with men and boys.In summer 2019, a What We Heard Report was released and four new projects were announced to address key gaps identified throughout the 2018 roundtable discussions. For example, the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters received funding to increase awareness of gender-based violence and healthy masculinity; and FOXY is engaging Indigenous youth, particularly young men and boys, on gender equality in the Northwest Territories.The Government has also been engaging with young Canadians to expand and amplify youth-led dialogue about behaviours and attitudes that perpetuate gender inequality. For example, in spring of 2019, the Government of Canada launched the National Conversations on Gender Equality with Young Canadians initiative. Central to this initiative is a diverse group of youths from across Canada who have worked alongside WAGE to discuss gender equality challenges facing them and their peers and inform an approach to engage young Canadians on gender equality. As a part of this work, the Government has also provided funding to five Indigenous organizations to work with young Indigenous people across the country and engage them on gender equality.As agreed to in the 2021 Joint Declaration for a Canada free of Gender-Based Violence, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based violence will seek to engage all people in Canada in changing the social norms, attitudes and behaviours that contribute to gender-based violence, and be guided by the recognition of the role that men and boys play in addressing gender-based violence.WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP AND DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATIONThe Government is committed to increasing the representation of women in positions of leadership in both the public and private sectors and is taking various measures to achieve this.In February 2016, the Government established an open and transparent process for selecting Governor in Council (GIC) appointees. This has led to an increase in the representation of women serving as GIC appointees. The current GIC population is made up of over 50% women.Measures have also been taken to change the culture of politics in order to attract and retain women as Parliamentarians. Some of these measures are described below:
  • The Government has passed legislation that enables the House of Commons and the Senate to provide maternity and parental leave for Parliamentarians;
  • The Canada Labour Code was amended to help prevent and respond to violence and harassment in the federally regulated sector and to offer support to affected employees, including those in federally regulated workplaces, the federal public service, parliamentary workplaces, and political staff; and,
  • Following on this, the House of Commons introduced a code of conduct on sexual harassment that includes an official complaint resolution process to prevent and deal with cases of sexual harassment.
To encourage corporate transparency and advance gender equality and diversity in Canada’s boardrooms, changes to the Canada Business Corporations Act now require federally regulated, publicly traded corporations to have and disclose a diversity policy, highlighting their approach to improving overall diversity amongst board directors and members of senior management.Additionally, in December 2020, the Government of Canada launched the 50-30 Challenge, a collaboration with diversity-seeking groups and business stakeholders. This challenge is a call to action to businesses across Canada that aims to increase diverse representation on corporate boards and in senior management positions. As of February 23, 2021, 699 organizations are participating in the Challenge.Finally, through its Women’s Program, WAGE has invested over $29 million since November 2015 in projects to promote and enhance women’s participation in civic and political life by addressing barriers; strengthening the voices of Indigenous women in their communities; empowering the next generation of women leaders; and increasing women’s participation in politics.WOMEN’S ECONOMIC SECURITY AND PROSPERITY Due to the pandemic, women have faced steep job losses, and many have bravely served on the frontlines of the crisis in communities or shouldered the burden of unpaid care work at home. Women have been slower to return to work than men and continue to face challenges that threaten the hard-won gains of women in Canada. Prior to the pandemic, women experienced challenges to their full and equal participation in the economy and are still less likely than men to participate in the labour force.Women are key to Canada’s economic recovery. That is why the Government took steps to address women’s economic vulnerability during COVID-19 by: providing a Canada Emergency Response Benefit to support workers who lose their income as a result of this pandemic; investing in Workforce Development Agreements with provinces and territories, to help underrepresented groups and sectors hardest hit by the pandemic quickly access supports to re-enter the workforce; boosting the Canada Child Benefit to help with the high cost of taking care of kids during this challenging period; introducing the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit for workers unable to work for at least half of the week due to caregiving during the pandemic; topping up the GST tax credit for families and individuals with low and modest incomes; and providing funding to provinces and territories to get communities back up and running and support the services Canadians rely on like child care. The Government of Canada is also advancing social, political, and economic equality with respect to sexual orientation, gender identity and expression through WAGE’s LGBTQ2 Community Capacity Fund, the first-ever federal fund dedicated to advancing LGBTQ2 equality in Canada. A total of $20 million has been allocated to strengthening LGBTQ2 organizations to better position them to address the unique needs and persisting disparities facing LGBTQ2 communities, including significant support for organizations serving Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQ2 communities.Budget 2021 proposes an investment of $22.1 million dollars over three years in support of greater equality for LGBTQ2 communities. WAGE would receive $15 million dollars for the creation of a new LGBTQ2 Projects Fund dedicated to supporting community-informed initiatives to overcome key issues facing LGBTQ2 communities. The remaining $7.1 million of the proposed funding would go to Canadian Heritage, to support the work of the LGBTQ2 Secretariat and to enable the continued development of an LGBTQ2 Action Plan.The Government is creating an Action Plan for Women in the Economy to help more women get back into the workforce and to ensure a feminist intersectional response to the pandemic and recovery. The Plan is guided by the Task Force on Women in the Economy, a group of experts whose diverse voices are powering a whole-of-government approach. The Task Force has begun advising the government on policies and measures to support women’s employment and address issues of gender equality in the wake of the pandemic. In particular, the Task Force has provided advice on early learning and child care, support for youth, and women who work in low-wage jobs. In response, Budget 2021 is proposing new investments totaling up to $30 billion over the next 5 years, and $8.3 billion ongoing to establish a Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care System.While the gender pay gap has slowly decreased, women still earn less than men, on average earning 89 cents for every dollar earned by men. Since 2015, the Government of Canada has put in place several measures to improve women’s labour market outcomes and narrow the gender wage gap, such as launching the Women’s Entrepreneurship Strategy to address the challenges women face in business, such as lack of access to capital, which the Government has committed to accelerating.Other ongoing activities to support the advancement of economic security and prosperity for women include:
  • Funding from WAGE invested in projects through the Women’s Program to improve women’s and girls’ economic security and prosperity, including funding to support Indigenous women’s economic success. Since November 2015, WAGE has invested over $60 million in projects under this priority area.
 
  • Modernizing the Employment Equity Act with the support of a task force to ensure that the economic recovery is equitable, inclusive and fair. The Government has also proposed expanding the Workplace Opportunities: Removing Barriers to Equity program, to promote projects that help federally regulated workplaces become more representative of Canada’s diversity.
  • The Pay Equity Act, an Act to establish a proactive pay equity regime within the federal public and private sectors, received Royal Assent in 2018. The Government is currently analyzing information received through the consultation period, which ended this January 2021. Once completed, the revised regulations will be published in the Canada Gazette.
  • In February 2021, the Government launched the Feminist Response and Recovery Fund under WAGE’s Women’s Program to support projects addressing systemic barriers for underrepresented women, including Indigenous women and women who are members of LGBTQ2 communities. The call for proposals aims to provide flexibility, allowing eligible organizations to respond to a wide range of issues in order to accelerate progress on gender equality and ensure that Canada’s response to and recovery from COVID-19 is inclusive of diverse women.
 CONCLUSIONCanada has a long history of advancing gender equality. From the early suffragettes who fought for women to receive the right to vote to the activists of the #MeToo movement, feminist action has played— and continues to play—a pivotal role in shaping our history and our future.From the start of the pandemic, the Government has applied a feminist lens with an enhanced focus on intersectionality, to ensure its response provides support to those who need it most. As such, the Government of Canada will continue to take action to increase women’s economic security and prosperity; advance women’s leadership and democratic participation; end gender-based violence; and counter discriminatory attitudes towards women and gender-diverse people.
Sexual discriminationStatus of womenViolence against women
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021432-00742432-00742 (Justice)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservativeABMarch 26, 2021May 10, 2021March 8, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021e-3105e-3105 (Foreign affairs)JosueRamirezTomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservativeABJanuary 13, 2021, at 4:40 p.m. (EDT)March 14, 2021, at 4:40 p.m. (EDT)March 26, 2021May 10, 2021March 16, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada </Addressee>Whereas:Eleven bodies were found by a Venezuelan Coast Guard patrol on Saturday, December 12, 2020, in the Gulf of Paria, seven nautical miles (13km) off Güiria, Venezuela, and that three more bodies were reported on a beach nearby as confirmed by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago;By December 20, 2020, more bodies were found, increasing the total number of people dead to 29, as confirmed by Venezuelan regime officials to news sources;The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard have justified increased maritime security patrols in the face of the threat of COVID-19 to protect national health and security;The Trinidad and Tobago government had detained at sea and sent back boats carrying Venezuelan refugees in contravention of section II of the Commonwealth Charter; andThe human rights abuses committed by Maduro’s socialist Venezuelan regime and rampant crime caused by the breakdown of civic institutions has resulted in the displacement of over 5 million Venezuelan nationals.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to request that the Commonwealth Secretary-General launch an inquiry into the actions of the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard in contravention of Charter of Commonwealth and urge the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to respect the human rights of Venezuelan refugees.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority for the Government of Canada’s engagement with all international partners. Canada is deeply concerned by the unprecedented political, economic, and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, particularly with the increasing number of Venezuelan migrants moving to neighbouring countries and refugees seeking asylum, including in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T). The drowning of 29 Venezuelan migrants in December 2020 was a tragic event and Canada is very concerned by the smuggling and trafficking of migrants and refugees and limited capacity by countries in the region to absorb them.To address the issue, T&T has announced tougher penalties for individuals trafficking migrants or refugees from neighbouring Venezuela into T&T. In addition, T&T has renewed work permits for approximately 15,000 migrants, extending the temporary visas for more than 13,000 Venezuelans who initially registered in 2019. This extension will provide Venezuelans with the opportunity to remain in T&T and work legally in the country.The Government of Canada is engaged on this issue and working to support the Government of T&T under the Anti-Crime Capacity Building Program (ACCBP) to combat  organized crime, including trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling by committing $2.3M directly to anti-crime capacity building assistance in T&T and partnering with multilateral institutions, including the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to provide training on investigative techniques, needs-assessment and analytical reporting to government, law enforcement and border security officials. Global Affairs Canada is also working with the Government of T&T and the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to ensure that Venezuelan refugees and migrants travel through regular and safe migration routes and is encouraging Trinidad and Tobago authorities to continue supporting regional efforts in safeguarding the human rights of Venezuelan refugees and migrants.Canada is committed to protecting and advancing human rights, and the values of democracy, diversity, pluralism, and rule of law, consistent with its obligations under the Commonwealth Charter, and will continue to provide humanitarian and development assistance in Venezuela and to maintain global attention on the multidimensional emergency stemming from the situation in Venezuela.Since 2019, Canada has provided more than $86 million to respond to the Venezuela crisis, including more than $74 million in humanitarian and development assistance for the regional response to the refugee and migrant situation. Canada’s Minister of International Development will host the next International Donor’s Conference in Solidarity with Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants on June 17, 2021. The conference will gather international partners to raise awareness of key priorities, challenges, and opportunities; mobilize additional resources; and identify actions to maintain attention on the crisis and to ensure commitments are honoured.
Civil and human rightsRefugeesTrinidad and TobagoVenezuela
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021432-00740432-00740 (Foreign affairs)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservativeABMarch 26, 2021May 10, 2021March 25, 2021Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament AssembledWHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law), sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption;
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of "Truth, Compassion and Tolerance," including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, Qiang Wei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021e-2996e-2996 (Citizenship and immigration)EhsanShariati VarnosfaderaniJennyKwanVancouver EastNDPBCNovember 24, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. (EDT)March 24, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. (EDT)March 26, 2021May 10, 2021March 25, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="253396" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship</Addressee>Whereas:Family reunification has a positive effect on attracting talented immigrants and a positive impact on family prosperity and the economy;By previously scrapping the lottery system for parent and grandparent reunification, the government recognized that the luck-based system is deeply flawed;The recent reintroduction of the lottery system was made with no transparency about the reasoning, studies and consultations that lead to the decision;In addition, the lack of advanced notice means even more are left out with no time to properly plan ahead; andTime and time again, arbitrary application caps result in an unfair system.We, the undersigned, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to: 1. Explain the decision to return to the previously scrapped system for Parents and Grandparents (PGP) Program;2. Release documents relating to the consultations that lead to this change;3. Immediately undertake an open and publicly available study to create a better and just application process;4. Recognize the positive benefits for family reunification and create a compassionate system without arbitrary caps.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoThe Government of Canada recognizes the importance of family reunification and the economic and social advantages of having families together. The Parents and Grandparents Program is a dedicated pathway to reuniting more families in Canada. Year after year, the number of people interested in sponsoring their parents and grandparents exceeds the admissions targets in the annual Immigration Levels Plan, the tool by which the Government of Canada, in consultation with Provincial and Territorial governments, sets the number of permanent residents to be admitted within each immigration category each year, which in turn determines how many applications can be processed. Family class admissions must be balanced with other immigration categories in order to meet Canada’s broader immigration objectives, including under the economic and refugee streams. Because of this, a random selection model has been implemented.  This ensures that all interested persons have an equal opportunity to be invited to submit an application to sponsor their parents and grandparents.In 2020, the Government of Canada used a random selection intake process that was conducted electronically and under the supervision of auditors to ensure that this process was fair, secure, and transparent. Other intake models used in the past, such as the 2019 online first-in system, posed technical challenges for some prospective sponsors and may have disadvantaged those with certain cognitive or physical disabilities. To address accessibility and fairness concerns, IRCC engaged with disability stakeholder organizations.  Their insight helped inform the 2020 intake model and process, especially in regards to accessibility.  For the first time, interest to sponsor forms in alternative formats (i.e., paper form, large print, or braille) were made available in advance of the online interest to sponsor form submission period. The 2021-2023 Immigration Levels Plan sets the target at 23,500 parent and grandparent admissions per year.  However, in 2020, more than 200,000 individuals filled out the interest to sponsor form to express interest in sponsoring their parent(s) or grandparent(s). Given that demand to sponsor parents and grandparents significantly exceeds the number of spaces allocated to the program, a limit on applications received is needed to avoid lengthy processing times and delays. In 2011, prior to the introduction of an annual limit on the number of applications, the inventory of parent and grandparent sponsorship applications had grown to nearly 80,000 cases, equalling more than 160,000 parents and grandparents awaiting decision. As a result of this large inventory, processing times had grown to over 6 years. Therefore, the application limit prevents the buildup of an unmanageable backlog of applications that leads to lengthy processing times, better supporting faster family reunification.In addition, prospective sponsors who are not selected, but are interested in bringing their parents or grandparents to Canada, can also consider the parent and grandparent Super Visa. Recognizing the importance of bringing families together, this unique visa, available only to parents and grandparents, allows them to visit family in Canada for up to two years at a time without the need to renew their status. It provides multiple entries for a period up to 10 years.The Department always considers ways to improve the Parents and Grandparents Program in order to continue to ensure the Program is accessible and fair to all those who are interested in sponsoring their parents and grandparents, while recognizing that this immigration pathway exists within the larger context of Canada’s immigration strategy where all immigration programs operate under a limit, based on the admissions targets under the Immigration Levels Plan.   
Application processFamily reunificationImmigrant sponsorshipParent and Grandparent Program
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021e-2917e-2917 (Citizenship and immigration)KassemMoustaphaJennyKwanVancouver EastNDPBCOctober 21, 2020, at 10:22 a.m. (EDT)November 20, 2020, at 10:22 a.m. (EDT)March 26, 2021May 10, 2021November 20, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="253396" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship</Addressee>Whereas:In response to calls for a special Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for family sponsorship applicants to reunite sooner, Minister Mendicino highlighted the existing TRV process to apply for dual intent;Spouses and loved ones applying with dual intent are routinely denied TRVs under paragraph179(b) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations because of their strong ties to Canada;On August 4, 2020, a terrible explosion in the port of Beirut devastated the people of Lebanon; andDespite the Government of Canada’s explicit promise to support visitor visa and spousal sponsorship applications of people affected by this disaster looking to reunite with loved ones, TRVs from the region are actively being denied under paragraph 179(b).We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to:1. Immediately create an exception to paragraph 179(b) for family sponsorship applications and reassess applications that have been denied under these grounds;2. Transition this exception to a special TRV tailored to family sponsorships;3. Create an ombudsperson to investigate complaints regarding assessments;4. Meaningfully implement the promised help to the people of Lebanon; and5. Process Lebanese applications with visa officers in Beirut instead of Ankara.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoThe legislative and regulatory framework that governs immigration and visa issuance reflects Canada’s managed migration approach and upholds the safety and security of Canadians. Every foreign national wishing to enter Canada for temporary purposes – whether to visit, work or study – must satisfy an officer that they will leave Canada at the end of the period authorized for their stay. This requirement, which is set out in Section 179(b) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, is a foundational element of our well-managed immigration system.The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (the Act) recognizes that some foreign nationals who wish to immigrate to Canada permanently may wish to enter Canada for temporary purposes while they are waiting for their application for permanent residence to be processed. For example, spouses and partners with a spousal sponsorship application in progress can apply for a temporary resident visa (TRV) to be able to come to Canada as a temporary resident. These foreign nationals are referred to as having “dual intent” and as long as they can meet all statutory and eligibility requirements they will not be refused for a TRV simply because they have a permanent resident application in progress. To provide further guidance on dual intent, the Department updated instructions to officers on October 30, 2020, by providing factors for consideration specific to sponsored spouses and partners, such as whether the sponsorship application has been approved, etc.Multiple measures are in place to ensure that visa decision making is consistent with the law. In instances where an applicant disagrees with a decision made on their application, mechanisms are in place for recourse. For example, Subsection 72(1) of the Act allows for applicants to seek leave and judicial review to the Federal Court with respect to any decision made by an IRCC officer. Further, IRCC provides the public with various channels to contact the Department, such as the Client Support Centre (via telephone or Webform) as well as providing Immigration Consultants and Representatives with a dedicated mailbox for non-case specific inquiries related to policies, legislation, and regulations.Moreover, IRCC employees follow the Departmental Code of Conduct in their activities related to their professional duties. This Code includes all elements of the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector, and guides decision making on applications. The Department is also subject to performance audits by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada who assesses how well activities, responsibilities, and resources are carried out.As described above, IRCC’s legislative and regulatory framework lends itself to supporting family reunification. This value for family reunification was at the centre of Canada’s response to explosion in the Port of Beirut. On September 3, 2020, IRCC announced facilitative measures to be put in place until January 31, 2021 to support those affected by the explosion. These measures allowed for the prioritization of TRV applications for immediate family members of Canadian citizens and Canadian permanent residents who were personally affected by the explosion in Beirut so they could join their loved ones in Canada.Immediate family members included:
  • spouses
  • common-law partners
  • dependent children
  • parents or step-parents
While persons eligible under these measures remained subject to all statutory obligations, including eligibility and admissibility requirements, this response demonstrated IRCC’s commitment to supporting and facilitating family reunification, particularly during times of need.While IRCC’s operations have been particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department remains committed to processing applications to allow for family reunification. IRCC is making advancements to move towards a more integrated and modernized working environment, which will help to speed up application processing globally. IRCC has digitized more of its operations and increased the amount of processing happening electronically as a means to uphold client service facilitation. IRCC is scanning and digitizing paper-based lines of business, and triaging electronic applications across the global network so that applications can be processed remotely by IRCC employees in a safe and secure manner. Since all overseas applications for temporary residence must be submitted electronically as per current Ministerial Instructions (with exceptions), they may be processed by more than one office in our global network. This ensures efficiency, particularly in an environment that is affecting capacity on an ever changing and global scale. For this reason, applications may or may not be decided upon by decision-makers at the office closest to where a client lives or where an application is submitted. IRCC ensures a robust Immigration Officer training program and regular exchange of country-specific information between offices such that all applications are processed in a consistent and legally authorized manner. Regardless of geography, all decisions are made in accordance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations and we continue to ensure that clients have access to services close to home. This ensured continuity in Beirut after the port explosion, proving that local crises do not slow global visa processing. While the COVID-19 pandemic has altered IRCC’s service delivery, the Department continues to adapt and evolve to ever changing conditions to ensure facilitation and client service while respecting immigration legislation and regulations, critical for the safety and security of Canadians.
Family reunificationImmigrant sponsorshipLebanon
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021432-00737432-00737 (Justice)KarenVecchioElgin—Middlesex—LondonConservativeONMarch 26, 2021May 10, 2021November 29, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021432-00736432-00736 (Foreign affairs)KarenVecchioElgin—Middlesex—LondonConservativeONMarch 26, 2021May 10, 2021May 29, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, it has been 17 years since the Chinese communist regime launched a persecution to "eradicate" Falun Gong — a spiritual practice centred on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance;Whereas, millions of Falun Gong practitioners have been arbitrarily detained, including family members of Canadians. The mass extrajudicial imprisonment, forced labour, torture, rape, and killing along with hate propaganda have been reported by all major human rights organizations;Whereas, an update report released in June 2016 indicates that prisoners of conscience, primarily Falun Gong practitioners, have been killed on demand to fuel a massive state-run transplant industry, supplying most of the organs for an estimated 60,000–100,000 transplants a year in Chinese hospitals since 2000. It could mean that at least hundreds of thousands Falun Gong practitioners have been murdered for their organs over the last 15 years;Whereas, the U.S. House of Representatives and European Parliament passed resolutions in June 2016 and December 2013 respectively condemning and calling for an immediate end to China's systematic and statesanctioned organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience, including Falun Gong. In February 2015, Canada's Parliamentary Subcommittee on International Human Rights unanimously passed a similar motion; andWhereas, since May 2015, over 200,000 Chinese citizens have filed criminal complaints against former Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin, who orchestrated the persecution of Falun Gong;Therefore, we, the undersigned, request that the Canadian Parliament and government:
  • Establish measures to stop the Chinese regime's mass murder of innocent people for their organs, including but not limited to introducing Canadian legislation to ban organ tourism and criminalize those involved;
  • Take every opportunity to call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong; and
  • Urge the Chinese authorities to bring former leader Jiang Zemin and his cohorts to justice.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021432-00735432-00735 (Foreign affairs)KarenVecchioElgin—Middlesex—LondonConservativeONMarch 26, 2021May 10, 2021March 8, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021e-2929e-2929 (Social affairs and equality)StevenSutherlandJennyKwanVancouver EastNDPBCOctober 22, 2020, at 4:41 p.m. (EDT)December 21, 2020, at 4:41 p.m. (EDT)March 25, 2021May 10, 2021December 24, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:More than 80% of Indigenous peoples live in urban, rural, and northern communities;Indigenous peoples are 11 times more likely to use a homeless shelter;21% of Indigenous peoples live in some form of subsidized housing;The 2017 National Housing Strategy nor any subsequent policy provided specific funding or policies for urban or rural Indigenous housing;The mandate letter for the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development specifically outlines the need for such a strategy;The Canadian Housing and Renewal Association’s (CHRA) Indigenous Caucus has provided real leadership on this issue; andThe strategy outlined in the CHRA Indigenous Caucus “For Indigenous, By Indigenous” urban, rural, and northern Indigenous housing strategy sets forth a vision for such a strategy, and would respond to the Calls to Justice in the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Final Report as well as the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.We, the undersigned, supporters of an urban, rural and northern housing strategy in Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Develop a “For Indigenous, By Indigenous” National Housing Centre;2. Increase the supply of stable, safe, affordable housing by building 73,000 new units of housing for urban, rural and northern Indigenous peoples;3. Support for tenants’ well-being and long-term success with wraparound Indigenous services;4. Accelerate action on Indigenous homelessness; and5. A focus on northern housing.
Response by the Minister of Families, Children and Social DevelopmentSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Adam VaughanThe Government of Canada would like to thank the petitioners for sharing their views on the needs of Indigenous people living in urban, rural and northern areas of Canada. The Government of Canada remains concerned about the prevalence of homelessness and housing insecurity in all communities, including urban, rural, remote, northern and Indigenous communities. It is why the 2020 Speech from the Throne and Budget 2021 included a commitment to entirely end chronic homelessness in Canada, increasing the level of ambition of the National Housing Strategy’s stated goal of a 50% reduction in chronic homelessness by 2027-28. We are also dedicated to supporting the successful implementation of the three distinctions-based housing strategies by First Nations, Inuit and Métis in their communities across the country.We continue to work with Indigenous partners, governments, and housing providers on an Urban, Rural and Northern Housing strategy. We understand that the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA) is studying this matter and we look forward to reviewing their recommendations on how best to address the housing needs of Indigenous peoples living in urban, rural and northern communities.The global pandemic has had devastating impacts on lives and livelihoods and exposed fundamental gaps in our society. Challenges that existed before the pandemic remain and others have been exacerbated and this is why, with the support of the Minister of Indigenous Services, the Minister of Northern Affairs and the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, as the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development I’m working to increase access to affordable housing for Indigenous Peoples and northern communities.Specifically, the ministerial Mandate Letter of December 2019, included a commitment to “support the Minister of Indigenous Services (ISC) to address critical infrastructure needs in Indigenous communities, including the development of a distinctions-based urban Indigenous housing strategy.” The January 2021 Supplementary Mandate Letter further commits to increase access to affordable housing for Indigenous Peoples and northern communities with the support of the Minister of Indigenous Services, the Minister of Northern Affairs and the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations.One of the key pillars addressing urban, rural and northern Indigenous housing is Canada's National Housing Strategy (NHS), a 10-year, $70+ billion plan that gives more Canadians a place to call home. Building on this, Budget 2021 proposes to invest $2.5 billion, and reallocate $1.3 billion in existing funding to speed up the construction, repair, or support of 35,000 affordable housing units.Improving Indigenous housing is a priority under the NHS as it is an important step toward reconciliation. Its programs prioritize projects serving the needs of Indigenous peoples and families and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has specialists located across the country working with Indigenous partners, communities and organizations to facilitate access to available funding.One of the most recent programs under the NHS is the $1B Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) that is supporting the construction of over 4,700 homes (vs. 3,000 initially targeted), of which 1,800 are for Indigenous peoples. This was possible with the support of provincial, territorial and municipal governments as well as Indigenous governing bodies. These projects will help Canadians in severe housing need, and people and populations who are vulnerable, specifically people at risk of or experiencing homelessness, or living in temporary shelters because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the success of the RHI, through Budget 2021, the Government of Canada is proposing an additional $1.5 billion for the program in 2021-22.   The NHS also includes the $13.2 billion National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF) delivered by CMHC to support new construction or repairs through low-cost loans and contributions. Projects serving Indigenous peoples are prioritized for funding and can include projects across the housing continuum – from shelters for victims fleeing violence to transitional and supportive housing, affordable and community rental housing, as well as affordable homeownership. The NHCF will help build new, repair existing affordable, and community housing across Canada.At December 31, 2020, NHS investments (excluding RHI) of $380.3M have been made to support more than 3,900 units for Indigenous and Northern households across Canada. For existing community housing under the responsibility of the federal government through CMHC, the $500 million Federal Community Housing Initiative (FCHI) helps to protect affordability for low-income households, including Indigenous peoples, served by housing providers with expiring operating agreements. For existing community housing with operating agreements under the responsibility of the provincial and territorial governments, the Canada Community Housing Initiative (CCHI) provides predictable, long-term funding to Provinces and Territories (PTs) through $4.3 billion in federal funding. This funding is cost-matched by PTs and will protect, regenerate and expand community housing through ongoing supports to housing providers that deliver subsidized housing to low-income Canadians, including housing units under the former Urban Native Housing program.In addition to NHS investments, the Government is providing $1.5B to support a First Nation-led housing Strategy, an Inuit-led Housing Strategy, and the Métis Nation’s housing strategy as follows:
  • $600 million over three years to support First Nation housing as part of a 10-year Housing Strategy that is being co-developed and implemented with First Nations serving First Nations on and off-reserves;
  • $400 million over 10 years to support an Inuit-led housing plan in Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and Inuvialuit. This is in addition to the $240 million over 10 years announced in Budget 2017 to support housing in Nunavut delivered through bilateral agreements with CMHC; and
  • $500 million over 10 years to support the Métis Nation’s housing strategy.
The Government of Canada is also making an impact through Reaching Home, a community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness across Canada. This program provides funding to urban, Indigenous, rural and remote communities to help them address their local homelessness needs. A total of $413 million is dedicated to address Indigenous homelessness in urban centres over the next nine years. This is an increase of almost 70 percent in dedicated Indigenous funding over current levels. Specifically, this funding will provide:
  • $261 million through an Indigenous Homelessness stream over a nine year period to maintain the community-based approach and to continue to address local priorities; and
  • $152 million, over nine years on priorities determined in collaboration with Indigenous partners, to be phased in over three years.
Budget 2021 proposes to provide an additional $567 million over two years, beginning in 2022-23, to Employment and Social Development Canada for Reaching Home. This would maintain the 2021-22 funding levels announced in the Fall Economic Statement in response to the pressures of COVID-19.Beyond this dedicated funding, Indigenous-led organizations can also access funding through Reaching Home’s other funding streams, and Indigenous peoples are eligible for services and supports under all funding streams.Furthermore, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada has invested over $400 million under Reaching Home to support the homeless-serving sector’s response to COVID-19 as well as efforts in preventing inflows into homelessness, including over $56 million specifically targeted to Indigenous homelessness. These additional investments are also helping communities implement housing solutions that are more permanent in nature, and providing them with the flexibility to direct funds toward local priority areas as part of their response to the pandemic.In November 2020, the Fall Economic Statement announced an additional $299.4 million for Reaching Home for 2021–22. These funds will enable homelessness service providers across the country, including Indigenous service providers, to maintain and expand emergency health and safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, provide them the flexibility to deliver permanent housing solutions for those experiencing homelessness, as well as prevent further inflows into homelessness.In May 2020, the Government of Canada announced the Shelter Initiative for Indigenous Women and Children. CMHC will provide $44.8 million over five years for the construction of 12 new emergency shelters, including ten in First Nations communities and 2 in the territories. In addition, Indigenous Services Canada will invest $40.8 million in new operational funding for these shelters over five years and $10.2 million annually in ongoing operational funding thereafter. Additionally, the 2020 Fall Economic Statement announced, as a response under the title National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, $724.1 million to launch a comprehensive Violence Prevention Strategy to expand access to a continuum of culturally relevant supports for Indigenous women, children and LGBTQ and two-spirit people facing gender-based violence. This strategy will support new shelters and transition housing for First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across the country, including on reserve, and in the North and in urban areas.As we move forward, we are committed to ensuring indigenous peoples in urban, rural and northern communities get the housing they need.
Homelessness and homelessIndigenous peoplesSocial housing
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021432-00733432-00733 (Health)JennyKwanVancouver EastNDPBCMarch 25, 2021May 10, 2021February 3, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWhereas opioid crisis is one of the most deadly public health emergencies of our lifetime, with a death taking place on average about every two hours and a death toll of almost 15,400 in the past four years alone (January 2016 to December 2019);Whereas the overdose crisis rages;We, the undersigned, call upon the Government of Canada to declare the overdose crisis a national public health emergency and:
  • Take steps to end overdose deaths and overdose injuries
  • Immediately collaborate with provinces and territories to develop a comprehensive, pan-Canadian overdose action plan
  • Ensure that any plan considers reforms that other countries have used, such as legal regulation of drugs to ensure safe, supply, decriminalization for personal use, and changes to flawed drug policy and policing.
  • Ensure this emergency is taken seriously with adequately funded programming and supports.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellThe Government of Canada is deeply concerned about problematic substance use in Canada, including the ongoing opioid overdose crisis and the devastating impact it is having on the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Tragically, there were more than 19,355 apparent opioid-related deaths between January 2016 and September 2020.The Government recognizes that the complexity of this crisis has only increased due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Public health guidance around physical distancing and self-isolation presents a unique challenge for people who use drugs. Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada have been working with provinces and territories and other partners, including researchers, advocates and people with lived and living experience, to help make sure that people who use drugs can continue to access treatment, harm reduction and other services during the pandemic.Since taking office, our government has taken strong action to address the opioid crisis. The comprehensive federal response has included legislative and regulatory enabling measures, new prescription guidelines, marketing restrictions, awareness campaigns, improvements to the knowledge base, and emergency funding to provinces and territories. We will continue this important work to help save lives and keep Canadians safe.The Government of Canada remains committed to taking a public health approach to substance use through the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy. The Strategy includes four pillars – prevention, treatment, harm reduction and enforcement – and is designed to be comprehensive, collaborative, compassionate and evidence-based. The Government is placing particular focus on:
  • ensuring that life-saving harm reduction measures are available to Canadians who need it;
  • working with stakeholders to reduce stigma directed at people who use drugs, which acts as a barrier to accessing critical health and social services and often leads to social isolation;
  • working with provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment options; and,
  • implementing additional surveillance and research activities that will further build the evidence base and allow us to pursue innovative solutions to this public health crisis.
The Government of Canada recognizes that the overwhelming majority of deaths caused by the opioid overdose crisis are due to a toxic illegal drug supply that is contaminated with highly toxic substances, such as fentanyl. The situation is now such that anyone who uses illegal drugs for any reason in Canada is at risk of a potentially fatal opioid-related overdose every time they use drugs due to the contaminated illegal supply.The Government of Canada has taken actions to reduce barriers to providing people who use drugs with a safer, pharmaceutical alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply. For example, Health Canada has issued class exemptions to pharmacists and eased restrictions on the transportation of controlled substances to make it easier for people to access the medications they need during the COVID-19 pandemic while following public health advice, such as physical distancing. In addition, through Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP), the Government of Canada is providing $44.2 million for projects providing a safer supply of pharmaceutical medications for people with substance use disorder in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. These investments will help provide pathways to care and treatment. Examples of funded projects include:
  • The Vancouver Island Health Authority was provided approximately $2 million over 48 months for an innovative project that will provide pharmaceutical medication as an alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply for people in Cowichan Valley who have not responded to other forms of treatment for opioid use disorder.
  • The London InterCommunity Health Centre (London, Ontario) was provided more than $6.5 million over 50 months to deliver a safer supply program that will help reduce harms related to the toxic illegal drug supply by providing prescribed opioids to patients with opioid use disorder during the pandemic and beyond.
Findings from these initiatives will contribute to the evidence base to support the scaling up of effective models. In addition, to bolster further these efforts, on August 24, 2020, the Minister of Health sent a letter to Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Health and regulatory colleges to encourage them to provide people who use drugs with a full spectrum of care options, including access to a safer supply of drugs.The Government of Canada has also taken a number of steps to provide options for those seeking treatment for severe substance use disorder. On April 25, 2019, the Minister of Health added diacetylmorphine to the List of Drugs for an Urgent Public Health Need. This makes it possible for provinces and territories to import this drug for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Amendments to federal regulations have also allowed health care practitioners to provide diacetylmorphine-assisted treatment outside of a hospital setting, if permitted by their province or territory. In addition, on May 1, 2019, Health Canada approved the use of injectable hydromorphone by qualified healthcare professionals as a treatment for adults with severe opioid use disorder. This is the first approval of injectable hydromorphone for this purpose in the world.The Government of Canada is also providing guidance and leadership on the prescribing, dispensing, and delivery of opioids and other narcotics during the pandemic. For instance, through funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse (CRISM) developed a series of national guidance documents related to substance use in the context of COVID-19. Health Canada has also assembled a toolkit to provide clarity on prescribing for the treatment of substance use disorder and/or to provide a safer supply. Furthermore, the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health published a Rapid Review of clinical and cost-effectiveness of injectable opioid agonist treatment for patients with opioid dependence.The Government of Canada continues to make substantial investments to address the overdose crisis. Recent examples of key federal investments in this area include:
  • investing an additional $66 million over two years to support community-based organizations responding to substance use issues, including to help them provide frontline services in a COVID-19 context;
  • investing $76.2 million to take action to protect Canadians and prevent overdose deaths. This investment will be used to scale-up key lifesaving measures and increase access to a safer drug supply as an alternative to the contaminated supply. These measures build on the Budget 2019 investment of $30.5 million over five years, with $1 million ongoing, to expand access to safer alternatives to the illegal drug supply and support better access to opioid overdose response training and naloxone in underserved communities;
  • providing $1.7 million to the University of Saskatchewan to increase access to chronic pain services, and providing Alberta Health Services $1.2 million to implement and evaluate pathways to care for people living with pain and opioid use disorder, both funded through the Substance Use and Addictions Program;
  • providing $231.4 million over five years through Budget 2018 for additional measures to help address the opioid overdose crisis, including a one-time $150 million emergency treatment fund for provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment services;
  • providing an additional $200 million, with $40 million per year ongoing, to enhance the delivery of culturally appropriate addictions treatment and prevention services in First Nations communities; and,
  • allocating $13 million over five years to launch a new national, multi-year public education campaign to help reshape Canadians’ attitudes and perceptions about people who use drugs.
Building on the $66 million invested in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, Budget 2021 proposes to provide an additional $116 million over two years for the Substance Use and Addictions Program to support a range of innovative approaches to harm reduction, treatment, and prevention at the community level.In order to prevent and reduce the harms of problematic substance use, including to enable access to evidence-based treatment and support recovery, the Government has undertaken a broad range of policy, legislative and regulatory actions, such as:
  • approving supervised consumption sites (with 39 currently in operation across Canada), and providing class exemptions to facilitate the establishment of overdose prevention sites;
  • supporting the passage of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, which encourages people to call for emergency help at the scene of an overdose by providing protection against simple drug possession charges;
  • establishing effective Federal, Provincial and Territorial public health emergency governance, including the Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses and the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Assistant Deputy Minister Committee on Problematic Substance Use & Harms;
  • collaborating with provinces and territories to better understand the evolving crisis, and undertaking timely monitoring and reporting of opioid-related deaths and harms in Canada;
  • deploying public health officers from the Public Health Agency of Canada to support public health surveillance systems in provinces and territories; and,
  • supporting the development and dissemination of national clinical practice guidelines to treat opioid use disorder, as well as the injectable opioid agonist treatment clinical and operational guidelines through the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse.
The Government of Canada continues to encourage the use of diversion programs that create pathways away from the criminal justice system toward appropriate health services and social supports for people who use drugs. For example, on August 18, 2020, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada issued guidance to prosecutors stating that alternatives to prosecution should be considered for simple possession offences, except when there are serious aggravating circumstances. In addition, Health Canada is currently funding a three-year project in Peterborough, Ontario, to develop a multi-sector response to direct people who use drugs away from the justice system and into care. In addition, on February 18, 2021, the Department of Justice introduced Bill C-22 in Parliament to help address systemic racism and the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples as well as Black and marginalized Canadians in Canada’s criminal justice system. Among other measures, this Bill would repeal mandatory minimum penalties for drug related-offences, and would also require police and prosecutors to consider other responses to laying charges for simple possession of drugs, such as diversion to treatment programs.It is recognized that there are a growing number of calls for drug decriminalization, in acknowledgement that criminalizing personal drug possession results in stigma and discrimination, creates barriers to accessing health and social services, and increases the risks of overdose and other harms. The City of Vancouver and the Province of British Columbia have written to the Minister of Health requesting exemptions to decriminalize simple possession of small amounts of controlled substances for personal use in their jurisdictions. We will continue working with them on options to address the overdose crisis that respond to their local and regional needs.We will also continue to take a comprehensive and collaborative approach, working with all partners. No single organization or level of government alone can solve the opioid overdose crisis. All levels of government, a wide range of stakeholders, especially people with lived and living experience, and all Canadians who are impacted by opioid use must work together to reduce opioid-related overdoses and deaths, and improve the health and well-being of Canadians who use drugs.
Drug use and abuseHealth emergenciesOpiates and opioidsPublic health
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021432-00732432-00732 (Health)CharlieAngusTimmins—James BayNDPONMarch 25, 2021May 10, 2021February 26, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWhereas opioid crisis is one of the most deadly public health emergencies of our lifetime, with a death taking place on average about every two hours and a death toll of almost 15,400 in the past four years alone (January 2016 to December 2019);Whereas the overdose crisis rages;We, the undersigned, call upon the Government of Canada to declare the overdose crisis a national public health emergency and:
  • Take steps to end overdose deaths and overdose injuries
  • Immediately collaborate with provinces and territories to develop a comprehensive, pan-Canadian overdose action plan
  • Ensure that any plan considers reforms that other countries have used, such as legal regulation of drugs to ensure safe, supply, decriminalization for personal use, and changes to flawed drug policy and policing.
  • Ensure this emergency is taken seriously with adequately funded programming and supports.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellThe Government of Canada is deeply concerned about problematic substance use in Canada, including the ongoing opioid overdose crisis and the devastating impact it is having on the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Tragically, there were more than 19,355 apparent opioid-related deaths between January 2016 and September 2020.The Government recognizes that the complexity of this crisis has only increased due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Public health guidance around physical distancing and self-isolation presents a unique challenge for people who use drugs. Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada have been working with provinces and territories and other partners, including researchers, advocates and people with lived and living experience, to help make sure that people who use drugs can continue to access treatment, harm reduction and other services during the pandemic.Since taking office, our government has taken strong action to address the opioid crisis. The comprehensive federal response has included legislative and regulatory enabling measures, new prescription guidelines, marketing restrictions, awareness campaigns, improvements to the knowledge base, and emergency funding to provinces and territories. We will continue this important work to help save lives and keep Canadians safe.The Government of Canada remains committed to taking a public health approach to substance use through the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy. The Strategy includes four pillars – prevention, treatment, harm reduction and enforcement – and is designed to be comprehensive, collaborative, compassionate and evidence-based. The Government is placing particular focus on:
  • ensuring that life-saving harm reduction measures are available to Canadians who need it;
  • working with stakeholders to reduce stigma directed at people who use drugs, which acts as a barrier to accessing critical health and social services and often leads to social isolation;
  • working with provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment options; and,
  • implementing additional surveillance and research activities that will further build the evidence base and allow us to pursue innovative solutions to this public health crisis.
The Government of Canada recognizes that the overwhelming majority of deaths caused by the opioid overdose crisis are due to a toxic illegal drug supply that is contaminated with highly toxic substances, such as fentanyl. The situation is now such that anyone who uses illegal drugs for any reason in Canada is at risk of a potentially fatal opioid-related overdose every time they use drugs due to the contaminated illegal supply.The Government of Canada has taken actions to reduce barriers to providing people who use drugs with a safer, pharmaceutical alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply. For example, Health Canada has issued class exemptions to pharmacists and eased restrictions on the transportation of controlled substances to make it easier for people to access the medications they need during the COVID-19 pandemic while following public health advice, such as physical distancing. In addition, through Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP), the Government of Canada is providing $44.2 million for projects providing a safer supply of pharmaceutical medications for people with substance use disorder in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. These investments will help provide pathways to care and treatment. Examples of funded projects include:
  • The Vancouver Island Health Authority was provided approximately $2 million over 48 months for an innovative project that will provide pharmaceutical medication as an alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply for people in Cowichan Valley who have not responded to other forms of treatment for opioid use disorder.
  • The London InterCommunity Health Centre (London, Ontario) was provided more than $6.5 million over 50 months to deliver a safer supply program that will help reduce harms related to the toxic illegal drug supply by providing prescribed opioids to patients with opioid use disorder during the pandemic and beyond.
Findings from these initiatives will contribute to the evidence base to support the scaling up of effective models. In addition, to bolster further these efforts, on August 24, 2020, the Minister of Health sent a letter to Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Health and regulatory colleges to encourage them to provide people who use drugs with a full spectrum of care options, including access to a safer supply of drugs.The Government of Canada has also taken a number of steps to provide options for those seeking treatment for severe substance use disorder. On April 25, 2019, the Minister of Health added diacetylmorphine to the List of Drugs for an Urgent Public Health Need. This makes it possible for provinces and territories to import this drug for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Amendments to federal regulations have also allowed health care practitioners to provide diacetylmorphine-assisted treatment outside of a hospital setting, if permitted by their province or territory. In addition, on May 1, 2019, Health Canada approved the use of injectable hydromorphone by qualified healthcare professionals as a treatment for adults with severe opioid use disorder. This is the first approval of injectable hydromorphone for this purpose in the world.The Government of Canada is also providing guidance and leadership on the prescribing, dispensing, and delivery of opioids and other narcotics during the pandemic. For instance, through funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse (CRISM) developed a series of national guidance documents related to substance use in the context of COVID-19. Health Canada has also assembled a toolkit to provide clarity on prescribing for the treatment of substance use disorder and/or to provide a safer supply. Furthermore, the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health published a Rapid Review of clinical and cost-effectiveness of injectable opioid agonist treatment for patients with opioid dependence.The Government of Canada continues to make substantial investments to address the overdose crisis. Recent examples of key federal investments in this area include:
  • investing an additional $66 million over two years to support community-based organizations responding to substance use issues, including to help them provide frontline services in a COVID-19 context;
  • investing $76.2 million to take action to protect Canadians and prevent overdose deaths. This investment will be used to scale-up key lifesaving measures and increase access to a safer drug supply as an alternative to the contaminated supply. These measures build on the Budget 2019 investment of $30.5 million over five years, with $1 million ongoing, to expand access to safer alternatives to the illegal drug supply and support better access to opioid overdose response training and naloxone in underserved communities;
  • providing $1.7 million to the University of Saskatchewan to increase access to chronic pain services, and providing Alberta Health Services $1.2 million to implement and evaluate pathways to care for people living with pain and opioid use disorder, both funded through the Substance Use and Addictions Program;
  • providing $231.4 million over five years through Budget 2018 for additional measures to help address the opioid overdose crisis, including a one-time $150 million emergency treatment fund for provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment services;
  • providing an additional $200 million, with $40 million per year ongoing, to enhance the delivery of culturally appropriate addictions treatment and prevention services in First Nations communities; and,
  • allocating $13 million over five years to launch a new national, multi-year public education campaign to help reshape Canadians’ attitudes and perceptions about people who use drugs.
Building on the $66 million invested in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, Budget 2021 proposes to provide an additional $116 million over two years for the Substance Use and Addictions Program to support a range of innovative approaches to harm reduction, treatment, and prevention at the community level.In order to prevent and reduce the harms of problematic substance use, including to enable access to evidence-based treatment and support recovery, the Government has undertaken a broad range of policy, legislative and regulatory actions, such as:
  • approving supervised consumption sites (with 39 currently in operation across Canada), and providing class exemptions to facilitate the establishment of overdose prevention sites;
  • supporting the passage of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, which encourages people to call for emergency help at the scene of an overdose by providing protection against simple drug possession charges;
  • establishing effective Federal, Provincial and Territorial public health emergency governance, including the Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses and the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Assistant Deputy Minister Committee on Problematic Substance Use & Harms;
  • collaborating with provinces and territories to better understand the evolving crisis, and undertaking timely monitoring and reporting of opioid-related deaths and harms in Canada;
  • deploying public health officers from the Public Health Agency of Canada to support public health surveillance systems in provinces and territories; and,
  • supporting the development and dissemination of national clinical practice guidelines to treat opioid use disorder, as well as the injectable opioid agonist treatment clinical and operational guidelines through the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse.
The Government of Canada continues to encourage the use of diversion programs that create pathways away from the criminal justice system toward appropriate health services and social supports for people who use drugs. For example, on August 18, 2020, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada issued guidance to prosecutors stating that alternatives to prosecution should be considered for simple possession offences, except when there are serious aggravating circumstances. In addition, Health Canada is currently funding a three-year project in Peterborough, Ontario, to develop a multi-sector response to direct people who use drugs away from the justice system and into care. In addition, on February 18, 2021, the Department of Justice introduced Bill C-22 in Parliament to help address systemic racism and the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples as well as Black and marginalized Canadians in Canada’s criminal justice system. Among other measures, this Bill would repeal mandatory minimum penalties for drug related-offences, and would also require police and prosecutors to consider other responses to laying charges for simple possession of drugs, such as diversion to treatment programs.It is recognized that there are a growing number of calls for drug decriminalization, in acknowledgement that criminalizing personal drug possession results in stigma and discrimination, creates barriers to accessing health and social services, and increases the risks of overdose and other harms. The City of Vancouver and the Province of British Columbia have written to the Minister of Health requesting exemptions to decriminalize simple possession of small amounts of controlled substances for personal use in their jurisdictions. We will continue working with them on options to address the overdose crisis that respond to their local and regional needs.We will also continue to take a comprehensive and collaborative approach, working with all partners. No single organization or level of government alone can solve the opioid overdose crisis. All levels of government, a wide range of stakeholders, especially people with lived and living experience, and all Canadians who are impacted by opioid use must work together to reduce opioid-related overdoses and deaths, and improve the health and well-being of Canadians who use drugs.
Drug use and abuseHealth emergenciesOpiates and opioidsPublic health
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021e-3133e-3133 (Transportation)HazelBishopScottSimmsCoast of Bays—Central—Notre DameLiberalNLFebruary 1, 2021, at 9:52 a.m. (EDT)March 3, 2021, at 9:52 a.m. (EDT)March 25, 2021May 10, 2021March 3, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:The COVID-19 pandemic and related travel restrictions have had a devastating impact on air service across Canada; and caused airlines to suspend routes and reduced capacity at airports all across the country;The Gander International Airport located in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador has no daily national air service after Air Canada suspended all passenger operations;This loss of air service has catastrophic consequences to businesses, residents and families in Central Newfoundland;Economic growth and quality of life are dependent on air service connectivity; andWithout immediate government support of this ailing sector, Central Newfoundland will continue to be disadvantaged, with a protracted wait for recovery.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada; electors of the electoral district of Coast of Bays-Central-Notre Dame; province of Newfoundland and Labrador; and residents of the town of Gander, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1) Provide meaningful financial assistance to Canada’s beleaguered airlines, contingent on re-establishing national air service to airports abandoned during the pandemic, including Gander International Airport; and 2) Ensure airline re-connectivity to mainland Canada due to the economic impact to the area served by Gander International Airport.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraThe government is mindful of the devastating impacts of COVID-19 on the Canadian air sector and Transport Canada is committed in its efforts to support Canadians throughout the country, and that includes continuing to work with air sector partners to enable recovery of this crucially important sector. As first indicated in a statement by the Minister of Transport on November 8, 2020, the government committed to undertaking a process with major Canadian airlines regarding financial assistance, but any assistance would be contingent on securing important results for Canadians. This includes securing refunds for cancelled flights and ensuring that Canadians and regional communities retain air connections to the rest of Canada. This effort was reiterated in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, which also included the announcement of a series of supports for airport operators and regional air transportation.An agreement regarding financial assistance with Air Canada was announced on April 12, 2021, and it is a key milestone in ensuring the existence of a robust Canadian air transport sector that connects Canadian communities. As a result of this agreement, access to Air Canada’s network will be restored to all regional communities where service was suspended due to COVID-19, including Gander. Transport Canada’s engagement with other individual air carriers continues and we look forward to finalizing assistance details with similar requirements in the near future.In March of 2021, WestJet announced their intentions to begin restoring service to Atlantic Canada. The Government anticipates that connectivity will increase as vaccination efforts progress resulting in a reduction of travel restrictions and more financial assistance negotiations with air carriers are finalized. The Government remains committed to ensuring that Canadians and regional communities retain air connections to the rest of Canada, as we recognize that regional connectivity is important to Canadians travelling now and in the future. 
AirlinesAirportsCOVID-19Government assistancePandemic
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021432-00730432-00730 (Environment)KyleSeebackDufferin—CaledonConservativeONMarch 25, 2021May 10, 2021March 18, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWhereas:
  • The Town of Erin has been permitted to dump effluent into the West Credit River at one of the most ecologically sensitive areas that will forever change the water temperature and the life cycle of the brook trout in Belfountain;
  • The downstream community was not informed appropriately of this project and so were not able to participate effectively in the consultation or the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal process;
  • The cumulative impacts and cultural impacts have not been addressed by either the Town of Caledon, the Town of Erin or the provincial Minister of the Environment;
  • The West Credit River is one of the last pristine cold-water fisheries in the Greater Golden Horseshoe, home to native brook trout, and providing enriched biodiversity for communities in the headwaters and downstream to Lake Ontario;
  • The brook trout spawning grounds (nests) were not counted accurately nor at the appropriate time of year;
  • The provincial environmental assessments did not address critical water temperature fluctuations that will impact the life cycle and sustainability of the brook trout, nor did it address the impacts of deoxygenated plumes at the site of the diffuser pipe;
  • The Belfountain community is facing multiple threats from the impacts of aggregate extraction, including increased dust, noise, pollution, road salt and traffic; and
  • As a UNESCO World Biosphere, more consideration must be given to protect the carbon sink of the Greater Toronto Area.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to redress the discrepancies in the approved provincial environmental assessment by requesting a federal environmental impact assessment.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSONOn February 25, 2021, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change received a request to designate the Erin Wastewater Treatment Plant Project from the Coalition for the West Credit River.Under subsection 9(1) of the Impact Assessment Act (the IAA), the Minister has the authority to designate a project that is not listed in the Physical Activities Regulations if, in his opinion, either the carrying out of the project may cause adverse effects within federal jurisdiction or adverse direct or incidental effects, or public concerns related to those effects warrant the designation. Upon receiving a request to designate a project, the Minister must issue a response with reasons within 90 days after the day the request is received.The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) supports the Minister in exercising his authority under section 9 of the IAA. The Agency will prepare advice and recommendations to the Minister to inform his determination. To inform its recommendations, the Agency may seek information from the proponent, federal authorities, the province, other jurisdictions and potentially affected Indigenous groups, and seek further input from the requestor.The Minister’s determination on whether the project warrants designation will take into account, among other factors, the potential adverse effects within federal jurisdiction caused by the project, including those raised by the petitioners; standard design features and mitigation measures that may address the anticipated adverse effects; and the public concerns related to those effects.The Minister’s authority to designate a project is typically exercised under exceptional circumstances where the project has the potential to cause adverse effects in areas of federal jurisdiction and where there are no other regulatory oversight mechanisms to address these effects.If the Minister designates a project, the proponent of the project would be required to submit an initial Project Description to the Agency in accordance with section 10 of the IAA.May 26, 2021, is the 90-day legislated time limit for the Minister to provide his response to the February 25, 2021, request. The Minister’s decision with reasons will be posted on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry, and the requestor will be provided the Minister’s response directly.   
Environmental assessmentFederal-provincial-territorial relationsWest Credit River
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 7, 2021432-00729432-00729 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 24, 2021May 7, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 7, 2021432-00728432-00728 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 24, 2021May 7, 2021March 8, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 7, 2021432-00727432-00727 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 24, 2021May 7, 2021October 21, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 7, 2021432-00726432-00726 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 24, 2021May 7, 2021March 8, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas Bill C-7 further removes safeguards from the current euthanasia regime, including the mandatory 10-day reflection period and the number of required witnesses, thereby allowing a person's euthanasia request to be accepted and carried out within the same day and without robust consultation; and; Whereas the removal of the second required independent witness reduces oversight of the procedure, thereby leaving vulnerable persons at risk of abuse; and; Whereas the Canadian Government has an obligation to protect its citizens, especially those who are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation; Therefore we, the undersigned, urge the House of Commons to: 1) Restore the 10-day reflection period for people whose deaths have been determined to be "reasonably foreseeable"; 2) Restore the original requirement that a person must give consent to the life-ending procedure immediately before it is performed; 3) Restore the original requirements for the signatures of two witnesses, who cannot provide personal care to the person seeking to end their life; 4) Require medical professionals to do everything possible to enable the person to access life-affirming services to relieve their suffering other than physician-assisted death; and, 5) Accommodate persons with communication disabilities by clarifying "refusal or resistance to administration" of physician-assisted death.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOn March 17, 2021, Bill C-7, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying), received Royal Assent. Bill C-7 responds to the Superior Court of Québec’s September 2019 Truchon decision, which struck down the eligibility criterion of “reasonably foreseeable natural death” from the Criminal Code medical assistance in dying regime.  Our Government believes that those who are experiencing enduring and intolerable suffering from their medical condition – including those who are not approaching the end of life – should be allowed to decide for themselves when they wish to end their life, and that medical and nurse practitioners who are willing to help them have a peaceful and painless death should not be criminally culpable for doing so.As the Truchon decision applies only in Québec, Bill C-7 amended the Criminal Code to ensure consistency of the MAID law across the country. The reasonably foreseeable natural death criterion no longer applies as an eligibility criterion that could exclude persons from obtaining MAID, but is instead used to determine which of two different sets of safeguards applies to a particular MAID request.The first set of safeguards applies to persons whose natural death is reasonably foreseeable, where risks are reduced given the overall proximity of death and the fact that their suffering is most likely linked to the dying process itself. The removal of the requirement of a second independent witness and the repeal of the 10-day reflection period responds to the concerns raised by patients and their families, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders that these safeguards pose an access barrier to MAID, do not provide protection to vulnerable persons, and unnecessarily prolong patient suffering.For this group of persons, a waiver of the requirement for consent to be given immediately before MAID is provided is also possible following the Bill C-7 amendments. This change ensures that persons do not choose to have MAID earlier than they would like out of fear of losing their capacity to consent on their preferred day. If a person retains decision-making capacity on their preferred day, they must give consent in whatever manner of communication they are able. If they do not have decision-making capacity, the legislation clarifies that the procedure must not go forward if the person demonstrates refusal or resistance to the administration of MAID by words, gestures or sounds.The second set of safeguards reflects the more serious consequences of error for persons who request MAID and whose death is not reasonably foreseeable. It recognizes the diverse sources of suffering and vulnerability that could potentially lead a person whose death is not reasonably foreseeable to request MAID. The new safeguards for this group include all of the safeguards that apply to the first group, along with new and enhanced safeguards, to ensure that a request by a person whose death is not reasonably foreseeable is fully informed and considered, and that patients have been informed about and have seriously considered all reasonable and available treatment options and social services.The amendments in Bill C-7 were informed by consultations held at the beginning of 2020 with Canadians, the provinces and territories, Indigenous groups, key stakeholders, experts, and practitioners. The Bill protects vulnerable individuals and the equality rights of all Canadians, while supporting the autonomy of eligible persons to seek MAID.
Application processCapacity of consent for careHealth care systemMedical assistance in dyingOversight mechanismPersons with disabilities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 7, 2021432-00725432-00725 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 24, 2021May 7, 2021November 29, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 7, 2021432-00724432-00724 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 24, 2021May 7, 2021May 29, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, it has been 17 years since the Chinese communist regime launched a persecution to "eradicate" Falun Gong—a spiritual practice centred on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance;Whereas, millions of Falun Gong practitioners have been arbitrarily detained, including family members of Canadians. The mass extrajudicial imprisonment, forced labour, torture, rape, and killing along with hate propaganda have been reported by major human rights organizations;Whereas, an update report released in June 2016 by three reputable investigators David Kilgour, David Matas and Ethan Gutmann indicates that prisoners of conscience, primarily Falun Gong practitioners, have been killed on demand to fuel a massive state-run transplant industry, supplying most of the organs for an estimated tens of thousands transplants a year in Chinese hospitals since 2000.Whereas, the U.S. House of Representatives and European Parliament passed resolutions in June 2016 and December 2013 respectively condemning and calling for an immediate end to China's systematic and statesanctioned organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience, including Falun Gong. In February 2015, Canada's Parliamentary Subcommittee on International Human Rights unanimously passed a similar motion; andWhereas, since May 2015, over 200,000 Chinese citizens have filed criminal complaints against former Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin who orchestrated the persecution of Falun Gong;Therefore, we, the undersigned, request that the Canadian Parliament and government:
  • Establish measures to stop the Chinese regime's mass murder of innocent people for their organs, including but not limited to introducing Canadian legislation to ban organ tourism and criminalize those involved;
  • Take every opportunity to call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaCivil and human rightsFalun GongHuman organs and other body parts trafficking
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 7, 2021432-00723432-00723 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 24, 2021May 7, 2021March 8, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWhereas, the House of Commons passed a motion in June of 2018 to immediately list Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization;Whereas, in response to the storming of Capitol Hill in January 2021, the Liberal government listed 'Proud Boys' as a terrorist organization within less than a month, thus demonstrating that listing a group as a terrorist organization can be done quickly and efficiently;Whereas, nearly 3 years have passed since the motion calling for the listing of the IRGC was passed in the House of Commons, and no action has been taken by the government.Therefore we, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call on the House of Commons to:1. Immediately list Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization; and2. Explain why there has been a 3-year delay.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency PreparednessSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Joël Lightbound, M.PIn Canada our public safety and national security officials use a full suite of measures to protect our country and to keep Canadians safe from any threat, including the threat posed by terrorism and religiously or ideologically motivated violent extremism. These measures can include additions to the Criminal Code list of terrorist entities which are the result of an expert process and a determination based on evidence, intelligence and the law.In order for an entity to be added to the list, explicit criteria must be met. An entity may be added if there are reasonable grounds to believe that it has knowingly carried out, participated in, or facilitated a terrorist activity, or has knowingly acted on behalf of, at the direction of, or in association with a terrorist entity. We continuously review the criminal legislation that allows for the listing of certain organizations. Furthermore, our national security and law enforcement agencies are actively engaged in monitoring the activities of these groups, and gathering the evidence required to support a determination of listing as a Terrorist Organization. Terrorist designations are not political exercises.With respect to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Canada continues to have in place a series of strong measures to hold both it and Iran accountable.Canada continues to list the IRGC-Qods Force as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code, which is Iran’s primary mechanism for cultivating and supporting terrorist groups abroad.The Government also continues to list a number of other terrorist entities that have benefited from the Qods Force’s patronage and who help advance Iran’s interests and foreign policy. These include Hizballah, Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Taliban. These designations impose significant consequences.In June 2019, Canada added three new Iran-backed groups to the Criminal Code list of terrorist entities: al-Ashtar Brigades, Harakat al-Sabireen and the Fatemiyoun Division. Iran provides these three groups with substantial resources, including training and weapons to carry out terrorist acts that advance its goals in the region.Additionally, Canada lists Iran as a state supporter of terrorism under the State Immunity Act (SIA) and has implemented restrictive measures against entities and individuals within the IRGC which have a similar effect to a listing.The Government continues to impose sanctions on Iran and the IRGC targeting all four of its branches as well as members of its senior leadership under the Special Economic Measures Act in response to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Individuals and entities listed under the Special Economic Measures Act are prohibited from any dealings with Canadians, which effectively freezes their assets in Canada. Canada’s sanctions measures on Iran also consist of an arms embargo and prohibitions on the export, sale, and supply of specified goods, as well as technical assistance in relation to these goods.In February 2020, Canada placed 13 new groups on the Criminal Code list of terrorist entities, including four ideologically motivated violent extremist groups: the Proud Boys, Atomwaffen Division, the Base and Russian Imperial Movement. In addition, Canada has also listed:
  • three Al Qaida affiliates: Jama’at Nusrat Al-Islam Wal-Muslimin, Front de Libération du Macina, and Ansar Dine;
  • five Daesh affiliates: Islamic State West Africa Province, Islamic State in the Greater Sahara, Islamic State in Libya, Islamic State East Asia, and Islamic State – Bangladesh;
  • one international terror group: Hizbul Mujahideen.
Canadians can be confident in the work performed by our security agencies, who are alert to evolving threats and will not hesitate to take necessary action.
Army of the Guardians of the Islamic RevolutionIranTerrorist entities watch lists
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 7, 2021432-00722432-00722 (Justice)AlexRuffBruce—Grey—Owen SoundConservativeONMarch 24, 2021May 7, 2021November 29, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 7, 2021432-00721432-00721 (Foreign affairs)AlexRuffBruce—Grey—Owen SoundConservativeONMarch 24, 2021May 7, 2021February 1, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 7, 2021432-00720432-00720 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABMarch 24, 2021May 7, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 7, 2021432-00719432-00719 (Health)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABMarch 24, 2021May 7, 2021March 16, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWE, THE UNDERSIGNED RESIDENTS OF CANADA, draw the attention of the House to the following:WHEREAS sexually explicit material — including demeaning material and material depicting sexual violence — can be easily accessed on the Internet by young persons; Whereas a significant proportion of the sexually explicit material accessed online is made available on the Internet for commercial purposes and is not protected by any effective age-verification method; WHEREAS the consumption of sexually explicit material by young persons is associated with a range of serious harms, including the development of pornography addiction, the reinforcement of gender stereotypes and the development of attitudes favourable to harassment and violence — including sexual harassment and sexual violence — particularly against women; WHEREAS Parliament recognizes that the harmful effect of the increasing accessibility of sexually explicit material online for young persons is an important public health and public safety concern; WHEREAS online age-verification technology is increasingly sophisticated and can now effectively ascertain the age of users without breaching their privacy rights; WHEREAS anyone making sexually explicit material available on the Internet for commercial purposes has a responsibility to ensure that it is not accessed by young persons; WHEREAS online age-verification was the primary recommendation made by stakeholders during a 2017 study by the Standing Committee on Health.THEREFORE your petitioners call upon the House of Commons to adopt Bill S-203, Protecting Young Persons from Exposure to Pornography Act.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that children are safe from sexual abuse and exploitation, including when they are online. The Criminal Code of Canada provides a robust framework for protecting children from sexual exploitation, both online and in person. This includes offences such as possessing, making, accessing or distributing child pornography (section 163.1), making sexually explicit material available to a child (section 171.1) and luring a child (section 172.1), in addition to a range of other child-specific sexual offences. Canada’s laws addressing child sexual offending also apply extra-territorially, meaning that prosecutions may occur in Canada for offences allegedly committed by Canadian citizens or permanent residents abroad.An Act respecting the mandatory reporting of Internet child pornography by persons who provide Internet service came into force on December 8, 2011. This Act requires a Canadian provider of Internet services to report child pornography that they find on their servers in the ordinary course of conducting their business to police. As the designated organization under this Act, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P) also receives and processes reports of child pornography and child abuse on the Internet. C3P is a non-governmental organization that operates Cybertip.ca, which forwards child sexual exploitation leads to the appropriate authorities. C3P also provides public education and awareness materials, as well as support and referral services. In addition, C3P operates Project Arachnid, an automated web crawler that detects and processes tens of thousands of images per second and sends take down notices to online service providers to remove child sexual abuse material globally.In 2004, the Government of Canada created the National Strategy for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation on the Internet (National Strategy). The National Strategy focuses on law enforcement, prevention and education, and support for Cybertip.ca, Canada’s national tip-line for reporting online sexual exploitation and abuse. The National Strategy was renewed in 2009, bringing the total investment in fighting CSE online to over $18 million per year for Public Safety Canada, the RCMP and Justice Canada. In 2019, the Government of Canada announced an additional $22.24 million over three years to combat this crime. Public Safety Canada is the lead department on the National Strategy.Senate Public Bill S-203, An Act to restrict young persons’ online access to sexually explicit material, proposes measures to restrict access to sexually explicit material online, including through a new offence and new powers to compel Internet Service Providers to take steps to prevent the sharing of sexually explicit material to a young person. This bill will be debated in accordance with the rules that govern Senate Public Bills.
InternetLegal agePornographyYoung people
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 7, 2021432-00718432-00718 (Public safety)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABMarch 24, 2021May 7, 2021November 12, 2020Petition to the Government of Canada We, the undersigned Citizens and Residents of Canada draw the attention of the Government of Canada to the following:
  • That highly damaging noise levels repeatedly reach the ears of firearm users despite the use of traditional hearing protection;
  • That section 7 of our Charter of Rights and Freedoms recognises an individual's right to personal health and safety;
  • That sound moderators are the only universally recognised health and safety device that has a criminal prohibition in Canada;
  • That, as affirmed in Bedford v. Canada at the Supreme Court of Canada, one cannot be prevented from taking reasonable steps to improve personal safety in a hazardous situation;
  • That the majority of G7 nations and many others have recognised the health and safety benefits involved, and allow the legal use of sound moderators by hunters and sport shooters;
  • That sound moderators reduce noise pollution and noise complaints in communities with shooting ranges, in rural and farm communities, and in areas used for recreational activities where hunting and target shooting is legal;
  • That sound moderators facilitate significantly increased humane husbandry of game animals, livestock, and pets as hunting companions;
  • That hearing damage is a significant quality of life and public health issue costing taxpayers millions annually.
THEREFORE, your petitioners call upon the Government of Canada to:
  • Take a stand and empower Canadians to be responsible for their own health and safety by removing the prohibition of sound moderators from the Criminal Code of Canada;
  • Allow the legal acquisition, possession, and use of sound moderators on firearms by all licensed firearms users in Canada;
  • Call upon the provinces and territories to amend provincial and territorial prohibitions and allow the use of sound moderators while engaged in all legal hunting and sport shooting activities.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government believes in implementing effective measures with respect to firearms that prioritize public safety, while remaining mindful of the impact of such measures on firearms owners and businesses.Any device or contrivance designed or intended to muffle or stop the sound or report of a firearm has been unlawful in Canada since the early 1900s. These items are prescribed as prohibited devices in the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted. Sound reduction or elimination diminishes the public’s ability to react to gun shots and makes it difficult for law enforcement to become aware of a possible criminal incident.                                                                Firearms owners can make use of other forms of hearing protection that are commonly available and that do not adversely impact public safety.
Gun controlHearing health
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 7, 2021432-00717432-00717 (Health)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABMarch 24, 2021May 7, 2021January 28, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: That, all human life should be regarded with great respect, from conception to natural death.Therefore we, the undersigned request the Canadian Parliament and Government to: Support measures which protect human life.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government supports women’s right to choose. In its 1988 Morgentaler decision, which struck down section 287 of the Criminal Code, the Supreme Court of Canada held that forcing a woman, by threat of criminal sanction, to carry a fetus to term was a profound interference with her right to life, liberty and security of the person (section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms). This Government is committed to upholding all the rights enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, including section 7.All women in Canada have the right to safe and consistent access to reproductive health services and our government will always support that. We hope that all political parties will stand up for the rights of women and girls here at home and around the world, including their reproductive rights.
Health care system
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 7, 2021432-00716432-00716 (Foreign affairs)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABMarch 24, 2021May 7, 2021November 12, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 7, 2021432-00715432-00715 (Foreign affairs)KerryDiotteEdmonton GriesbachConservativeABMarch 24, 2021May 7, 2021March 4, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law), sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption;
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of "Truth, Compassion and Tolerance," including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, Qiang Wei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang.We also call upon the Government of Canada to refuse immigration/visitor visa to those who persecuted Falun Gong practitioners in China.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoAs part of the immigration application process, all visa applications are carefully assessed for eligibility and admissibility under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. For example, a foreign national may be inadmissible to Canada if they have engaged in criminality or human or international rights violations (including being subject to sanctions), or are a family member of an inadmissible person. In 2017, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law) came into force. It added two new inadmissibility provisions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act concerning sanctioned government officials or individuals acting on behalf of a foreign state who are responsible for corruption, extrajudicial killings, torture or other gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. A foreign national listed in an order or regulation made by the Governor in Council under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act would be inadmissible.If an applicant is determined to be inadmissible on any ground, they may be refused a visa, electronic travel authorization or entry to Canada. Inadmissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by Immigration Officers and are based on evidence, which may consist of police or intelligence reports, statutory declarations or other documents—such as media articles, scholarly journals or publicly-available information.In addition, if a foreign national who is at the border, or is in Canada, is found to be inadmissible, they may be denied entry or ordered to leave Canada. The Canada Border Services Agency is responsible for immigration enforcement at the border and in Canada.For privacy reasons, individual cases cannot be discussed.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.The promotion of human rights is a core component of Canada's constructive engagement in the world and our government is committed to do more. Canadian human rights efforts focus on advancing the rights of women and children, LGBTI persons, Indigenous peoples and human rights defenders; freedom of expression, including Internet freedom and civil society space; freedom of religion or belief; the abolition of the death penalty; as well as country-specific issues in countries where human rights violations and abuses are particularly egregious.To this end, the Government of Canada regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 7, 2021432-00714432-00714 (Public safety)JeremyPatzerCypress Hills—GrasslandsConservativeSKMarch 24, 2021May 7, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of JusticeWhereas, Saskatchewan has the highest rate of domestic violence among all provinces;Whereas, it is critical that at-risk individuals are protected from potential violence and abuse;Whereas, at-risk individuals should be informed of an intimate partner's past violent or abusive behaviour, including criminal convictions and a history of police responding to domestic violence complaints;Whereas, Saskatchewan unanimously passed the Interpersonal Violence Disclosure Protocol Act (Clare's Law) to protect citizens from abuse; and,Whereas, Section 8(1) of the federally legislated Privacy Act (which states that “personal information held by a federal government institution cannot be disclosed to a third party without the consent of the individual to whom it relates, except in circumstances that are provided for in the Act”) prevents the RCMP from enforcing Clare's Law.We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call on the Minister of Justice to amend section 8(2) of the Privacy Act to include an additional circumstantial provision that would allow personal information under the control of a federal institution to be disclosed to a third party for the purpose of protecting an individual from interpersonal and domestic violence.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government is committed to preventing and stopping all forms of violence in Canada, including domestic violence. We also recognize the utmost importance of protecting at-risk individuals from potential violence and abuse, and emphasize that no Canadian should have to suffer from such violence and abuse. Providing individuals with relevant information on their partner’s past is an important component of this protection.The Government has committed to reviewing the federal Privacy Act to ensure that it keeps pace with the effects of both technological change and evolving Canadian values. The Act focuses on the protection of personal information held by federal government and federal public-sector institutions, including the RCMP.Between November 2020 and February 2021, the Government held an online public consultation on modernizing the Privacy Act. During the public consultation, Canadians and other stakeholders provided input on key issues such as the rules on when federal institutions can collect personal information, how federal institutions can use the information entrusted to them, and when federal institutions can share this personal information. The Government received more than 1100 responses to its online survey and more than 50 written submissions. A summary of the input received in the context of the public consultation will be published online once completed.
Criminal recordsDomestic violenceInformation disseminationPolice services
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 7, 2021432-00713432-00713 (Foreign affairs)EarlDreeshenRed Deer—Mountain ViewConservativeABMarch 24, 2021May 7, 2021November 4, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 7, 2021e-3106e-3106 (Social affairs and equality)RichardDaigleMaximeBlanchette-JoncasRimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les BasquesBloc QuébécoisQCJanuary 19, 2021, at 3:55 p.m. (EDT)March 20, 2021, at 3:55 p.m. (EDT)March 24, 2021May 7, 2021March 22, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The COVID-19 pandemic has restricted activities since March 2020;A large proportion of the population has received federal support; Seniors have received only a maximum of $500 in assistance since March 2020;The pandemic has created an increase in inflation for seniors; Seniors are often de facto locked down in care facilities, and, as such, this situation particularly affects them;An increasing number of these isolated seniors are experiencing distress;A significant number of them are not digitally literate, and the Lower St. Lawrence region has the lowest rate of Internet connectivity in Quebec; Seniors make up 25% of the Lower St. Lawrence’s population; and The pandemic has affected the financial situation and activities of seniors’ organizations and of those benefitting from their volunteer efforts.We, the undersigned, citizens of Quebec, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Immediately increase Old Age Security by at least 10%;2. Implement programs to address seniors’ isolation, particularly in regions with poor Internet services; 3. Index health transfer payments by 6% and factor the aging population into the formula; 4. Recognize high-speed Internet as an essential service and expedite connectivity as a result; and5. Help seniors’ groups make up for losses associated with lower membership, fixed costs and appealing to professionals to promote volunteerism.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandDepartment of Finance CanadaPart 3. Canada Health TransferThe Government thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about Indexing health transfer payments by 6% and factoring the aging population into the formula.As the Government announced on April 19th, Budget 2021 proposes to meet the immediate needs of this group of seniors by providing a one-time payment of $500 in August 2021 to OAS pensioners who will be 75 or over as of June 2022. In addition, Budget 2021 then proposes to introduce legislation to increase regular OAS payments for pensioners 75 and over by 10 per cent on an ongoing basis as of July 2022. This would increase the benefits for approximately 3.3 million seniors, providing additional benefits of $766 to full pensioners in the first year, and indexed to inflation going forward. This would give seniors more financial security later in life, particularly at the time when they face increased care expenses and greater risk of running out of savings.During the pandemic, many seniors have faced economic challenges as they took on extra costs to stay safe. Additionally, many seniors are living longer and relying on monthly benefits to afford retirement. After a lifetime of hard work, they deserve a secure and dignified retirement. That is why the government is committed to increasing Old Age Security (OAS) benefits for seniors age 75 and older.This builds on the support from the federal government for provinces and territories in the fight against COVID-19. In the short-term, federal health spending will continue to focus on pandemic support (e.g., vaccine delivery, border measures, contingency fund) and acute areas of need exposed by the pandemic, such as long-term care. Unprecedented levels of federal pandemic support has been provided to the provinces and territories to date, including:
  • $500 million for critical health care system needs and to support response efforts to COVID-19;
  • $72.6 million for supplemental funding for territorial health and social services pandemic needs;
  • $240 million for virtual care funds to develop, expand and launch virtual care and mental health initiatives;
  • approximately $13 billion in direct transfers under the nearly $20 billion Safe Restart Agreement to support health care capacity, vulnerable populations, personal protective equipment, testing, contact tracing and data management; and
  • up to $1 billion for a Safe Long-term Care Fund to help provinces and territories protect people in long-term care and support infection prevention and control.
On March 25, 2021, the federal government tabled legislation in the House of Commons in order to provide a one-time payment of up to $1 billion to the provinces and territories, on an equal per capita basis, to support COVID-19 vaccine rollout campaigns to help get shots into arms as quickly as possible.In addition to the significant funding provided in response to the pandemic, $41.9 billion was transferred to provinces and territories through the Canada Health Transfer in 2020-21 and $43.1 billion will be transferred in 2021-22.Over the longer-term, the federal government will also be there to ensure that health care systems meet the needs of Canadians. While discussions with provinces and territories on what Canada’s health care systems and economies are facing in the coming years are ongoing, the federal government is committed to continuing to lead the Team Canada effort as Canada continues to fight this virus.As more of the country is vaccinated, Canadians will and should expect that the health care systems they rely on will recover and return to normalcy. The federal government will be there to help provinces and territories meet these expectations. The government has committed to providing provinces and territories with $4 billion in 2021-22 through a one-time top-up to the Canada Health Transfer to support clearing the health care system backlogs caused by waves one and two of the pandemic.
Response by the Minister of SeniorsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Deb Schulte1. Immediately increase Old Age Security by at least 10%The Old Age Security (OAS) program is the first pillar of Canada’s retirement income system. The benefits under the OAS program include the OAS pension, which is paid to all persons aged 65 or over who meet the residence requirements, the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) for low-income seniors, and the Allowances for low-income Canadians aged 60 to 64 who are the spouses or common-law partners of GIS recipients, or who are widows or widowers.The OAS program provides a base upon which individuals can add income from the second pillar of the retirement income system, the Canada Pension Plan (CPP)/Québec Pension Plan, and the third pillar, which is comprised of employer-sponsored pension plans, personal registered retirement savings plans, tax-free savings accounts, and other personal savings and investments, to address their particular financial circumstances.To ensure that they retain their value over time, OAS benefits are reviewed four times per year (in January, April, July and October) in accordance with changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The CPI measures the price of a typical “basket” of goods and services, such as food, shelter, gas and clothing, commonly purchased by Canadian households. The quarterly indexation provides benefit increases to recipients when prices go up. In addition, the Old Age Security Act contains a guarantee ensuring that benefits can never go down, even in the event of a decline in the CPI.The Government of Canada remains committed to improving the income security of seniors and continues to seek ways to strengthen the OAS program, as demonstrated by a broad range of measures taken since 2015:
  • Budget 2016 restored the age of eligibility for the OAS pension and the GIS to 65 from 67, putting thousands of dollars back in the pockets of future Canadian seniors and preventing an estimated 100,000 future 65 and 66 year olds from falling into poverty.
  • In July 2016, the GIS was increased by up to $947 per year for the lowest-income single seniors, benefiting close to 900,000 vulnerable seniors across Canada, and lifting an estimated 57,000 seniors out of poverty.
  • In Budget 2019, the Government enhanced the GIS earnings exemption so that low-income seniors who work are able to keep more of what they earn. As of July 2020, the enhanced exemption applies to both employment and self-employment income, and provides a full exemption on up to $5,000 of annual earnings, as well as a 50% exemption on the next $10,000 of earnings. This means that low-income seniors who work can keep more of their benefits.
  • Through these investments, the Government has lowered seniors poverty by 11% since 2015 according to the latest data from Statistics Canada.
  • Budget 2021 proposed new investments for seniors: issuing a one-time $500 payment this August to OAS pensioners aged 75 and older as of June 2022 and delivering on the Government’s promise to increase Old Age Security for Canadians aged 75 and older by 10 per cent in July 2022. This will strengthen the financial security of 3.3 million seniors, and lift 60,700 seniors out of poverty, 65% of whom are women.
The Government has also introduced several new measures to protect seniors’ financial security during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes taking measures to ensure that the OAS and CPP benefits seniors rely on will continue to be paid without delay, and that new applications for these benefits will also be processed in a timely fashion.The Government invested $1.3 billion in a one-time special payment through the GST credit in April 2020. More than 4 million low-and modest income seniors benefited from this top-up, which provided an average of $375 for low and modest-income single seniors and an average of $510 for low-and modest-income senior couples. Eligible individuals, including seniors, did not have to apply for this benefit.In July 2020, the Government issued an automatic one-time tax-free payment of $300 for seniors eligible for the OAS pension, with an additional tax-free payment of $200 for seniors eligible for the GIS. This measure provided a total of $500 to low income seniors who receive both the OAS pension and the GIS. Allowance recipients also received $500. This $2.5 billion investment in financial support helped Canadian seniors cover increased costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Through these measures, the Government invested $3.8 billion to provide over $900 more for low-income single seniors and more than $1,500 for low-income senior couples, on top of their existing benefits, to help with their extra costs during the pandemic.The Government also put additional measures in place to ensure GIS payments would continue without interruption even if a person's 2019 income information had not been received. This guaranteed the most vulnerable seniors would continue to receive their benefits when they needed them most.2. Implement programs to address seniors’ isolation, particularly in regions with poor Internet servicesThe Government of Canada supports the implementation of programs that address seniors’ isolation through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP). The NHSP is the single largest funder of programming to combat social isolation among seniors in Canada. This funding improves the ability of organizations to address cultural diversity and the needs of vulnerable groups, including seniors in rural and remote areas.The Government made additional investments and implemented new flexibilities for the NHSP to help meet seniors’ needs early in the pandemic. Flexibilities allowed organizations across the country to use approximately $50 million in previously approved project funding for essential services to seniors affected by COVID-19, such as telephone wellness check-ins for seniors. New investments included:
  • An additional $20 million for the NHSP to support organizations that offer community-based projects aimed at reducing isolation, improving the quality of life of seniors, and helping them maintain a social support network; and;
  • $9 million to United Way Centraide Canada to fund community organizations to help isolated, vulnerable seniors in all regions across Canada cope with the health, social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For the 2020-2021 Call For Proposals, NHSP funding targeted promotion and outreach on geographic areas and among targeted populations where intake and funded applications have been low in the last few years. It launched over 3,000 community projects across the country. Through increased funding and improvements, it had the highest number of applications ever, almost double the number of projects serving rural seniors, and a greater share of funded projects serving vulnerable seniors.The number of projects serving rural seniors approved for NHSP funding in 2020-2021 increased by 35%, almost double the number of projects funded in 2019-2020 to serve rural seniors. In addition, the amount of funding approved for projects serving rural seniors in 2020-2021 was over $22 million, nearly double the amount of funding provided to projects serving rural seniors in 2019-2020. Overall, funding for all vulnerable seniors, including those in rural regions is 86% of total funding in 2020-2021 compared to 74% in 2019-2020.The Government will continue to invest $70 million annually into NHSP local and pan-Canadian projects to help increase social inclusion among seniors across the country.To support internet access in Quebec, the Government recently provided $826.3 million in funding to ensure the province could launch Operation High Speed, connecting nearly 150,000 Quebecers to high-speed internet. Through Budget 2021, the Government of Canada will invest an additional $1 billion over six years for the Universal Broadband Fund, to support access to high-speed internet for Canadians in rural and remote communities. In total, including proposed Budget 2021 funding, $2.75 billion will be made available through the Universal Broadband Fund to support Canadians in rural and remote communities. This builds on the $6.2 billion the federal government and federal agencies have made available for universal broadband since 2015. This puts Canada on track to achieve 98% high-speed coverage initiative by 2026 and 100% by 2030.5. Help seniors’ groups make up for losses associated with lower membership, fixed costs and appealing to professionals to promote volunteerism.Community-based projects funded under the NHSP involve and are led by volunteers. For example, about 43,000 volunteers—more than half of them seniors—were engaged to plan and organize the 2,669 NHSP-funded projects that were implemented in hundreds of communities across the country in 2019-20. There is no defined set of models for these projects or how volunteers are involved. Their approaches to volunteer involvement are as diverse as the seniors and communities they serve.To-date, the Government has announced a number of initiatives that support charitable and non-profit organizations in addressing COVID-19 related issues, including an investment of $350 million to support vulnerable Canadians through charities and non-profit organizations that deliver essential services to those in need, including seniors.The Emergency Community Support Fund, launched in May 19, 2020, worked with three national intermediaries—the United Way Centraide Canada, the Canadian Red Cross and Community Foundations of Canada—to channel funds through their regional and local partners to local community organizations who support a wide range of vulnerable populations. Examples of activities of funded organizations included:
  • Increased volunteer-based home deliveries or transportation services (e.g. delivery of medications or accompanying/driving seniors or persons with disabilities to appointments);
  • Scaled up help-lines that provide information and support (e.g. increasing access to the 211 service of the United Way);
  • Provided training, supplies and other supports required so that volunteers can continue to make their invaluable contribution to the COVID-19 response; and
  • Replaced in-person one-on-one contact and social gatherings with virtual contact through means like phone calls, texts, teleconferences or the internet.
Many New Horizons Seniors Programs are community-based projects led by volunteers. They also promote volunteerism among seniors and engage seniors in the community through mentoring of others. Projects are seniors-centred and focus on providing essential services, supports and capital assistance to increase social participation among seniors, including addressing social isolation. . Other projects combat elder abuse and increase connections between seniors-serving organizations. The latest NHSP annual community-based Call for Proposals held in fall 2020 was designed to account for the challenges facing seniors-serving community organizations during the pandemic.  Over 5,000 community support projects were funded to support seniors staying active and socially connected during the pandemic through the New Horizons for Seniors Program. The Government of Canada’s increased funding and improvements to New Horizons for Seniors Program this year resulted in the highest number of applications ever, almost double the number of projects serving rural seniors, and a greater share of funded projects serving vulnerable seniors. 
Response by the Minister of Innovation, Science and IndustrySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Parliamentary Secretary Gudie HutchingsThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their views on the importance of broadband connectivity in rural and remote regions.The Government of Canada recognizes that now more than ever, Canadians rely on high-quality broadband Internet services to stay informed, work from home, study, manage their finances, access government services, and stay connected with friends and family.The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has further underscored the necessity of these services. Since the pandemic began, the government has engaged with Canada’s telecommunications service providers to ensure that our networks are able to manage the increased demand to ensure the continued provision of critical telecommunications services at this time. We have taken several steps to assist telecom service providers, such as extending the payment date for spectrum licence fees to provide cash-flow relief, allowing unused spectrum to be shared to increase capacity for wireless services, and accelerating the process to get licences. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is similarly engaged with providers regarding COVID-19 issues.The government is also moving forward on a number of ambitious initiatives to improve broadband access in rural areas more broadly. In recognition of the importance of this issue, the Prime Minister appointed Canada’s first Minister of Rural Economic Development, with a mandate to lead the government’s work to increase high-speed broadband coverage in rural Canada. In June 2019, the government released High Speed Access for All: Canada’s Connectivity Strategy, a historic commitment to connect every Canadian to affordable, high-speed Internet and to improve mobile cellular access from coast to coast to coast. The Strategy outlines Canada's action plan to leverage new and existing investments and technologies, as well as to collaborate with partners to ensure high-speed Internet access for all Canadians at speeds of 50 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 10 Mbps upload, regardless of where they live or work.Central to the strategy is substantial funding to support network expansion. Building on the $6.2 billion the federal government has made available for broadband since 2015, Budget 2021 proposed an additional $1 billion over six years, starting in 2021-22, to the Universal Broadband Fund (UBF) to support a more rapid rollout of broadband projects in collaboration with funding partners. In total, the government is making $2.75 billion available through the UBF to support access in rural and remote communities. These continuing investments will help Canada accelerate work to reach its goal of 98 per cent of the country having high-speed broadband by 2026 and 100 per cent by 2030. The UBF will include up to $150 million for a Rapid Response Stream with an accelerated application process to allow shovel-ready projects to get started right away, up to $750 million available for large impact projects, and up to $50 million available to support mobile projects that primarily benefit Indigenous peoples. The Prime Minister also announced an agreement of $600 million with Canadian satellite company Telesat to secure low-earth orbit satellite capacity, which will improve connectivity and expand high-speed Internet coverage to the far north, rural, and remote regions across Canada. Recently, the UBF provided funding to ensure Quebec could launch Operation High Speed, connecting nearly 150,000 Quebecers to high-speed Internet by September 2022 through joint equal investments totalling $826.3 million. Announcements for other selected projects via the UBF are ongoing.In addition to these investments, the government is delivering on additional funding allocated in Budget 2019, including a top-up for the successful Connect to Innovate program, and data gathering initiatives to measure household and business Internet access and use. Under Connect to Innovate, over 200 projects are already underway. Once completed, these projects will bring new or improved high-speed Internet access to over 975 rural and remote communities, including 190 Indigenous communities. These projects also have the potential to benefit up to 390,000 households across Canada. The new UBF will build on this success and is being designed with the needs of rural and remote Canadians in mind.The CRTC, Canada’s independent telecommunications regulator, also has a $750 million Broadband Fund in place to help expand universal broadband Internet and mobile access. The fund is supported by a levy on industry. The CRTC’s first call for applications closed in October 2019 and focused on projects targeting broadband and mobile connectivity in the three territories, as well as satellite dependent communities across Canada. The CRTC has announced a series of projects under the first call for proposals that will connect over 10,000 households in 51 communities, the majority of which are Indigenous. A second call for applications closed in June 2020 and focused on all eligible areas in Canada. To date, the CRTC has announced an additional 11 successful projects under the second call, with more expected over the coming months, that will connect approximately 14,500 households across Canada. Two of these projects will connect an estimated 2,000 households in five remote communities in Nunavik to high-speed Internet. This follows the CRTC declaring broadband Internet and mobile wireless as basic telecommunications services under the Telecommunications Act in 2016. This designation confirmed that these services can be funded via the CRTC’s industry levy.These investments are complemented by other initiatives including the Accelerated Investment Incentive - an accelerated capital cost allowance designed to encourage businesses to invest, general infrastructure programs administered by Infrastructure Canada, increased investments through the Canada Infrastructure Bank, and funding for broadband from local levels of government including the provinces and territories.The CRTC has public proceedings underway that are examining access to passive infrastructure and support structures. In December 2019, the CRTC launched a proceeding on barriers to broadband deployment and possible regulatory solutions within its jurisdiction. A broad range of stakeholders participated in the proceeding. Furthermore, the CRTC also launched a proceeding in October 2020 focused on access to poles. The CRTC has indicated that through the proceeding, it will identify and implement regulatory measures that will make access to poles more efficient. Both of these proceedings have now closed and the CRTC is examining the interventions received, with decisions anticipated later this year. Other complementary actions to promote broadband access include reviewing policy and regulatory frameworks on antenna towers and support structures, raising awareness among stakeholders of the importance of access to passive infrastructure assets needed for network expansion, and the ongoing review of Canada’s communications legislation.The government looks forward to continuing to engage with Canadians and key stakeholders including the private sector, provinces and territories, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profit organizations in promoting access to high-quality, robust, and affordable broadband networks in all regions of the country.
Broadband Internet servicesCanada Health TransferOld Age SecuritySenior citizens
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 7, 2021e-3094e-3094 (Foreign affairs)mimileePaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCJanuary 7, 2021, at 4:56 p.m. (EDT)March 8, 2021, at 4:56 p.m. (EDT)March 24, 2021May 7, 2021March 12, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:After the United States, China is Canada’s second largest trading partner for both imports and exports;An agreement between Canada and China to produce a CanSino Biologics COVID-19 vaccine failed after Chinese customs refused to allow shipment of the vaccine for Canadian trials;Canada is dependent on China's supply chain, especially for essential goods like Perosnal Protective Equipment (PPE);The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) used United Front networks to gather and stockpile PPE from countries around the world, including Canada at the beginning of the pandemic;There are credible reports of labour and human rights abuses and violations in Chinese factories which supply many global brand; andThe Canada-China FIPPA is lopsided, anti-democratic and locks Canada into 31 years of investment protection for CCP state-owned corporations.We, the undersigned, citizens or residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:1. Make policies to ensure Canada rebuilds its manufacturing base for essential goods and focuses on trade partnerships with democratic countries that respect the rule of law;2. Ensure Canada reduces dependency on countries like China, where evidence supports violations of human rights, and takes punitive measures for violations of human rights;3. Initiate the Standing Committee on International Trade to investigate and provide a report on Canada's trading relationship with China, including the ongoing implications of the Canada-China FIPPA, and specifically to examine human rights violations in China and Canada’s supply chain dependency on China.
Response by the Minister of Innovation, Science and IndustrySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable François-Philippe ChampagneHelping Canada Build Back BetterFrom the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada has demonstrated its commitment to use every tool available to combat the virus and mitigate its economic harm. The Government of Canada has taken, and continues to take, strong and decisive action to protect the health of Canadians as well as support Canadian workers and businesses.The Government of Canada has made major investments in health care, in procuring medical and personal protective equipment, in income support and paid sick leave, in responding to businesses urgent needs and in keeping Canadians safe, healthy, and solvent through the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government of Canada’s broad and ambitious suite of measures has been designed to protect the health and safety of all Canadians, bridge Canada’s economy through the effects of widespread lockdowns, and position Canada well for a post-pandemic recovery.Budget 2021 outlines a plan that will get Canadians back to work and begin improving Canada’s growth potential. The actions in Budget 2021 build upon the commitments made in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement and the Enhanced Climate Plan, which together comprise a recovery plan that will create shared prosperity, improve Canadians’ quality of life, and power our green transformation.The Government of Canada is acutely aware that certain industries and commodities are critical to the country’s ability to protect the health and safety of Canadians. The Government has promoted a made-in-Canada approach in our purchases of personal protective equipment and other medical equipment and intends to continue to invest in Canadian industries and support Canadian jobs.Strategic Investments in the Life SciencesThe pandemic has highlighted the need for a revitalized life sciences sector in Canada. As such, the Government has turned to the advice of the COVID-19 Vaccine and Therapeutics Task Forces, comprised of Canada’s leading vaccine and immunology experts and industry leaders, to inform strategic decision-making relating to both Canada’s immediate pandemic needs and long-term vision for the Canadian life sciences sector.On March 20, 2020, the Government of Canada launched a Call to Action to mobilize Canadian manufacturers and businesses to assist Canada in meeting the need for personal protective equipment, medical devices, and associated critical commodities. Since then, over 6,500 companies have offered their expertise and capacity. By leveraging programming, engagement across departments, and collaborating with industry, the Made in Canada Project has successfully secured domestic manufacturing to meet these needs.Investments in the Canadian life sciences sector not only protect Canadians in the event of a pandemic, but also provide enormous economic benefits associated with growing manufacturing capacity, attracting vaccine developers and connecting Canada's world leading life science researchers and start-ups with opportunities to grow and succeed in Canada.To this end, the Government of Canada has made a number of strategic investments in domestic capabilities to develop and produce vaccines, therapeutics and drugs in the country. These investments include:
  • The National Research Council (NRC) (Montréal, Quebec) - $126 million to establish the new Biologics Manufacturing Centre with vaccine manufacturing capabilities;
  • Medicago (Quebec City, Quebec) - $173 million to develop a plant-based virus-like-particle vaccine and for the construction of a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility, alongside an Advance Purchase Agreement (APA) for eventual purchase of its vaccines;
  • Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) - $35 million to establish GMP-certified biomanufacturing capacity, and to accelerate the development of COVID-19 vaccines;
  • AbCellera (Vancouver, British Columbia) - $175.6 million in government support for antibody discovery and clinical testing and for the construction of a GMP facility;
  • Precision Nanosystems (Vancouver, British Columbia) - $25.1 million in government support to build a biomanufacturing centre for production of ribonucleic acid (RNA) vaccines, in addition to an investment of $18.2M for the company to develop its RNA based vaccine;
  • Laboratoires KABS (St-Hubert and Val des Sources, Quebec) - $54.25 million toward a biologics production facility with a focus on antibody therapies and new fill-finish capabilities;
  • Novocol (Cambridge, Ontario) - $32.7 million contribution toward expanded fill-finish capacity;
  • Variation Biotechnologies (Ottawa, Ontario) - $55.9 million to advance the development of an enveloped virus-like-particle (eVLP) vaccine candidate for COVID-19 through pre-clinical studies and clinical trials;
  • Arch Biopartners (Toronto, Ontario) - $6.7 million to advance Metablock, a treatment to help block inflammation in the lungs, liver and kidneys, through clinical trials II;
  • Edesa Biotech Research (Markham, Ontario) – $14 million to develop a monoclonal antibody therapy as a treatment for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, the leading cause of death among COVID-19 patients;
  • Immune Biosolutions (Sherbrooke, Quebec) - $13.4 million to advance its COVID-19 therapeutic candidate from preclinical studies through to Phase II clinical trials. Immune Biosolutions will establish clinical scale biomanufacturing capacity to develop a new accelerated discovery process that will support future biologics and discovery work; and,
  • Sanofi Pasteur Limited (Toronto, Ontario) - $415 million to support in building an end-to-end influenza vaccine biomanufacturing facility. The facility will serve as their international production and distribution center of their high-dose seasonal influenza vaccine, FLUZONE® High Dose Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine (FLUZONE® HD QIV), and will have the ability to pivot to pandemic influenza production.
The Government is also actively considering a number of other investments to help round out our capabilities. Furthermore, the Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that Canada remains well-positioned to respond to the current pandemic as well as future health emergencies.Budget 2021 illustrates the Government of Canada’s deep commitment to Canada’s biomanufacturing and life science sector, by investing a total of $2.2 billion over seven years towards growing a vibrant domestic life sciences sector. This support would provide foundational investments to help build Canada’s talent pipeline and research system, and support the growth of Canada life sciences firms, including:
  • $500 million for the Canada Foundation for Innovation to support the bioscience capital and infrastructure needs of post-secondary institutions and research hospitals;
  • $250 million for the federal granting councils to create a new tri-council biomedical research fund;
  • $92 million for adMare to support company creation, scale up, and training activities in the life sciences sector;
  • $59.2 million for VIDO to support the development of its vaccine candidates and expand its facility in Saskatoon; and,
  • $45 million for the Stem Cell Network to support stem cell and regenerative medicine.
Several other initiatives included in Budget 2021 include targeted support for the life sciences and biomanufacturing sector, including:
  • $1 billion through the Strategic Innovation Fund would be targeted towards promising domestic life sciences and biomanufacturing firms;
  • $250 million to increase clinical research capacity through the new Canadian Institutes of Health Research Clinical Trials Fund; and,
  • $50 million to create a new life sciences stream in the Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative.
Through these and other investments, the Government of Canada remains committed to supporting a strong recovery and a vibrant life sciences sector in Canada.Additionally, Canada has a strong advanced manufacturing sector, which provides essential goods, such as food products, to both domestic and international markets. Throughout the pandemic, the Government of Canada has worked closely with provincial governments and industry to overcome challenges facing essential sectors, including addressing barriers to international movement of goods and services, supporting rapid testing programs to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at work sites, and supporting a multitude of programs to provide businesses with access to capital.Furthermore, the Government of Canada is assessing all options to ensure future supply chain security, including in collaboration with likeminded partners. The Government has worked closely with industry in strategizing how to rebuild Canada’s economy together, through forums like the Industry Strategy Council. Government and industry have exemplified a strong partnership over the course of the pandemic, and will continue working together to support Canadians, rebuild the national economy, and secure critical supply chains.
Response by the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International TradeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rachel Bendayan1. Canada’s trade policy is geared toward building economic opportunities for Canadians in all sectors, including in the manufacturing sector. Canada’s network of free trade agreements creates opportunities to expand exports, build resilient and stable supply chains and create jobs for Canadians.The new Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) is a solid foundation for building Canada’s prosperity and has set a valuable example of the benefits of trade liberalization for the rest of the world.The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) presents Canadian businesses with preferential access to, and excellent opportunities for growth, in the EU.Through the Canada-Korea FTA and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Canada has secured preferential market access to some of our most important trading partners in the Indo-Pacific region.The recently concluded Canada-UK Trade Continuity Agreement further adds to our list of free trade agreements which includes key trading partners like Chile, Israel, Colombia and Peru.The Government is also pursuing new opportunities and agreements to help Canadian businesses gain preferential access to key markets and grow their businesses in the world economy.Comprehensive free trade agreement negotiations with Mercosur and the Pacific Alliance continue to progress as does the proposed modernization of Canada’s free trade agreement with Ukraine.We are working to expand the CPTPP through accessions, working toward a trade agreement with India, advancing a possible trade agreement with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), and exploring a possible trade agreement with Indonesia.Fostering greater engagement and closer ties with countries, including through free trade agreements, is an effective way of promoting Canadian values, such as human rights, democracy, openness and respect for the rule of law and rules-based international trade.2. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that Canadian businesses at home and abroad are not unknowingly involved in any supply chains involving forced labour. We remain steadfast in our commitment to increasing supply chain transparency, promoting responsible business conduct, and ensuring that Canadian companies are upholding Canadian values, wherever they may operate. We are encouraging Canadian companies to take steps to maximize the resiliency of their supply chains.Through Canada’s Trade Diversification Strategy, the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) is proactively helping Canadian businesses diversify their trade – in terms of where they trade, who trades and how they trade. The TCS is providing clients and stakeholders information on the risks of doing business in China, including the importance of Responsible Business Conduct and international best practices for Canadian companies operating abroad, as well as new risks related to human rights violations in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) and Hong Kong’s National Security Law.To safeguard Canadian supply chains and prevent Canadian businesses from becoming unknowingly complicit, on January 12, 2021 Canada announced a suite of measures to address extensive human rights violations against Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in the XUAR in China.Also, on March 22, 2021, Canada imposed sanctions on 4 Chinese officials and 1 entity under the Special Economic Measures (People’s Republic of China) Regulations, based on their participation in gross and systematic human rights violations in the XUAR. These measures were taken in coordination with the United States and the United Kingdom, and in solidarity with the European Union. The Special Economic Measures (People’s Republic of China) Regulations impose on listed individuals a prohibition on any transaction (effectively, an asset freeze) by prohibiting persons in Canada, and Canadians outside Canada, from engaging in any activity related to any property of these individuals or providing financial or related services to them. The individuals listed in the schedule to the regulations are also rendered inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.These measures are a part of a comprehensive approach to human rights advocacy for Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities facing persecution in China.  Canada will continue to call on the People’s Republic of China to respect and protect human rights and to allow for meaningful, unfettered access to the XUAR so that impartial experts can observe and report on the situation first-hand.  Together with likeminded countries, a collective approach to mitigating supply chain risks will help Canada to achieve our overarching human rights objectives – in the XUAR as well as other jurisdictions requiring enhanced due diligence.Beyond strengthening supply chain integrity, Canada is also ramping up efforts to reinvest in critical supply chains, such as critical minerals, and bio-manufacturing. For instance, on January 9, 2020, Canada and the U.S. finalized the Canada-U.S. Joint Action Plan on Critical Minerals Collaboration. This plan advances our mutual interest in securing supply chains for the critical minerals needed for important manufacturing sectors, including communication technology, aerospace and defence, and clean technology. Furthermore, on February 23, 2021, Prime Minister Trudeau and President Biden issued a Roadmap for a Renewed Canada-U.S. Partnership, which includes a commitment to strengthen the Canada-U.S. Critical Minerals Action Plan, as well as cooperation under the U.S.-led Energy Resource Governance - a multi-country initiative promoting sound mining sector governance, and secure and resilient supply chains for critical energy minerals. Additionally, resources will be provided to bolster Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy. On December 11, 2020, the Government of Canada announced that it will be investing $3 billion over 5 years through the Strategic Innovation Fund’s new Net Zero Accelerator fund to rapidly expedite decarbonization projects with large emitters, scale-up clean technology and accelerate Canada's industrial transformation across all sectors.3. Canadian parliamentarians enjoy the right to freedom of speech and expression within Canada. Parliament is an independent institution and the Government of Canada is not involved in parliamentary matters, including recommendations for topics of studies for standing or special committees.
ChinaCivil and human rightsForeign policyInternational tradeManufacturing industry
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 7, 2021432-00710432-00710 (Justice)TedFalkProvencherConservativeMBMarch 24, 2021May 7, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 7, 2021e-2962e-2962 (Natural resources and energy)ChrisKeeferJulieDzerowiczDavenportLiberalONNovember 12, 2020, at 5:10 p.m. (EDT)February 10, 2021, at 5:10 p.m. (EDT)March 24, 2021May 7, 2021February 15, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons in Parliament assembled</Addressee>Whereas:Canada is a party to the Paris Agreement whose goal is to keep global average temperature below 2°C and has agreed to CO2 emissions reductions by 30% below 2005 levels by 2030;The Integovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its four decarbonization pathways calls for an increase in nuclear power by 98-501% to avoid catastrophic climate impacts;Nuclear Energy in Ontario provided 90% of the ultra-low emissions power to remove coal from the grid;Nuclear Energy is the most environmentally friendly form of energy generation requiring a tiny fraction of the mining, processing and infrastructure compared to other sources of energy including renewables due to the energy density of its fuel which contains 1 million times more energy than fossil fuels;Nuclear is the only form of energy that fully accounts for and contains its waste and that all of Canada’s spent nuclear fuel would fit inside 1 hockey rink piled 32 feet high;Canadian Nuclear Energy plays a vital role in the COVID pandemic by producing the majority of the world’s Cobalt-60 in quantities sufficient to sterilize 20 billion masks, gloves or COVID-19 swabs; andNuclear Energy provides high paying jobs to 60,000 Canadians with a 95% made in Canada supply chain.We, the undersigned, Citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to 1. Uphold its commitments under the Paris Agreement by maintaining and expanding its CANDU nuclear reactor fleet in Canada and abroad; and2. Continue to support research and deployment of small modular reactors.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSONIn pursuit of efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, the Government of Canada is committed to announcing its enhanced target or Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement by the U.S.-led Climate Summit that will take place on April 22-23, 2021.  In December 2020, the Government released a plan to exceed Canada’s current 2030 emission reduction goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent below 2005 levels, and lay the foundation to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy is Canada’s strengthened climate plan of federal policies, programs and investments to build a stronger, cleaner, more resilient and inclusive economy. This plan builds on the important accomplishments and work underway with provinces, territories and Indigenous partners under the 2016 Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.The Pan Canadian Framework has done more to cut pollution in a practical and affordable way than any other climate plan in Canada’s history. Canada’s 2019 greenhouse gas emissions projections show a widespread decline in projected emissions across the economy, reflecting the breadth and depth of the Pan-Canadian Framework. In fact, the policies and measures now in place, including those introduced in 2019, are projected to reduce emissions by 227 million tonnes in 2030. Taken together with A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, Canada will exceed its current 2030 greenhouse gas reduction target with projected emission reductions of 31% below 2005 levels by 2030.A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy outlines 64 new and strengthened federal climate measures and $15 billion in new investments. Some of these investments have already begun while other measures are being refined through engagement with provinces and territories, Indigenous partners, stakeholders, and with Canadians.  Like the Pan-Canadian Framework, this plan is not an endpoint: the transition to a cleaner, more prosperous economy needs to be both an immediate priority and a sustained effort over the years and decades ahead.Key initiatives announced in the plan and subsequently include:
  • Proposing to continue to put a price on pollution through to 2030 rising at $15 per tonne after 2022, while returning the proceeds back to households such that the majority receive more money back than they pay in provinces where the federal system applies;
  • Creating thousands of jobs retrofitting homes and buildings including an investment of $2.6 billion over seven years to help homeowners make their homes more energy efficient, cutting energy costs for Canadian families and businesses;
  • Investing $1.5 billion over three years for green and inclusive community buildings, and require that at least 10 per cent of this funding be allocated to projects serving First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities;
  • Investing $14.9 billion for public transit projects over the next eight years, including $2.75 billion to support zero-emission public transit and school buses, and $400 million to help build new and expanded networks of pathways, bike lanes, trails, and pedestrian bridges across Canada, as well as permanent funding of $3 billion per year for a permanent public transit fund beginning in 2026-2027.
  • Continuing to make zero-emissions vehicles more affordable by extending the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) program until March 2022, while investing an additional $150 million over three years in more charging stations across the country;
  • Investing in renewable energy and next-generation clean energy and technology solutions;
  • Introduced Canada’s Hydrogen Strategy, which sets out a path for integrating low emitting hydrogen across the Canadian economy;
  • Launched the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Action Plan for the development, demonstration and deployment of Small Modular Reactors at home and abroad;
  • Working with businesses to make Canada the best place to start and grow clean technology companies; and,
  • Planting 2 billion incremental trees over the next 10 years as part of a broader commitment to nature-based solutions that also encompasses wetlands and urban forests, and announced the Growing Canada’s Forest Commitment as the next step of the Government’s commitment to plant two billion trees;.
On February 23, 2021, the Prime Minister and U.S. President Biden released the Roadmap for a Renewed U.S.-Canada Partnership, and launched the U.S.-Canada High Level Ministerial Dialogue on Climate Ambition. This included a commitment to work together to increase ambition under the Paris Agreement, and to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The Government of Canada and the Government of the U.S. are exploring opportunities to align policies and approaches to create jobs and reduce inequality, and enhance adaptation and resilience to climate impacts.In addition, in November 2020 the Government of Canada tabled the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, which delivers on the government’s commitment to legislate Canada’s target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Once the bill becomes law, it will establish a legally binding process for the Government to set five-year emissions reduction targets based on the advice of experts and Canadians to ensure transparency and accountability as Canada charts a path to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. The Act also requires emissions reduction plans for each target and the publication of interim and final reports on implementation of the plans and the emissions reductions they achieve, as well as periodic examination and reporting by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development on the implementation of these mitigation measures. The Act will also enshrine greater accountability and public transparency into Canada’s plan for meeting net-zero emissions by 2050. To provide independent advice to the Government on the best pathways to reach its targets, a Net-Zero Advisory Body was established in February 2021. 
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mr. Marc G. SerréNuclear energy plays an important role in Canada’s current energy mix and is expected to continue to play a key role in transitioning Canada to a low-carbon future. Electricity generated from nuclear energy is the second largest source of non-emitting electricity in Canada after hydro. It provides approximately 15  ercent of current generation, including 38 percent of electricity generated in New Brunswick, and almost 60 percent in Ontario. The Government of Canada recognized in its enhanced climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, released in December 2020, that nuclear energy has the potential to reduce emissions within Canada and abroad. The sector also delivers a wide array of benefits to Canadians. Nuclear energy contributes $17 billion per year to Canada’s gross domestic product and accounts for approximately 76,000 jobs. More than 200 small- and medium-sized enterprises make up Canada’s nuclear energy supply chain.Canada has successfully developed CANDU reactor technology that has been deployed domestically and exported around the world. Decision-making related to electricity supply is the responsibility of provincial and territorial governments. Governments in both Ontario and New Brunswick have chosen to extend the life of their CANDU reactors through refurbishment. The refurbishments in Ontario, at a cost of $26 billion over 10 years, are expected to offset over 40 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.The Government of Canada also promotes the export of CANDU technology. It will support countries interested in using nuclear energy to achieve their climate change and development goals. And the government will help build capacity so that they are prepared to adopt CANDU and other Canadian nuclear technologies.Small modular reactors (SMRs) are part of the next wave of innovation in the nuclear sector. SMRs have the potential to become an affordable, reliable source of non-emitting power that can help Canada reach net-zero emissions by 2050.  In 2018, Natural Resources Canada convened the SMR Roadmap. This was a 10-month stakeholder-driven engagement initiative that brought together provinces and territories, power utilities, industry and other interested parties to explore priorities and challenges related to possible SMR development and deployment in Canada. The Roadmap found that SMRs could provide significant opportunities and benefits for Canada’s economy and environment.Following the recommendations made in the SMR Roadmap, the Government of Canada, along with partners, released Canada’s SMR Action Plan in December 2020. The Action Plan is the result of a pan-Canadian effort that brings together key enablers from across Canada, including the federal government, provinces and territories, municipalities, Indigenous communities and organizations, power utilities, industry, innovators, laboratories, academia, and civil society. Each of these enablers has contributed a chapter to the Action Plan that describes a concrete set of actions they are taking to seize the SMR opportunity for Canada. The Action Plan responds to all 53 recommendations in Canada’s SMR Roadmap and includes voluntary actions that go beyond the SMR Roadmap recommendations. In developing the SMR Action Plan, Natural Resources Canada engaged with over 100 Indigenous communities and representatives, as well as a number of civil society organizations. The Government of Canada chapter in the SMR Action Plan reflects Canada’s ongoing commitment to meaningfully engage on SMRs.The government recognizes that SMR technology, while still in the development phase, has potential applications in electricity generation, resource extraction, and desalination. It can also offer an alternative to diesel in rural and remote communities that choose to explore its potential. The government has pledged to make sure the federal legislative, regulatory, and policy framework is sound and ready for SMR deployment. It will also working with bilateral and multilateral partners to align international engagement and cooperation with Canadian priorities on SMRs. This includes investments in the nuclear sector and in SMR technologies, including $1.2 billion to revitalize Chalk River laboratories, and $20 million to support Terrestrial Energy's Integral Molten Salt Reactor. Most recently, the Government of Canada announced $50.5 million in funding for Moltex Energy Ltd. to support the development of SMR research and technology in New Brunswick. These investments reflect the government’s recognition that it has a role to play in supporting innovation in this emerging sub-sector.Protecting the health and safety of Canadians and the environment is the government's top priority as it supports the nuclear industry. This includes ensuring that all radioactive waste in Canada is managed safely for generations to come. The Government of Canada has launched a public engagement process to develop a modernized policy for radioactive waste management. It will cover Canada’s existing radioactive waste, as well as potential future wastes, including waste resulting from new technologies like SMRs. The government’s goal is to ensure that Canada has a strong policy framework that continues to reflect international practices in the area of radioactive waste management, the best available science, and the values and principles of Canadians, including Indigenous Peoples. All radioactive waste in Canada is safely managed according to international standards at facilities that are licensed and monitored by Canada’s world-class regulator, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). With respect to nuclear liability, Canada’s regime is modern and adaptable, and the government is currently reviewing the liability limit for power reactors to ensure the limit is appropriate.The Government of Canada, because it prioritizes public safety and environmental protection, has established one of the world’s most stringent and internationally recognized nuclear regulatory systems. The CNSC is positioned in a state of readiness to ensure the effective and safe regulation of SMRs. Any new SMR project will have a thorough and transparent regulatory review and consultation process led by the CNSC. Projects will only receive approval if the commission concludes that they are safe for people and the environment, both today and in the future.The pathway to net-zero by 2050 is the challenge of this generation. To be successful, the government has to consider all options. The International Energy Agency, in its 2019 report Nuclear Power in a Clean Energy System, found that removing nuclear energy from the equation would not only increase the risk of failure to meet climate targets, but would also result in higher electricity prices for consumers. According to the report, it would cost an estimated US$1.6 trillion more to achieve global climate targets without investments in nuclear energy. The government takes these recommendations seriously and believes all low-carbon technologies should be evaluated and allowed to compete on their merits.
Climate change and global warmingNuclear energyNuclear reactors
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 7, 2021432-00708432-00708 (Foreign affairs)MartyMorantzCharleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—HeadingleyConservativeMBMarch 24, 2021May 7, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 7, 2021432-00707432-00707 (Foreign affairs)MartyMorantzCharleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—HeadingleyConservativeMBMarch 24, 2021May 7, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 7, 2021432-00706432-00706 (Foreign affairs)MartyMorantzCharleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—HeadingleyConservativeMBMarch 24, 2021May 7, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 6, 2021e-2999e-2999 (Transportation)BillPowellHon.MikeLakeEdmonton—WetaskiwinConservativeABFebruary 2, 2021, at 10:53 a.m. (EDT)March 4, 2021, at 10:53 a.m. (EDT)March 23, 2021May 6, 2021March 5, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="214333" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Transport</Addressee>Whereas: Many Canadian airports are named after politicians. In Edmonton, however, an opportunity exists to rename the international airport in recognition of a Canadian aviation pioneer; Maxwell William Ward began his aviation career in the RCAF, training pilots during World War II; After the war, he went on to fly bush planes in Canada's far north, demonstrating his lifelong love of flying, adventure, enterprise, and the Arctic, and contributed to mapping the Canadian north; In 1953, he established Wardair and grew the company into one of Canada's largest scheduled carriers with a route network that provided his airline’s signature “Wardair Class” service to leisure and business travellers alike; Max Ward was recognized with the Order of Canada, the Alberta Order of Excellence, the Order of Polaris and the Order of Icarus, and seven honorary degrees from Canadian Universities;He was inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame and was one of the original inductees into Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame; Max’s persistence, mechanical mind, affability, respect for others, and his dedication to service, defined his business and personal interests; Most importantly, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and a revered leader to his legion of loyal employees; and Sadly, Max passed away on November 2, 2020 in Edmonton. He was 98. We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Minister of Transport to request that the Edmonton Regional Airports Authority board considers renaming the city’s international gateway to Edmonton Max Ward International Airport (colloquially, Edmonton-Ward International), in honour of a truly remarkable Canadian, Albertan and Edmontonian..
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraThe Edmonton Regional Airport is the property of the federal Crown, but it is leased to the Edmonton Regional Airports Authority.   Although the Edmonton Regional Airports Authority is responsible for the management, operation and development of the Airport, any changes to the name of the Airport cannot be made without the Minister of Transport’s consent.  In addition, in accordance with the Government of Canada’s Policy on Naming Government of Canada Structures, final approval of any change to the naming of an airport rests with the Minister of Public Services & Procurement.  Transport Canada’s policy is to name federally-owned airports after the principal geographic area the airport serves.  However, under special circumstances, the name of an airport may be changed to honour a great Canadian.Transport Canada has an established process for considering formal requests to rename an airport. This includes reviewing the merits and significance of the proposed name change.This petition to rename the Airport will be reviewed by Transport Canada in accordance with this process.
AirportsEdmontonWard, Maxwell (Max) William
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 6, 2021432-00704432-00704 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 23, 2021May 6, 2021March 8, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 6, 2021432-00703432-00703 (Environment)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCMarch 23, 2021May 6, 2021May 22, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House to the following:THAT, WHEREAS a study conducted in 1996 by the British Columbia Ministry of the Environment concluded that Saanich Inlet "is an important and sensitive ecosystem-physically, ecologically and culturally... world renowned for its beauty...is highly valued by humans and supports important cultural and recreational uses",WHEREAS this same 1996 study concluded that Saanich Inlet's "low flushing rate and sensitive coastal ecology make it susceptible to human influence", that due to these unique conditions, Saanich Inlet has a very limited capacity to assimilate contaminants, and that this capacity had already been exceeded,WHEREAS recreational use of Saanich Inlet has continued to grow, and although there are three sewage pump-out facilities located within Saanich Inlet, levels of contamination resulting from recreational vessels' sewage discharge has grown apace, andWHEREAS it is critical to increase Saanich Inlet's level of environmental protection to ensure that this unique and cherished waterway can continue to be enjoyed by local communities and visiting recreational users alike,THEREFORE, YOUR PETITIONERS call on the House of Commons to work with the Government of British Columbia to protect Saanich Inlet by immediately adding it to the list of designated zones where the discharge of raw sewage is not allowed.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraTransport Canada has received the completed application titled “Application for Establishment of a Designated Sewage Area under the Vessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemicals Regulations” submitted by The Corporation of the District of Central Saanich. The application has been reviewed and accepted for addition to Schedule 2 to of the Vessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemicals Regulations (VPDCR) as a Designated Sewage Area.The Department is currently working on amendments to the VPDCR and will be engaging with stakeholders within the coming fiscal year to seek input on areas where the regulations could be improved. As part of this regulatory process, Transport Canada officials will also look at the application process for Designated Sewage Areas, including whether and how applications and approvals can be expedited in future. 
Pleasure craftSaanich InletSewage treatment and disposalWater quality
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 6, 2021432-00702432-00702 (Justice)TamaraJansenCloverdale—Langley CityConservativeBCMarch 23, 2021May 6, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 6, 2021432-00701432-00701 (Economy and finance)LaurelCollinsVictoriaNDPBCMarch 23, 2021May 6, 2021March 9, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA AND THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned, RESIDENTS OF THE PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, draw the attention of the Government of Canada and the House of Commons to the following that:The current CERS legislation does not allow rent subsidy for non-arm's length tenants. We have been in tourist retail business for 22 years, leasing 4 retail units from a Landlord who is a family member. We have 4 legal lease agreements and both the Landlord and tenant have their own corporations. The tenant pays market rent, has never missed a payment and has never received a concession on rent. We conduct our business relationship in a 100% arm's length manner. Both corporations pay corporate tax independent of one another. The tourist industry has been affected more than most businesses. 90% of our revenue comes from international travellers. Our business is falling through the cracks and we may fail to make it through the pandemic without the rent subsidy. Rent is our largest business expense.Therefore, your petitioners request the Government of Canada and the House of Commons to please change this legislation so that businesses like ours qualify for the CERS rent subsidy.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about changes to the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy legislation. As the Government announced on April 19th in Budget 2021, the government in proposing to extend the rent subsidy until September 25, 2021. This is a program that provides simple and easy-to-access rent support directly to small businesses. Businesses currently benefit from the up 65% rent subsidy. Combined with the lockdown support, a business can have up to 90% of their rent covered.The Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy, including the Lockdown Support, was created to help organizations pay their commercial rent while facing the economic and health challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The rent subsidy delivers direct, targeted, and accessible rent support to qualifying organizations affected by the pandemic without the need to work through their landlords, and further extends this support to include property owners. This means that the rent subsidy generally not only covers commercial rent expenses, but also property taxes, property insurance, and interest on commercial mortgages. As of April 18, 2021, 162,470 organizations have received support from the CERS and Lockdown Support, representing $2.97 billion paid out since the launch of the programs.To ensure that the rent subsidy is focused on providing relief to organizations in need of support, specific requirements apply to the expenses that qualify for the program. In particular, only expenses paid or payable to an arm’s-length party are eligible under the program - for example, this could include rent to an arm’s-length landlord, or property ownership costs such as mortgage interest. This rule supports the integrity of the program by preventing subsidies from being paid in circumstances where there may be no outflow of funds from a group of non-arm’s length parties. For example, where one company owns a building that is rented to another company and both companies are wholly owned by the same entity, such companies are considered to be not at arm’s length. In such cases, the “rent” is simply a transfer of funds from one entity in the group to another and does not represent a real economic cost. However, the actual costs borne by the group of non-arm’s length parties, including mortgage interest, property taxes and real property insurance paid by the corporation that owns the building could be eligible expenses for the rent subsidy.Overall, the government has made sure that the rent subsidy is helping as many businesses as possible, while ensuring program integrity and targeted support.The government has taken other actions to help businesses that have been highly impacted by the pandemic, including those that may not be able to access certain support programs. Through the regional development agencies and the Community Futures Network of Canada, the $2 billion Regional Relief and Recovery Fund provides loans to eligible businesses unable to access emergency liquidity programs, including the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, the rent subsidy, and the Canada Emergency Business Account. The government has directed the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund to provide $500 million in support for businesses. As of March 4, 2021, the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund had helped protect more than 126,000 jobs and supported over 20,800 businesses.
Canada Emergency Rent SubsidyCOVID-19PandemicRentSmall and medium-sized enterprisesTourism
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 6, 2021e-3158e-3158 (Foreign affairs)Si ThuNaingLaurelCollinsVictoriaNDPBCFebruary 9, 2021, at 8:45 a.m. (EDT)March 11, 2021, at 8:45 a.m. (EDT)March 23, 2021May 6, 2021March 12, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:The Myanmar military staged a coup d’etat on February 1, 2021, ignoring the will of the people of Myanmar and the outcome of the election in November 2020;President Win Myint, vice president Henry Van Thio, state councillor Aung San Suu Kyi and elected members of parliament were illegally detained;Public figures, political activists and Buddhist monks who are critical of the military were also detained and their status and whereabouts are unknown; andThe international community including Canada must act firmly to reject the coup and put pressure on our allies and Asian partners to stop providing arms to the Myanmar military.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to: 1) Condemn the military coup in the strongest terms;2) Call for the immediate and unconditional release of all the elected officials as well as political activists;3) Take measurable actions against the Myanmar military junta and call for the repeal of the unlawfully declared state of emergency, and respect the outcome of November 2020 election;4) Immediately draft a law barring Canadian businesses from exporting arms and technologies to the Myanmar military that can be used against the general public; 5) Put forward a UN General Assembly resolution calling member states to address the long term threat to peace and stability of Myanmar;6) Bar members of Myanmar military, their families and associates from pursuing education or business opportunities in Canada; and 7) Draft a motion to refer this matter to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada unequivocally condemns the Myanmar military’s seizure of power, the overthrow of the democratically-elected civilian government, and the detention of politicians, civil society leaders, journalists, peaceful protestors and human rights defenders. Canada further condemns the use of force by Myanmar security forces on peaceful protestors, as well as the deliberate efforts to suppress dissent through disruption of communications, acts of intimidation, and the introduction of new and unacceptable laws. These actions constitute a blatant and unacceptable disregard for the democratic process, hard-fought civil and political rights, and the will of the people of Myanmar. Canada rejects claims made by coup leadership of large-scale election fraud in the 2020 general elections, as they have no basis in fact, and have been refuted by international, diplomatic and domestic elections observers.Canada has made its position clear both bilaterally and in conjunction with its international partners. On February 1, 2021, Canada issued a Ministerial statement calling for the immediate release of those detained and the restoration of the democratically-elected civilian government. These demands were reiterated in a subsequent G7 Foreign Ministers statement issued on February 3, 2021. On February 23, 2021, Canada joined a second G7 statement condemning the unacceptable attacks perpetrated by Myanmar security forces against peaceful demonstrators, and calling for restraint and full humanitarian access. Canada has also registered its condemnation in an intervention at a UN Human Rights Council Special Session on Myanmar, an opening statement at World Trade Organization’s Trade Policy Review of Myanmar, an intervention at the UN General Assembly and a joint Canada-UK statement at the International Labour Organization Governing Body meeting. In response to the deplorable violence committed by the Myanmar military on the country’s Armed Forces Day, Canada released a Ministerial Statement, and joined a Chief of Defence Statement with Australia, Greece Italy, Japan, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.Officials at Global Affairs Canada also briefed the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE) on March 24, 2021 on the situation in Myanmar in the wake of the military coup, and, on April 15, 2021, the FAAE met for a second time to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on displaced persons from Myanmar.On February 18, 2021, Canada announced targeted sanctions against the military leaders of the coup, including Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, his Deputy Soe Win, and 7 others. These sanctions were developed and imposed in coordination with the United Kingdom, following similar measures by the United States. Importantly, these listing were in addition to a robust sanctions regime under the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) that has been in place since 2007, and is the most comprehensive among Canada’s likeminded allies. Currently, there are 44 Myanmar entities and 54 individuals listed under SEMA. These sanctions encompass several measures, including:
  • a freeze on assets in Canada of any designated Myanmar nationals connected with the Myanmar State, as well as prohibitions on several categories of transactions, services and dealings involving property of designated persons, wherever situated; and
  • an arms embargo, including prohibitions on exporting and importing arms and related material to and from Myanmar, on communicating technical data related to military activities or arms and related material, and on financial services related to military activities or arms and related material.
Canada continues to work in close coordination with its international partners in pursuit of a range of additional measures to bring pressure to bear on the military junta. These measures include advocating for the adoption of international arms embargos on Myanmar, efforts to target the financial foundations of the Tatmadaw and constrict its grip on information in Myanmar, and continued support to pro-democracy and human rights forces on the ground.Canada will also continue to work with international partners to ensure that vulnerable and conflict-afflicted populations in Myanmar, including the Rohingya, live in safety and with dignity. Canada has reviewed its international assistance to Myanmar, and does not and will not provide direct funding to the Tatmadaw regime. Canada will, however, continue to support poverty alleviation among vulnerable and conflict-affected populations, particularly women and ethnic groups, through civil society organizations. As the prospects for sustainable and voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar are further diminished by the coup, Canada continues to work with international partners to mobilize support for the Rohingya people. We continue to help meet the immediate and longer-term needs of Rohingya refugees and their host communities in Bangladesh, through programming on health, critical protection services, learning, livelihood opportunities, environmental rehabilitation, and social cohesion.Canada continues to provide development assistance for vulnerable populations in Myanmar, particularly women and ethnic minority groups, working mainly through support to civil society organizations, champions of democratization, and human rights defenders.The military coup has also reaffirmed the critical need for accountability for the crimes committed by the Tatmadaw. Canada continues to pursue a joint intervention with the Netherlands in support of The Gambia’s case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice, and supports the work of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar. We continue to work with our international partners to ensure justice for the victims, and accountability for the perpetrators, of gross violations and abuses of human rights.Building an international constituency to urge the immediate cessation of violence and release of detainees, and to advance peace, democracy, accountability and human rights remains a priority for the Government of Canada.
Coup d'etatCriminal investigations and hearingsEconomic sanctionsExportsFederal electionsImprisonment and prisonersInternational conflict and international conflict resolutionMilitary weaponsMyanmar
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 5, 2021432-00699432-00699 (Health)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABMarch 22, 2021May 5, 2021January 28, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: That, all human life should be regarded with great respect, from conception to natural death.Therefore we, the undersigned request the Canadian Parliament and Government to: Support measures which protect human life.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government supports women’s right to choose. In its 1988 Morgentaler decision, which struck down section 287 of the Criminal Code, the Supreme Court of Canada held that forcing a woman, by threat of criminal sanction, to carry a fetus to term was a profound interference with her right to life, liberty and security of the person (section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms). This Government is committed to upholding all the rights enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, including section 7.All women in Canada have the right to safe and consistent access to reproductive health services and our government will always support that. We hope that all political parties will stand up for the rights of women and girls here at home and around the world, including their reproductive rights.
Health care system
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 5, 2021432-00698432-00698 (Public safety)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABMarch 22, 2021May 5, 2021November 12, 2020Petition to the Government of Canada We, the undersigned Citizens and Residents of Canada draw the attention of the Government of Canada to the following:
  • That highly damaging noise levels repeatedly reach the ears of firearm users despite the use of traditional hearing protection;
  • That section 7 of our Charter of Rights and Freedoms recognises an individual's right to personal health and safety;
  • That sound moderators are the only universally recognised health and safety device that has a criminal prohibition in Canada;
  • That, as affirmed in Bedford v. Canada at the Supreme Court of Canada, one cannot be prevented from taking reasonable steps to improve personal safety in a hazardous situation;
  • That the majority of G7 nations and many others have recognised the health and safety benefits involved, and allow the legal use of sound moderators by hunters and sport shooters;
  • That sound moderators reduce noise pollution and noise complaints in communities with shooting ranges, in rural and farm communities, and in areas used for recreational activities where hunting and target shooting is legal;
  • That sound moderators facilitate significantly increased humane husbandry of game animals, livestock, and pets as hunting companions;
  • That hearing damage is a significant quality of life and public health issue costing taxpayers millions annually.
THEREFORE, your petitioners call upon the Government of Canada to:
  • Take a stand and empower Canadians to be responsible for their own health and safety by removing the prohibition of sound moderators from the Criminal Code of Canada;
  • Allow the legal acquisition, possession, and use of sound moderators on firearms by all licensed firearms users in Canada;
  • Call upon the provinces and territories to amend provincial and territorial prohibitions and allow the use of sound moderators while engaged in all legal hunting and sport shooting activities.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government believes in implementing effective measures with respect to firearms that prioritize public safety, while remaining mindful of the impact of such measures on firearms owners and businesses.Any device or contrivance designed or intended to muffle or stop the sound or report of a firearm has been unlawful in Canada since the early 1900s. These items are prescribed as prohibited devices in the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted. Sound reduction or elimination diminishes the public’s ability to react to gun shots and makes it difficult for law enforcement to become aware of a possible criminal incident.                                                      Firearms owners can make use of other forms of hearing protection that are commonly available and that do not adversely impact public safety.
Gun controlHearing health
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 5, 2021432-00697432-00697 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABMarch 22, 2021May 5, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 5, 2021432-00696432-00696 (Health)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABMarch 22, 2021May 5, 2021March 16, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWE, THE UNDERSIGNED RESIDENTS OF CANADA, draw the attention of the House to the following:WHEREAS sexually explicit material — including demeaning material and material depicting sexual violence — can be easily accessed on the Internet by young persons; Whereas a significant proportion of the sexually explicit material accessed online is made available on the Internet for commercial purposes and is not protected by any effective age-verification method; WHEREAS the consumption of sexually explicit material by young persons is associated with a range of serious harms, including the development of pornography addiction, the reinforcement of gender stereotypes and the development of attitudes favourable to harassment and violence — including sexual harassment and sexual violence — particularly against women; WHEREAS Parliament recognizes that the harmful effect of the increasing accessibility of sexually explicit material online for young persons is an important public health and public safety concern; WHEREAS online age-verification technology is increasingly sophisticated and can now effectively ascertain the age of users without breaching their privacy rights; WHEREAS anyone making sexually explicit material available on the Internet for commercial purposes has a responsibility to ensure that it is not accessed by young persons; WHEREAS online age-verification was the primary recommendation made by stakeholders during a 2017 study by the Standing Committee on Health.THEREFORE your petitioners call upon the House of Commons to adopt Bill S-203, Protecting Young Persons from Exposure to Pornography Act.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that children are safe from sexual abuse and exploitation, including when they are online. The Criminal Code of Canada provides a robust framework for protecting children from sexual exploitation, both online and in person. This includes offences such as possessing, making, accessing or distributing child pornography (section 163.1), making sexually explicit material available to a child (section 171.1) and luring a child (section 172.1), in addition to a range of other child-specific sexual offences. Canada’s laws addressing child sexual offending also apply extra-territorially, meaning that prosecutions may occur in Canada for offences allegedly committed by Canadian citizens or permanent residents abroad.An Act respecting the mandatory reporting of Internet child pornography by persons who provide Internet service came into force on December 8, 2011. This Act requires a Canadian provider of Internet services to report child pornography that they find on their servers in the ordinary course of conducting their business to police. As the designated organization under this Act, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P) also receives and processes reports of child pornography and child abuse on the Internet. C3P is a non-governmental organization that operates Cybertip.ca, which forwards child sexual exploitation leads to the appropriate authorities. C3P also provides public education and awareness materials, as well as support and referral services. In addition, C3P operates Project Arachnid, an automated web crawler that detects and processes tens of thousands of images per second and sends take down notices to online service providers to remove child sexual abuse material globally.In 2004, the Government of Canada created the National Strategy for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation on the Internet (National Strategy). The National Strategy focuses on law enforcement, prevention and education, and support for Cybertip.ca, Canada’s national tip-line for reporting online sexual exploitation and abuse. The National Strategy was renewed in 2009, bringing the total investment in fighting CSE online to over $18 million per year for Public Safety Canada, the RCMP and Justice Canada. In 2019, the Government of Canada announced an additional $22.24 million over three years to combat this crime. Public Safety Canada is the lead department on the National Strategy.Senate Public Bill S-203, An Act to restrict young persons’ online access to sexually explicit material, proposes measures to restrict access to sexually explicit material online, including through a new offence and new powers to compel Internet Service Providers to take steps to prevent the sharing of sexually explicit material to a young person. This bill will be debated in accordance with the rules that govern Senate Public Bills.
InternetLegal agePornographyYoung people
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 5, 2021432-00695432-00695 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABMarch 22, 2021May 5, 2021November 29, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 5, 2021432-00694432-00694 (Natural resources and energy)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABMarch 22, 2021May 5, 2021February 12, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, a recent Statistics Canada report highlighted that from mid-May to Mid-October 2020, 81% of excess Canadian deaths of men aged 0 to 45 came from Alberta and British Columbia;Whereas, men are three times more likely to commit suicide with suicide being the second leading cause of death for men aged 15 to 34; Whereas, studies show that more young men die by suicide in a time of societal stress: Whereas, prior to COVID-19, the Alberta economy was already hard-pressed due to an energy downturn, an oil-price war and a federal government that targeted Alberta's natural resource sector and was unwilling to support major pipeline and investment projects; Whereas, Unemployment rates in Alberta have reached more than 11%, with the province having one of the highest unemployment rates in Canada; Whereas, Unemployment, increased drug use, high suicide rates and economic instability have each contributed negatively to Albertan families. Therefore we, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1) Approve shovel-ready construction and development projects across the country, cut red tape and let Albertans get back to work; 2) Actively promote and seek investment in Canada's natural resource sector and ensure that both the Keystone XL and TMX expansion are completed; 3) Encourage and support local communities, families, and organizations who help connect, support, and inspire men; 4) Quickly create the 988 national suicide hotline, which was proposed by the Conservative Party and has received unanimous support from all parties.
Response by the President of the Treasury Board Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): GREG FERGUSThe Government of Canada is committed to reduce the administrative burden on Canadian businesses and industry and improve their competitiveness while continuing to protect Canadians’ health, safety, security, social and economic well-being and the environment. One example of this effort is the one-for-one rule, implemented in 2012, as currently represented in the Red Tape Reduction Act. Its objective is to control the administrative burden that regulations impose on businesses. Since its introduction, annual net burden has been reduced by approximately $58.4 million. Most recently, in the 2019-2020 fiscal year, the net administrative burden imposed on business decreased by $34 million, the largest annual reduction since the introduction of the rule. The Government is undertaking a legislated review of the Red Tape Reduction Act to identify ways to further reduce unnecessary administrative burden on businesses and identify potential improvements to further benefit the Canadian economy. A number of initiatives are underway as part of the Government’s efforts to modernize the regulatory system with an objective to simplify regulations, eliminate regulatory barriers, and encourage innovation. The federal Government’s Targeted Regulatory Reviews are an example of such initiatives. These Reviews examine regulatory requirements and practices that are creating bottlenecks to growth and innovation and identify solutions that support economic development, increase investment, and accommodate emerging technologies and businesses across Canada.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandOn August 30, 2018, the Government of Canada acquired the Trans Mountain Corporation to ensure that the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP) was completed, for the benefit of all Canadians.TMEP as it stands today is very different from the project that Kinder Morgan proposed in 2017. It has been designed to a higher standard for environmental protection, undergone rigorous consultation with Indigenous groups and will support union jobs in B.C. and Alberta. These enhancements have improved TMEP, ensured that construction proceeds in the right way, and that it will support the Canadian economy today and into the future.To date, Trans Mountain and its contractors have hired approximately 10,820 people, of whom;
  • approximately 1,165 are Indigenous people,
  • approximately 5,220 are residents of Alberta; and
  • approximately 4,630 are residents of British Columbia.
As of February 28, 2021, there were approximately 7,300 people working on TMEP.Overall, the Government of Canada is working with the Trans Mountain Corporation to ensure the safety of all workers and community members and that construction proceeds as quickly as possible. By moving forward with TMEP, the Government is creating jobs, diversifying markets, accelerating Canada’s clean energy transition, and opening up new avenues for Indigenous economic prosperity.
Response by the Minister of Infrastructure and CommunitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Andy FillmoreGiven the significant health and socio-economic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Infrastructure Canada has implemented a number of changes to the existing Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to increase our immediate infrastructure investments while also maintaining the long-term goals of the Investing in Canada plan. Some of these changes include the creation of a new COVID-19 Resilience stream and the temporary expansion of eligibility under the Public Transit, Green Infrastructure, and Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure streams. These changes will see federal support moving out more quickly to communities across the country, including in Alberta.The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Canadians and communities across the country, including Alberta. Since 2015, Infrastructure Canada has approved 350 projects representing almost $5 billion in federal funding to support a range of investments in communities across Alberta. These investments are supporting public transit investments in Calgary and Edmonton, critical wastewater improvements across the province, including in communities like Vermilion and St. Paul, as well as investment in crucial community and recreational facilities that support communities by providing opportunities for healthy activity and community-building.These community investments support and encourage local communities, families, and organizations to help connect, support and inspire all residents in healthy activities. Investments in community parks in Edmonton, or improvements at Medicine Hat College or the University of Lethbridge to make more inclusive spaces for Indigenous peoples, are all specific examples of these investments at work to support Alberta’s hard working men and women.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mr. Marc G. SerréThe Government of Canada is committed to ensuring the energy and natural resource sectors continue to create and sustain middle-class jobs, prosperity and opportunity across the country. This includes supporting resource communities and workers as they transition to cleaner technologies to help meet Canada’s climate action objectives. The government also supports and promotes the competitiveness of Canadian companies by encouraging investment, opening access to new international markets, and getting resources to those markets.Because of this commitment, the government announced targeted funding to support sectors of the economy affected by the COVID-19 pandemic—including more than $2.8 billion for the oil and gas sector. This support is helping maintain and create approximately 10,000 good jobs, while enhancing the sector’s environmental performance so it can continue to play a key role in Canada’s clean-growth future.Ongoing support to the oil and gas sector includes:
  • Providing up to $1.72 billion to help the governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia clean up orphan and/or inactive oil and gas wells. This support is expected to create thousands of jobs, including an estimated 5,200 in Alberta alone, and provide lasting environmental benefits.
  • Making available up to $750 million through the new Emissions Reduction Fund to lower greenhouse gas emissions in Canada’s oil-and-gas sector, with a focus on methane emissions. The fund includes $75 million to help the offshore oil industry create and maintain jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador through greenhouse gas-reduction efforts.
  • Expanding eligibility of support programs to help Canadian businesses access the financing they need during this period of uncertainty to keep workers on the job.
  • Investing $320 million “to support jobs and ensure a sustainable, long-term, low-emitting future” for Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore oil industry. The investment will help create and sustain jobs in a range of areas: health and safety; maintenance and upgrades of existing offshore infrastructure; research and development; environmental services; and clean technology.
The government continues to support the Canadian energy sector’s competitiveness, working with provinces to unlock the potential of their natural resources. In addition to ongoing investment in and support for the oil and gas sector, the Government of Canada is also working closely with the Government of Alberta to attract foreign investment in projects across the province.The Government of Canada is deeply disappointed in President Biden’s decision to revoke Keystone XL’s permit. Workers in Alberta and across Canada will always have support. That is why the Prime Minister spoke directly with President Biden about the project’s merits immediately after the November election. The Prime Minister expressed Canada’s disappointment in that decision since then, including during the President’s first virtual foreign visit on February 23. The Canadian embassy has for years advocated strongly in KXL’s favour, and Ambassador Hillman and others in the government worked hard—often in concert with the Government of Alberta—to make the case to high-level officials in the incoming administration.While the Government of Canada acknowledges that the President’s decision fulfills an election campaign promise, the government will not waver in its support for Canada’s workers.The Government of Canada remains deeply concerned about all Canadians who have lost their jobs, whether a result of this decision, the pandemic, or other changing economic circumstances. The government continues to support the affected communities, including Indigenous communities that depend on jobs in the energy sector. For generations, important parts of Canada’s economy have been powered by the natural resources sector and its workers. The Government of Canada remains committed to developing natural resources sustainably and to creating good jobs for all Canadians.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellThere is great interest in exploring the implementation of a three-digit National Suicide Hotline number in Canada, as demonstrated by the unanimous support for the Motion to create such a hotline, received in the House of Commons on December 11, 2020. The first step to establishing the hotline is a need to gain a better understanding of the regulatory, technological and resource implications.The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is responsible for administrating telecommunication numbers in Canada, including three-digit numbers, and is currently conducting outreach with key stakeholders on the implications of providing such a number as a crisis line. The CRTC is launching a regulatory proceeding to consult on a proposed three-digit number, which will build a fulsome public record in an open and transparent manner. This record could identify potential obstacles and propose solutions to overcoming them. It may also determine whether to assign a three-digit number to access mental health crisis/suicide prevention services in Canada. The Public Health Agency of Canada has facilitated discussions for the CRTC with key stakeholders and other national and regional organizations with a focus on suicide prevention, and feedback from these stakeholders has been supportive.The Government of Canada recognizes the impact suicide has on families and communities, and is working to connect people to appropriate supports and resources that will help to prevent suicide. In addition to ensuring that funds are available to support the creation of this hotline, the Government of Canada, through Budget 2021, is also providing $62 million to Wellness Together Canada, which is an online portal launched by Health Canada on April 15, 2020, offering a range of free mental health and substance use supports, including counselling, to individuals across Canada on a 24/7 basis in both official languages. Furthermore, the Government of Canada is investing $21 million over five years to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health to develop, implement, and sustain a pan-Canadian suicide prevention service. The Canada Suicide Prevention Service currently provides people across Canada with suicide prevention crisis support from trained responders via phone (24/7) and text (evenings). Investments such as these promote a comprehensive response to mental health concerns and help support individuals at risk of suicide.
Economic slowdownHelp line servicesMenOil and gasPipeline transportation
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 5, 2021432-00693432-00693 (Foreign affairs)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABMarch 22, 2021May 5, 2021October 21, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 5, 2021432-00692432-00692 (Environment)PaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCMarch 22, 2021May 5, 2021February 1, 2021Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament AssembledWe, the undersigned residents of Canada draw the attention of the House to the following:That almost all of the community drinking watersheds on the east coast of Vancouver Island are privately owned, based on an agreement that was struck when BC joined confederation. The E&N land grant, which includes land from Campbell River to Jordan River, was partial payment to build the E&N Railway as part of the agreement for confederation.That all of the community drinking watersheds within the E&N land grant which are under private ownership have had water quality and contamination problems related to human activity including logging, mining, landfills and other industrial and recreational activities. Watersheds in Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Port Alberni, Parksville, Courtenay, Shawnigan Lake and other communities have been affected.That the E&N Land Grant violated treaty rights and aboriginal title.That public ownership of community drinking watersheds, as in the case of the Capital Regional District, has allowed water districts to control all activity in the watershed and allow for the natural forest to help filter and store water and reduce drinking water treatment costs.That clean safe drinking water is essential to life, is a human right and is fundamental to the economic wellbeing of communities and the region and the protection of community drinking water sources must supersede all other interests.Therefore, your petitioners call upon parliament to work with the Province of British Columbia, First Nations, Municipalities, Regional Districts, and land-owners to begin a process to bring community drinking watersheds on Vancouver Island under public ownership and control and ensure they are properly protected for community drinking water purposes now and for future generations, eliminating all industrial and other activity that is not essential to the maintenance of a pristine, secure source of drinking water.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSONWater quality management is a shared responsibility among different jurisdictions.  At the federal level, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) plays a role in the management of pollution.  ECCC takes water pollution very seriously and continues to work hard to protect and conserve Canada’s water resources. Much of this effort is to apply and enforce Canadian laws that control pollution such as the Fisheries Act.ECCC is the lead department responsible for the administration and enforcement of the pollution prevention provisions of the Fisheries Acthttps://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/F-14/index.html. These provisions serve to protect fish as a public resource by prohibiting pollution that could be deleterious to fish.  Subsection 36(3) is the key pollution prevention provision and prohibits the deposit of all deleterious substances into water frequented by fish, or to any place, under any conditions, where it may enter water frequented by fish.A deposit of a deleterious substance is only authorized under regulations that set strict requirements concerning the deposits.  There are Fisheries Act regulations related to a number of the sectors and deposits mentioned in the petition including the pulp and paper, metal and diamond mining, and wastewater sectors.  Deposits that are not subject to a regulation are subject to subsection 36(3) of the Fisheries Act.The management of drinking water is shared among federal, provincial and municipal governments. The federal responsibility lies with Health Canada, but its role is in protecting the health of all Canadians by developing the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality in partnership with the provinces and territories. These guidelines are used by every jurisdiction in Canada and are the basis for establishing drinking water quality requirements for all Canadians. Provinces and municipalities are typically responsible for the provision of safe drinking water.
British ColumbiaEnvironmental contaminationFederal-provincial-territorial relationsWatersheds
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 5, 2021432-00691432-00691 (Health)MarcDaltonPitt Meadows—Maple RidgeConservativeBCMarch 22, 2021May 5, 2021March 4, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWHEREAS:Licences for the production of medical cannabis are often abused, with production in excess of personal use amounts diverted for commercial sale on the black market;The amount of cannabis individuals are authorized to possess for medical purposes is impossible for an individual to personally consume;Grow-ops in residential neighbourhoods have negative impacts on nearby residents' health and well-being, such as excessive smells, frequent traffic, and reduced property values;Municipal enforcement agencies have little to no power over cannabis grow-ops in their own jurisdictions;The federal government has failed to subject personal registered medical cannabis production to examination and inspection, allowing grey and black-market cannabis growing operations to flourish under this program.THEREFORE: We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to reform the licensing and oversight of the production of cannabis for personal medical use, and to grant resources and authority to the provinces in regulating and enforcing the production of cannabis for personal medical use, in turn empowering municipal regulation and enforcement..
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellSuccessive court decisions established the right of individuals to have reasonable access to cannabis for medical purposes and have emphasized repeatedly that the government may only restrict an individual’s access to cannabis for medical purposes when such action is justified and consistent with the objective of protecting public health and safety. In response to these court decisions, a legal framework was established under the Cannabis Regulations that allows individuals with a signed medical document from their health care practitioner to access cannabis for medical purposes by:
  • purchasing quality-controlled cannabis from a wide variety of federally licensed sellers inspected by Health Canada;
  • producing a limited amount of cannabis for their own medical purposes, as authorized by their health care practitioner (“personal production”); or,
  • designating someone to produce it for them (“designated production”).
Subject to the legal age limit in their province or territory, they are also able to buy cannabis:
  • at provincial or territorial authorized retail outlets; and/or,
  • through provincial or territorial authorized online sales platforms.
The majority of individuals (approximately 375,000) who access cannabis for medical purposes obtain cannabis from a seller licensed and inspected by Health Canada. A smaller number of individuals (approximately 43,000) produce a limited amount of cannabis for their own medical purposes, or designate someone to produce it for them.Health Canada is committed to protecting patients’ rights to reasonable access to cannabis for medical purposes and recognizes that most patients are using the program for its intended purposes. Abuse of the medical framework undermines the integrity of the system that many patients rely on to access cannabis to address their medical needs.All persons authorized to produce cannabis for medical purposes must abide by the law and operate at all times within the limits set out when they were registered by Health Canada, including respecting their plant limits. Individuals are only authorized to produce and possess cannabis for their own medical purposes (or the individual they are designated to produce for), and it is illegal for them to distribute or sell cannabis to anyone else. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in revocation of their registration and/or criminal charges and prosecution.The Cannabis Regulations require patients to obtain an authorization from their health care practitioner to access cannabis for medical purposes. Health Canada does not play a role in determining whether cannabis is appropriate for a patient. The health care practitioner makes this decision through a discussion with their patient; the health care practitioner will also identify the daily amount needed for the patient’s medical condition. Health Canada expects health care practitioners to make these decisions based on the condition for which the patient is receiving treatment and supporting evidence.Over the last years, Health Canada has increased engagement with the health care practitioner community and the provincial and territorial licensing bodies in order to encourage health care practitioners to authorize appropriate amounts of cannabis for medical purposes, in line with established standards of practice and the best available evidence. Health Canada has published a document entitled Information for Health Care Professionals to help patients and health care practitioners make informed decisions about the benefits and risks of using cannabis for medical purposes, including dosage amounts. The Department continues to review the latest developments in the peer-reviewed scientific literature on dosing and will continue to publish further updates to this document.Regulatory oversight of health care practitioners and the practice of medicine is the responsibility of provinces and territories and professional colleges. Most provincial and territorial licensing bodies have their own set of standards and guidelines for their members, which may include standards of practice on authorizing cannabis for medical purposes. To support provincial and territorial licensing bodies in their oversight of their members, Health Canada has been proactively sharing data on the authorization of cannabis for medical purposes since the spring 2019. This data sharing includes providing specific information on the small number of health care practitioners who are responsible for authorizing large daily amounts of cannabis. In an effort to increase transparency, in December 2020, Health Canada began publishing data on its website on the average daily amounts authorized by health care practitioners.Health Canada actively works within the current regulatory framework to address risks associated with the personal and designated production of cannabis for medical purposes by:
  • conducting additional verifications when warranted (for example, contacting the health care practitioner to confirm the validity of the medical document and to confirm the daily dosage amount);
  • verifying that there are no more than four registrations at any given production site—the maximum allowed in the regulations—to reduce the risk of large-scale production sites;
  • refusing or revoking a registration, if it is determined that an applicant has submitted false or misleading information as part of their application, such as a forged medical document, or where the registration is likely to create a risk to public health or public safety, including the risk of cannabis being diverted to an illicit market or activity; and,
  • conducting inspections of personal registration and designated production sites to further verify compliance with the regulations.
Most recently, on March 8, 2021, Health Canada launched a public consultation on a draft guidance document for the personal and designated production of cannabis for medical purposes. The draft guidance provides proposed factors that may be considered in refusing or revoking a registration. The public consultation is open until May 7, 2021. It is important to note that different levels of government and law enforcement have roles in maintaining public safety with respect to cannabis. It is the responsibility of municipalities to enforce their bylaws with respect to cannabis production, and law enforcement has the authority to take action against illegal cannabis activity under the Cannabis Act and against those who operate outside of the legal framework.With each registration issued, Health Canada reminds registered individuals and designated producers that they need to comply with all relevant provincial/territorial and municipal laws, including local by-laws about zoning, noise, odour, electrical and fire safety, as well as all related inspection and remediation requirements.Health Canada encourages all provinces, territories, and municipalities to use the tools at their disposal to confirm that individuals meet all standards and by-laws. This includes implementing any limitations on zoning, location and nuisances, such as odour, that they feel are appropriate in their jurisdictions. Municipalities could, for example, require building permits and inspections of electrical work at personal production sites.Health Canada supports law enforcement representatives by providing a dedicated service 24 hours a day and seven days a week to confirm, when necessary, that specific individuals are authorized to possess or produce a limited amount of cannabis for medical purposes. The Cannabis Regulations authorize Health Canada to share information that is protected under the Privacy Act in the context of an active law enforcement investigation. In the context of an investigation, law enforcement also has the ability to enter residences and any production sites.The Cannabis Act requires that the Minister initiate a review of the Cannabis Act three years following the coming into force (i.e., by October 17, 2021), and that a report of the review’s findings be tabled before both Houses of Parliament within 18 months of the start of the review. The Government of Canada has also committed to actively monitoring and evaluating patients’ access to cannabis for medical purposes through the implementation of the Cannabis Act, and to undertake an evaluation of the existing medical access framework within five years (i.e., by October 17, 2023), as recommended by the expert Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation. These two exercises will be an opportunity to address some of the challenges associated with the cannabis for medical purposes program.Health Canada is committed to ongoing engagement with stakeholders on the administration and operation of the Cannabis Act. Departmental officials regularly engage with stakeholders on all aspects of the cannabis framework to advance public health and safety objectives.
CannabisCrop productionFederal-provincial-territorial relationsRegulation
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 5, 2021e-2961e-2961 (Human diseases)GiseleBaribeauDerekSloanHastings—Lennox and AddingtonIndependentONNovember 3, 2020, at 2:25 p.m. (EDT)February 1, 2021, at 2:25 p.m. (EDT)March 22, 2021May 5, 2021February 1, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The Government of Canada does not conduct independent safety testing of vaccines;COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers are being granted legal immunity and will not be legally or financially liable for injuries or deaths caused by their products;COVID-19 vaccine development is being rushed; Standard, prudent safety protocols, such as prior animal testing, are being waived;COVID-19 vaccines currently under development are not tested against an inert placebo and are utilizing never before implemented technology that injects manufactured genetic materials;Long-term adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccination may not be known for many years;No coronavirus vaccine has ever been approved because of serious adverse effects, including death to test animals, due to pathogenic priming;COVID-19 vaccines are not designed to prevent infection or transmission; andBypassing proper safety protocols means COVID-19 vaccination is effectively human experimentation.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to1- Preserve and protect our ethical, legal, and moral right to informed consent;2- Legally ensure COVID19 vaccines are voluntary. This choice must be without disadvantage or prejudice;3- Require that vaccine safety studies comply with standards equal to or exceeding other pharmaceutical products;4- Create an independent committee with a broad range of stakeholder representatives, including citizen vaccine safety advocates;5- Ensure no committee member has intellectual or financial conflicts of interest with the pharmaceutical or medical industry;6- Grant this committee the power to independently review applications for approval of all vaccines, including COVID-19; and7- Develop a vaccine injury compensation program whereby vaccine manufacturers are responsible for paying all costs related to the compensation for those injured or killed by their vaccines.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellThe Government of Canada recognizes that vaccination is an important and valuable public health measure to protect the health of Canadians. The goal of Canada’s pandemic response is to prevent serious illness and death while minimizing societal disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. While vaccines are not mandatory in Canada, safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines can help achieve this goal.Immunization allows individuals to protect themselves from vaccine-preventable diseases, and supports the greater good by protecting families, close contacts, communities and society as a whole. Decisions on the use of vaccines, reporting of vaccination status, and eligibility to receive publicly funded vaccinations are made at the provincial/territorial level. None of Canada’s provinces or territories currently have a policy of mandatory vaccination for any disease, nor has this approach ever been taken in Canada. Some provinces and territories require mandatory reporting of vaccinations for school entry, but this is to increase the ability of public health officials to respond during an outbreak. Vaccination is a personal choice and Canadians should feel empowered to make their own informed choices.All vaccines used in Canada are regulated by Health Canada and must meet rigorous standards for safety, efficacy and quality before their use is authorized. Health Canada regulates the drug approval process under the Food and Drugs Act (FDA) and its regulations, and all drugs, including biologic drugs (also known as biologics), are regulated based on rigorous standards of evidence.Health Canada regulates vaccines for human use in Canada by applying strict requirements, which are informed by science and are aligned with international standards. The review teams for drugs, including COVID-19 vaccines, are comprised of experienced regulatory and scientific experts that make recommendations based solely on scientific evidence. Health Canada reviewers are scientists and physicians with many years of experience reviewing vaccines, and with expertise in different domains including, but not limited to, clinical medicine, toxicology and pharmacology, biochemistry, virology, immunology, microbiology, and other scientific disciplines relevant to the development, testing and manufacture, and quality control of vaccines.For COVID-19 vaccines, the Interim Order Respecting the Importation, Sale and Advertising of Drugs for Use in Relation to COVID-19 introduced new regulatory mechanisms to expedite the authorization of COVID-19 drugs, including vaccines, while protecting the health and safety of Canadians. These mechanisms have enabled Health Canada to review and authorize COVID-19 vaccines as quickly as possible without compromising on safety, efficacy, and quality. Guidelines for COVID-19 vaccines were developed in alignment with international regulators and the World Health Organization (WHO). The guidelines call for the minimum standards of efficacy and safety, ensuring that the number of vaccine recipients and length of safety follow up are sufficient, and efficacy is demonstrated.Health Canada is working closely with domestic and international partners to anticipate and meet Canadians' health product needs. This involves discussing, collaborating, and leveraging resources on multiple issues, including vaccine safety. Notably, Health Canada is an active member of the International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities (ICMRA) and medicine regulators from Australia, Canada, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom (ACCESS) Consortiums. Health Canada upholds the WHO-ICMRA joint statement on the need for improved global regulatory alignment on COVID-19 medicines and vaccines, promoting the most rigorous, evidence-based regulatory practices by supporting the alignment of regulatory processes across all countries. The Department also follows the Access Consortium statement on COVID-19 vaccines evidence, which delineates the requirements for safety, efficacy, quality, and pharmacovigilance activities for COVID-19 vaccines.Regulatory authorization of a vaccine, including COVID-19 vaccines, requires a submission from a manufacturer that includes substantial evidence of safety and efficacy from several clinical trials, as well as evidence of manufacturing quality. The Department conducts an in-depth review of the required evidence for safety, efficacy, and quality of the vaccine before an approval is issued. Health Canada requires that clinical trial results be generated from properly designed protocols so that safety and efficacy of vaccines can be well demonstrated, such as whether the appropriate immune response to prevent a disease is elicited. The Department also requires manufacturing data demonstrating consistency and quality in production of the vaccine.To further support Health Canada’s efforts to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, the Interim Order provides the authority to impose terms and conditions on an authorization at any time, such as risk mitigation measures and additional assessments of safety, efficacy, and immunity information. This means that Health Canada can require further information from the manufacturer as well as require the submission of additional information to ensure that the benefits of the vaccine continue to outweigh the risks.Health Canada is committed to ensuring that regulatory decisions are independent, and based solely on science and evidence. As well, the Department is committed to openness and transparency in sharing information with Canadians. When an external advisory body is instituted to provide advice to the Department, Health Canada ensures that its members do not have direct interests related to the body’s work, and that relevant affiliations and interests are disclosed publicly to the extent possible.Specifically, the Health Canada Policy on External Advisory Bodies includes a chapter on affiliations and interests. Per this policy, a potential member must complete and submit the Affiliations and Interests Declaration Form within the period set out by the advisory body Secretariat before appointed to an advisory body. A potential member must use the form to disclose all affiliations and interests, including any direct financial interests and other affiliations and interests that relate to the mandate of the advisory body. These might include financial support received from a commercial enterprise, participation in an activity sponsored by a commercial enterprise, or published or publicly stated points of view related to the advisory body's mandate.As part of the Department’s continued commitment to openness and transparency, Health Canada publishes detailed information about the authorized COVID-19 vaccines on the Department’s COVID-19 Vaccines and Treatments Portal, including Canadian product monographs, and regulatory decision summaries, which provide a high-level summary of the evidence that was reviewed to support the authorization of the vaccine.As with all vaccines, Health Canada will continue to monitor the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines once they are on the market and will not hesitate to take action if any safety concerns are identified. Canada has a strong post-market safety surveillance system in place to detect any adverse events, even years after vaccination. Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) share the responsibility of monitoring the safety of vaccines in Canada. Vaccine marketing authorization holders are required to report serious adverse events following immunization to the Canada Vigilance Program in Health Canada. The Canada Vigilance Program also receives voluntary reports from healthcare professionals and consumers. Health Canada and PHAC also provide weekly updates on reported adverse events following immunization.Provincial and territorial public health authorities report Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFIs) from publicly-funded vaccine programs to the Canadian Adverse Events Following Immunization Surveillance System (CAEFISS) in PHAC to monitor the safety of immunization programs. Health providers are also required to follow local or provincial public health protocols and submit reports to the appropriate jurisdictional authority.Health Canada continues to monitor safety concerns of marketed vaccine products and update the product monograph, should new safety information emerge. The product monographs can be found in the Drug Product Database. For COVID-19 vaccines, this information can be found in the COVID-19 vaccines and treatments portal. Communication to the public about vaccine safety will continue to be a coordinated approach between all levels of government, healthcare professionals, and vaccine manufacturers.Vaccinations are administered by trained professionals who follow established protocols. Serious and permanent vaccine injuries are rare in Canada. However, as with any medical product, they can occur. On December 10, 2020, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the creation of a pan-Canadian no-fault Vaccine Injury Support Program (VISP). The VISP will ensure that people in Canada who support public health by being vaccinated have access to financial support should they experience a serious and permanent injury or death as a result of vaccination with a Health Canada authorized vaccine. Building on the model that has been in place in Quebec for over 30 years, this pan-Canadian program will ensure fair and equitable access to support for all individuals vaccinated in Canada. The VISP will strengthen immunization programming in Canada, and bring Canada in line with a growing number of countries who have similar programs in place. 
CompensationConsentCOVID-19Experimental methodsImmunizationPandemicReview panelsSafety testing
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 5, 2021432-00689432-00689 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 22, 2021May 5, 2021March 8, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 5, 2021432-00688432-00688 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 22, 2021May 5, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 5, 2021432-00687432-00687 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 22, 2021May 5, 2021October 13, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 5, 2021432-00686432-00686 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 22, 2021May 5, 2021March 10, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas Bill C-7 further removes safeguards from the current euthanasia regime, including the mandatory 10-day reflection period and the number of required witnesses, thereby allowing a person's euthanasia request to be accepted and carried out within the same day and without robust consultation; and; Whereas the removal of the second required independent witness reduces oversight of the procedure, thereby leaving vulnerable persons at risk of abuse; and; Whereas the Canadian Government has an obligation to protect its citizens, especially those who are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation; Therefore we, the undersigned, urge the House of Commons to: 1) Restore the 10-day reflection period for people whose deaths have been determined to be "reasonably foreseeable"; 2) Restore the original requirement that a person must give consent to the life-ending procedure immediately before it is performed; 3) Restore the original requirements for the signatures of two witnesses, who cannot provide personal care to the person seeking to end their life; 4) Require medical professionals to do everything possible to enable the person to access life-affirming services to relieve their suffering other than physician-assisted death; and, 5) Accommodate persons with communication disabilities by clarifying "refusal or resistance to administration" of physician-assisted death.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOn March 17, 2021, Bill C-7, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying), received Royal Assent. Bill C-7 responds to the Superior Court of Québec’s September 2019 Truchon decision, which struck down the eligibility criterion of “reasonably foreseeable natural death” from the Criminal Code medical assistance in dying regime.  Our Government believes that those who are experiencing enduring and intolerable suffering from their medical condition – including those who are not approaching the end of life – should be allowed to decide for themselves when they wish to end their life, and that medical and nurse practitioners who are willing to help them have a peaceful and painless death should not be criminally culpable for doing so.As the Truchon decision applies only in Québec, Bill C-7 amended the Criminal Code to ensure consistency of the MAID law across the country. The reasonably foreseeable natural death criterion no longer applies as an eligibility criterion that could exclude persons from obtaining MAID, but is instead used to determine which of two different sets of safeguards applies to a particular MAID request.The first set of safeguards applies to persons whose natural death is reasonably foreseeable, where risks are reduced given the overall proximity of death and the fact that their suffering is most likely linked to the dying process itself. The removal of the requirement of a second independent witness and the repeal of the 10-day reflection period responds to the concerns raised by patients and their families, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders that these safeguards pose an access barrier to MAID, do not provide protection to vulnerable persons, and unnecessarily prolong patient suffering.For this group of persons, a waiver of the requirement for consent to be given immediately before MAID is provided is also possible following the Bill C-7 amendments. This change ensures that persons do not choose to have MAID earlier than they would like out of fear of losing their capacity to consent on their preferred day. If a person retains decision-making capacity on their preferred day, they must give consent in whatever manner of communication they are able. If they do not have decision-making capacity, the legislation clarifies that the procedure must not go forward if the person demonstrates refusal or resistance to the administration of MAID by words, gestures or sounds.The second set of safeguards reflects the more serious consequences of error for persons who request MAID and whose death is not reasonably foreseeable. It recognizes the diverse sources of suffering and vulnerability that could potentially lead a person whose death is not reasonably foreseeable to request MAID. The new safeguards for this group include all of the safeguards that apply to the first group, along with new and enhanced safeguards, to ensure that a request by a person whose death is not reasonably foreseeable is fully informed and considered, and that patients have been informed about and have seriously considered all reasonable and available treatment options and social services.The amendments in Bill C-7 were informed by consultations held at the beginning of 2020 with Canadians, the provinces and territories, Indigenous groups, key stakeholders, experts, and practitioners. The Bill protects vulnerable individuals and the equality rights of all Canadians, while supporting the autonomy of eligible persons to seek MAID.
Application processCapacity of consent for careHealth care systemMedical assistance in dyingOversight mechanismPersons with disabilities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 5, 2021432-00685432-00685 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 22, 2021May 5, 2021March 8, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWhereas, the House of Commons passed a motion in June of 2018 to immediately list Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization;Whereas, in response to the storming of Capitol Hill in January 2021, the Liberal government listed 'Proud Boys' as a terrorist organization within less than a month, thus demonstrating that listing a group as a terrorist organization can be done quickly and efficiently;Whereas, nearly 3 years have passed since the motion calling for the listing of the IRGC was passed in the House of Commons, and no action has been taken by the government.Therefore we, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call on the House of Commons to:1. Immediately list Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization; and2. Explain why there has been a 3-year delay.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency PreparednessSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Joël Lightbound, M.PIn Canada our public safety and national security officials use a full suite of measures to protect our country and to keep Canadians safe from any threat, including the threat posed by terrorism and religiously or ideologically motivated violent extremism. These measures can include additions to the Criminal Code list of terrorist entities which are the result of an expert process and a determination based on evidence, intelligence and the law.In order for an entity to be added to the list, explicit criteria must be met. An entity may be added if there are reasonable grounds to believe that it has knowingly carried out, participated in, or facilitated a terrorist activity, or has knowingly acted on behalf of, at the direction of, or in association with a terrorist entity. We continuously review the criminal legislation that allows for the listing of certain organizations. Furthermore, our national security and law enforcement agencies are actively engaged in monitoring the activities of these groups, and gathering the evidence required to support a determination of listing as a Terrorist Organization. Terrorist designations are not political exercises.With respect to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Canada continues to have in place a series of strong measures to hold both it and Iran accountable.Canada continues to list the IRGC-Qods Force as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code, which is Iran’s primary mechanism for cultivating and supporting terrorist groups abroad.The Government also continues to list a number of other terrorist entities that have benefited from the Qods Force’s patronage and who help advance Iran’s interests and foreign policy. These include Hizballah, Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Taliban. These designations impose significant consequences.In June 2019, Canada added three new Iran-backed groups to the Criminal Code list of terrorist entities: al-Ashtar Brigades, Harakat al-Sabireen and the Fatemiyoun Division. Iran provides these three groups with substantial resources, including training and weapons to carry out terrorist acts that advance its goals in the region.Additionally, Canada lists Iran as a state supporter of terrorism under the State Immunity Act (SIA) and has implemented restrictive measures against entities and individuals within the IRGC which have a similar effect to a listing.The Government continues to impose sanctions on Iran and the IRGC targeting all four of its branches as well as members of its senior leadership under the Special Economic Measures Act in response to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Individuals and entities listed under the Special Economic Measures Act are prohibited from any dealings with Canadians, which effectively freezes their assets in Canada. Canada’s sanctions measures on Iran also consist of an arms embargo and prohibitions on the export, sale, and supply of specified goods, as well as technical assistance in relation to these goods.In February 2020, Canada placed 13 new groups on the Criminal Code list of terrorist entities, including four ideologically motivated violent extremist groups: the Proud Boys, Atomwaffen Division, the Base and Russian Imperial Movement. In addition, Canada has also listed:
  • three Al Qaida affiliates: Jama’at Nusrat Al-Islam Wal-Muslimin, Front de Libération du Macina, and Ansar Dine;
  • five Daesh affiliates: Islamic State West Africa Province, Islamic State in the Greater Sahara, Islamic State in Libya, Islamic State East Asia, and Islamic State – Bangladesh;
  • one international terror group: Hizbul Mujahideen.
Canadians can be confident in the work performed by our security agencies, who are alert to evolving threats and will not hesitate to take necessary action.
Army of the Guardians of the Islamic RevolutionIranTerrorist entities watch lists
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 5, 2021432-00684432-00684 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 22, 2021May 5, 2021June 7, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 5, 2021e-3009e-3009 (Indigenous affairs)ErnestBetsinaMichaelMcLeodNorthwest TerritoriesLiberalNTDecember 7, 2020, at 4:29 p.m. (EDT)March 7, 2021, at 4:29 p.m. (EDT)March 22, 2021May 5, 2021March 8, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Canada permitted Giant Mine to operate within the traditional territory of the Yellowknives Dene, in an area it knew was of critical importance to their way of life;Giant Mine’s operations caused ongoing social, environmental, and economic harm and displacement to the Yellowknives Dene;Even after remediation, 237,000 tonnes of arsenic trioxide dust will remain stored at the mine site in perpetuity; andCanada has not made any arrangements with the Yellowknives Dene to ensure they are able to participate in the remediation and conduct long-term monitoring at the former mine site.We, the undersigned, Yellowknives Dene First Nation, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Acknowledge and apologize for Canada’s role in permitting Giant Mine, and the resulting harm to the lands and people of the Yellowknives Dene;2. Compensate the Yellowknives Dene for the lands and resources taken without their consent, and the harm caused to their lands and people;3. Ensure the Yellowknives Dene, as the people who suffered most from the toxic legacy of Giant Mine, can fully participate in the clean-up of the lands and long-term care of the lands by :(a) Creating a set-aside contract arrangement for the Yellowknives Dene to provide services to the Giant Mine Remediation Project, similar to arrangements with the Mi’kmaq related to the clean-up of the Sydney Tar Ponds; and(b) Supporting the Yellowknives Dene to develop the skills necessary to work on these remediation contracts and to conduct long-term monitoring at the former mine site.
Response by the Minister of Northern Affairs Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): YVONNE JONESThe Government of Canada, and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC), recognizes the importance of the Giant Mine site to the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, and the impact that it has had on its community. Righting historical wrongs and working collaboratively to renew the Government’s relationship with First Nations is key to advancing reconciliation in Canada. CIRNAC is committed to moving forward in collaboration with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation.CIRNAC is working in collaboration with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation to address the request for an apology in relation to Giant Mine. To date, the Department has provided funding to the Yellowknives Dene First Nation in excess of $300,000 in order to conduct historical research in relation to Giant Mine. A memorandum of understanding between the Department and the Yellowknives Dene First Nation is currently in development.CIRNAC is also committed to seeking a resolution to the Yellowknives Dene First Nation’s request for compensation in relation to Giant Mine, the Department is working in collaboration with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation in order to identify the process and resolution to this request.To date, the Yellowknives Dene First Nation have been awarded $45.8 million in contracts for the Giant Mine remediation. CIRNAC is working with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation on a draft Community Benefits Agreement which builds on this success and reflects the commitment of the Government to enable the Yellowknives Dene First Nation to continue to benefit from the socio-economic opportunities as a result of this project. Set asides under the Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Businesses have been used by CIRNAC, in collaboration with Public Services and Procurement Canada, to maximize contracting opportunities for Indigenous businesses. From December 2017 to November 2020, the Giant Mine Remediation Project Main Construction Manager has set aside approximately $15.8 million under the Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Businesses.CIRNAC is committed to supporting the Yellowknives Dene First Nation’s ongoing participation in the Giant Mine Remediation Project through training and capacity building initiatives. In fiscal year 2020-2021, CIRNAC provided the Yellowknives Dene First Nation with $867,183 to participate in all aspects of the projects, including training activities through the Dechita Naowo. The Department is also currently in discussions with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation to establish a five year rolling training plan which will start in fiscal year 2021-2022 and continue for the duration of the implementation of the Giant Mine Remediation Project. In addition, CIRNAC continues to offer ongoing funding to support the implementation of a Yellowknives Dene First Nation Community Based Monitoring Program. 
Contaminated sitesEnvironmental clean-upGiant MineGovernment compensationIndigenous peoplesOfficial apologyYellowknives Dene First Nation (N'dilo)
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 5, 2021e-3178e-3178 (Natural resources and energy)LatashaCalf RobeHeatherMcPhersonEdmonton StrathconaNDPABFebruary 11, 2021, at 7:39 p.m. (EDT)March 13, 2021, at 7:39 p.m. (EDT)March 22, 2021May 5, 2021March 16, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="253376" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Environment and Climate Change</Addressee>Whereas:It is Canada’s duty to ensure that resource exploration and development proposals meet the highest standards of consultation and involvement with Indigenous peoples in accordance with section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the TRC 94 Calls to Action;Alberta failed its duty to consult under section 35 by rescinding the 1976 Alberta Coal Policy (the “Policy”) on June 1, 2020, without consulting First Nations on land use decisions;While Alberta’s Minister of Energy reinstated the Policy on February 8, 2021, numerous coal exploration leases remain active;Coal exploration and development on land formerly protected under the Policy threatens the environment, species at risk, water quality and infringes upon Aboriginal and Treaty rights of First Nations from Treaties 6, 7 & 8;The Impact Assessment process for the Grassy Mountain Coal Project (“Grassy”) does not take into consideration the cumulative impacts of new coal exploration activity and mine proposals in the region; andThe Joint Review Panel of the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the “Agency”) will submit their report regarding Grassy to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change in June 2021.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to: 1. Instruct the Agency to conduct a Regional Assessment of the impacts of all proposed coal developments and exploratory activity in Southwest Alberta on Treaty and Aboriginal rights, water quality, species at risk and the environment; and2. Delay a decision regarding Grassy until the cumulative impacts of all mining activity in the region have been adequately considered.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSONThe proposed Grassy Mountain Coal Project (the Project) is currently undergoing a rigorous environmental assessment (EA) by an independent Joint Review Panel (the Panel), which was established between the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and the Alberta Energy Regulator in 2018. The EA is ensuring a thorough and transparent review of the Project based on science and traditional knowledge, meeting the high standards that Canadians have come to expect of a federal EA.As part of its review, the Panel is required to consider the potential direct and cumulative environmental effects of the Project including effects on water quality and quantity, and socio-economic interests. The cumulative effects assessment considers the predicted effects of the Project in combination with the potential effects from projects that have been or will be carried out as of the issuance of the Joint Review Panel’s Terms of Reference.The Panel is also considering the potential effects of the Project on the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes, intangible cultural and spiritual values, physical and cultural heritage, and potential impacts to rights of Indigenous peoples. On behalf of the federal government, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada is actively leading consultations on the Project with potentially affected Indigenous groups. The Government will ensure that this consultation informs the decision-making process before determining whether the Project can proceed.A public hearing for the Project began on October 27, 2020, and concluded on December 2, 2020. The public hearing provided an opportunity for the Panel to hear directly from numerous interested parties and Indigenous groups, which will help inform the EA.On January 15, 2021, the Panel closed the record of the review. The Panel is now preparing to submit its report to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change by June 18, 2021. The report will contain the Panel’s conclusions and recommendations regarding the Project. After taking into consideration the Panel’s report, the Minister will determine whether the Project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. Should the Minister decide that the Project is likely to cause significant adverse effects, a decision regarding whether those effects can be justified in the circumstances will be required by the Governor in Council.The Government is committed to a federal assessment process that is robust, based on science and Indigenous knowledge, protects our rich natural environment, respects the rights of Indigenous peoples, and supports our natural resources sector. Any future coal development projects proposed in the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains that meet the thresholds described in the Physical Activities Regulations will be subject to an impact assessment under the Impact Assessment Act (IAA). Any projects allowed to proceed would continue to be subject to all applicable provincial and federal regulations. Coal mining projects not subject to the IAA may still require assessment under provincial legislation.The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada is considering the petition a formal request for a regional assessment under subsection 97(1) of the IAA, and has commenced a review and analysis of it to inform the decision on whether or not to conduct such a regional assessment. The information contained in this petition as well as other information gathered by the Agency in its engagement on the request will be considered in making a decision on the merits of carrying out a regional assessment by June 18, 2021.  
CoalGrassy Mountain Coal ProjectMining industryRegional and strategic assessments
43rd Parliament229Not certifiedMay 4, 2021e-3207e-3207 (Foreign affairs)LILLIANENAMUKASAJohnBrassardBarrie—InnisfilConservativeONMarch 5, 2021, at 2:41 p.m. (EDT)May 4, 2021, at 2:41 p.m. (EDT)May 4, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="271244" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Foreign Affairs</Addressee>Whereas:General elections were held in Uganda on January 14, 2021, to elect the President and the Parliament;Incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled the country since 1986, won his sixth term amid election violence and allegations of fraud;Since the election, abductions, kidnappings and killings have taken place;There is extensive evidence of election tampering and pre-marked ballots for General Museveni and coercion of voters;There has been a lack of voter privacy and illegal casting of votes before voters arrived at polling stations;There has been a shutdown of all communications, including social media prior to the election;The arrest of campaign staff, candidates and supporters has taken place;Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, known as Bobi Wine and the leader of the People Power, Our Power and Opposition Leader to President Museveni, has been assaulted, attacked, hit by tear gas and hospitalized because of his injuries; andThe military occupied Mr. Kyagulanyi's home from January 15 to 26, 2021.We, the undersigned, concerned citizens of Canada, call upon the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Government of Canada to: 1. Action and condemn the Military Government of Uganda;2. Support the call for new elections to be held under international supervision as soon as possible; and3. Use all the tools it has available to hold the worst human rights offenders in Uganda accountable for their actions, including, but not limited to, Magnitsky Act sanctions, to punish those involved in the acts of violence.Civil and human rightsForeign policyUganda43rd Parliament229Not certifiedMay 3, 2021e-3309e-3309 (Government services and administration)PatriciaBerardGabrielSte-MarieJolietteBloc QuébécoisQCMarch 31, 2021, at 10:09 a.m. (EDT)April 30, 2021, at 10:09 a.m. (EDT)May 3, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons in Parliament assembled</Addressee>Whereas:Canada Post plans to close the post office in the municipality of Lourdes-de-Joliette, Quebec, in mid-May 2021.We, the undersigned, residents of the municipality of Lourdes-de-Joliette, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to prevent the closure of this service, which is essential to a municipality’s vitality, by applying pressure to Canada Post.Canada Post CorporationClosure of government operations and facilitiesPost offices and outlets43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 28, 2021e-2448e-2448 (Foreign affairs)TurenneJosephMarioBeaulieuLa Pointe-de-l'ÎleBloc QuébécoisQCFebruary 28, 2020, at 1:27 p.m. (EDT)March 29, 2020, at 1:27 p.m. (EDT)March 22, 2021April 28, 2021April 2, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:On January 9, 2020, Radio-Canada’s flagship news program, “Enquête,” reported on the “Ottawa Initiative on Haiti,” held at the Meech Lake government complex on January 31 and February 1, 2003;No Haitian official was apparently invited to the private meeting. Officials from the United States, France, Canada and the Organization of American States in attendance allegedly discussed replacing Haiti’s elected government, having the UN intervene and re-establishing the Haitian army, which corresponds to the events that unfolded 13 months later;“Enquête” suggested that the “Ottawa Initiative on Haiti” led to the creation of the “Core Group,” an alliance of foreign ambassadors in Port-au-Prince that many Haitians believe to be the real power behind President Jovenel Moïse; andTen years after the earthquake, accountability is needed regarding the allegations of misuse of relief funds during the period that Haiti is said to have been effectively ruled by the “Core Group” that allegedly brought to power the governments of Martelly and Moïse, who have been accused of corruption and repression.We, the undersigned, Citizens and residents of Quebec and Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:1. Publish all documents relating to the “Ottawa Initiative on Haiti”; and2. Hold a hearing of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development to learn everything there is to know about the “Ottawa Initiative on Haiti,” including its link to the “Core Group.”
Response by the Minister of International Development Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Karina GouldGlobal Affairs Canada has a standardized process to receive and review formal requests made under the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act which can be found on the following website: https://www.international.gc.ca/gac-amc/publications/atip-aiprp/index.aspx?lang=eng. The website provides specific information on submitting an online or by mail request.Canadian parliamentarians enjoy the right to freedom of speech and expression within Canada. Parliament is an independent institution and the Government of Canada is not involved in parliamentary matters, including recommendations for topics of studies for standing or special committees.
Access to informationForeign policyHaiti
43rd Parliament229Not certifiedApril 28, 2021e-3035e-3035 (Foreign affairs)IfrahIsmailLindsayMathyssenLondon—FanshaweNDPONDecember 29, 2020, at 10:27 a.m. (EDT)April 28, 2021, at 10:27 a.m. (EDT)April 28, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:Canada's obligated to confront the violation of international human rights in China against the Uyghur Muslims and minorities;Canada’s international human rights imply that “advocating on behalf of persecuted religious and belief communities under threat’’...‘‘is an important part of Canada’s constructive engagement in the world’’;The UN general assembly released a statement calling the Chinese detention centers “Internment camps” distinctly similar to the Nazi concentration camps;Canada needs to acknowledge the Chinese government forced displacement of the Uyghur Muslims in internment camps;Over one million Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and predominantly Muslim minorities are being held in these camps facing methods of torture that include, but are not limited to, beatings, rape, sterilization, electrocution, organ harvesting, and subjugation to medical experiments;The UN secretary-general reports on sexual violence as being a brutal crime, with some UN officials going on to state it as a war crime; andQulbinur Sedik, a Han Chinese teacher sent to the Uyghur internment camps to teach, had undergone and seen the atrocities that the women in these detention centers faced, such as forced IUDs, sterilization, genital examinations, and consistent gang rapes from officers.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to ensure that the human rights of Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and predominantly Muslim minorities are protected by pursuing a resolution subsequently advocating for the human rights of these minorities, and the gathering of realistic data reports on the human rights situation in Xinjiang, China.ChinaCivil and human rightsForeign policyReligious minorities43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 26, 2021432-00680432-00680 (Health)PaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCMarch 12, 2021April 26, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament AssembledWHEREAS:
  • The majority of COVID-19 communications and mandates by health officials include social distancing, masking, hand sanitizing, contact tracing, and vaccination;
  • Natural, time-tested immune system essentials and holistic health practices have received less attention for their role in preventive healthcare;
  • A holistic and complementary approach to health would be more affordable for taxpayers than treating disease;
  • Many Canadians already invest in natural immunity, proactive self-care and prevention strategies;
  • Eating fresh vegetables, exercising, managing stress, drinking water, walking in fresh air/sunshine and getting adequate sleep are simple and cost-effective measures to improve immune function and overall wellness;
  • Vitamin D has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms associated with COVID-19;
  • Many Canadians are deficient in Vitamin D during winter months and yet are isolating for safety in their homes without supplementing;
  • Other vitamins and nutrients essential for optimal immunity and overall health include Vitamin C, Zinc, Selenium and plant extracts, and show promising results for COVID-19 prevention;
  • Greater attention and education on natural health solutions would help optimize Canadians' immune systems, increasing quality of life and productivity;
THEREFORE, we the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada respectfully request that the Government of Canada: 1) Educate and empower Canadians on holistic approaches to optimize and maintain their natural immunity and wellbeing. 2) Cover practices for health sustainability and wellness care under the Canada Health Act, including chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, and meopathic and naturopathic medicines. 3) Support, promote, and enhance Canadians' access to holistic health services and natural products. 4) Include immune-strengthening measures and practices in COVID-19 prevention messaging.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellThe Government of Canada is responsible for establishing and administering legislation and regulations for natural health products. Health Canada recognizes that, for many Canadians, natural health products are an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including helping to maintain and support immune function.Since 2004, natural health products in Canada have been regulated under the Natural Health Products Regulations (NHPR) to help provide Canadians access to a wide range of natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality. The NHPR were created to differentiate natural health products from prescription and non-prescription drugs, which are regulated under the Food and Drug Regulations.Natural health products are generally low-risk products (such as vitamin and mineral supplements and herbal products), meant to be used by individuals for minor, non-serious conditions. However, low-risk does not mean no risk. That is why Health Canada reviews the safety, efficacy and quality of natural health products prior to their entry on the Canadian market, in accordance with the NHPR. Health Canada has not received an application for a product containing Vitamin D with claims to reduce symptoms associated with COVID-19. Claims related to prevention of COVID-19 infection or symptomatic treatment of COVID-19 are considered higher risk and would require a high degree of supporting scientific evidence prior to approval for this use.The Department is committed to making sure that Canadians have the information they need to make informed choices. For this reason, Health Canada has been focusing on improving the labelling of natural health products so that these labels are easier for consumers to read, supporting them in selecting and safely using these products. These changes are not expected to impact the availability of natural health products for consumers. For more information on Health Canada’s regulation of natural health products, please visit our website.Although the federal government plays a crucial role in supporting health care by providing funding to the provinces and territories, the provincial and territorial governments have primary jurisdiction in the administration and delivery of health care services. This includes determining which services to cover under their respective health care insurance plans. Under the Canada Health Act, a province or territory must provide coverage for medically necessary hospital and physician services (i.e., insured health services, including access to holistic health services) to their eligible residents. Wellness care and practices aimed at sustaining health, including chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, and homeopathic and naturopathic medicines, are part of a range of additional services and benefits, which are outside the scope of the Act, and may be provided at provincial and territorial discretion, on their own terms and conditions. 
COVID-19Natural health productsPandemicPublic health
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 26, 2021432-00679432-00679 (Foreign affairs)Hon.EdFastAbbotsfordConservativeBCMarch 12, 2021April 26, 2021December 18, 2020PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law), sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption;
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of "Truth, Compassion and Tolerance," including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, Qiang Wei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang.We also call upon the Government of Canada to refuse immigration/visitor visa to those who persecuted Falun Gong practitioners in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.To ensure the protection of all human rights, including freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), Canada addresses rights comprehensively through the Office of Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion (OHRFI), encouraging a climate of inclusion and respect for diversity to advance the rights of those too often marginalized in society. To this end, the OHRFI regularly engages with a diverse range of diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligation.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoAs part of the immigration application process, all visa applications are carefully assessed for eligibility and admissibility under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. For example, a foreign national may be inadmissible to Canada if they have engaged in criminality or human or international rights violations (including being subject to sanctions), or are a family member of an inadmissible person. In 2017, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law) came into force. It added two new inadmissibility provisions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act concerning sanctioned government officials or individuals acting on behalf of a foreign state who are responsible for corruption, extrajudicial killings, torture or other gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. A foreign national listed in an order or regulation made by the Governor in Council under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act would be inadmissible.If an applicant is determined to be inadmissible on any ground, they may be refused a visa, electronic travel authorization or entry to Canada. Inadmissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by Immigration Officers and are based on evidence, which may consist of police or intelligence reports, statutory declarations or other documents—such as media articles, scholarly journals or publicly-available information.In addition, if a foreign national who is at the border, or is in Canada, is found to be inadmissible, they may be denied entry or ordered to leave Canada. The Canada Border Services Agency is responsible for immigration enforcement at the border and in Canada.For privacy reasons, individual cases cannot be discussed.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 26, 2021e-3054e-3054 (Economy and finance)ScarletOsbornePatrickWeilerWest Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky CountryLiberalBCDecember 21, 2020, at 9:20 a.m. (EDT)January 20, 2021, at 9:20 a.m. (EDT)March 12, 2021April 26, 2021January 26, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:COVID-19 resulted in a crisis in the hospitality sector;During the period post-closure, impact on revenue remained due to the 50% capacity limit;Operating costs have spiked due to increased safety protocols;CEWS, CEBA, and CERS have played a crucial role in saving jobs; andThe second wave of COVID-19 is causing an even further reduction in revenue.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. support new hospitality businesses that are excluded from CEWS, CEBA and CERS due to having no revenue in 2019 or in January or February 2020, including (i) any business that opened on March 1 or later, and was forced to close or reduce operations immediately, (ii) any business that was ready to open after March 15, but was prevented from doing so due to regional or provincial orders;2. adjust the eligibility for CEWS and CERS on an industry-specific level for businesses to include those who can demonstrate their non-reversable commitment to the project through both of the long-term lease (over five years) with no termination clause (or P&S agreement for the acquisition of a commercial property) executed prior to March 15, 2020, and the total capital investment or reinvestment in excess of $100,000 made prior to June 30, 2020; and3. implement an alternate method for the calculation of CEWS and CERS rates for these new businesses, set to mirror average subsidy rates industry-wide, as opposed to being relative to previous years' revenue (i.e. provide the same level of support as to other restaurants).
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe government has introduced numerous measures to support Canadians and Canadian businesses, non-profits and charities that face economic uncertainty and challenges because of the pandemic. These include, among others,  the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy, and the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA).The wage subsidy and the rent subsidy are broad-based, legislated programs and as such, require straightforward, objective rules that can accommodate businesses and organizations of all sizes and sectors, while still maintaining the integrity of the programs. The current revenue-decline test allows comparisons between an organization’s pre-COVID-19 revenues and its revenues during the pandemic, helping estimate the impact of the pandemic on its revenue. Similarly, CEBA is also a broad-based program, and the requirement that businesses must be in operation in Canada on March 1, 2020 helps to ensure verification and loan approval process, while maintaining the integrity of the program.The government has additionally taken steps to help businesses that have been highly impacted by the pandemic, but may not be able to access certain support programs. Through the regional development agencies and the Community Futures Network of Canada, the $2 billion Regional Relief and Recovery Fund provides loans to eligible businesses that are unable to access emergency liquidity programs, such as the wage subsidy, rent subsidy, and CEBA. New businesses currently unable to access emergency liquidity programs may be eligible for other Government of Canada lending programs that support entrepreneurs, including the Canada Small Business Financing Program and financing available through the Business Development Bank of Canada.The federal government continues to actively assess its support measures to ensure workers and businesses have the support they need. We will continue to be there for Canadians and businesses – as we have been since the start of the pandemic.
Canada Emergency Rent SubsidyCanada Emergency Wage SubsidyCOVID-19PandemicSmall and medium-sized enterprisesTourism
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 26, 2021432-00677432-00677 (Foreign affairs)Hon.JohnMcKayScarborough—GuildwoodLiberalONMarch 12, 2021April 26, 2021January 28, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law), sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption;
  • The Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act, criminalizes genocide, crimes against humanity, and a variety of war crimes even for acts committed abroad;
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of “Truth, Compassion and Tolerance," including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade;
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, QiangWei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang.We, also call upon the Government of Canada to refuse immigration/visitor visa to those who persecuted Falun Gong practitioners in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.To ensure the protection of all human rights, including freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), Canada addresses rights comprehensively through the Office of Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion (OHRFI), encouraging a climate of inclusion and respect for diversity to advance the rights of those too often marginalized in society. To this end, the OHRFI regularly engages with a diverse range of diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligation.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoAs part of the immigration application process, all visa applications are carefully assessed for eligibility and admissibility under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. For example, a foreign national may be inadmissible to Canada if they have engaged in criminality or human or international rights violations (including being subject to sanctions), or are a family member of an inadmissible person.In 2017, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law) came into force. It added two new inadmissibility provisions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act concerning sanctioned government officials or individuals acting on behalf of a foreign state who are responsible for corruption, extrajudicial killings, torture or other gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. A foreign national listed in an order or regulation made by the Governor in Council under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act would be inadmissible.If an applicant is determined to be inadmissible on any ground, they may be refused a visa, electronic travel authorization or entry to Canada. Inadmissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by Immigration Officers and are based on evidence, which may consist of police or intelligence reports, statutory declarations or other documents—such as media articles, scholarly journals or publicly-available information.In addition, if a foreign national who is at the border, or is in Canada, is found to be inadmissible, they may be denied entry or ordered to leave Canada. The Canada Border Services Agency is responsible for immigration enforcement at the border and in Canada.For privacy reasons, individual cases cannot be discussed.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 26, 2021432-00676432-00676 (Foreign affairs)Hon.JohnMcKayScarborough—GuildwoodLiberalONMarch 12, 2021April 26, 2021January 27, 2021Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament AssembledWHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law), sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption;
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of "Truth, Compassion and Tolerance," including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, Qiang Wei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.To ensure the protection of all human rights, including freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), Canada addresses rights comprehensively through the Office of Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion (OHRFI), encouraging a climate of inclusion and respect for diversity to advance the rights of those too often marginalized in society. To this end, the OHRFI regularly engages with a diverse range of diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligation.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 26, 2021432-00675432-00675 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 12, 2021April 26, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 26, 2021432-00674432-00674 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 12, 2021April 26, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 26, 2021432-00673432-00673 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 12, 2021April 26, 2021June 7, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 26, 2021432-00672432-00672 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 12, 2021April 26, 2021December 18, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas Bill C-7 further removes safeguards from the current euthanasia regime, including the mandatory 10-day reflection period and the number of required witnesses, thereby allowing a person's euthanasia request to be accepted and carried out within the same day and without robust consultation; and; Whereas the removal of the second required independent witness reduces oversight of the procedure, thereby leaving vulnerable persons at risk of abuse; and; Whereas the Canadian Government has an obligation to protect its citizens, especially those who are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation; Therefore we, the undersigned, urge the House of Commons to: 1) Restore the 10-day reflection period for people whose deaths have been determined to be "reasonably foreseeable"; 2) Restore the original requirement that a person must give consent to the life-ending procedure immediately before it is performed; 3) Restore the original requirements for the signatures of two witnesses, who cannot provide personal care to the person seeking to end their life; 4) Require medical professionals to do everything possible to enable the person to access life-affirming services to relieve their suffering other than physician-assisted death; and, 5) Accommodate persons with communication disabilities by clarifying "refusal or resistance to administration" of physician-assisted death.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOn March 17, 2021, Bill C-7, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying), received Royal Assent. Bill C-7 responds to the Superior Court of Québec’s September 2019 Truchon decision, which struck down the eligibility criterion of “reasonably foreseeable natural death” from the Criminal Code medical assistance in dying regime.  Our Government believes that those who are experiencing enduring and intolerable suffering from their medical condition – including those who are not approaching the end of life – should be allowed to decide for themselves when they wish to end their life, and that medical and nurse practitioners who are willing to help them have a peaceful and painless death should not be criminally culpable for doing so.As the Truchon decision applies only in Québec, Bill C-7 amended the Criminal Code to ensure consistency of the MAID law across the country. The reasonably foreseeable natural death criterion no longer applies as an eligibility criterion that could exclude persons from obtaining MAID, but is instead used to determine which of two different sets of safeguards applies to a particular MAID request.The first set of safeguards applies to persons whose natural death is reasonably foreseeable, where risks are reduced given the overall proximity of death and the fact that their suffering is most likely linked to the dying process itself. The removal of the requirement of a second independent witness and the repeal of the 10-day reflection period responds to the concerns raised by patients and their families, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders that these safeguards pose an access barrier to MAID, do not provide protection to vulnerable persons, and unnecessarily prolong patient suffering.For this group of persons, a waiver of the requirement for consent to be given immediately before MAID is provided is also possible following the Bill C-7 amendments. This change ensures that persons do not choose to have MAID earlier than they would like out of fear of losing their capacity to consent on their preferred day. If a person retains decision-making capacity on their preferred day, they must give consent in whatever manner of communication they are able. If they do not have decision-making capacity, the legislation clarifies that the procedure must not go forward if the person demonstrates refusal or resistance to the administration of MAID by words, gestures or sounds.The second set of safeguards reflects the more serious consequences of error for persons who request MAID and whose death is not reasonably foreseeable. It recognizes the diverse sources of suffering and vulnerability that could potentially lead a person whose death is not reasonably foreseeable to request MAID. The new safeguards for this group include all of the safeguards that apply to the first group, along with new and enhanced safeguards, to ensure that a request by a person whose death is not reasonably foreseeable is fully informed and considered, and that patients have been informed about and have seriously considered all reasonable and available treatment options and social services.The amendments in Bill C-7 were informed by consultations held at the beginning of 2020 with Canadians, the provinces and territories, Indigenous groups, key stakeholders, experts, and practitioners. The Bill protects vulnerable individuals and the equality rights of all Canadians, while supporting the autonomy of eligible persons to seek MAID.
Application processCapacity of consent for careHealth care systemMedical assistance in dyingOversight mechanismPersons with disabilities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 26, 2021432-00671432-00671 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 12, 2021April 26, 2021November 16, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 26, 2021e-2928e-2928 (Education and training)PattyFacyDanielBlaikieElmwood—TransconaNDPMBNovember 3, 2020, at 2:27 p.m. (EDT)February 1, 2021, at 2:27 p.m. (EDT)March 12, 2021April 26, 2021February 1, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The Canadian Government introduced a freeze on federal student loan payments and interest from March 30 toSeptember 30 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic;This payment freeze overlapped with the pre-existing six-month non-repayment period ofApril 30 to October 30 for Spring 2020 graduates, offering no additional benefit to postsecondary students graduating during the pandemic;More than one in three postsecondary students had a work placement cancelled or delayed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic (Reynolds, 2020);The unemployment rate for youth in Canada rose from 10.3% in February 2020 to a historical high of 29.4% in May 2020 (Frenette et al., 2020);This year’s class of high school and post-secondary degree graduates are projected to lose $25,000 or more over the next five years as a result of the impact of COVID-19 on the Canadian economy (Frenette et al., 2020);More than half of postsecondary students graduated this year with an average of $28,000 in student loan debt (McKenzie-Sutter, 2020);We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to extend the federal student loan non-repayment period for students graduating in 2020 by an additional six months, so that students graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic may benefit from the same six-month freeze on federal student loans and interest offered to other Canadian student loan borrowers earlier this year.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability InclusionSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Government of Canada recognizes the challenges students face in accessing post-secondary education and is committed to ensuring that post-secondary education remains affordable and student debt manageable. The Government also recognizes that challenges have been compounded and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.The Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) provides needs-based and targeted Canada Student Grants (CSG) and Canada Student Loans (CSL) to help students’ access post-secondary education, and offers the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty.Over the last year, in recognition that post-secondary students and their families may be facing financial hardship during the pandemic, the Government of Canada brought forward a number of enhancements to the CSLP. First, from March 30, 2020 to September 30, 2020, no interest was charged on CSLs and Canada Apprentice Loans (CAL), and no payments were required. This relief measure was automatically applied and benefited approximately 1.1 million students in repayment. The Government has also taken steps to ensure that borrowers who continue to face financial challenges following the end of the repayment freeze are aware that if they apply for RAP, no payments would be required if they are making less than $25,000 per year.Furthermore, the Government introduced:
  • The Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB), which provided financial support from May to August 2020 to students and recent graduates who were unable to work or could not find work due to COVID-19, or were working but did not expect to make more than $1,000 (before taxes) over the four-week period for which they were applying. Eligible students received $1,250 per month, and students with dependants or a disability received an additional $750 per month, for a total of $2,000 per month. More than 700,000 students received close to $3 billion in financial support through the CESB.
  • Increased grants and loans supports for the 2020-2021 school year, so that students facing financial difficulties could access and afford post-secondary education. The value of CSGs was doubled for all eligible full-time students (up to $6,000 per year), and part-time students (up to $3,600 per year). CSGs for students with permanent disabilities and dependants were also doubled. The weekly cap on CSLs was increased from $210 to $350. The expected contribution from students and their spouses in determining the amount of financial aid a student can receive was removed. Taken together, it is expected that these measures will benefit approximately 765,000 returning and prospective students.
Finally, in the November 2020 Fall Economic Statement, the Government announced the temporary elimination of interest on CSLs and CALs, in order to ease the financial burden of student loan repayment during the economic recovery. Pending parliamentary approvals and at a cost of$329.4 million, this measure would take effect on April 1, 2021, and be in place for one year, bringing much needed relief to 1.4 million Canadians who are in repayment of their federal student loans.These historic investments, combined with other investments made in recent years, signify the Government of Canada’s ongoing commitment to ensure that post-secondary education is affordable and that student debt is manageable during these challenging times.
Canada Student Grants and LoansCOVID-19FeesGrants and loans for studentsPandemic
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 26, 2021432-00669432-00669 (Natural resources and energy)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABMarch 11, 2021April 26, 2021February 12, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, a recent Statistics Canada report highlighted that from mid-May to Mid-October 2020, 81% of excess Canadian deaths of men aged 0 to 45 came from Alberta and British Columbia;Whereas, men are three times more likely to commit suicide with suicide being the second leading cause of death for men aged 15 to 34; Whereas, studies show that more young men die by suicide in a time of societal stress: Whereas, prior to COVID-19, the Alberta economy was already hard-pressed due to an energy downturn, an oil-price war and a federal government that targeted Alberta's natural resource sector and was unwilling to support major pipeline and investment projects; Whereas, Unemployment rates in Alberta have reached more than 11%, with the province having one of the highest unemployment rates in Canada; Whereas, Unemployment, increased drug use, high suicide rates and economic instability have each contributed negatively to Albertan families. Therefore we, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1) Approve shovel-ready construction and development projects across the country, cut red tape and let Albertans get back to work; 2) Actively promote and seek investment in Canada's natural resource sector and ensure that both the Keystone XL and TMX expansion are completed; 3) Encourage and support local communities, families, and organizations who help connect, support, and inspire men; 4) Quickly create the 988 national suicide hotline, which was proposed by the Conservative Party and has received unanimous support from all parties.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mr. Marc G. SerréThe Government of Canada is committed to ensuring the energy and natural resource sectors continue to create and sustain middle-class jobs, prosperity and opportunity across the country. This includes supporting resource communities and workers as they transition to cleaner technologies to help meet Canada’s climate action objectives. The government also supports and promotes the competitiveness of Canadian companies by encouraging investment, opening access to new international markets, and getting resources to those markets.Because of this commitment, the government announced targeted funding to support sectors of the economy affected by the COVID-19 pandemic— including more than $2.8 billion for the oil and gas sector. This support is helping maintain and create approximately 10,000 good jobs, while enhancing the sector’s environmental performance so it can continue to play a key role in Canada’s clean-growth future.Ongoing support to the oil and gas sector includes:
  • Providing up to $1.72 billion to help the governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia clean up orphan and/or inactive oil and gas wells. This support is expected to create thousands of jobs, including an estimated 5,200 in Alberta alone, and provide lasting environmental benefits.
  • Making available up to $750 million through the new Emissions Reduction Fund to lower greenhouse gas emissions in Canada’s oil-and-gas sector, with a focus on methane emissions. The fund includes $75 million to help the offshore oil industry create and maintain jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador through greenhouse gas-reduction efforts.
  • Expanding eligibility of support programs to help Canadian businesses access the financing they need during this period of uncertainty to keep workers on the job.
  • Investing $320 million “to support jobs and ensure a sustainable, long-term, low-emitting future” for Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore oil industry. The investment will help create and sustain jobs in a range of areas: health and safety; maintenance and upgrades of existing offshore infrastructure; research and development; environmental services; and clean technology.
The government continues to support the Canadian energy sector’s competitiveness, working with provinces to unlock the potential of their natural resources. In addition to ongoing investment in and support for the oil and gas sector, the Government of Canada is also working closely with the Government of Alberta to attract foreign investment in projects across the province.The Government of Canada is deeply disappointed in President Biden’s decision to revoke Keystone XL’s permit. Workers in Alberta and across Canada will always have support. That is why the Prime Minister spoke directly with President Biden about the project’s merits immediately after the November election. The Prime Minister expressed Canada’s disappointment in that decision since then, including during the President’s first virtual foreign visit on February 23. The Canadian embassy has for years advocated strongly in KXL’s favour, and Ambassador Hillman and others in the government worked hard – often in concert with the Government of Alberta – to make the case to high-level officials in the incoming administration.While the Government of Canada acknowledges that the President’s decision fulfills an election campaign promise, the government will not waver in its support for Canada’s workers.The Government of Canada remains deeply concerned about all Canadians who have lost their jobs, whether a result of this decision, the pandemic, or other changing economic circumstances. The government continues to support the affected communities, including Indigenous communities that depend on jobs in the energy sector. For generations, important parts of Canada’s economy have been powered by the natural resources sector and its workers. The Government of Canada remains committed to developing natural resources sustainably and to creating good jobs for all Canadians.
Response by the President of the Treasury Board Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): GREG FERGUSThe Government of Canada is committed to reduce the administrative burden on Canadian businesses and industry and improve their competitiveness while continuing to protect Canadians’ health, safety, security, social and economic well-being and the environment. One example of this effort is the one-for-one rule, implemented in 2012, as currently represented in the Red Tape Reduction Act. Its objective is to control the administrative burden that regulations impose on businesses. Since its introduction, annual net burden has been reduced by approximately $58.4 million. Most recently, in the 2019-2020 fiscal year, the net administrative burden imposed on business decreased by $34 million, the largest annual reduction since the introduction of the rule. The Government is undertaking a legislated review of the Red Tape Reduction Act to identify ways to further reduce unnecessary administrative burden on businesses and identify potential improvements to further benefit the Canadian economy. A number of initiatives are underway as part of the Government’s efforts to modernize the regulatory system with an objective to simplify regulations, eliminate regulatory barriers, and encourage innovation. The federal Government’s Targeted Regulatory Reviews are an example of such initiatives. These Reviews examine regulatory requirements and practices that are creating bottlenecks to growth and innovation and identify solutions that support economic development, increase investment, and accommodate emerging technologies and businesses across Canada.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellAs demonstrated by the unanimous support received, there is great interest in exploring the implementation of a three-digit National Suicide Hotline number in Canada, and the first step to establishing the hotline is a need to gain a better understanding of the regulatory, technological and resource implications.The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is responsible for administrating telecommunication numbers in Canada, including three-digit numbers, and is currently conducting outreach with key stakeholders on the implications of providing such a number as a crisis line. Should the CRTC choose to pursue this matter, it would likely initiate a public proceeding in order to build a fulsome public record in an open and transparent manner. This record could identify potential obstacles and propose solutions to overcoming them. It may also determine whether to assign a three-digit number to access mental health crisis/suicide prevention services in Canada.The Government of Canada recognizes the impact suicide has on families and communities, and working together to connect people to appropriate supports and resources will help to prevent suicide. The Public Health Agency of Canada has facilitated discussions for the CRTC with key stakeholders and other national and regional organizations with a focus on suicide prevention, and feedback from these stakeholders has been supportive. Furthermore, the Government of Canada is investing $21 million over five years to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health to develop, implement, and sustain a pan-Canadian suicide prevention service. The Canada Suicide Prevention Service currently provides people across Canada with suicide prevention crisis support from trained responders via phone (24/7) and text (evenings).
Response by the Minister of Infrastructure and CommunitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Andy FillmoreGiven the significant health and socio-economic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Infrastructure Canada has implemented a number of changes to the existing Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to increase our immediate infrastructure investments while also maintaining the long-term goals of the Investing in Canada plan. Some of these changes include the creation of a new COVID-19 Resilience stream and the temporary expansion of eligibility under the Public Transit, Green Infrastructure, and Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure streams. These changes will see federal support moving out more quickly to communities across the country, including in Alberta.The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Canadians and communities across the country, including Alberta. Since 2015, Infrastructure Canada has approved 350 projects representing almost $5 billion in federal funding to support a range of investments in communities across Alberta. These investments are supporting public transit investments in Calgary and Edmonton, critical wastewater improvements across the province, including in communities like Vermilion and St. Paul, as well as investment in crucial community and recreational facilities that support communities by providing opportunities for healthy activity and community-building. These community investments support and encourage local communities, families, and organizations to help connect, support and inspire all residents in healthy activities. Investments in community parks in Edmonton, or improvements at Medicine Hat College or the University of Lethbridge to make more inclusive spaces for Indigenous peoples, are all specific examples of these investments at work to support Alberta’s hard working men and women.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandOn August 30, 2018, the Government of Canada acquired the Trans Mountain Corporation to ensure that the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP) was completed, for the benefit of all Canadians.TMEP as it stands today is very different from the project that Kinder Morgan proposed in 2017. It has been designed to a higher standard for environmental protection, undergone rigorous consultation with Indigenous groups and will support union jobs in B.C. and Alberta. These enhancements have improved TMEP, ensured that construction proceeds in the right way, and that it will support the Canadian economy today and into the future.To date, Trans Mountain and its contractors have hired approximately 10,820 people, of whom;
  • approximately 1,165 are Indigenous people,
  • approximately 5,220 are residents of Alberta; and
  • approximately 4,630 are residents of British Columbia.
As of February 28, 2021, there were approximately 7,300 people working on TMEP.Overall, the Government of Canada is working with the Trans Mountain Corporation to ensure the safety of all workers and community members and that construction proceeds as quickly as possible. By moving forward with TMEP, the Government is creating jobs, diversifying markets, accelerating Canada’s clean energy transition, and opening up new avenues for Indigenous economic prosperity.
Economic slowdownHelp line servicesMenOil and gasPipeline transportation
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 26, 2021432-00668432-00668 (Health)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABMarch 11, 2021April 26, 2021January 27, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWE, THE UNDERSIGNED RESIDENTS OF CANADA, draw the attention of the House to the following:WHEREAS sexually explicit material — including demeaning material and material depicting sexual violence — can be easily accessed on the Internet by young persons; Whereas a significant proportion of the sexually explicit material accessed online is made available on the Internet for commercial purposes and is not protected by any effective age-verification method; WHEREAS the consumption of sexually explicit material by young persons is associated with a range of serious harms, including the development of pornography addiction, the reinforcement of gender stereotypes and the development of attitudes favourable to harassment and violence — including sexual harassment and sexual violence — particularly against women; WHEREAS Parliament recognizes that the harmful effect of the increasing accessibility of sexually explicit material online for young persons is an important public health and public safety concern; WHEREAS online age-verification technology is increasingly sophisticated and can now effectively ascertain the age of users without breaching their privacy rights; WHEREAS anyone making sexually explicit material available on the Internet for commercial purposes has a responsibility to ensure that it is not accessed by young persons; WHEREAS online age-verification was the primary recommendation made by stakeholders during a 2017 study by the Standing Committee on Health.THEREFORE your petitioners call upon the House of Commons to adopt Bill S-203, Protecting Young Persons from Exposure to Pornography Act.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that children are safe from sexual abuse and exploitation, including when they are online. The Criminal Code of Canada provides a robust framework for protecting children from sexual exploitation, both online and in person. This includes offences such as possessing, making, accessing or distributing child pornography (section 163.1), making sexually explicit material available to a child (section 171.1) and luring a child (section 172.1), in addition to a range of other child-specific sexual offences. Canada’s laws addressing child sexual offending also apply extra-territorially, meaning that prosecutions may occur in Canada for offences allegedly committed by Canadian citizens or permanent residents abroad.An Act respecting the mandatory reporting of Internet child pornography by persons who provide Internet service came into force on December 8, 2011. This Act requires a Canadian provider of Internet services to report child pornography that they find on their servers in the ordinary course of conducting their business to police. As the designated organization under this Act, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P) also receives and processes reports of child pornography and child abuse on the Internet. C3P is a non-governmental organization that operates Cybertip.ca, which forwards child sexual exploitation leads to the appropriate authorities. C3P also provides public education and awareness materials, as well as support and referral services. In addition, C3P operates Project Arachnid, an automated web crawler that detects and processes tens of thousands of images per second and sends take down notices to online service providers to remove child sexual abuse material globally.In 2004, the Government of Canada created the National Strategy for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation on the Internet (National Strategy). The National Strategy focuses on law enforcement, prevention and education, and support for Cybertip.ca, Canada’s national tip-line for reporting online sexual exploitation and abuse. The National Strategy was renewed in 2009, bringing the total investment in fighting CSE online to over $18 million per year for Public Safety Canada, the RCMP and Justice Canada. In 2019, the Government of Canada announced an additional $22.24 million over three years to combat this crime. Public Safety Canada is the lead department on the National Strategy.Senate Public Bill S-203, An Act to restrict young persons’ online access to sexually explicit material, proposes measures to restrict access to sexually explicit material online, including through a new offence and new powers to compel Internet Service Providers to take steps to prevent the sharing of sexually explicit material to a young person. This bill will be debated in accordance with the rules that govern Senate Public Bills.
InternetLegal agePornographyYoung people
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 26, 2021432-00667432-00667 (Health)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABMarch 11, 2021April 26, 2021January 28, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: That, all human life should be regarded with great respect, from conception to natural death.Therefore we, the undersigned request the Canadian Parliament and Government to: Support measures which protect human life.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government supports women’s right to choose. In its 1988 Morgentaler decision, which struck down section 287 of the Criminal Code, the Supreme Court of Canada held that forcing a woman, by threat of criminal sanction, to carry a fetus to term was a profound interference with her right to life, liberty and security of the person (section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms). This Government is committed to upholding all the rights enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, including section 7.All women in Canada have the right to safe and consistent access to reproductive health services and our government will always support that. We hope that all political parties will stand up for the rights of women and girls here at home and around the world, including their reproductive rights.
Health care system
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 26, 2021432-00666432-00666 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 11, 2021April 26, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 26, 2021432-00665432-00665 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 11, 2021April 26, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 26, 2021432-00664432-00664 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 11, 2021April 26, 2021November 4, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 26, 2021432-00663432-00663 (Health)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservativeBCMarch 11, 2021April 26, 2021March 10, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWHEREAS:Licences for the production of medical cannabis are often abused, with production in excess of personal use amounts diverted for commercial sale on the black market;The amount of cannabis individuals are authorized to possess for medical purposes is impossible for an individual to personally consume;Grow-ops in residential neighbourhoods have negative impacts on nearby residents' health and well-being, such as excessive smells, frequent traffic, and reduced property values;Municipal enforcement agencies have little to no power over cannabis grow-ops in their own jurisdictions;The federal government has failed to subject personal registered medical cannabis production to examination and inspection, allowing grey and black-market cannabis growing operations to flourish under this program.THEREFORE: We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to reform the licensing and oversight of the production of cannabis for personal medical use, and to grant resources and authority to the provinces in regulating and enforcing the production of cannabis for personal medical use, in turn empowering municipal regulation and enforcement..
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellSuccessive court decisions established the right of individuals to have reasonable access to cannabis for medical purposes and have emphasized repeatedly that the government may only restrict an individual’s access to cannabis for medical purposes when such action is justified and consistent with the objective of protecting public health and safety. In response to these court decisions, a legal framework was established under the Cannabis Regulations that allows individuals with a signed medical document from their health care practitioner to access cannabis for medical purposes by:
  • purchasing quality-controlled cannabis from a wide variety of federally licensed sellers inspected by Health Canada;
  • producing a limited amount of cannabis for their own medical purposes, as authorized by their health care practitioner (“personal production”); or,
  • designating someone to produce it for them (“designated production”).
Subject to the legal age limit in their province or territory, they are also able to buy cannabis:
  • at provincial or territorial authorized retail outlets; and/or,
  • through provincial or territorial authorized online sales platforms.
The majority of individuals (approximately 375,000) who access cannabis for medical purposes obtain cannabis from a seller licensed and inspected by Health Canada. A smaller number of individuals (approximately 43,000) produce a limited amount of cannabis for their own medical purposes, or designate someone to produce it for them.Health Canada is committed to protecting patients’ rights to reasonable access to cannabis for medical purposes and recognizes that most patients are using the program for its intended purposes. Abuse of the medical framework undermines the integrity of the system that many patients rely on to access cannabis to address their medical needs.All persons authorized to produce cannabis for medical purposes must abide by the law and operate at all times within the limits set out when they were registered by Health Canada, including respecting their plant limits. Individuals are only authorized to produce and possess cannabis for their own medical purposes (or the individual they are designated to produce for), and it is illegal for them to distribute or sell cannabis to anyone else. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in revocation of their registration and/or criminal charges and prosecution.The Cannabis Regulations require patients to obtain an authorization from their health care practitioner to access cannabis for medical purposes. Health Canada does not play a role in determining whether cannabis is appropriate for a patient. The health care practitioner makes this decision through a discussion with their patient; the health care practitioner will also identify the daily amount needed for the patient’s medical condition. Health Canada expects health care practitioners to make these decisions based on the condition for which the patient is receiving treatment and supporting evidence.Over the last years, Health Canada has increased engagement with the health care practitioner community and the provincial and territorial licensing bodies in order to encourage health care practitioners to authorize appropriate amounts of cannabis for medical purposes, in line with established standards of practice and the best available evidence. Health Canada has published a document entitled Information for Health Care Professionals to help patients and health care practitioners make informed decisions about the benefits and risks of using cannabis for medical purposes, including dosage amounts. The Department continues to review the latest developments in the peer-reviewed scientific literature on dosing and will continue to publish further updates to this document.Regulatory oversight of health care practitioners and the practice of medicine is the responsibility of provinces and territories and professional colleges. Most provincial and territorial licensing bodies have their own set of standards and guidelines for their members, which may include standards of practice on authorizing cannabis for medical purposes. To support provincial and territorial licensing bodies in their oversight of their members, Health Canada has been proactively sharing data on the authorization of cannabis for medical purposes since the spring 2019. This data sharing includes providing specific information on the small number of health care practitioners who are responsible for authorizing large daily amounts of cannabis. In an effort to increase transparency, in December 2020, Health Canada began publishing data on its website on the average daily amounts authorized by health care practitioners.Health Canada actively works within the current regulatory framework to address risks associated with the personal and designated production of cannabis for medical purposes by:
  • conducting additional verifications when warranted (for example, contacting the health care practitioner to confirm the validity of the medical document and to confirm the daily dosage amount);
  • verifying that there are no more than four registrations at any given production site—the maximum allowed in the regulations—to reduce the risk of large-scale production sites;
  • refusing or revoking a registration, if it is determined that an applicant has submitted false or misleading information as part of their application, such as a forged medical document, or where the registration is likely to create a risk to public health or public safety, including the risk of cannabis being diverted to an illicit market or activity; and,
  • conducting inspections of personal registration and designated production sites to further verify compliance with the regulations.
Most recently, on March 8, 2021, Health Canada launched a public consultation on a draft guidance document for the personal and designated production of cannabis for medical purposes. The draft guidance provides proposed factors that may be considered in refusing or revoking a registration. The public consultation is open until May 7, 2021. It is important to note that different levels of government and law enforcement have roles in maintaining public safety with respect to cannabis. It is the responsibility of municipalities to enforce their bylaws with respect to cannabis production, and law enforcement has the authority to take action against illegal cannabis activity under the Cannabis Act and against those who operate outside of the legal framework.With each registration issued, Health Canada reminds registered individuals and designated producers that they need to comply with all relevant provincial/territorial and municipal laws, including local by-laws about zoning, noise, odour, electrical and fire safety, as well as all related inspection and remediation requirements.Health Canada encourages all provinces, territories, and municipalities to use the tools at their disposal to confirm that individuals meet all standards and by-laws. This includes implementing any limitations on zoning, location and nuisances, such as odour, that they feel are appropriate in their jurisdictions. Municipalities could, for example, require building permits and inspections of electrical work at personal production sites.Health Canada supports law enforcement representatives by providing a dedicated service 24 hours a day and seven days a week to confirm, when necessary, that specific individuals are authorized to possess or produce a limited amount of cannabis for medical purposes. The Cannabis Regulationsauthorize Health Canada to share information that is protected under the Privacy Act in the context of an active law enforcement investigation. In the context of an investigation, law enforcement also has the ability to enter residences and any production sites.The Cannabis Act requires that the Minister initiate a review of the Cannabis Act three years following the coming into force (i.e., by October 17, 2021), and that a report of the review’s findings be tabled before both Houses of Parliament within 18 months of the start of the review. The Government of Canada has also committed to actively monitoring and evaluating patients’ access to cannabis for medical purposes through the implementation of the Cannabis Act, and to undertake an evaluation of the existing medical access framework within five years (i.e., by October 17, 2023), as recommended by the expert Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation. These two exercises will be an opportunity to address some of the challenges associated with the cannabis for medical purposes program.Health Canada is committed to ongoing engagement with stakeholders on the administration and operation of the Cannabis Act. Departmental officials regularly engage with stakeholders on all aspects of the cannabis framework to advance public health and safety objectives.
CannabisCrop productionFederal-provincial-territorial relationsRegulation
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 26, 2021432-00662432-00662 (Health)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservativeBCMarch 11, 2021April 26, 2021March 4, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWHEREAS:Licences for the production of medical cannabis are often abused, with production in excess of personal use amounts diverted for commercial sale on the black market;The amount of cannabis individuals are authorized to possess for medical purposes is impossible for an individual to personally consume;Grow-ops in residential neighbourhoods have negative impacts on nearby residents' health and well-being, such as excessive smells, frequent traffic, and reduced property values;Municipal enforcement agencies have little to no power over cannabis grow-ops in their own jurisdictions;The federal government has failed to subject personal registered medical cannabis production to examination and inspection, allowing grey and black-market cannabis growing operations to flourish under this program.THEREFORE: We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to reform the licensing and oversight of the production of cannabis for personal medical use, and to grant resources and authority to the provinces in regulating and enforcing the production of cannabis for personal medical use, in turn empowering municipal regulation and enforcement..
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellSuccessive court decisions established the right of individuals to have reasonable access to cannabis for medical purposes and have emphasized repeatedly that the government may only restrict an individual’s access to cannabis for medical purposes when such action is justified and consistent with the objective of protecting public health and safety. In response to these court decisions, a legal framework was established under the Cannabis Regulations that allows individuals with a signed medical document from their health care practitioner to access cannabis for medical purposes by:
  • purchasing quality-controlled cannabis from a wide variety of federally licensed sellers inspected by Health Canada;
  • producing a limited amount of cannabis for their own medical purposes, as authorized by their health care practitioner (“personal production”); or,
  • designating someone to produce it for them (“designated production”).
Subject to the legal age limit in their province or territory, they are also able to buy cannabis:
  • at provincial or territorial authorized retail outlets; and/or,
  • through provincial or territorial authorized online sales platforms.
The majority of individuals (approximately 375,000) who access cannabis for medical purposes obtain cannabis from a seller licensed and inspected by Health Canada. A smaller number of individuals (approximately 43,000) produce a limited amount of cannabis for their own medical purposes, or designate someone to produce it for them.Health Canada is committed to protecting patients’ rights to reasonable access to cannabis for medical purposes and recognizes that most patients are using the program for its intended purposes. Abuse of the medical framework undermines the integrity of the system that many patients rely on to access cannabis to address their medical needs.All persons authorized to produce cannabis for medical purposes must abide by the law and operate at all times within the limits set out when they were registered by Health Canada, including respecting their plant limits. Individuals are only authorized to produce and possess cannabis for their own medical purposes (or the individual they are designated to produce for), and it is illegal for them to distribute or sell cannabis to anyone else. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in revocation of their registration and/or criminal charges and prosecution.The Cannabis Regulations require patients to obtain an authorization from their health care practitioner to access cannabis for medical purposes. Health Canada does not play a role in determining whether cannabis is appropriate for a patient. The health care practitioner makes this decision through a discussion with their patient; the health care practitioner will also identify the daily amount needed for the patient’s medical condition. Health Canada expects health care practitioners to make these decisions based on the condition for which the patient is receiving treatment and supporting evidence.Over the last years, Health Canada has increased engagement with the health care practitioner community and the provincial and territorial licensing bodies in order to encourage health care practitioners to authorize appropriate amounts of cannabis for medical purposes, in line with established standards of practice and the best available evidence. Health Canada has published a document entitled Information for Health Care Professionals to help patients and health care practitioners make informed decisions about the benefits and risks of using cannabis for medical purposes, including dosage amounts. The Department continues to review the latest developments in the peer-reviewed scientific literature on dosing and will continue to publish further updates to this document.Regulatory oversight of health care practitioners and the practice of medicine is the responsibility of provinces and territories and professional colleges. Most provincial and territorial licensing bodies have their own set of standards and guidelines for their members, which may include standards of practice on authorizing cannabis for medical purposes. To support provincial and territorial licensing bodies in their oversight of their members, Health Canada has been proactively sharing data on the authorization of cannabis for medical purposes since the spring 2019. This data sharing includes providing specific information on the small number of health care practitioners who are responsible for authorizing large daily amounts of cannabis. In an effort to increase transparency, in December 2020, Health Canada began publishing data on its website on the average daily amounts authorized by health care practitioners.Health Canada actively works within the current regulatory framework to address risks associated with the personal and designated production of cannabis for medical purposes by:
  • conducting additional verifications when warranted (for example, contacting the health care practitioner to confirm the validity of the medical document and to confirm the daily dosage amount);
  • verifying that there are no more than four registrations at any given production site—the maximum allowed in the regulations—to reduce the risk of large-scale production sites;
  • refusing or revoking a registration, if it is determined that an applicant has submitted false or misleading information as part of their application, such as a forged medical document, or where the registration is likely to create a risk to public health or public safety, including the risk of cannabis being diverted to an illicit market or activity; and,
  • conducting inspections of personal registration and designated production sites to further verify compliance with the regulations.
Most recently, on March 8, 2021, Health Canada launched a public consultation on a draft guidance document for the personal and designated production of cannabis for medical purposes. The draft guidance provides proposed factors that may be considered in refusing or revoking a registration. The public consultation is open until May 7, 2021. It is important to note that different levels of government and law enforcement have roles in maintaining public safety with respect to cannabis. It is the responsibility of municipalities to enforce their bylaws with respect to cannabis production, and law enforcement has the authority to take action against illegal cannabis activity under the Cannabis Act and against those who operate outside of the legal framework.With each registration issued, Health Canada reminds registered individuals and designated producers that they need to comply with all relevant provincial/territorial and municipal laws, including local by-laws about zoning, noise, odour, electrical and fire safety, as well as all related inspection and remediation requirements.Health Canada encourages all provinces, territories, and municipalities to use the tools at their disposal to confirm that individuals meet all standards and by-laws. This includes implementing any limitations on zoning, location and nuisances, such as odour, that they feel are appropriate in their jurisdictions. Municipalities could, for example, require building permits and inspections of electrical work at personal production sites.Health Canada supports law enforcement representatives by providing a dedicated service 24 hours a day and seven days a week to confirm, when necessary, that specific individuals are authorized to possess or produce a limited amount of cannabis for medical purposes. The Cannabis Regulationsauthorize Health Canada to share information that is protected under the Privacy Act in the context of an active law enforcement investigation. In the context of an investigation, law enforcement also has the ability to enter residences and any production sites.The Cannabis Act requires that the Minister initiate a review of the Cannabis Act three years following the coming into force (i.e., by October 17, 2021), and that a report of the review’s findings be tabled before both Houses of Parliament within 18 months of the start of the review. The Government of Canada has also committed to actively monitoring and evaluating patients’ access to cannabis for medical purposes through the implementation of the Cannabis Act, and to undertake an evaluation of the existing medical access framework within five years (i.e., by October 17, 2023), as recommended by the expert Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation. These two exercises will be an opportunity to address some of the challenges associated with the cannabis for medical purposes program.Health Canada is committed to ongoing engagement with stakeholders on the administration and operation of the Cannabis Act. Departmental officials regularly engage with stakeholders on all aspects of the cannabis framework to advance public health and safety objectives.
CannabisCrop productionFederal-provincial-territorial relationsRegulation
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 26, 2021432-00661432-00661 (Justice)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservativeBCMarch 11, 2021April 26, 2021March 10, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWHEREAS:
  • The U.S. Department of State's 20th Trafficking in Persons Report indicates that Canada "meets the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking";
  • The TIP Report notes that Canadian governments "did not provide comprehensive data" on investigations, prosecutions, convictions, or victims' services;
  • The range, quality, and timely delivery of trafficking-specific services varies across Canada, including persistent funding shortages;
  • Coordination between the federal and provincial governments on anti-trafficking measures is poor;
  • The TIP Report urges Canadian governments to increase the use of proactive law enforcement techniques, increase training for prosecutors and judges, and increase partnerships with the private sector to prevent human trafficking.
THEREFORE: We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to strengthen the Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act to address Canada's shortcomings as mentioned in the TIP Report so that Canada exceeds the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, and that it cooperates and coordinates more closely with the provinces, the private sector, and other stakeholders to combat human trafficking in Canada.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency PreparednessSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Joël Lightbound, M.PThe Government of Canada takes the issue of human trafficking seriously and is committed to the protection of children, women, girls, and other vulnerable members of society from all forms of exploitation and abuse, including sexual exploitation and labour trafficking in Canada and abroad.Canada’s criminal laws prohibit trafficking in persons for any exploitative purpose, regardless of whether it occurs within Canada or involves bringing persons into Canada. The Criminal Code of Canada contains specific human trafficking offences that are punishable by maximum penalties as high as life imprisonment, with mandatory minimum penalties ranging from one to six years. In fall 2019 the Government of Canada launched the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking (National Strategy), which brings together federal efforts under one strategic framework, and is supported by an investment of $57.22 million over five years and $10.28 million ongoing. As the lead department on the National Strategy, Public Safety Canada works closely with the Canada Border Services Agency; Royal Canadian Mounted Police; Justice Canada; Global Affairs Canada; Statistics Canada; Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada and other federal departments and agencies to ensure a whole-of-government response to this horrendous crime.Through the National Strategy, the Government of Canada is investing up to $22 million over four years to provide support to 63 organizations to identify and provide counselling to victims and survivors of human trafficking; provide transition and second stage housing; and provide mental health services, legal services, and employment services and supports, including training and tools to gain financial independence. This builds on a previous investment of $1 million annually for Justice Canada’s Victims Fund to support victims of human trafficking, as well as $14.5 million over five years and $2.89 million ongoing to create the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline. Investments under the National Strategy are also supporting the launch of a national public awareness campaign, development of training tools to help key sectors identify victims, and enhanced federal capacity to detect and respond to suspected cases.In 2012, the Conservative government of the day indicated that it would invest  $25M over four years to address human trafficking. It should be noted that participating federal departments and agencies did not receive new, dedicated funding and carried out their anti-human trafficking activities using existing internal resources. Of this existing funding, only $500,000 was to committed for enhancing supports for survivors. Karlee Sapoznik, president of the Alliance Against Modern Slavery, criticized the plan for ignoring the country's "crucial lack of research and data," writing that "we need sustained research on the nature of human trafficking within and involving Canada." And as Nora Loreto decried, “Harper's government has done irreparable harm to Canada's data collection, surely making research on human trafficking more difficult. And, one of the first decisions that the Conservatives made was to cut nearly all of Canada's Status of Women offices.”In an effort to increase proactive law enforcement techniques, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has strengthened efforts to counter human trafficking through awareness, community outreach, building and enhancing partnerships, and advancing operational policy and reporting. The RCMP is also providing ongoing support to national and local efforts to effectively combat human trafficking by investigating, disrupting and bringing to justice those who are involved in this crime. In addition, the Government of Canada provides training to law enforcement and criminal justice practitioners across Canada on trafficking in persons and sex trade offences that are victim-centered and trauma-informed. It is important to note that while the Government acknowledges the importance of training stakeholders, including judges, the development and delivery of judicial education is managed by the judiciary and cannot be mandated by any level of government. The National Judicial Institute, which is at arm’s length from government, is responsible for judicial training and has developed programming to increase the judiciary’s understanding of the complex issues of human trafficking. In the recent Supplementary Estimates C and Main Estimates 2020-21, our government requested additional funds to support improvements to federal policing investigative capacity by bolstering its capability with additional policing professionals, investigators and scientists. This will be used to deal with federal policing initiatives, which include responding to money laundering, cybercrime such as child sexual exploitation, and national security such as responding to terrorism and foreign-influenced activities. Through the Main Estimates we sought $6.3M for the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking. Unfortunately, the Conservatives voted against this funding.Recognizing the importance of increasing knowledge of the scope and scale of the crime in Canada, the Government of Canada continues to collect police-reported data related to incidents of human trafficking, from approximately 1,200 police services and detachments across Canada through the Uniform Crime Reporting Survey. Building on this source of data, under the National Strategy, the Government of Canada is working to strengthen the collection and analysis of human trafficking data and making this information available on an annual basis. A dedicated bi-ennial report analyzing police-reported human trafficking data is scheduled for release in May 2021. The previous report is available here: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-002-x/2020001/article/00006-eng.htmAddressing crime and violent victimization is a shared responsibility between the provinces, territories and the federal government, with many programs and support services provided by provinces and territories. In recognition of these jurisdictional roles and the need to work closely together to combat this crime, the Government of Canada is taking steps to increase coordination and collaboration with provincial and territorial partners through federal-provincial-territorial forums.  In order to strengthen engagement with other partners, civil society and the private sector, the Government of Canada has committed to hosting annual stakeholder engagement sessions as part of the National Strategy. These engagement sessions will provide opportunities for knowledge and information sharing, identification of emerging trends, and informing policy and program development. The Government of Canada also supports public-private partnerships, such as Project Protect, which is led by the Bank of Montreal Financial Group in partnership with the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada as well as a number of financial institutions. Project Protect continues to provide proactive financial intelligence to support law enforcement investigations of financial crimes that are potentially linked to human trafficking.Please be assured that the Government of Canada is committed to combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable populations while working closely with domestic and international partners. The Government of Canada acknowledges the important annual research undertaken by the Government of the United States of America and will continue to consider seriously the recommendations of international partners as we strive to eradicate human trafficking and support victims and survivors. The Government will continue to work diligently to better understand gaps in Canada’s collective response to this crime to build stronger and safer communities across Canada, in order to remain a global leader in the fight against this crime and in the protection of human rights.
Human traffickingProtection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 26, 2021432-00660432-00660 (Transportation)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservativeBCMarch 11, 2021April 26, 2021March 10, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of keeping our domestic supply chains operable;
  • Truck drivers' work has been essential during this crisis, and they deserve our utmost appreciation;
  • Drivers, owing to the necessity to cover long distances, must frequently stop to rest for both their safety and the safety of others on our highways;
  • Drivers are unable to stop anywhere and must stop at rest areas or designated truck stops;
  • The distances between these stops are not equal and, as a result, lead to the increased risk of accidents due to truck drivers' lack of rest;
  • Without action, the resources we need - from the gas that powers our cars to the food we put on our tables - will not reach their destinations.
THEREFORE: We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to work with the province of British Columbia to provide funding and support for more truck stops along Highway 1 to ensure our supply chains do not suffer.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraHighway infrastructure is under the purview of provincial authorities and not within Transport Canada’s portfolio.  Transport Canada manages the National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF), a $2.3-billion, competitive, merit-based program that helps fund infrastructure projects in Canada.Through the National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF) Continuous call for trade diversification projects, Transport Canada funds projects that:
  • improve the fluidity and/or performance of the transportation system to contribute to an increase in the value and/or volume of goods exported from Canada to overseas markets
  • increase existing or generate new, overseas trade flows as a result of the investment
For additional information on the NTCF continuous call, eligibility criteria and application process, please refer to Transport Canada’s website: https://tc.canada.ca/en/infrastructure/apply-national-trade-corridors-fund-continuous-call-trade-diversification-projects 
Road safetyTransportation infrastructureTrucking and truckers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 26, 2021432-00659432-00659 (Natural resources and energy)JeremyPatzerCypress Hills—GrasslandsConservativeSKMarch 11, 2021April 26, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS
  • The development of Canada's natural resources is a central sector of the national economy as a whole;
  • Canadian energy companies are key investors and stakeholders for developing renewable energy while, at the same time, they produce oil and gas according to high standards;
  • Community infrastructure and municipalities have been relying on significant funding provided by this industry;
  • Canada's natural resource sector, including oil and gas, will provide stability as a source of jobs and investment for economic recovery;
  • Prior to declared states of emergency and restrictions in response to COVID-19, there were an estimated 200,000 jobs lost since 2015;
  • Statistics Canada recorded an additional 23,600 jobs lost in the energy industry as of September 2020;
  • According to Statistics Canada, for each job lost in the oil and gas industry there are six jobs lost in other industries.
THEREFORE, we, the undersigned residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to take immediate action, at every opportunity, for supporting and promoting Canadian energy projects and industry domestically and internationally - for the benefit of workers, families, and communities.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mr. Marc G. SerréThe Government of Canada acknowledges that a well-functioning oil and gas industry will be fundamental to Canada’s post-pandemic recovery and climate ambitions. This is why the government has taken a number of measures to support energy workers impacted by the pandemic while achieving sustainability objectives. Assistance for the oil and gas industry includes $2.8 billion in targeted supports for the sector, in addition to economy-wide liquidity measures that are currently helping many oil and gas firms through the pandemic. These measures are helping get people back to work, while helping the industry reduce its environmental impact.The government also remains firmly committed to supporting the competitiveness of the energy sector by working with federal and provincial counterparts, industry and other parties in two key areas. First, to identify the barriers facing Canada’s oil and gas sector. Second, to pinpoint future growth opportunities that will connect Canada’s resources to new markets. The government continues to support key infrastructure projects such as Trans Mountain Expansion project, LNG Canada and the NGTL 2021 natural gas pipeline expansion project. Completing these infrastructure projects safely also supports good middle-class jobs.The government also recognizes that the long-term success of Canada’s oil and gas sector depends on the industry’s efforts to decarbonize and remain competitive in a low-carbon economy. The Strengthened Climate Plan (SCP), announced on December 11, 2020, underscores the government’s commitment to work collaboratively with provinces, territories, industry, and labour groups to support all of Canada’s industrial sectors in their decarbonisation efforts. Several of the measures announced through the SCP will support the implementation of the Hydrogen Strategy for Canada and the Clean Fuel Regulations. These measures include the investment of $1.5 billion for a Low-carbon and Zero-emissions Fuels Fund to help grow the production and use of clean fuels in Canada. The government is also launching a Net-Zero Challenge for large emitters to develop and implement plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. As companies seek new ways to build their clean industry advantage, they can tap into the $3 billion Strategic Innovation Fund’s Net-Zero Accelerator to help scale up low-carbon technologies.The SCP also reaffirms the Government of Canada’s commitment to create over one million jobs, restoring employment to pre-pandemic levels. Many of these jobs will be in both the traditional energy and the low-carbon fuels sectors. These are sectors that require highly skilled workers who are well-paid. These skillsets are often directly transferrable across the economy. The government wants to expand Canada’s skilled workforce. That is why it is making the largest training investment in Canadian history. This will include supporting Canadians as they build new skills in growing sectors, helping workers receive the education and accreditation they need, and strengthening workers’ futures, by connecting them to employers and good jobs. To prepare for the jobs of the future, the government is investing $225 million in the Future Skills initiative to ensure that Canada’s skills development policies and programs align with evolving labour market trends.The government is also taking action to make Canada a more attractive place to invest and do business. Through the modernization of the regulatory review processes, the government has put in place better rules that ensure public confidence in how decisions are made on major natural resource projects. These rules help the government take into account the potential environmental impact of major projects, lead to more timely and predictable reviews, and encourage investment in Canada’s energy sector.Internationally, the government is taking steps to position Canada as a preferred partner for those seeking to be key players in tomorrow’s economy. The government is engaging with members of the international community to re-affirm Canada’s commitments to the energy sector, its support for innovation, and Canada’s strong trade and investment value proposition. Canada boasts stable and predictable political and economic systems, low corporate tax rates, and free trade and investment agreements covering over two-thirds of the global economy.These Government of Canada measures will set the energy sector up for success now, and help it thrive in an increasingly low-carbon future.
Employment opportunitiesEnergy and fuel
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 26, 2021432-00658432-00658 (Public safety)JeremyPatzerCypress Hills—GrasslandsConservativeSKMarch 11, 2021April 26, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of JusticeWhereas, Saskatchewan has the highest rate of domestic violence among all provinces;Whereas, it is critical that at-risk individuals are protected from potential violence and abuse;Whereas, at-risk individuals should be informed of an intimate partner's past violent or abusive behaviour, including criminal convictions and a history of police responding to domestic violence complaints;Whereas, Saskatchewan unanimously passed the Interpersonal Violence Disclosure Protocol Act (Clare's Law) to protect citizens from abuse; and,Whereas, Section 8(1) of the federally legislated Privacy Act (which states that “personal information held by a federal government institution cannot be disclosed to a third party without the consent of the individual to whom it relates, except in circumstances that are provided for in the Act”) prevents the RCMP from enforcing Clare's Law.We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call on the Minister of Justice to amend section 8(2) of the Privacy Act to include an additional circumstantial provision that would allow personal information under the control of a federal institution to be disclosed to a third party for the purpose of protecting an individual from interpersonal and domestic violence.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government is committed to preventing and stopping all forms of violence in Canada, including domestic violence. We also recognize the utmost importance of protecting at-risk individuals from potential violence and abuse, and emphasize that no Canadian should have to suffer from such violence and abuse. Providing individuals with relevant information on their partner’s past is an important component of this protection.The Government has committed to reviewing the federal Privacy Act to ensure that it keeps pace with the effects of both technological change and evolving Canadian values. The Act focuses on the protection of personal information held by federal government and federal public-sector institutions, including the RCMP.Between November 2020 and February 2021, the Government held an online public consultation on modernizing the Privacy Act. During the public consultation, Canadians and other stakeholders provided input on key issues such as the rules on when federal institutions can collect personal information, how federal institutions can use the information entrusted to them, and when federal institutions can share this personal information. The Government received more than 1100 responses to its online survey and more than 50 written submissions. A summary of the input received in the context of the public consultation will be published online once completed.
Criminal recordsDomestic violenceInformation disseminationPolice services
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 26, 2021432-00657432-00657 (Environment)KristinaMichaudAvignon—La Mitis—Matane—MatapédiaBloc QuébécoisQCMarch 11, 2021April 26, 2021February 5, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWhereas:
  • Canada's current climate policies are clearly insufficient to limit global warming to 1.5°C and put us rather on path somewhere between 3 and 4 °C that will result in disastrous consequences, and that Canada is amongst the countries most responsible for global warming;
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Quebec, call upon the Government of Canada to do its fair share to bring about climate justice by:
  • announcing the establishment of a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target consistent with climate science and aiming to reduce emissions by at least 45% by 2030 (from 2010 levels);
  • mobilizing at least 4 billion dollars annually, from 2020 onwards, to finance climate change mitigation and adaptation projects in countries of the Global South - where live the populations that are most impacted by climate change despite having emitted the lowest amount of greenhouse gas emissions;
  • supporting more effectively the leadership of women, and indigenous women in particular, through applying a feminist approach to the financing plans for climate change mitigation and adaptation;
  • integrating, in future climate policies, the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including the right to free, prior and informed consent in relation to the exploitation of resources located on their lands or territories in Canada and abroad.
Response by the Minister of International Development Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Karina GouldMobilizing at least 4 billion dollars annually, from 2020 onwards, to finance climate change mitigation and adaptation projects in countries of the Global South - where live the populations that are most impacted by climate change despite having emitted the lowest amount of greenhouse gas emissions;The COVID-19 pandemic has created tremendous loss and uncertainty around the world, but among the hardships and challenges there is also a key lesson. The pandemic has reminded us of what we can accomplish when we all work together toward a common goal. This is a lesson that can be applied to the fight against climate change, which remains one of the greatest challenges of our time.The global pandemic has created an opportunity to rebuild better. That means creating an economy and a society that is stronger, more sustainable, and more resilient than before.Canada is committed to increasing ambition on climate action – at home and abroad.Canada is fully committed to the goal of exceeding its Paris Agreement target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 30 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. Canada is also committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.At the global level, the Government of Canada recognizes that many cannot implement the measures required to face the global climate crisis without help. That is why Canada remains firmly committed to the collective goal of mobilizing US$100 billion in climate finance annually in 2020 and beyond.In 2015, Canada announced that it would deliver $2.65 billion over five years in climate finance to help developing countries—particularly the poorest and most vulnerable—transition to low-carbon, sustainable and resilient economies. This commitment has not wavered in face of the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, it has become even more critical in the face of the social, economic, and environmental impacts that are being felt on a global scale.Looking ahead, and in recovering from the pandemic, there are far-reaching opportunities to rebuild better by accelerating the transition to clean, affordable, and secure energy and reorienting business and finance toward sustainable, nature-positive development.In preparing for its next phase of its international climate finance commitment, the Government of Canada consulted widely with stakeholders in Canada and abroad, including those in the Global South. In virtually every consultation event, stakeholders made the connection between international climate finance and the COVID-19 recovery, which risk reversing development gains and increasing inequality. This acutely affects specific sectors and segments of societies, challenging sustainable livelihoods for those in the Global South and elsewhere.Furthermore, COVID-19 is placing pressure on developing countries, threatening to derail their progress in achieving their Nationally Determined Contributions (target greenhouse gas reductions) and national climate action priorities.For these reasons, Canada’s next phase on international climate finance will reflect the role that climate finance should play in a green and equitable recovery and will drive Canada’s leadership on international climate finance.Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to be a global leader in addressing climate change with ambitious domestic and international action. Canada will continue to play a leadership role in supporting developing countries to address climate change, delivering on its commitments under the Paris Agreement, and encouraging innovative approaches to financing sustainable development to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in developing countries.Supporting more effectively the leadership of women, and Indigenous women in particular, through applying a feminist approach to the financing plans for climate change mitigation and adaptation;The Government of Canada recognizes that in developing countries, women and girls are disproportionately affected by the negative impacts of climate change, while at the same time, their experience, knowledge and leadership are essential to addressing these challenges. Environment and climate action is therefore most effective when women and girls play an active role as powerful agents of change to advance action on climate change, pollution and other environmental concerns. This inclusive approach helps deliver informed solutions that also mitigate some of the threats to women’s and girls’ health, safety, economic well-being, and social inequalities associated with climate change.Gender equality is a priority in Canada’s climate change programming. The Feminist International Assistance Policy is pursuing gender-responsive climate action, which recognizes that environment and climate action is most effective when women and girls play an active role.Canada is committed to supporting women’s leadership and decision-making in climate change mitigation and adaptation in developing countries. This means that, if the objectives of the Paris Agreement are to be met, more needs to be done, and done in a way that is informed by the voices of girls and women.To overcome chronic gaps in equitable and fair climate change adaptation, one needs to start with those who are most affected: the poorest and most vulnerable, women and girls. At the local level, this means including women and girls in both the design and implementation of climate projects, and addressing the problems they face head-on. An example of this is Canada’s contribution of $20 million to support the transformation of the market for cook stoves and clean energy in Haiti. Transitioning from wood and charcoal fuel to clean energy cook stoves will help reduce the amount of time that women and girls spend on household work, reduce indoor air pollution to the benefit of the health of women and girls, and reduce outdoor pollution to contribute to a healthier climate.For equitable and fair climate change adaptation finance, one must approach investments with a gender lens. Canada’s goals have led to finding ways to integrate gender equality considerations into both its loan and grant projects – for example, using interest rate rebates to incentivize the hiring of women into non-traditional sectors. Canada believes it is essential to support a broad and inclusive representation of women, Indigenous Peoples, and other marginalized groups in international environment-related negotiations to develop strong, diverse, inclusive partnerships and solutions. The Government of Canada knows that women and Indigenous Peoples are on the front line of the battle to fight climate change. Ensuring Canada’s programming responds to their needs, both in terms of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and in terms of adapting to the realities of a changing climate, will be a guiding principle moving forward. Additionally, the government recognizes the important role that nature plays in absorbing carbon, and incorporating nature-based solutions into future work will be key. Working with local communities, Indigenous Peoples, and women’s rights advocates will help build lasting solutions to the climate crisis.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Jonathan WilkinsonIn pursuit of efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, the Government of Canada is committed announcing its enhanced target or Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement by the U.S.-led Climate Summit that will take place on April 22-23, 2021.In December 2020, the Government released a plan to exceed Canada’s current 2030 emissions reduction goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent below 2005 levels, and lay the foundation to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy is Canada’s strengthened climate plan of federal policies, programs and investments to build a stronger, cleaner, more resilient and inclusive economy. This plan builds on the important accomplishments and work underway with provinces, territories and Indigenous partners under the 2016 Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.The Pan Canadian Framework has done more to cut pollution in a practical and affordable way than any other climate plan in Canada’s history. Canada’s 2019 greenhouse gas emissions projections show a widespread decline in projected emissions across the economy reflecting the breadth and depth of the Pan-Canadian Framework. In fact, the policies and measures now in place, including those introduced in 2019, are projected to reduce emissions by 227 million tonnes in 2030. Taken together with A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, Canada will exceed its current 2030 greenhouse gas reduction target with projected emission reductions of 31% below 2005 levels by 2030.A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy outlines 64 new and strengthened federal climate measures and $15 billion in new investments. Some of these investments have already begun while other measures are being refined through engagement with provinces and territories, Indigenous partners, stakeholders, and with Canadians. Like the Pan-Canadian Framework, this plan is not an endpoint: the transition to a cleaner, more prosperous economy needs to be both an immediate priority and a sustained effort over the years and decades ahead.Key initiatives announced in the plan and subsequently include:
  • Proposing to continue to put a price on pollution through to 2030, rising at $15 per tonne after 2022, while returning the proceeds back to households such that the majority receive more money back than they pay in provinces where the federal system applies;
  • Creating thousands of jobs retrofitting homes and buildings, including an investment of $2.6 billion over seven years to help homeowners make their homes more energy efficient, cutting energy costs for Canadian families and businesses;
  • Investing $1.5 billion over three years for green and inclusive community buildings, and require that at least 10 per cent of this funding be allocated to projects serving First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities;
  • Investing $14.9 billion for public transit projects over the next eight years, including $2.75 billion to support zero-emission public transit and school buses, and $400 million to help build new and expanded networks of pathways, bike lanes, trails, and pedestrian bridges across Canada, as well as permanent funding of $3 billion per year for a permanent public transit fund beginning in 2026-2027;
  • Continuing to make zero-emissions vehicles more affordable by extending the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) program until March 2022, while investing an additional $150 million over three years in more charging stations across the country;
  • Investing in renewable energy and next-generation clean energy and technology solutions;
  • Introduced Canada’s Hydrogen Strategy, which sets out a path for integrating low emitting hydrogen across the Canadian economy;
  • Launched the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Action Plan for the development, demonstration and deployment of Small Modular Reactors at home and abroad;
  • Working with businesses to make Canada the best place to start and grow clean technology companies; and,
  • Planting 2 billion incremental trees over the next 10 years, as part of a broader commitment to nature-based solutions that also encompasses wetlands and urban forests, and announced the Growing Canada’s Forest Commitment as the next step of the Government’s commitment to plant two billion trees.
On February 23, 2021, the Prime Minister and U.S. President Biden released the Roadmap for a Renewed U.S.-Canada Partnership, and launched the U.S.-Canada High Level Ministerial Dialogue on Climate Ambition. This included a commitment to work together to increase ambition under the Paris Agreement, and to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The Government of Canada and the Government of the U.S. are exploring opportunities to align policies and approaches to create jobs and reduce inequality, and enhance adaptation and resilience to climate impacts.In addition, in November 2020 the Government of Canada tabled the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, which delivers on the government’s commitment to legislate Canada’s target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Once the bill becomes law, it will establish a legally binding process for the Government to set five-year emissions reduction targets based on the advice of experts and Canadians to ensure transparency and accountability as Canada charts a path to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. The Act also requires emissions reduction plans for each target and the publication of interim and final reports on implementation of the plans and the emissions reductions they achieve, as well as periodic examination and reporting by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development on the implementation of these mitigation measures. The Act will also enshrine greater accountability and public transparency into Canada’s plan for meeting net-zero emissions by 2050. To provide independent advice to the Government on the best pathways to reach its targets, a Net-Zero Advisory Body was established in February 2021.The Government of Canada supports without qualification the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including free, prior and informed consent. To formalize this commitment, the government has recently tabled legislation in support of the Declaration (Bill C-15 - United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act).The government is already building the principles of the UN Declaration into new climate legislation. For example, the proposed Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act (Bill C-12) stipulates that the Minister of Environment and Climate Change must provide Indigenous Peoples of Canada with the opportunity to make submissions when setting or amending a national greenhouse gas emissions target or an emissions reduction plan under this legislation.
Climate change and global warmingIndigenous rightsInternational development and aidWomen
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 26, 2021e-2574e-2574 (Democratic process)JesseFaszerHon.MichelleRempel GarnerCalgary Nose HillConservativeABMay 5, 2020, at 9:20 a.m. (EDT)September 2, 2020, at 9:20 a.m. (EDT)March 11, 2021April 26, 2021September 2, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="6" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Prime Minister</Addressee>Whereas:The Prime Minister’s firearms confiscation regime, undemocratically imposed without debate during a pandemic while Parliament is suspended, is an assault on Canadian democracy;Canada already has stringent regulations and comprehensive legislation related to firearms ownership;Canada has millions of responsible, law-abiding firearms owners;Data shows that the confiscation regime would not stop firearms violence in Canada;The majority of firearms used in violent crimes are obtained illegally and/or are smuggled into Canada;Legal firearms owners are strong advocates for measures that will actually prevent firearms violence;Legal firearms owners in Canada are vetted on a daily basis through the CPIC system;The Prime Minister is using the emotion of the tragedy in Nova Scotia to impose this confiscation regime even though all of the firearms the murderer used were illegally obtained;The list of firearms to be confiscated is arbitrary and not based on functionality;“Assault rifles”, or fully automatic firearms, have been banned in Canada since 1977;Criminals who have illegally obtained firearms will not be impacted by this confiscation regime; andThe federal government is abandoning evidenced-based decision making as it relates to preventing firearm violence.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Prime Minister to immediately scrap his government’s May 1, 2020, Order in Council decision related to confiscating legally owned firearms and instead pass legislation that will target criminals, stop the smuggling of firearms into Canada, go after those who illegally acquire firearms, and apologize to legal firearms owners in Canada.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency PreparednessSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Joël Lightbound, M.PCanadians deserve to live in a society where they can feel safe and secure from gun violence. The Government ofCanada has prohibited assault-style firearms as they are not reasonable for hunting or sport shooting purposes given the inherent danger that they pose to public safety. The prohibition limits access to the most dangerous firearms that are characterized by their design and their capability of inflicting significant harm to Canadians. The prohibition reduces the number and availability of assault style firearms and other firearms that exceed safe civilian use in Canada, and lowers the possibility of these firearms being diverted to the illegal market.For decades chiefs of police had been advocating for additional restrictions, and even a prohibition, of military-styleassault rifles. The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) previously passed a resolution declaring that military assault rifles were produced for the “sole purpose of killing people in large numbers” and asked the Minister of Justice to “ban all military assault rifles except for law enforcement and military purposes.” In September 2019, the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police expressed support for a prohibition on all military-designed assault rifles, averring that “these weapons have no place in our communities and should be reserved for use by Canada’s military and law enforcement.” The current president of the CACP even declared that “Canadian Chiefs believe that this finds balance, it ensures the safety of our members when they respond to calls for service.”Through Section 117.15 of the Criminal Code, Parliament provides the Government with the authority to prescribe the classification of firearms. We have exercised that authority to benefit the safety and security of Canadians, within limits set by Parliament. The affected firearms are prohibited as they (1) have semi-automatic action with sustain rapid-fire capability (tactical/military design with large magazine capacity), (2) are of modern design, and (3) are present in large volumes in the Canadian market. This authority has existed for decades and has been exercised several times over the years, including by the previous Conservative Government.We made a promise to Canadians and we have delivered. We have been clear that our prohibition will not impact the activities of law-abiding hunters or sport shooters. We have also signaled our intent to implement a buyback program that will provide fair compensation to affected owners. We are looking at a range of options, and will work with Parliament as well as the provinces and territories to get this right for law-abiding gun owners and businesses.While the prohibition is a crucial first step, it is only one of a series of measures that we are taking to target firearm-related crime in this country. We know that firearms-related violence is complex and must be addressed comprehensively. That is why our Government introduced Bill C-21, which proposes amendments to the Firearms Act and the CriminalCode that would build on the Government’s previous actions to promote the safety of Canadians while protecting the privileges associated with lawful firearms ownership. These include:
  • bringing into law “red and yellow flag” regimes that would give anyone - medical practitioners, family members, neighbours and victims of gender-based, intimate-partner, and family violence - the ability to seek a temporary licence suspension or removal of firearms from those who pose a danger to themselves or others in cases of domestic violence, suicide, or hate motivated crime;
  • creating new offences for altering a cartridge magazine, depicting violence in advertising;
  • tightening restrictions on replica firearms and the importation of non-prohibited ammunition;
  • increasing the exchange of intelligence between the RCMP and local police of jurisdiction;
  • providing firearms owners affected by the May 1 assault-style firearms prohibition with disposition options including a strict non-permissive storage regime; and
  • helping create safer communities by supporting the efforts of municipalities who choose to take action to restrict handguns within their boundaries.
In recognition of the public safety threat posed by gun smuggling, the Bill also includes provisions that would increase the maximum penalties for trafficking and smuggling offences, moving them from 10 years to 14 years imprisonment. We welcome the support of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police who “wholeheartedly endorse all efforts to strengthen border controls and impose stronger penalties to combat firearms smuggling and trafficking”.Just recently, we announced that we will be re-establishing the Cross-Border Crime Forum with the U.S. while exploring the creation of a cross-border task force which to address gun smuggling and trafficking.Following hundreds of millions of dollars in cuts to our agencies by the previous Conservative government, we are also rebuilding capacity. The CBSA is receiving $51.5 million over five years through the Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence to enhance its capacity to stem the flow of inadmissible travellers and illegal firearms entering Canada at vulnerable points of entry and through postal facilities. It is also procuring equipment to enhance air cargo security and pallet imaging, intelligence collection and production abilities, and improving border operations through measures aimed at enhancing the CBSA’s capacity to detect and interdict illegal firearms at the border.In addition, the RCMP is receiving $34.5 million through the Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence to enhance its capacity to conduct investigations related to the criminal use of firearms as well as to provide law enforcement with enhanced access to training, technology and data to keep illicit firearms out of Canada and detect and report on criminal gang activities. The RCMP has created the Integrated Criminal Firearms Initiative to expand and enhance existing services available to support firearms investigations nationwide. This includes providing anonymous online capabilities to investigate firearms trafficking and smuggling, conducting physical firearms inspections, enhancing analytical capacity to develop and produce actionable intelligence, and supporting stakeholder outreach among partners to advance focused initiatives. The RCMP is also prioritizing strategic intelligence analysis related to street gangs and the procurement of advanced technologies to expedite and further support the analysis of ballistics and illicit manufacturing of firearms.We are also making important investments in our communities to reduce gun and gang violence.  More than $200 million is now flowing directly to provinces and territories to target initiatives that best meet the unique needs of individual communities to advance efforts in areas of prevention, gang exit, outreach and awareness training as well as enhanced intelligence sharing and law enforcement capacity. With the funding allocations, jurisdictions have made investments to support new law enforcement activities including specialized training and education initiatives and improving data collection and information sharing. Provinces and territories have also prioritized a number of prevention intervention initiatives. We will help create safer communities by giving young people the opportunities and resources they need to resist lives of crime by providing an additional $250 million over five years to municipalities and Indigenous communities to support youth programming.Our government will continue working to enhance public safety by focusing on prevention, effective law enforcement and strong community partnerships
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe ability to prescribe firearms as prohibited or restricted by regulation has existed for several decades. The May 1, 2020, changes to prohibit certain assault-style firearms were done as part of a larger strategy to combat gun crime and reflects the Government’s mandate commitment to ban assault style firearms, address gun violence and keep Canadians safe. Canada has experienced a number of mass shootings in major metropolitan areas such as Quebec City, Montreal and Toronto. Whether at home or abroad, the deadliest mass shootings have been commonly perpetrated with assault-style firearms. These events contributed to growing concern for public safety and increased public demand for measures to address gun violence and mass shootings, particularly to address the use of assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use.An accompanying two-year Amnesty Order to protect law-abiding gun owners from criminal prosecution until they can come into compliance with the law was also made on the same date.On February 16, 2021, Bill C- 21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms) was introduced. If passed, it would provide an option for owners of the newly prohibited firearms to keep their firearm. However, possession would be subject to strict conditions including no permitted use, no import, no further acquisition, no sale and no bequeathal in addition to other requirements. The Government has also announced its intention to introduce a buyback program.Reducing firearms smuggling and trafficking into Canada is a key part of the Government’s fight to reduce access to illegal firearms. Smuggled firearms make their way into the hands of criminals and are often used to commit serious offences tied to organized crime, such as drug trafficking. That is why Bill C-21 proposes to increase maximum penalties of imprisonment from 10 to 14 years for firearms smuggling, trafficking and other related offences.The Government is also implementing effective measures with respect to strengthening firearm regulations and gun and gang initiatives that prioritize public safety. In the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, the Government committed $250 million over five years to directly support municipalities and Indigenous communities to help protect Canadians from gun violence and support anti-gang programming and prevention programs for youth-at-risk.
FirearmsParliamentary democracy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 26, 2021e-2966e-2966 (Economy and finance)KarenRodmanAlistairMacGregorCowichan—Malahat—LangfordNDPBCNovember 4, 2020, at 9:49 a.m. (EDT)March 4, 2021, at 9:49 a.m. (EDT)March 11, 2021April 26, 2021March 5, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:the Canada Pension Plan fund is managed by the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) and is presently at a value of more than $400 billion;Many of our funds have been and are being invested in companies with questionable track records such as weapons manufacturing, environmental pollution, human and labour rights’ abuses, and in those that are contributing towards climate change;The people of Canada expect these investments to be carried out with certain principles in mind, including ethical business practices, and the protection of environmental, labour and human rights; andThe investment policies, standards, and procedures of the Canada Pension Plan must take these factors into account to ensure its long-term financial health.We, the undersigned, Residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to support MP Alistair MacGregor's Bill C-231, An Act to amend the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board Act (investments), ensuring a proactive approach of due diligence is taken by the CPP Investment Board to ethically invest Canada Pension Plan funds while maintaining its overall mandate of achieving a maximum rate of return without undue risk of loss.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) was set up by the federal and provincial governments to prudently invest Canada Pension Plan (CPP) funds. CPP assets managed by CPP Investments are strictly segregated from government funds. While CPP Investments is accountable to federal and provincial Ministers of Finance, it operates at arm's length from Canadian governments.CPP Investments is recognized internationally as a leading example of sound pension plan management. It has an independent, highly qualified Board of Directors and operates with a commercial, investment-only mandate. Accordingly, it invests CPP assets with a view to achieving a maximum rate of return, without undue risk of loss.  According to statements made by CPP Investments, it believes that companies that effectively manage Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors are more likely to create financial value over the long term, improving investment performance. It considers ESG matters when evaluating opportunities, making investment decisions, managing investments and engaging with companies to seek improvements in business practices and disclosure. For example, CPP Investments was a founding signatory and abides by the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment, which provide guidance for incorporating ESG factors.
Canada Pension PlanInvestmentPensions and pensioners
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 26, 2021e-3037e-3037 (Transportation)SylviaLeducElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCDecember 16, 2020, at 2:03 p.m. (EDT)February 14, 2021, at 2:03 p.m. (EDT)March 11, 2021April 26, 2021February 15, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The Canadian Pacific (CP) proposed to build a multi-modal, multi-commodity transload and logistics facility on strategic land holdings adjacent to its existing intermodal rail facility in Pitt Meadows, B.C.;This proposal would be totally out of character with the city’s natural beauty;The risk of both air and noise pollution, along with a decrease in property values will negatively impact the local economy, the health, the welfare and overall quality of life of the residents; andThis proposal will also cause a drastic increase in our environmental footprint by endangering the health and natural habitats of our local wild life and affect farmland and the Katzie Slough.We, the undersigned, Residents of Pitt Meadows, call upon the Government of Canada to consider the grave impact this proposal would have on this community and oppose the CP proposal.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSONUnder the Impact Assessment Act, as well as the former Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) provides scientific and technical information and knowledge to designated project assessments on subjects within the department’s mandate, including climate change, air quality, water quality, biodiversity, environmental preparedness and emergencies. This work includes reviewing proponent’s characterization of environmental effects and mitigation measures, and providing advice to decision makers on activities needed to mitigate these environmental effects. For projects that are not designated, but are located on federal lands or utilize federal resources, ECCC can provide similar expertise upon request, particularly if it is anticipated that a federal permit or authorization may be required that is under ECCC’s mandate.Wildlife habitat is important, including habitat on agricultural lands.  That said, land use decisions of this nature fall within provincial jurisdiction. The federal government plays a role only in the event that a province has not put effective protection for the individuals, residences, or critical habitat of species at risk listed as Threatened or Endangered under the Species at Risk Act, and even then only if there is an order in place to enact that protection.
Industrial facilitiesLand usePitt MeadowsTransportation infrastructure
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 26, 2021432-00653432-00653 (Animals)MartinShieldsBow RiverConservativeABMarch 11, 2021April 26, 2021February 12, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, the Government of Canada has proposed amendments to the Health of Animals Regulations, Part XV (15) (Livestock identification and traceability) which pose a threat to the future of agricultural exhibitions, fairs, and rodeos; Whereas, these proposed changes would place onerous regulations on volunteer-run agricultural exhibitions fairs, and rodeos and discourage their operation; Whereas, Provincial and National Associations for Agricultural Societies, Exhibitions, and Fairs have raised serious concerns with the proposed regulatory changes; Whereas, agricultural exhibitions, fairs, and rodeos are a pillar of Western Canadian heritage and enjoyed by Canadians across the country. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Consult carefully with Agricultural Societies, Exhibitions, and Fairs in developing these regulations. 2. Ensure that new traceability requirements do the operations of Agricultural Societies, Exhibitions, and Fairs so that future generations can continue to enjoy these pillars of Western Canadian heritage.
Response by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-FoodSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, PC, MPThe objective of the proposed amendments to Part XV of the Health of Animals Regulations is to provide more precise, complete, and timely information about animal movements in order to mitigate the social, economic, and environmental impacts of a disease outbreak, food safety issue, or natural disaster.The main pillars of a strong traceability program include animal identification, location identification, and animal movement reporting.Strengthening Canada’s livestock identification and traceability program with the proposed amendments will benefit the operators of fairs and exhibitions by reducing the risk of a cease-movement order in the event of a disease outbreak. In addition, fairs and exhibitions are sites where commingling of many different sources of animals can occur, and livestock traceability would be key during a disease investigation.Under the current regulations, cattle, bison, sheep, and pigs are required to be identified with a tag before leaving the site where they were born. If animals arrive at an intermediate site, such as a fair or exhibition, without the required tag, then a tag must be applied to any untagged animals received. In the proposed amendments, this requirement would only be new for goats and cervids.If an operator of a fair or exhibition does not want to have volunteers handle untagged animals, they can provide the tags, but have producers do the tagging. Another option is to communicate with their producers to ensure only animals with approved tags arrive at their site, and/or refuse to allow untagged animals on their site.A new requirement in the proposed amendments for fairs and exhibitions would be the need to report animals received on their site to industry-led databases (i.e., Canadian Cattle Identification Agency, DairyTrace, PigTRACE). After consultation with stakeholders, the design of the livestock trace program amendments were drafted with this Move-In reporting model. All sites receiving animals need to report this move-in, and maintaining this consistency is the main driver for fairs and exhibitions reporting reception of animals. The administrators for the trace databases all have easy-to-use, mobile-device-friendly apps for reporting this information. They also allow for reporting via telephone, mail, and fax.The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has been consulting on the proposed amendments since 2013, including with provinces and stakeholders across the livestock sector. Sector-specific industry associations, including the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions (CAFE), were consulted.To continue engagement and outreach with stakeholders, CFIA has also established a Regulatory Implementation Committee (RIC), with regular meetings, of which the provinces and impacted industry associations are members, including the CAFE. In 2020, CFIA shared a plain language but detailed description of the proposed regulations with the RIC members and solicited further feedback.CFIA recognizes the concerns of the fairs and exhibitions with the proposed amendments and encourages them to continue to participate in the RIC meetings, and to also express their implementation issues in future consultations.Under CFIA’s Forward Regulatory Plan (www.inspection.gc.ca/about-cfia/acts-and-regulations/forward-regulatory-plan/eng/1361986810905/1361986866978), the proposed regulations are anticipated to be published for consultation in Part I of the Canada Gazette in summer 2021, after which time citizens will have a 90-day period to provide comments. CFIA will review and consider all comments received prior to publishing the finalized regulations in Part II of the Canada Gazette.
Animal rights and welfareEventsLivestock
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 26, 2021e-2971e-2971 (Human diseases)NormanMacIsaacHeatherMcPhersonEdmonton StrathconaNDPABNovember 6, 2020, at 2:13 p.m. (EDT)January 5, 2021, at 2:13 p.m. (EDT)March 11, 2021April 26, 2021January 5, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="253395" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Health</Addressee>Whereas:ALS is an incurable, terminal disease;Parliament unanimously passed Motion 105 in April 2017: “That, in light of the death of over 1000 Canadians each year, including the tragic loss of the Honourable Mauril Bélanger, former MP for Ottawa—Vanier on August 16, 2016, as a consequence of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the House (a) reiterate its desire and commitment to, in collaboration with provincial and territorial stakeholders, combat ALS via research and awareness; and (b) call upon the government to play a leadership role in supporting ALS research, and to support national efforts to find a cure for ALS at the earliest opportunity.”;The development of ALS treatments is at a tipping point; Over ninety treatments are in clinical trials, and a half a dozen treatments will likely be seeking approval in 2021; Observers have been awed by anecdotal evidence of the efficacy of stem cell treatment, and other treatments have shown remarkable results in slowing or even stopping certain forms of ALS; andRecent experience shows that, following approval by Health Canada, it takes an additional 18 to 24 months or more to make an ALS treatment available to Canadian patients in provinces and territories.We, the undersigned, patients, caregivers, friends and family affected by ALS, call upon the Minister of Health to create a pilot project to reduce the delay in obtaining access to innovative Health Canada approved ALS treatments to maximum 3 to 6 months; this pilot project, in collaboration with other national, provincial and territorial stakeholders, could pave the way for timely access to innovative treatments for other devastating, incurable and terminal conditions.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellThe Government of Canada recognizes the importance of patients having access to drugs that may help treat their serious or life-threatening conditions, including those with rare diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and is committed to supporting Canadians’ access to safe and effective health products.In Canada, the management of pharmaceuticals is a shared responsibility among the federal, provincial and territorial governments. The federal government is responsible for assessing the safety, efficacy and quality of drugs before authorizing them for sale in Canada. The provincial and territorial governments are responsible for the delivery of health care for their residents, including determining which drugs are reimbursed and under what conditions for their eligible populations.The Government of Canada has made a commitment to improve access to medications. The Regulatory Review of Drugs and Devices Initiative, and now the Regulatory Innovation Agenda, will make regulatory processes more efficient and better able to meet the needs of the health care system.This plan includes providing more timely access to drugs by:
  • expanding the priority review process, to decrease review time for products needed by the health care system, including drugs for rare diseases;
  • renewing the Special Access Programme to improve access to products that are not now authorized for sale in Canada;
  • improving access to generics, biosimilar drugs and biologics by ensuring more timely review of these products;
  • modernizing clinical trial regulations;
  • enabling advanced therapeutic products;
  • enacting agile licensing for drugs and medical devices; and,
  • enhancing the way Health Canada provides health information to Canadians on mobile.
Moving forward, we will continue to engage with stakeholders and Canadians, build on lessons learned from the temporary agile measures in place, and consult on all proposed policy and regulatory approaches as they are developed.Once approval for sale has been issued by Health Canada, provincial and territorial drugs plans then decide if the drug will be eligible for public reimbursement. To help inform this decision, public drug plans use the recommendations and advice of the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health’s (CADTH) Common Drug Review and, in Quebec, the Institut national d’excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS). Health Canada, along with CADTH and INESSS, has introduced an option for sponsors to seek aligned reviews for submissions. This aligned review process reduces time lags between the market authorization of a drug and the Health Technology Assessments (HTAs) performed by CADTH and INESSS which support its listing on a public plan.Budget 2019 proposed to invest up to $1 billion over two years, starting in 2022-2023, with up to $500 million per year ongoing, to help Canadians with rare diseases access the drugs they need. We recognize that, for many Canadians who require prescription drugs to treat rare diseases, the cost of these medications can be astronomically high.To support the development of a national strategy for high-cost drugs for rare diseases, a public and stakeholder engagement process was launched in early 2021 and concluded on March 26th, 2021. A What We Heard report summarizing key themes and feedback that emerged during the public and stakeholder engagement will be published in spring 2021.The Government of Canada will continue working with provinces, territories and other partners to lower the costs of medications and improve access. 
Amyotrophic Lateral SclerosisBacklogsFederal-provincial-territorial relationsMedical techniques and procedures
43rd Parliament229Not certifiedApril 26, 2021e-3291e-3291 (Social affairs and equality)MichaelWaltonGordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNDPBCMarch 25, 2021, at 2:59 p.m. (EDT)April 24, 2021, at 2:59 p.m. (EDT)April 26, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the gaping cracks in care and support for seniors to the extent that our current generation of elders is dying in care homes at rates exceeding anything a modern society should allow; In passing its various Canada Emergency Response Benefits (CERB) packages, to modernize the Employment Insurance (EI) benefits that were deemed inadequate, the House of Commons has determined that a minimum income to ensure a Canadian's health and well being is $500 per week; While seniors rely on three different programs for government support (Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)), the OAS is the only one that is universal for all seniors; An immediate increase in the OAS will have many benefits for both seniors and our society, allowing for many to remain in independent living situations longer and provide future savings to the health care system while providing stimulus in local communities to aid in the recovery from the COVID-19 recession; Seniors rely heavily on community services and spend their money locally; and Seniors deserve to be treated with as much respect as other Canadians going through these difficult times together.We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to immediately increase the OAS seniors benefit to the same amount as the CERB benefit, which is currently $500.Old Age SecuritySenior citizens43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 23, 2021432-00651432-00651 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 10, 2021April 23, 2021November 3, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 23, 2021432-00650432-00650 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 10, 2021April 23, 2021June 7, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 23, 2021432-00649432-00649 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 10, 2021April 23, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 23, 2021432-00648432-00648 (Natural resources and energy)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 10, 2021April 23, 2021February 9, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, Alberta's Industrial Heartland is one of the world's most attractive locations for chemical, petrochemical, oil, and gas investment.Whereas, Alberta's Industrial Heartland is Canada's largest hydrocarbon processing region and has 40+ companies, several being world scale, provide fuels, fertilizers, power, petrochemicals, and more to provincial, national and global consumers. Whereas, energy-related manufacturing plays a crucial role in Canadian energy development and security, and in providing jobs and opportunity for Canadians. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to: 1. Advance policies which support growth in Alberta's Industrial Heartland and growth in energy-related manufacturing in general; and 2. Support permanent accelerated capital cost allowance for energy related manufacturing.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mr. Marc G. SerréThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views in support of energy policies for Alberta’s Industrial Heartland.The government understands the importance of the region’s natural resources to Canadians, providing jobs and opportunities that contribute to the national economy. While Canada takes climate action, the government recognizes that the energy sector in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland has a significant role to play. A strong energy sector will help to ensure that the environment is protected as it drives economic growth.Ongoing federal support to Alberta’s Industrial Heartland energy sector includes:
  • Investing $1.5 billion in the Low-carbon and Zero-emissions Fuels Fund. This will increase the production and use of low-carbon fuels such as hydrogen, biocrude, renewable natural gas and diesel, and cellulosic ethanol.
  • Developing a carbon capture, utilization and storage strategy to cut industrial emissions.
  • Unveiling a national Hydrogen Strategy that will cement Canada’s position as a leading global supplier of hydrogen fuels. Vast natural gas and petroleum resources endow Canada with a competitive advantage in the production of clean hydrogen. A growing hydrogen sector also opens the door to new markets for Canada’s conventional energy resources.
  • Advancing plans to eliminate plastic waste in the environment through the circular economy. The knowledge and experience of the petrochemical industry in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland will be instrumental in the development of valuable solutions using plastic waste. Developing the circular economy presents an opportunity for the energy sector to re-imagine its refining capacity.
Alberta’s Industrial Heartland plays an important role in Canada’s sustainable development. There are many positive examples of interrelated industries already working together in the region, benefitting from the Heartland’s unique characteristics, economic opportunities and the high-quality renewable carbon feedstock produced by the energy sector. The Government of Canada will continue to work, alongside the Government of Alberta, with Heartland stakeholders to grow energy-related manufacturing in a way that adds value to the province’s hydrocarbon sector. The government supports its success as Alberta’s Industrial Heartland transitions to an increasingly low-carbon future.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSONImportance of the energy sector/clean tech to Canada:
  • Canada’s energy sector is a key contributor to employment, economic growth and social development in Alberta and across Canada. As we move forward to transform our economy towards a net-zero future, workers and innovators are going to be an essential part of this transition building on the innovation and expertise across the energy sector.   
  • Building on the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, our new strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, announced in December 2020, continues to advance the next generation of clean technology and grow the role of renewable energy. It includes $15 billion in investments for 64 strengthened and new federal policies, programs and investments to cut pollution and build a stronger, cleaner, more resilient and inclusive economy. 
  • We are committed to promoting clean economic growth by helping Canadian businesses take advantage of the massive transition that Canada and the global economy must make to reach the target of net-zero emissions.
  • We are committed to continuing to work with the sector to grow the economy, and to better align climate change objectives, including achieving emissions reductions through innovation across the energy sector. 
Federal support for energy sectorGovernment of Canada investments:
  • $3 billion since 2016 to help Canadian companies innovate, develop new and improved technologies, reduce carbon pollution, strengthen competitiveness and create jobs. This includes investments in things like clean energy, clean hydrogen, carbon capture, use and storage, wind, solar, energy storage and smart grids. 
  • Infrastructure improvements to help the transition away from coal, which will make it easier for affordable clean energy.
  • $750 million over five years for Sustainable Development Technology Canada to support startups and scale up companies to enable pre-commercial clean technologies to successfully demonstrate feasibility, as well as support early commercialization efforts.
  • $50 million to invest in technologies and $100 million to leverage private sector co-investments through the Clean Resource Innovation Network – a pan-Canadian network focused on ensuring Canada’s energy resources can be sustainably developed and integrated into the global energy supply.
  • Up to $1.72 billion, including funding to the governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia, and the Alberta Orphan Well Association, to clean up orphan and/or inactive oil and gas wells – creating thousands of jobs and having lasting environmental benefits.
  • Launching a Net-Zero Challenge for large emitters to support Canadian industries in developing and implementing plans to transition their facilities to net-zero emissions by 2050.
  • $3 billion in the Strategic Innovation Fund’s Net-Zero Accelerator Fund to rapidly expedite decarbonization projects with large emitters, scale-up clean technology and accelerate Canada’s industrial transformation across all sectors.
  • $1.5 billion in a Low-carbon and Zero-emissions Fuels Fund to increase the production and use of low-carbon fuels (e.g., hydrogen, biocrude, renewable natural gas and diesel, cellulosic ethanol).
  • $750-million Emission Reduction Funds provides loans for projects that reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions with a focus on methane and supports reducing the greenhouse gas intensity of fuel production.  Projects that entirely eliminate methane have a non-repayable portion.
        
Response by the Minister of Innovation, Science and IndustrySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable François-Philippe ChampagneThe petrochemicals and energy related manufacturing sectors fulfill a critical function for the country, supporting the Canadians economy and providing a myriad of products. This function, includes providing equipment and products that are vital to our collective efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.The chemicals and advanced manufacturing industry is an important driver for innovation and growth in the Canadian economy. Demand for chemicals will continue to grow in key markets to meet consumer demands for new materials and technologies, while the sector works to minimize environmental impacts and create more circular product lifecycles. Canada has a significant and growing petrochemical sector footprint – driven by a strong productivity advantage and strategic linkages to both upstream and downstream sectors. Investment in the industry and new value chains such as propane to propylene, help complement and support the upstream supply industry.Advanced manufacturing brings together several advanced and clean technologies relevant to the chemical sector to improve productivity, reduce risk, innovate, and generate new income streams. It is playing an important role in transforming Canada's petrochemical sector to achieve greater growth and competitiveness. Programs like the Clean Growth Hub, a unique whole-of-government focal point for clean technology dedicated to helping Canadians navigate federal programs and services, have been a strategic part of government’s approach to connecting these innovators with the support they need to conduct research and demonstration, access new markets, scale up and export. The Government of Canada has implemented a number of initiatives that are available and beneficial to the Alberta Industrial Heartland region. In Budget 2017, the Government of Canada established the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), which supports large-scale, transformative and collaborative projects that help position Canada to prosper in the global knowledge-based economy, particularly in innovative petrochemical and advanced manufacturing projects. Through this program, Canada is providing $49 million to Inter Pipeline, who is constructing a $3.5-billion Heartland Petrochemical Complex in Strathcona County, and another $49 million to the Canada Kuwait Petrochemical Corporation (CKPC), to construct a new $4.5-billion polypropylene complex in Sturgeon County in Alberta. Both the projects would generate significant economic, innovative and public benefits, resulting in the creation of skilled, high-paying jobs, reduced environmental impacts and value-added for regional supply chains.The Government of Canada's Innovation and Skills Plan included the establishment of a number of Economic Strategy Tables (EST) to enable collaboration and support economic growth in six key sectors including the Agrifood EST, the Advanced Manufacturing EST and the Resources of the Future EST. The EST initiative identified opportunities for Canada to become a global competitive force in advanced manufacturing and natural resources through diversifying export market, developing new products and adopting clean technology that will make Canada more productive and attractive.As Canada continues to implement its strengthened Climate Plan, the Alberta Industrial Heartland’s focus on clean tech innovation, job creation and strengthening economic growth will be important. Continued collaboration between the federal, provincial and territorial governments and the private sector will ensure we are able to build a prosperous, greener economy to the benefit of all Canadians. 
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada recognizes the importance of Canada’s energy sector, which directly and indirectly supports hundreds of thousands of middle class families and their communities. As the Government of Canada works to rebuild a more sustainable and resilient economy, our industrial advantage will depend on the speed and success of decarbonization efforts, ability to meet the demands of domestic and global consumers for low-carbon goods and services, and efforts to rapidly scale up low-carbon technologies. Canadian workers and businesses are well-positioned to be leaders as we build back to deliver a stronger economy that thrives in a low-carbon world.Support for Energy-Related ManufacturingCanada’s industrial sectors – such as manufacturing, chemicals, cement and oil and gas – play a key role in our economy, and will be vital in the transition towards a net-zero future. Canada’s strengthened climate plan, “A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy”, was announced in December 2020 and contains 64 strengthened and new federal policies, programs and investments to reduce emissions and build a stronger, cleaner, more resilient and inclusive economy. The Plan includes $3 billion for the Strategic Innovation Fund – Net Zero Accelerator to support the adoption and deployment of decarbonization solutions in Canadian industry and $1.5 billion to increase the production and use of low- carbon fuels. A focus of the Government as we transition to a net-zero economy will be on supporting the rapid scale up of existing and new, strategic clean technologies and supporting the market for clean fuels in Canada, including through Canada’s Hydrogen Strategy. The Government is committed to working with Canadian businesses and workers in advancing a net-zero economy. Support for Alberta and the Energy SectorCanada’s strengthened climate plan builds off previous measures targeted at the energy sector as part of the Government’s COVID-19 economic response. Due to the unprecedented challenges for workers and companies in the energy sector as a result of the pandemic, the Government allocated $2.8 billion to support energy sector workers and help the industry reduce its emissions. This includes $750 million for the Emissions Reduction Fund to help oil and gas companies reduce methane emissions, $1.7 billion to the Western provinces and Alberta Orphan Wells Association to support work to clean up orphan and inactive oil and gas wells, and $320 million for Newfoundland and Labrador to support workers in the offshore sector. This funding will sustain jobs in the energy sector, while also supporting the broader energy-related supply chain.Support through Accelerated Capital Cost AllowancesIn the 2018 Fall Economic Statement, the Government introduced the Accelerated Investment Incentive, which provides an enhanced first-year capital cost allowance of up to three times the first-year allowance otherwise available for all businesses, including in the energy sector. For businesses in the manufacturing and processing sector, including energy transformation, the 2018 Fall Economic Statement also announced an enhanced first-year capital cost allowance of 100 per cent for investments in machinery and equipment. These measures will be available for investments that become available for use before 2028, subject to a phase-out starting in 2024.
AlbertaDepreciation allowanceOil and gas
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 23, 2021432-00647432-00647 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 10, 2021April 23, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas Bill C-7 further removes safeguards from the current euthanasia regime, including the mandatory 10-day reflection period and the number of required witnesses, thereby allowing a person's euthanasia request to be accepted and carried out within the same day and without robust consultation; and;Whereas the removal of the second required independent witness reduces oversight of the procedure, thereby leaving vulnerable persons at risk of abuse; and;Whereas the Canadian Government has an obligation to protect its citizens, especially those who are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation;Therefore we, the undersigned, urge the House of Commons to immediately discontinue the removal of safeguards for people requesting euthanasia, and put in place additional measures to protect vulnerable persons.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOn March 17, 2021, Bill C-7, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying), received Royal Assent. Bill C-7 responds to the September 2019 Superior Court of Quebec ruling in Truchon,which struck down the eligibility criterion of “reasonably foreseeable natural death” from the Criminal Code medical assistance in dying regime.Bill C-7 amended the Criminal Code to ensure consistency of the medical assistance in dying law across the country. The reasonably foreseeable natural death criterion no longer applies as an eligibility criterion that could exclude persons from obtaining medical assistance in dying, but is instead used to determine which of two different sets of safeguards applies to a particular medical assistance in dying request.The first set of safeguards applies to persons whose natural death is reasonably foreseeable, where risks are reduced given the overall proximity of death and the fact that their suffering is most likely linked to the dying process itself. The removal of the requirement of a second independent witness and the repeal of the 10-day reflection period responds to the concerns raised by healthcare professionals and other stakeholders to the effect that: finding two independent witnesses is a challenge for many patients and poses an access barrier to medical assistance in dying; and, the 10-day reflection period prolongs patient suffering unduly, as persons who request medical assistance in dying do so after careful consideration.The second set of safeguards reflects the more serious consequences of error for persons who request medical assistance in dying and whose death is not reasonably foreseeable. It recognizes the diverse sources of suffering and vulnerability that could potentially lead a person whose death is not reasonably foreseeable to request medical assistance in dying. The new safeguards for this group include a minimum 90-day assessment period, a requirement that an expert be consulted if neither of the two practitioners assessing eligibility has the required expertise, and clarifications related to informed consent.The Bill C-7 amendments were informed by consultations with Canadians, the provinces and territories, Indigenous groups, key stakeholders, experts, and practitioners. They support greater autonomy and freedom of choice for eligible persons, and provides appropriate safeguards to protect those who may be vulnerable.
Application processHealth care systemMedical assistance in dyingOversight mechanism
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 23, 2021432-00646432-00646 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 10, 2021April 23, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 23, 2021e-2889e-2889 (Transportation)BradleyLeinweberLenWebberCalgary ConfederationConservativeABOctober 13, 2020, at 11:49 a.m. (EDT)February 10, 2021, at 11:49 a.m. (EDT)March 10, 2021April 23, 2021February 10, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:We, the undersigned, citizens (or residents) of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to legislate the mandatory use of Aircraft Collision Avoidance Systems such as PowerFLARMs in privately owned civilian glider aircraft and towplanes in Canada in an effort to prevent mid-air collisions and the associated unnecessary loss of life.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraTransport Canada (TC) recently undertook research into Airborne Collision Avoidance Systems (ACAS). As a result of this research, TC learned that the FLARM has limitations and that the mandating of ACAS, specifically the FLARM, for gliding and tow-plane operations is not necessarily the best solution to prevent mid-air collisions.  With this in mind, and due to similar work being conducted under Transport Canada Civil Aviation’s General Aviation Safety Program, TC is looking into non-regulatory solutions. These solutions directly address the root causes of the Leinweber accident[1].Non-regulatory solutions:
  1. After TC-lead meetings with the Soaring Association of Canada (SAC), SAC took the initiative to update their tow-pilot training manual – emphasizing standard procedures, which should be followed during tow-plane operations.
  2. TC is drafting guidance material to clarify procedures for the proper recording and deferral of aircraft defects. This material will be published in aviation publications and promotional materials, which are focused toward bringing more awareness of safety issues and concerns to the general aviation community, in the coming weeks. The guidance material not only addresses the proper recording of inoperative items, but also includes a risk management assessment prior to commencing a flight.
  3. TC reached out to several other civil aviation authorities, which provide oversight of significant gliding activities, namely: the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (Australia), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, and the Federal Aviation Administration (USA), as well as the Soaring Association of Canada (SAC) and the Soaring Safety Foundation (USA) to exchange both on best practices and as well as technological shortcomings, including with the FLARM. Other countries are developing new standards for collision avoidance equipment, which can provide a pathway for the glider community to be more visible to other aircraft. However, it should be noted that despite the shortcomings with the FLARM, the voluntary equipage in Canada is estimated to be at 70% (based on data reported by SAC). SAC also continues to provide incentives for their members to equip their aircraft with FLARMs.
In light of the above, while FLARM can provide an additional layer of safety if properly used and managed, at this time a non-regulatory approach is believed to be the best solution. TC will therefore:
  1. Continue to engage with SAC and support their efforts for voluntary equipage of FLARMs in all privately owned gliders and tow-planes;
  2. Continue to develop and distribute guidance, educational and promotional materials addressing the root causes of the Leinweber accident, as well as other similar accidents; and,
  3. Continue engagement with other civil aviation authorities so TC is aware of any new developments and/or new standards for collision avoidance equipment. These developments could impact and/or further enhance our own standards in the future.
 [1]The “Leinweber accident” refers to a fatal mid-air collision between a glider and a tow plane in Alberta on July 26, 2019. The acting student pilot and the instructor were fatally injured. The TSB found that although both aircraft were equipped with FLARM, the one on the tow plane was not working on the day of the accident nor was it required by the regulations. In the Safety Message of the report, the TSB also highlighted the importance that operators have procedures in place for the safe operation of their aircraft and that personnel follow their procedures. 
Air safetyAircraft equipmentGliders and glidingTowplane
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 23, 2021432-00644432-00644 (Foreign affairs)KerryDiotteEdmonton GriesbachConservativeABMarch 10, 2021April 23, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 23, 2021e-3081e-3081 (Natural resources and energy)ScottArcherMarilynGladuSarnia—LambtonConservativeONJanuary 7, 2021, at 2:38 p.m. (EDT)March 8, 2021, at 2:38 p.m. (EDT)March 10, 2021April 23, 2021March 8, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="6" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Prime Minister</Addressee>Whereas:Governor Gretchen Whitmer of the State of Michigan gave the order to shut down the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline;The closure of Enbridge Line 5 would have a devastating effect on the financial well being of the locality of Sarnia-Lambton and the tens of thousands of skilled tradespeople and employees of several local refineries and supporting industries and businesses;The closure of Enbridge Line 5 would also have a wide-ranging ripple effect throughout the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, including the disruption of fuel supply to major airports and transportation hubs, such as Toronto's Pearson Airport, which receives fuel from Enbridge Line 5; andWithout Enbridge Line 5, a massive portion of the Canadian Industry will be wiped out overnight.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, skilled tradespeople, and the families who depend upon the oil and gas industry to provide their livelihood and sustain their quality of life, call upon the Prime Minister to appeal to President elect Joe Biden to intervene and prevent Governor Whitmer from inflicting overwhelming and catastrophic economic effect to communities in Ontario, Quebec, Wisconsin and Ohio.
Response by the Prime MinisterSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Greg FergusCanadian energy workers work hard to power homes on both sides of the border and workers in our natural resources sector are leading Canada's economic recovery. In his meetings with President Biden, the Prime Minister has underlined how Canada is a reliable source of energy to the United States, contributing to U.S. energy security and economic competitiveness. This was emphasized inthe recent Roadmap for a Renewed Canada-U.S. Partnership, where both leaders recognized the important economic and energy security benefits of the bilateral energy relationship and its highly integrated infrastructure.Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, our ambassador to the United States, and Canada’s Detroit consul-general are strongly advocating for the continued operation of Line 5 with their American counterparts. Canada will always advocate on behalf of Canadian workers and industry.
Canada-United States relationsEconomic impactEnbridge Inc.Oil and gasPipeline transportation
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 23, 2021432-00642432-00642 (Foreign affairs)PaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCMarch 10, 2021April 23, 2021January 27, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas the Canadian Parliament has unanimously passed the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, also known as the Sergei Magnitsky Act, to sanction corrupt foreign officials who, among others, are responsible for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights;Whereas the Former Chinese Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin and his cohorts personally ordered, launched, orchestrated and executed the eradication campaign against Falun Gong using state apparatus, including the extrajudicial torture and killing of Falun Gong practitioners in large numbers with impunity for the past 19 years for their beliefs in "truthfulness, compassion and tolerance”; and whereas Falun Gong practitioners have been killed for their organs in China on a massive scale, which has been well documented and widely reported;Whereas extensive evidence points to fourteen key officials and former officials of the Chinese communist regime who demonstrate prime culpability in the human rights atrocities committed against Falun Gong practitioners in China.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against these perpetrators under the Sergei Magnitsky Act.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.To ensure the protection of all human rights, including freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), Canada addresses rights comprehensively through the Office of Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion (OHRFI), encouraging a climate of inclusion and respect for diversity to advance the rights of those too often marginalized in society. To this end, the OHRFI regularly engages with a diverse range of diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligation.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 23, 2021432-00641432-00641 (Environment)PaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCMarch 10, 2021April 23, 2021February 1, 2021Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament AssembledWe, the undersigned residents of Canada draw the attention of the House to the following:That almost all of the community drinking watersheds on the east coast of Vancouver Island are privately owned, based on an agreement that was struck when BC joined confederation. The E&N land grant, which includes land from Campbell River to Jordan River, was partial payment to build the E&N Railway as part of the agreement for confederation.That all of the community drinking watersheds within the E&N land grant which are under private ownership have had water quality and contamination problems related to human activity including logging, mining, landfills and other industrial and recreational activities. Watersheds in Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Port Alberni, Parksville, Courtenay, Shawnigan Lake and other communities have been affected.That the E&N Land Grant violated treaty rights and aboriginal title.That public ownership of community drinking watersheds, as in the case of the Capital Regional District, has allowed water districts to control all activity in the watershed and allow for the natural forest to help filter and store water and reduce drinking water treatment costs.That clean safe drinking water is essential to life, is a human right and is fundamental to the economic wellbeing of communities and the region and the protection of community drinking water sources must supersede all other interests.Therefore, your petitioners call upon parliament to work with the Province of British Columbia, First Nations, Municipalities, Regional Districts, and land-owners to begin a process to bring community drinking watersheds on Vancouver Island under public ownership and control and ensure they are properly protected for community drinking water purposes now and for future generations, eliminating all industrial and other activity that is not essential to the maintenance of a pristine, secure source of drinking water.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSONWater quality management is a shared responsibility among different jurisdictions.  At the federal level, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) plays a role in the management of pollution.  ECCC takes water pollution very seriously and continues to work hard to protect and conserve Canada’s water resources. Much of this effort is to apply and enforce Canadian laws that control pollution such as the Fisheries Act.ECCC is the lead department responsible for the administration and enforcement of the pollution prevention provisions of the Fisheries Acthttps://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/F-14/index.html. These provisions serve to protect fish as a public resource by prohibiting pollution that could be deleterious to fish.  Subsection 36(3) is the key pollution prevention provision and prohibits the deposit of all deleterious substances into water frequented by fish, or to any place, under any conditions, where it may enter water frequented by fish.A deposit of a deleterious substance is only authorized under regulations that set strict requirements concerning the deposits.  There are Fisheries Act regulations related to a number of the sectors and deposits mentioned in the petition including the pulp and paper, metal and diamond mining, and wastewater sectors.  Deposits that are not subject to a regulation are subject to subsection 36(3) of the Fisheries Act.The management of drinking water is shared among federal, provincial and municipal governments. The federal responsibility lies with Health Canada, but its role is in protecting the health of all Canadians by developing the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality in partnership with the provinces and territories. These guidelines are used by every jurisdiction in Canada and are the basis for establishing drinking water quality requirements for all Canadians. Provinces and municipalities are typically responsible for the provision of safe drinking water.  
British ColumbiaEnvironmental contaminationFederal-provincial-territorial relationsWatersheds
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 23, 2021432-00640432-00640 (Foreign affairs)ZiadAboultaifEdmonton ManningConservativeABMarch 10, 2021April 23, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 23, 2021432-00639432-00639 (Foreign affairs)TamaraJansenCloverdale—Langley CityConservativeBCMarch 10, 2021April 23, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 23, 2021432-00638432-00638 (Justice)TamaraJansenCloverdale—Langley CityConservativeBCMarch 10, 2021April 23, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 23, 2021432-00637432-00637 (Environment)RichardCanningsSouth Okanagan—West KootenayNDPBCMarch 10, 2021April 23, 2021July 9, 2020PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe the undersigned Canadian youth respectfully request that the House of Commons give serious consideration to the following: WHEREAS, the impacts of climate change are accelerating in Canada and around the world, leading to Canada declaring a Climate Emergency, Canadian youth are anxious that they are being left with an uncertain future in which we can grow, survive, and thrive. THAT, Canada has endorsed the Paris Agreement to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 °C in order to avoid the most disastrous effects of climate change, yet greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have failed to decline in Canada; THAT, Canada's current GHG reduction targets are not consistent with doing our fair share to meet the global goals agreed upon in Paris to mitigate climate change; THAT, subsidizing fossil fuel production, export and expansion, including new pipelines, are NOT compatible with the stated goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions; THAT, the government's continued support of the fossil fuel industry, in spite of scientific evidence of the cumulative damage of emissions, puts our future in danger; THAT, youth want jobs that are sustainable and not for short-term gain at the expense of future generations. THEREFORE, your youth petitioners, and those who care deeply about youth, call upon the House of Commons to take meaningful steps to support the future of young Canadians and fulfill Canada's obligations under the Paris Agreement by adopting a detailed climate action strategy that includes legislated science-based targets for greenhouse gas reduction with a plan to meet them, including but not limited to: implementing a comprehensive and steadily rising national carbon price beyond 2022 that rises to at least $150/t by 2030; eliminating fossil fuel subsidies and redirecting those investments into renewable energy systems, energy efficiency, low-carbon transportation, and job training.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSONCanadians are already feeling the impacts of climate change and extreme weather such as the changing intensity and frequency of flooding, storms, wildfires, coastal erosion, extreme heat events, thawing permafrost, and sea level rise. These impacts pose significant risks to the safety, security, health, and well­being of all Canadians, our communities, the economy, and the natural environment.Following adoption of the Paris Agreement in December 2015, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) invited the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to prepare a Special Report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5 degrees and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways. Released in October 2018, the report found that globally, net anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions need to reach 'net zero' by around 2050 to meet this goal.To contribute to the achievement of the Paris Agreement, and in pursuit of efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, the Government of Canada is committed to exceed Canada's 2030 emissions reduction goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30% below 2005 levels and working to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 also responds to the IPCC's latest scientific assessment.Canada's climate plan, the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (PCF), adopted on December 9, 2016, is a comprehensive plan which includes both individual and joint federal, provincial, and territorial climate actions to reduce emissions, accelerate clean economic growth, and build resilience to the impacts of climate change. This plan was developed in collaboration with provinces and territories, and with input from Indigenous Peoples, businesses, civil society, and Canadians across the country.The PCF outlines over 50 concrete measures to reduce carbon pollution, help us adapt and become more resilient to the impacts of a changing climate, foster clean technology solutions, and create good jobs that contribute to a stronger economy. Key measures include:
  • regulating methane emissions in the oil and gas sector, which will reduce carbon pollution by about 16.5 million tonnes in 2030;
  • accelerating the phase-out of coal-fired electricity generation by 2030 as part of our efforts to have 90% of electricity from non-emitting sources, and supporting workers and communities transition to a low-carbon economy;
  • developing "net-zero energy ready" building codes to be adopted by 2030 for new buildings;
  • establishing mandatory labeling of building energy use to provide businesses and consumers with information on energy performance, and setting new standards to improve the energy efficiency of appliances and equipment;
  • increasing the stringency of emissions standards for light- and heavy-duty vehicles, and taking steps to improve efficiency and support fuel switching in the rail, aviation, marine, and off-road sectors;
  • adopting a Climate Lens to ensure that future climate impacts are considered and addressed in all federally funded infrastructure projects; and
  • establishing a new Canadian Centre for Climate Services giving Canadians better access to climate science and information. 
The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of tackling climate change while growing the economy as a means of creating jobs and ensuring competitiveness. Since 2015, the Government of Canada has committed about $60 billion to reduce emissions, adapt to a changing climate, and support clean technology innovation and the transition to a clean growth economy. Commitments include:
  • more than $28 billion to support public transit, including over 1,211 transit projects approved;
  • $26.9 billion to support green infrastructure, including support for renewable energy, electric vehicle charging, natural gas and hydrogen refuelling stations, clean energy in rural and remote communities, and climate adaptation and resiliency initiatives (e.g., flood mitigation under the $2-billion Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund);
  • $3 billion to support the development, adoption, and scale-up of clean technologies;
  • over $2 billion to help cities and towns adapt to and manage the impacts of climate change, delivered through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (e.g., $75 million for the Municipal Climate Innovation Program, $50 million for the Municipal Asset Management Program, and over $1 billion in support for building energy efficiency investments);
  • $2 billion to generate clean growth and reduce carbon pollution from buildings, industries, forestry, and agriculture by leveraging investment in projects through the Low Carbon Economy Fund;
  • the $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan to improve marine safety and responsible shipping;
  • $1.3 billion for nature conservation;
  • $300 million to provide Canadian drivers and businesses with purchase incentives for zero-emission vehicles;
  • over $64 million to help rural, remote, and Indigenous communities transition off diesel fuel;
  • $108 million to establish the Canadian Centre for Climate Services, which is improving access to trusted, useful, and timely climate information and data to support adaptation decision-making; and
  • over $100 million in targeted federal funding to support specific economic sectors such as transportation, agriculture, and health and communities, including Indigenous and Northern communities (e.g., $52 million for the First Nations Adapt Program and $47 million for Climate Change Preparedness in the North). 
The PCF identified carbon pollution pricing as an important and cross-cutting mitigation measure. It is an area that has benefited from substantial leadership from several provinces. In October 2016, the Prime Minister announced the Pan-Canadian Approach to Pricing Carbon Pollution (federal stringency requirements). This pan-Canadian approach to carbon pricing is a practical and cost-effective way to address climate change and will contribute to substantial emissions reductions, stimulate innovation, clean growth, and jobs for the middle class. By putting a price on carbon pollution, the Government of Canada is fulfilling our commitment to address climate change in the most effective and economical way possible. The stringency of the carbon pricing system needs to increase over time and this should be based in legislation — to provide certainty to businesses and consumers and contribute to our national GHG emission reduction target. 
  • For jurisdictions implementing an explicit price-based system, the carbon price started at $20 per tonne in 2019, and will rise by $10 per year to $50 per tonne in 2022.
  • Provinces with a cap-and-trade system need to have (i) a 2030 emissions reduction target equal to or greater than Canada's 30% reduction target; and (ii) a cap-and-trade system with declining (more stringent) emission caps (to at least 2022) that correspond, at a minimum, to the projected emissions reductions that would have resulted from applying the direct carbon price that year. 
The Framework also committed to the federal, provincial, and territorial governments to complete a series of reviews by 2022 in order to provide certainty on the path forward after 2022. Canada's climate plan is working. Canada's most recent GHG emissions projections estimate that Canada's GHG emissions in 2030 will be 227 million tonnes lower than projected prior to the Pan-Canadian Framework or 19% below 2005 levels. This improvement, equivalent to approximately a third of Canada's emissionsin 2005, is widespread across all economic sectors reflecting the breadth and depth of the Pan-Canadian Framework. However, the Government of Canada recognizes that more action is needed. This is why the Government continues to work with partners and stakeholders in continuing to implement the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change and has also introduced new federal climate measures including:
  • A strengthened climate plan, launched on December 11, 2020. This plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, outlines federal policies, programs, and billions in investments to build a stronger, cleaner, more resilient, and inclusive economy. It is based on five strategic priorities:
    • making the places we live and gather more affordable by cutting energy waste; 
    • making clean, affordable transportation and power available in every community;
    • continuing to ensure pollution isn’t free and households can get more money back;
    • building Canada’s clean industrial advantage; ando  
    • embracing the power of nature to support healthier families and more resilient communities.
  • Once fully implemented, this plan would enable Canada to exceed its current 2030 greenhouse gas reduction target under the Paris Agreement.
  • This plan builds on key climate action measures announced in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement (November 30, 2020), including investments in home energy retrofits, zero emission vehicle infrastructure, nature-based climate solutions (e.g. planting 2 billion trees, climate smart ecosystems, support for commercial tree planting), and strategic interties. 
In addition, the Government of Canada also recently tabled the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, which delivers on the Government’s commitment to legislate Canada’s target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Once the bill becomes law, it will establish a legally binding process for the Government of Canada to set five-year emissions reduction targets based on the advice of experts and Canadians to ensure transparency and accountability as Canada charts a path to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. The Act also requires emissions reduction plans for each target and the publication of interim and final reports on implementation of the plans and the emissions reductions they achieve, as well as periodic examination and reporting by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development on the implementation of these mitigation measures. The Act will also establish a Net-Zero Advisory Body to provide independent advice to the Government of Canada on the best pathways to reach its targets, and also enshrine greater accountability and public transparency into Canada’s plan for meeting net-zero emissions by 2050. On February 25, 2021, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change announced the launch of the Net-Zero Advisory Body. This independent group of experts will provide advice on how Canada can reach its target of net-zero emissions by 2050. Reaching net-zero emissions will require support from all parts of society and there is no one way to achieve this goal. That is why the Advisory Body will follow a transparent and inclusive process to engage with and hear from provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous Peoples, youth, businesses, environmental groups, and interested Canadians. Its ongoing role will be to ensure its advice remains aligned with and adapts to the best available analysis, research, technological changes, scientific developments, and public perspectives. The Advisory Body’s independent public reports and recommendations will inform the development of the emission-reduction milestone plans required by the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act. At the same time, we also recognize that oil and gas will remain important global commodities and that we cannot make a transition to a low-carbon economy overnight. Canada is committed to supporting the responsible development of Canada's oil and gas sector as a source of good jobs. Pipelines are an efficient mode of transportation for oil and gas products and are required to undergo a robust and rigorous environmental assessment. Officials from my department participate in these assessments by providing scientific and regulatory expertise to determine the project's potential effects on air quality and GHG emissions, water quality, species at risk, and migratory birds. The assessment process also allows decisions to be informed by consultation with, and input from, the public and Indigenous Peoples. With respect to concerns about subsidies for oil companies, Canada is committed to fulfilling the G20 commitment to rationalize and phase-out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies over the medium-term. The Government of Canada has already made significant progress in the last couple of years including:
  • modifying the tax treatment of successful oil and gas exploratory drilling. Consistent with the usual treatment of enduring assets, expenses associated with oil and gas discovery wells will be treated as Canadian development expenses, which are deducted gradually over time, rather than as immediately deductible Canadian exploration expenses, unless and until they are deemed unsuccessful.
  • removing the tax preference that allows small oil and gas companies to reclassify Canadian development expenses as immediately deductible Canadian exploration expenses when they are renounced to flow-through share investors. This will ensure that these development expenses, which create an asset of enduring value, are deducted gradually over time. 
The Government of Canada understands that in these extraordinary times it must take the lessons learned from 2020 and invest in efforts that will address the country’s immediate challenges of jobs, economic growth, and inequality. These actions will help set the foundation for longer-term economic and environmental sustainability. Taking climate action now means seizing an opportunity that will help create new jobs in Canada, make the economy stronger and more competitive in the emerging clean global marketplace, and prepare Canada for the climate change risks ahead.
Environmental protectionParis Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 23, 2021432-00636432-00636 (Foreign affairs)Hon.Kerry-LynneFindlaySouth Surrey—White RockConservativeBCMarch 10, 2021April 23, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 23, 2021432-00635432-00635 (Foreign affairs)MarcusPowlowskiThunder Bay—Rainy RiverLiberalONMarch 10, 2021April 23, 2021January 28, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law), sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption;
  • The Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act, criminalizes genocide, crimes against humanity, and a variety of war crimes even for acts committed abroad;
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of “Truth, Compassion and Tolerance," including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade;
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, QiangWei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang.We, also call upon the Government of Canada to refuse immigration/visitor visa to those who persecuted Falun Gong practitioners in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.To ensure the protection of all human rights, including freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), Canada addresses rights comprehensively through the Office of Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion (OHRFI), encouraging a climate of inclusion and respect for diversity to advance the rights of those too often marginalized in society. To this end, the OHRFI regularly engages with a diverse range of diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligation.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoAs part of the immigration application process, all visa applications are carefully assessed for eligibility and admissibility under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. For example, a foreign national may be inadmissible to Canada if they have engaged in criminality or human or international rights violations (including being subject to sanctions), or are a family member of an inadmissible person.In 2017, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law) came into force. It added two new inadmissibility provisions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act concerning sanctioned government officials or individuals acting on behalf of a foreign state who are responsible for corruption, extrajudicial killings, torture or other gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. A foreign national listed in an order or regulation made by the Governor in Council under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act would be inadmissible.If an applicant is determined to be inadmissible on any ground, they may be refused a visa, electronic travel authorization or entry to Canada. Inadmissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by Immigration Officers and are based on evidence, which may consist of police or intelligence reports, statutory declarations or other documents—such as media articles, scholarly journals or publicly-available information.In addition, if a foreign national who is at the border, or is in Canada, is found to be inadmissible, they may be denied entry or ordered to leave Canada. The Canada Border Services Agency is responsible for immigration enforcement at the border and in Canada.For privacy reasons, individual cases cannot be discussed.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 23, 2021432-00634432-00634 (Foreign affairs)NellyShinPort Moody—CoquitlamConservativeBCMarch 10, 2021April 23, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 23, 2021432-00633432-00633 (Foreign affairs)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKMarch 10, 2021April 23, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Ethiopia has experienced alarming bouts of unrest and violence in the last year.Whereas, conflict has engulfed the Tigray region of Ethiopia leading to egregious human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.Whereas, humanitarian actors and independent journalists and researchers have almost no access to the effected regions.Whereas, Ethiopian and Eritrean federal armed forces, forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and Ethiopian regional and militia forces, have all taken part in the conflict.Whereas, credible reports indicate that war crimes, such as the indiscriminate shelling of civilian towns and villages, extrajudicial killings, at least one largescale massacre, looting, and sexual violence, have all occurred in Tigray.Whereas, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of rising hunger, limited access to food and other life-saving assistance, and a collapsed healthcare system in the Tigray region.Whereas, Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canada's international assistance.Whereas, elections are scheduled to take place in Ethiopia later this year.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to take the following actions:1. Immediately call for an end to violence and for restraint from all sides/parties involved in the Tigray conflict.2. Immediately call for humanitarian access to the region and for independent monitoring to be allowed.3. Immediately call for international investigations into credible reports of war crimes and gross violations of human rights law.4. Engage directly and consistently with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments on this conflict.5. Promote short, medium, and long-term elections monitoring in Ethiopia.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms, as well as protection of civilians are all integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and to striving for a world where the well-being, rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.Canada, along with G7 partners and other members of the international community, are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray, and appalled by widespread evidence of ongoing sexual violence. We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender based violence, indiscriminate shelling and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law. Canada urges parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We welcome the announcement made by Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable.  We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.Canadian officials are engaging with the Ethiopian authorities and partners, including multilaterally, to convey Canadian views and concerns, to support efforts in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, to work toward a prompt resolution to the conflict and to promote lasting peace in Ethiopia. On February 25, Prime Minister of Canada held a call with Prime Minister Abiy wherein he reiterated the importance of unimpeded access, and renewed Canada’s support in responding to the crisis. On March 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of human rights violations and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, and the need for foreign fighters to leave Ethiopia. During the 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada joined a statement with 41 other countries, calling on Ethiopia to grant unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to the people in need in the Tigray region, to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to account, and for the withdrawal of all Eritrean troops from the country.Canada is deeply concerned by the devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people affected by the crisis in Tigray. The Canadian government is working closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help address the immediate life-saving needs in Tigray and those of refugees who have sought safety in Sudan. In November 2020, Canada announced $3 million in new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan to address the growing impact of the conflict. In 2021, Canada has further approved $34 million to support humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in Tigray and surrounding regions and will consider additional humanitarian support as needed. Officials have been engaging with Eritrean authorities and raised Canada’s concerns regarding the presence of Eritrean forces in the Tigray area of Ethiopia and the need to respect international law on refugees.Canada also supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement democratic and economic reforms, and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. To this end, Canada calls for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process. In February 2020, the Government of Canada contributed $1 million to help strengthen the capacity of the National Election Board of Ethiopia to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.As a long-standing partner of Ethiopia, Canada is committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social and economic development goals. We will continue to uphold these values in line with our foreign policy priorities, including as part of our ongoing engagement with the Government of Ethiopia. Canada will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia closely.
Civil and human rightsElectoral observation missionsEthiopiaForeign policyHumanitarian assistance and workers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 23, 2021432-00632432-00632 (Foreign affairs)HeatherMcPhersonEdmonton StrathconaNDPABMarch 10, 2021April 23, 2021January 28, 2021Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament AssembledWHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law), sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption;
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of "Truth, Compassion and Tolerance," including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, Qiang Wei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.To ensure the protection of all human rights, including freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), Canada addresses rights comprehensively through the Office of Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion (OHRFI), encouraging a climate of inclusion and respect for diversity to advance the rights of those too often marginalized in society. To this end, the OHRFI regularly engages with a diverse range of diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligation.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 22, 2021432-00621432-00621 (Public safety)JeremyPatzerCypress Hills—GrasslandsConservativeSKMarch 9, 2021April 22, 2021March 4, 2021Petition to the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of JusticeWhereas, Saskatchewan has the highest rate of domestic violence among all provinces;Whereas, it is critical that at-risk individuals are protected from potential violence and abuse;Whereas, at-risk individuals should be informed of an intimate partner's past violent or abusive behaviour, including criminal convictions and a history of police responding to domestic violence complaints;Whereas, Saskatchewan unanimously passed the Interpersonal Violence Disclosure Protocol Act (Clare's Law) to protect citizens from abuse; and,Whereas, Section 8(1) of the federally legislated Privacy Act (which states that “personal information held by a federal government institution cannot be disclosed to a third party without the consent of the individual to whom it relates, except in circumstances that are provided for in the Act”) prevents the RCMP from enforcing Clare's Law.We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call on the Minister of Justice to amend section 8(2) of the Privacy Act to include an additional circumstantial provision that would allow personal information under the control of a federal institution to be disclosed to a third party for the purpose of protecting an individual from interpersonal and domestic violence.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government is committed to preventing and stopping all forms of violence in Canada, including domestic violence. We also recognize the utmost importance of protecting at-risk individuals from potential violence and abuse, and emphasize that no Canadian should have to suffer from such violence and abuse. Providing individuals with relevant information on their partner’s past is an important component of this protection.The Government has committed to reviewing the federal Privacy Act to ensure that it keeps pace with the effects of both technological change and evolving Canadian values. The Act focuses on the protection of personal information held by federal government and federal public-sector institutions, including the RCMP.Between November 2020 and February 2021, the Government held an online public consultation on modernizing the Privacy Act. During the public consultation, Canadians and other stakeholders provided input on key issues such as the rules on when federal institutions can collect personal information, how federal institutions can use the information entrusted to them, and when federal institutions can share this personal information. The Government received more than 1100 responses to its online survey and more than 50 written submissions. A summary of the input received in the context of the public consultation will be published online once completed.
Criminal recordsDomestic violenceInformation disseminationPolice services
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 22, 2021432-00622432-00622 (Correctional system)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCMarch 9, 2021April 22, 2021April 18, 2019PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONSWhereas:
  • Correctional Service Canada has a mandate to provide effective rehabilitation and reintegration programming for prisoners;
  • Prisoner rehabilitation should not involve sexual or physical violence;
  • Joyceville Institution is establishing a dairy operation which will involve prisoners inseminating animals and assisting in the slaughter process;
  • Violence towards animals will put prisoners at risk of trauma and emotional dissonance;
  • Prisoners at Joyceville Institution have voted against a dairy program and in favour of plant-based agriculture and a sanctuary model of animal therapy;
  • Animal agriculture is not a model of animal therapy;
  • Prison programs should not be used to advance commercial interests;
  • Milk from the prison program will reportedly go to the Feihe International infant formula factory where it will be processed and shipped to China;
  • The government is committed to implementing evidence-based practices and policies;
  • Research finds that even the lowest impact meat and dairy products cause much more environmental harm than the least sustainable plant products; and
  • Prison farms should uphold justice in relation to prisoners, animals, and the environment.
We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1) overturn the decision to establish prison dairy operations;2) establish prison farms that prioritize ecological sensitivity and climate change solutions; and3) prevent use of animals in rehabilitation programs except under sanctuary or animal therapy models.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency PreparednessSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Joël Lightbound, M.P.The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) is focused on providing a correctional environment conducive to inmate rehabilitation, which is also in the interest of public safety. With this objective in mind, on June 21, 2018, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness announced that the Government of Canada would be reopening the penitentiary farms in Kingston, Ontario. The reopening of the farms represents a renewal of the penitentiary farms model that includes additional technical skills, certifications, and community partnerships. The farms provide on-the-job training, vocational certification, and employability skills that support offenders in their reintegration. The Penitentiary Farm Program helps federal inmates find meaningful employment, which is an important contributing factor to their successful reintegration. Offenders who find jobs in the community are three times less likely to return to CSC's custody for a new offence.The Penitentiary Farm program commenced implementation in 2018, and full implementation will be over five years. CSC is taking a phased approach to implement new penitentiary models for farm operations at Collins Bay and Joyceville institutions. The new model for penitentiary farm operations at Joyceville and Collins Bay Institutions was determined following a broad range of public consultations and included dairy cow and dairy goat operations in addition to land management, horticulture, bee-keeping, and crop production at both Joyceville and Collins Bay Institutions. Since the announcement, CSC has continued to explore other opportunities to incorporate into the model and will continue to do so. The penitentiary farm operations are being implemented in accordance with all relevant legislation and policy. Procedures are being integrated within the penitentiary farm operations that respect both provincial and federal government legislation and practices, and in accordance with industry standards, as it relates to farm animal welfare, and including appropriate biosecurity measures.On March 5, 2021, CSC announced an update on its Penitentiary Farm Program. CSC has updated its Penitentiary Farm Program at Joyceville and Collins Bay Institutions to focus its dairy operations on the dairy cow program and temporarily pause plans for its dairy goat program. This decision was made after careful review of all factors surrounding the farm operations, and in light of financial challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. CSC will resume the dairy goat program once the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic can be fully assessed. In the meantime, CSC will continue to engage with community members and stakeholders, and proceed with continuing to implement the dairy cow operations, including construction of a new barn at Joyceville InstitutionIn addition to assisting with the launch of dairy cow operations, inmates have also been involved in various other farm related activities including crop production, horticulture, beekeeping, maple syrup production, fence repair, green zone/environmental activities, forestry management and livestock care/operations. The land size at Collins Bay and Joyceville Institutions includes land that buildings are located on, woodlots, sugar bush, orchard, greenspace and other uses. Thus, of the total size between the two sites is approximately 860 acres of workable land. CSC is further developing training programs with the production of organic crops at Collins Bay Institution. CSC has registered a field at Collins Bay Institution for organic farming to provide offenders with the opportunity to learn about this type of crop production. In 2019 and 2020, land repair, crop production, and continued development of green zone continued at Collins Bay Institution. In 2019, crop production was commenced at Joyceville Institution and continued in 2020. In 2021 and beyond, CSC will continually improve the land utilization and in consideration of environmental aspects.  To date, there were various crops grown and harvested between the two sites including corn, barley, soybeans and hay. In addition, in 2019, CSC began work to revitalize an orchard at Joyceville Institution, which contains several varieties of apple trees. In 2020, CORCAN worked with Indigenous Initiatives to enhance the maple sugar bush utilization as part of the training program at Joyceville Institution. CSC is also continuing to work with various partners and will incorporate plans for flowers, plants and trees as part of developing environmentally friendly aspects into the farmland and to contribute to natural species in the area, as well as items for use in cultural ceremonies.In 2018, two honeybee hives were set up at Collins Bay Institution, incorporating research by an Ontario university student and vocational training through a college and expanding each year to include 20 hives at each site for 2020, with the same number planned for 2021. Commencing in May 2019, young dairy and beef cattle have been acquired to begin building the dairy cattle herd, while also having stocker (beef) cattle for pasturing. At present, there are 68 cows at the penitentiary farms, including 36 dairy heifers and 32 beef cattle. All of the cattle are housed at Collins Bay Institution at present and pasture will be used at both sites in the Spring of 2021. New calves are introduced as part of the cycle of farming including consumption of milk. There is no other type of livestock currently at the farms. CSC does not currently have agreements with third parties for the sale of goat milk produced at the penitentiary farms. These arrangements will be made at the appropriate time during the implementation of the program.To provide a variety of land based activities, CSC’s offender employment program includes crop production at both sites as well as offenders at both institutions are involved in growing vegetables for their own consumption, as well as for donation to local food banks. This model incorporates land based activities that result in items for internal use, donation, as well as opportunities to generate revenues that will be reinvested into the offender employment and employability program.The sale of products generated through the farm program, including produce, crops, milk, and other potential by-products of these operations will be determined by internal use requirements, agreements and contracts signed as implementation occurs and products are available. The diversified penitentiary farm program activities, including both livestock and land based elements, contribute to offender learning and provide the opportunity to represent various parts of the broad spectrum of agriculture activities in Canada. CSC will continually be re-evaluating its operations as the plan is executed and will be taking into account elements such as sustainability and market availability, noting that dairy cow milk will be managed in accordance with Canada’s system of supply management for this product. All revenues generated will be reinvested into the offender employment and employability program.
AnimalsCriminal rehabilitationJoyceville InstitutionPrison farms
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 22, 2021432-00623432-00623 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKMarch 9, 2021April 22, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 22, 2021432-00624432-00624 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKMarch 9, 2021April 22, 2021December 18, 2020PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • Sex selection abortion is legal as Canada has no legal restrictions on abortion;
  • Sex selective abortion is antithetical to our commitment to equality between men and women;
  • A 2019 DART & Maru/Blue poll, conducted for the National Post, showed that 84% of Canadians believe it should be illegal to have an abortion if the family does not want the child to be a certain sex;
  • International organizations including the World Health Organization, United Nations Women, and United Nations Children's Fund have identified unequal sex ratios at birth as a growing problem internationally;
  • Canada's health care profession recognizes sex selection as a problem.
Therefore, we the undersigned citizens of Canada call upon the House of Commons to pass a Criminal Code prohibition of sex selective abortion.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government of Canada condemns all practices that are motivated by discriminatory views of women and girls, including sex selective practices.In Canada, the administration and funding of health care services is a provincial responsibility that falls under the purview of the provincial governments. As is the case for other medical procedures, the delivery of abortion services is determined by the policies of the provincial governments and the standards set by the medical profession itself.
AbortionSexual discrimination
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 22, 2021432-00625432-00625 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKMarch 9, 2021April 22, 2021December 18, 2020PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • Sex selection abortion is legal as Canada has no legal restrictions on abortion;
  • Sex selective abortion is antithetical to our commitment to equality between men and women;
  • A 2019 DART & Maru/Blue poll, conducted for the National Post, showed that 84% of Canadians believe it should be illegal to have an abortion if the family does not want the child to be a certain sex;
  • International organizations including the World Health Organization, United Nations Women, and United Nations Children's Fund have identified unequal sex ratios at birth as a growing problem internationally;
  • Canada's health care profession recognizes sex selection as a problem.
Therefore, we the undersigned citizens of Canada call upon the House of Commons to pass a Criminal Code prohibition of sex selective abortion.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government of Canada condemns all practices that are motivated by discriminatory views of women and girls, including sex selective practices.In Canada, the administration and funding of health care services is a provincial responsibility that falls under the purview of the provincial governments. As is the case for other medical procedures, the delivery of abortion services is determined by the policies of the provincial governments and the standards set by the medical profession itself.
AbortionSexual discrimination
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 22, 2021432-00626432-00626 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKMarch 9, 2021April 22, 2021December 18, 2020PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • Sex selection abortion is legal as Canada has no legal restrictions on abortion;
  • Sex selective abortion is antithetical to our commitment to equality between men and women;
  • A 2019 DART & Maru/Blue poll, conducted for the National Post, showed that 84% of Canadians believe it should be illegal to have an abortion if the family does not want the child to be a certain sex;
  • International organizations including the World Health Organization, United Nations Women, and United Nations Children's Fund have identified unequal sex ratios at birth as a growing problem internationally;
  • Canada's health care profession recognizes sex selection as a problem.
Therefore, we the undersigned citizens of Canada call upon the House of Commons to pass a Criminal Code prohibition of sex selective abortion.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government of Canada condemns all practices that are motivated by discriminatory views of women and girls, including sex selective practices.In Canada, the administration and funding of health care services is a provincial responsibility that falls under the purview of the provincial governments. As is the case for other medical procedures, the delivery of abortion services is determined by the policies of the provincial governments and the standards set by the medical profession itself.
AbortionSexual discrimination
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 22, 2021432-00627432-00627 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKMarch 9, 2021April 22, 2021December 18, 2020PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • Sex selection abortion is legal as Canada has no legal restrictions on abortion;
  • Sex selective abortion is antithetical to our commitment to equality between men and women;
  • A 2019 DART & Maru/Blue poll, conducted for the National Post, showed that 84% of Canadians believe it should be illegal to have an abortion if the family does not want the child to be a certain sex;
  • International organizations including the World Health Organization, United Nations Women, and United Nations Children's Fund have identified unequal sex ratios at birth as a growing problem internationally;
  • Canada's health care profession recognizes sex selection as a problem.
Therefore, we the undersigned citizens of Canada call upon the House of Commons to pass a Criminal Code prohibition of sex selective abortion.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government of Canada condemns all practices that are motivated by discriminatory views of women and girls, including sex selective practices.In Canada, the administration and funding of health care services is a provincial responsibility that falls under the purview of the provincial governments. As is the case for other medical procedures, the delivery of abortion services is determined by the policies of the provincial governments and the standards set by the medical profession itself.
AbortionSexual discrimination
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 22, 2021432-00628432-00628 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKMarch 9, 2021April 22, 2021December 18, 2020PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • Sex selection abortion is legal as Canada has no legal restrictions on abortion;
  • Sex selective abortion is antithetical to our commitment to equality between men and women;
  • A 2019 DART & Maru/Blue poll, conducted for the National Post, showed that 84% of Canadians believe it should be illegal to have an abortion if the family does not want the child to be a certain sex;
  • International organizations including the World Health Organization, United Nations Women, and United Nations Children's Fund have identified unequal sex ratios at birth as a growing problem internationally;
  • Canada's health care profession recognizes sex selection as a problem.
Therefore, we the undersigned citizens of Canada call upon the House of Commons to pass a Criminal Code prohibition of sex selective abortion.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government of Canada condemns all practices that are motivated by discriminatory views of women and girls, including sex selective practices.In Canada, the administration and funding of health care services is a provincial responsibility that falls under the purview of the provincial governments. As is the case for other medical procedures, the delivery of abortion services is determined by the policies of the provincial governments and the standards set by the medical profession itself.
AbortionSexual discrimination
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 22, 2021432-00629432-00629 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKMarch 9, 2021April 22, 2021November 24, 2020PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • Sex selection abortion is legal as Canada has no legal restrictions on abortion;
  • Sex selective abortion is antithetical to our commitment to equality between men and women;
  • A 2019 DART & Maru/Blue poll, conducted for the National Post, showed that 84% of Canadians believe it should be illegal to have an abortion if the family does not want the child to be a certain sex;
  • International organizations including the World Health Organization, United Nations Women, and United Nations Children's Fund have identified unequal sex ratios at birth as a growing problem internationally;
  • Canada's health care profession recognizes sex selection as a problem.
Therefore, we the undersigned citizens of Canada call upon the House of Commons to pass a Criminal Code prohibition of sex selective abortion.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government of Canada condemns all practices that are motivated by discriminatory views of women and girls, including sex selective practices.In Canada, the administration and funding of health care services is a provincial responsibility that falls under the purview of the provincial governments. As is the case for other medical procedures, the delivery of abortion services is determined by the policies of the provincial governments and the standards set by the medical profession itself.
AbortionSexual discrimination
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 22, 2021432-00630432-00630 (Health)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservativeBCMarch 9, 2021April 22, 2021March 4, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWHEREAS:Licences for the production of medical cannabis are often abused, with production in excess of personal use amounts diverted for commercial sale on the black market;The amount of cannabis individuals are authorized to possess for medical purposes is impossible for an individual to personally consume;Grow-ops in residential neighbourhoods have negative impacts on nearby residents' health and well-being, such as excessive smells, frequent traffic, and reduced property values;Municipal enforcement agencies have little to no power over cannabis grow-ops in their own jurisdictions;The federal government has failed to subject personal registered medical cannabis production to examination and inspection, allowing grey and black-market cannabis growing operations to flourish under this program.THEREFORE: We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to reform the licensing and oversight of the production of cannabis for personal medical use, and to grant resources and authority to the provinces in regulating and enforcing the production of cannabis for personal medical use, in turn empowering municipal regulation and enforcement..
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellSuccessive court decisions established the right of individuals to have reasonable access to cannabis for medical purposes and have emphasized repeatedly that the government may only restrict an individual’s access to cannabis for medical purposes when such action is justified and consistent with the objective of protecting public health and safety. In response to these court decisions, a legal framework was established under the Cannabis Regulations that allows individuals with a signed medical document from their health care practitioner to access cannabis for medical purposes by:
  • purchasing quality-controlled cannabis from a wide variety of federally licensed sellers inspected by Health Canada;
  • producing a limited amount of cannabis for their own medical purposes, as authorized by their health care practitioner (“personal production”); or,
  • designating someone to produce it for them (“designated production”).
Subject to the legal age limit in their province or territory, they are also able to buy cannabis:
  • at provincial or territorial authorized retail outlets; and/or,
  • through provincial or territorial authorized online sales platforms.
The majority of individuals (approximately 375,000) who access cannabis for medical purposes obtain cannabis from a seller licensed and inspected by Health Canada. A smaller number of individuals (approximately 43,000) produce a limited amount of cannabis for their own medical purposes, or designate someone to produce it for them.Health Canada is committed to protecting patients’ rights to reasonable access to cannabis for medical purposes and recognizes that most patients are using the program for its intended purposes. Abuse of the medical framework undermines the integrity of the system that many patients rely on to access cannabis to address their medical needs.All persons authorized to produce cannabis for medical purposes must abide by the law and operate at all times within the limits set out when they were registered by Health Canada, including respecting their plant limits. Individuals are only authorized to produce and possess cannabis for their own medical purposes (or the individual they are designated to produce for), and it is illegal for them to distribute or sell cannabis to anyone else. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in revocation of their registration and/or criminal charges and prosecution.The Cannabis Regulations require patients to obtain an authorization from their health care practitioner to access cannabis for medical purposes. Health Canada does not play a role in determining whether cannabis is appropriate for a patient. The health care practitioner makes this decision through a discussion with their patient; the health care practitioner will also identify the daily amount needed for the patient’s medical condition. Health Canada expects health care practitioners to make these decisions based on the condition for which the patient is receiving treatment and supporting evidence.Over the last years, Health Canada has increased engagement with the health care practitioner community and the provincial and territorial licensing bodies in order to encourage health care practitioners to authorize appropriate amounts of cannabis for medical purposes, in line with established standards of practice and the best available evidence. Health Canada has published a document entitled Information for Health Care Professionals to help patients and health care practitioners make informed decisions about the benefits and risks of using cannabis for medical purposes, including dosage amounts. The Department continues to review the latest developments in the peer-reviewed scientific literature on dosing and will continue to publish further updates to this document.Regulatory oversight of health care practitioners and the practice of medicine is the responsibility of provinces and territories and professional colleges. Most provincial and territorial licensing bodies have their own set of standards and guidelines for their members, which may include standards of practice on authorizing cannabis for medical purposes. To support provincial and territorial licensing bodies in their oversight of their members, Health Canada has been proactively sharing data on the authorization of cannabis for medical purposes since the spring 2019. This data sharing includes providing specific information on the small number of health care practitioners who are responsible for authorizing large daily amounts of cannabis. In an effort to increase transparency, in December 2020, Health Canada began publishing data on its website on the average daily amounts authorized by health care practitioners.Health Canada actively works within the current regulatory framework to address risks associated with the personal and designated production of cannabis for medical purposes by:
  • conducting additional verifications when warranted (for example, contacting the health care practitioner to confirm the validity of the medical document and to confirm the daily dosage amount);
  • verifying that there are no more than four registrations at any given production site—the maximum allowed in the regulations—to reduce the risk of large-scale production sites;
  • refusing or revoking a registration, if it is determined that an applicant has submitted false or misleading information as part of their application, such as a forged medical document, or where the registration is likely to create a risk to public health or public safety, including the risk of cannabis being diverted to an illicit market or activity; and,
  • conducting inspections of personal registration and designated production sites to further verify compliance with the regulations.
Most recently, on March 8, 2021, Health Canada launched a public consultation on a draft guidance document for the personal and designated production of cannabis for medical purposes. The draft guidance provides proposed factors that may be considered in refusing or revoking a registration. The public consultation is open until May 7, 2021. It is important to note that different levels of government and law enforcement have roles in maintaining public safety with respect to cannabis. It is the responsibility of municipalities to enforce their bylaws with respect to cannabis production, and law enforcement has the authority to take action against illegal cannabis activity under the Cannabis Act and against those who operate outside of the legal framework.With each registration issued, Health Canada reminds registered individuals and designated producers that they need to comply with all relevant provincial/territorial and municipal laws, including local by-laws about zoning, noise, odour, electrical and fire safety, as well as all related inspection and remediation requirements.Health Canada encourages all provinces, territories, and municipalities to use the tools at their disposal to confirm that individuals meet all standards and by-laws. This includes implementing any limitations on zoning, location and nuisances, such as odour, that they feel are appropriate in their jurisdictions. Municipalities could, for example, require building permits and inspections of electrical work at personal production sites.Health Canada supports law enforcement representatives by providing a dedicated service 24 hours a day and seven days a week to confirm, when necessary, that specific individuals are authorized to possess or produce a limited amount of cannabis for medical purposes. The Cannabis Regulations authorize Health Canada to share information that is protected under the Privacy Act in the context of an active law enforcement investigation. In the context of an investigation, law enforcement also has the ability to enter residences and any production sites.The Cannabis Act requires that the Minister initiate a review of the Cannabis Act three years following the coming into force (i.e., by October 17, 2021), and that a report of the review’s findings be tabled before both Houses of Parliament within 18 months of the start of the review. The Government of Canada has also committed to actively monitoring and evaluating patients’ access to cannabis for medical purposes through the implementation of the Cannabis Act, and to undertake an evaluation of the existing medical access framework within five years (i.e., by October 17, 2023), as recommended by the expert Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation. These two exercises will be an opportunity to address some of the challenges associated with the cannabis for medical purposes program.Health Canada is committed to ongoing engagement with stakeholders on the administration and operation of the Cannabis Act. Departmental officials regularly engage with stakeholders on all aspects of the cannabis framework to advance public health and safety objectives.
CannabisCrop productionFederal-provincial-territorial relationsRegulation
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 22, 2021432-00631432-00631 (Health)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservativeBCMarch 9, 2021April 22, 2021March 4, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWHEREAS:Licences for the production of medical cannabis are often abused, with production in excess of personal use amounts diverted for commercial sale on the black market;The amount of cannabis individuals are authorized to possess for medical purposes is impossible for an individual to personally consume;Grow-ops in residential neighbourhoods have negative impacts on nearby residents' health and well-being, such as excessive smells, frequent traffic, and reduced property values;Municipal enforcement agencies have little to no power over cannabis grow-ops in their own jurisdictions;The federal government has failed to subject personal registered medical cannabis production to examination and inspection, allowing grey and black-market cannabis growing operations to flourish under this program.THEREFORE: We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to reform the licensing and oversight of the production of cannabis for personal medical use, and to grant resources and authority to the provinces in regulating and enforcing the production of cannabis for personal medical use, in turn empowering municipal regulation and enforcement..
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellSuccessive court decisions established the right of individuals to have reasonable access to cannabis for medical purposes and have emphasized repeatedly that the government may only restrict an individual’s access to cannabis for medical purposes when such action is justified and consistent with the objective of protecting public health and safety. In response to these court decisions, a legal framework was established under the Cannabis Regulations that allows individuals with a signed medical document from their health care practitioner to access cannabis for medical purposes by:
  • purchasing quality-controlled cannabis from a wide variety of federally licensed sellers inspected by Health Canada;
  • producing a limited amount of cannabis for their own medical purposes, as authorized by their health care practitioner (“personal production”); or,
  • designating someone to produce it for them (“designated production”).
Subject to the legal age limit in their province or territory, they are also able to buy cannabis:
  • at provincial or territorial authorized retail outlets; and/or,
  • through provincial or territorial authorized online sales platforms.
The majority of individuals (approximately 375,000) who access cannabis for medical purposes obtain cannabis from a seller licensed and inspected by Health Canada. A smaller number of individuals (approximately 43,000) produce a limited amount of cannabis for their own medical purposes, or designate someone to produce it for them.Health Canada is committed to protecting patients’ rights to reasonable access to cannabis for medical purposes and recognizes that most patients are using the program for its intended purposes. Abuse of the medical framework undermines the integrity of the system that many patients rely on to access cannabis to address their medical needs.All persons authorized to produce cannabis for medical purposes must abide by the law and operate at all times within the limits set out when they were registered by Health Canada, including respecting their plant limits. Individuals are only authorized to produce and possess cannabis for their own medical purposes (or the individual they are designated to produce for), and it is illegal for them to distribute or sell cannabis to anyone else. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in revocation of their registration and/or criminal charges and prosecution.The Cannabis Regulations require patients to obtain an authorization from their health care practitioner to access cannabis for medical purposes. Health Canada does not play a role in determining whether cannabis is appropriate for a patient. The health care practitioner makes this decision through a discussion with their patient; the health care practitioner will also identify the daily amount needed for the patient’s medical condition. Health Canada expects health care practitioners to make these decisions based on the condition for which the patient is receiving treatment and supporting evidence.Over the last years, Health Canada has increased engagement with the health care practitioner community and the provincial and territorial licensing bodies in order to encourage health care practitioners to authorize appropriate amounts of cannabis for medical purposes, in line with established standards of practice and the best available evidence. Health Canada has published a document entitled Information for Health Care Professionals to help patients and health care practitioners make informed decisions about the benefits and risks of using cannabis for medical purposes, including dosage amounts. The Department continues to review the latest developments in the peer-reviewed scientific literature on dosing and will continue to publish further updates to this document.Regulatory oversight of health care practitioners and the practice of medicine is the responsibility of provinces and territories and professional colleges. Most provincial and territorial licensing bodies have their own set of standards and guidelines for their members, which may include standards of practice on authorizing cannabis for medical purposes. To support provincial and territorial licensing bodies in their oversight of their members, Health Canada has been proactively sharing data on the authorization of cannabis for medical purposes since the spring 2019. This data sharing includes providing specific information on the small number of health care practitioners who are responsible for authorizing large daily amounts of cannabis. In an effort to increase transparency, in December 2020, Health Canada began publishing data on its website on the average daily amounts authorized by health care practitioners.Health Canada actively works within the current regulatory framework to address risks associated with the personal and designated production of cannabis for medical purposes by:
  • conducting additional verifications when warranted (for example, contacting the health care practitioner to confirm the validity of the medical document and to confirm the daily dosage amount);
  • verifying that there are no more than four registrations at any given production site—the maximum allowed in the regulations—to reduce the risk of large-scale production sites;
  • refusing or revoking a registration, if it is determined that an applicant has submitted false or misleading information as part of their application, such as a forged medical document, or where the registration is likely to create a risk to public health or public safety, including the risk of cannabis being diverted to an illicit market or activity; and,
  • conducting inspections of personal registration and designated production sites to further verify compliance with the regulations.
Most recently, on March 8, 2021, Health Canada launched a public consultation on a draft guidance document for the personal and designated production of cannabis for medical purposes. The draft guidance provides proposed factors that may be considered in refusing or revoking a registration. The public consultation is open until May 7, 2021. It is important to note that different levels of government and law enforcement have roles in maintaining public safety with respect to cannabis. It is the responsibility of municipalities to enforce their bylaws with respect to cannabis production, and law enforcement has the authority to take action against illegal cannabis activity under the Cannabis Act and against those who operate outside of the legal framework.With each registration issued, Health Canada reminds registered individuals and designated producers that they need to comply with all relevant provincial/territorial and municipal laws, including local by-laws about zoning, noise, odour, electrical and fire safety, as well as all related inspection and remediation requirements.Health Canada encourages all provinces, territories, and municipalities to use the tools at their disposal to confirm that individuals meet all standards and by-laws. This includes implementing any limitations on zoning, location and nuisances, such as odour, that they feel are appropriate in their jurisdictions. Municipalities could, for example, require building permits and inspections of electrical work at personal production sites.Health Canada supports law enforcement representatives by providing a dedicated service 24 hours a day and seven days a week to confirm, when necessary, that specific individuals are authorized to possess or produce a limited amount of cannabis for medical purposes. The Cannabis Regulations authorize Health Canada to share information that is protected under the Privacy Act in the context of an active law enforcement investigation. In the context of an investigation, law enforcement also has the ability to enter residences and any production sites.The Cannabis Act requires that the Minister initiate a review of the Cannabis Act three years following the coming into force (i.e., by October 17, 2021), and that a report of the review’s findings be tabled before both Houses of Parliament within 18 months of the start of the review. The Government of Canada has also committed to actively monitoring and evaluating patients’ access to cannabis for medical purposes through the implementation of the Cannabis Act, and to undertake an evaluation of the existing medical access framework within five years (i.e., by October 17, 2023), as recommended by the expert Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation. These two exercises will be an opportunity to address some of the challenges associated with the cannabis for medical purposes program.Health Canada is committed to ongoing engagement with stakeholders on the administration and operation of the Cannabis Act. Departmental officials regularly engage with stakeholders on all aspects of the cannabis framework to advance public health and safety objectives.
CannabisCrop productionFederal-provincial-territorial relationsRegulation
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 21, 2021e-2836e-2836 (Social affairs and equality)AlysiaBoudreauPaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCSeptember 15, 2020, at 3:14 p.m. (EDT)December 14, 2020, at 3:14 p.m. (EDT)March 8, 2021April 21, 2021December 14, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:A Guaranteed Liveable Income (GLI) would guarantee a liveable monthly income to every Canadian with a social insurance number;A GLI would establish an income floor below which no Canadian could fall, and reflect regional differences in the cost of living;A GLI would replace the current patchwork of federal and provincial income assistance programs with a single, universal, cash benefit;A GLI would be progressively taxed back based on income level;A GLI would be administered through the existing tax system and require no means testing, thereby dramatically reducing federal and provincial administration costs;A GLI would reduce poverty, thereby reducing the demand on social services, law enforcement and health care, resulting in additional cost savings for government and taxpayers; andA GLI would provide a financial safety net for all Canadians, especially through major economic shifts, pandemics, natural disasters, or industry automation.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to implement a GLI for all Canadians.
Response by the Minister of SeniorsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): IREK KUSMIERCZYKThis is a challenging time for all Canadians, and the Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive actions to help Canadians facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.It is important to acknowledge that income security is a shared responsibility across different levels of government. As such, the federal Government recognizes the importance of working with provinces and territories to find solutions to common challenges.This petition calls for the implementation of a Guaranteed Livable Income, which can be viewed as equivalent to a basic income. The Government of Canada already has ongoing programs with features of a partial basic income, such as the Canada Child Benefit for families with children, and the Old Age Security pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors. These and other initiatives have contributed to progress on lifting Canadians out of poverty. These programs exist alongside provincial and territorial programs, including those that deliver social assistance.Moreover, the Government of Canada recently made several commitments that will help to address poverty. In the Fall Economic Statement, the Government announced key early investments to lay the groundwork for a Canada-wide child care system, in partnership with provinces, territories, and Indigenous peoples. The Government is also investing in housing; carrying out a campaign to create jobs; supporting initiatives to improve food security; and bringing forward a new benefit and employment strategy for Canadians with disabilities. As we move towards economic recovery, the Government is continuing to explore a variety of potential shorter and longer-term policy responses that could address the ongoing needs of Canadians. 
Guaranteed annual income
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 21, 2021432-00619432-00619 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKMarch 8, 2021April 21, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned; Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label “conversion therapy” to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Ensure that no laws discriminate against Canadians by limiting the services they can receive based on their sexual orientation or gender identity;3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships;4. Allow free and open conversations about sexuality and sexual behaviour; and5. Avoid criminalizing professional and religious counselling voluntarily requested and consented to by Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 21, 2021432-00618432-00618 (Foreign affairs)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservativeBCMarch 8, 2021April 21, 2021March 4, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWHEREAS:
  • Canada and India share a longstanding and peaceful bilateral relationship;
  • Canadians uphold basic human rights, such as the freedom of expression and the freedom of peaceful assembly, as the hallmarks of a just, democratic, and pluralistic society;
  • Farmers from the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana have, for several months, been peacefully protesting a domestic legislative change that affects their agricultural enterprises;
  • Recent footage and images from India show violent aggressions carried out on protesting farmers that appear to be perpetrated by state police and security forces.
THEREFORE: We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to express condemnation of the violence perpetrated against peacefully protesting Indian farmers, and to convey our sincere belief in the rights of individuals to freedom of expression and to peaceful assembly.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada is committed to the growth and diversification of our strategic partnership with India through constructive and forward-looking bilateral dialogue. Canada attaches great importance to protecting and advancing human rights, and the values of democracy, diversity, pluralism, and rule of law. These values are reflected in our engagement with all international partners, including the Government of India.The Government of Canada has continued to monitor protests by farmers in India, including the multiple dialogues between the government and farmers union representatives and the intervention of the Supreme Court of India in January 2021. Canada welcomes the Government of India’s commitment to ongoing dialogue to discuss issues of concern.
Civil and human rightsFarming and farmersForeign policyIndiaProtests
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 21, 2021432-00617432-00617 (Foreign affairs)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservativeBCMarch 8, 2021April 21, 2021March 4, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWHEREAS:
  • Canada and India share a longstanding and peaceful bilateral relationship;
  • Canadians uphold basic human rights, such as the freedom of expression and the freedom of peaceful assembly, as the hallmarks of a just, democratic, and pluralistic society;
  • Farmers from the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana have, for several months, been peacefully protesting a domestic legislative change that affects their agricultural enterprises;
  • Recent footage and images from India show violent aggressions carried out on protesting farmers that appear to be perpetrated by state police and security forces.
THEREFORE: We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to express condemnation of the violence perpetrated against peacefully protesting Indian farmers, and to convey our sincere belief in the rights of individuals to freedom of expression and to peaceful assembly.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada is committed to the growth and diversification of our strategic partnership with India through constructive and forward-looking bilateral dialogue. Canada attaches great importance to protecting and advancing human rights, and the values of democracy, diversity, pluralism, and rule of law. These values are reflected in our engagement with all international partners, including the Government of India.The Government of Canada has continued to monitor protests by farmers in India, including the multiple dialogues between the government and farmers union representatives and the intervention of the Supreme Court of India in January 2021. Canada welcomes the Government of India’s commitment to ongoing dialogue to discuss issues of concern.
Civil and human rightsFarming and farmersForeign policyIndiaProtests
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 21, 2021432-00616432-00616 (Foreign affairs)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservativeBCMarch 8, 2021April 21, 2021March 4, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWHEREAS:
  • Canada and India share a longstanding and peaceful bilateral relationship;
  • Canadians uphold basic human rights, such as the freedom of expression and the freedom of peaceful assembly, as the hallmarks of a just, democratic, and pluralistic society;
  • Farmers from the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana have, for several months, been peacefully protesting a domestic legislative change that affects their agricultural enterprises;
  • Recent footage and images from India show violent aggressions carried out on protesting farmers that appear to be perpetrated by state police and security forces.
THEREFORE: We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to express condemnation of the violence perpetrated against peacefully protesting Indian farmers, and to convey our sincere belief in the rights of individuals to freedom of expression and to peaceful assembly.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada is committed to the growth and diversification of our strategic partnership with India through constructive and forward-looking bilateral dialogue. Canada attaches great importance to protecting and advancing human rights, and the values of democracy, diversity, pluralism, and rule of law. These values are reflected in our engagement with all international partners, including the Government of India.The Government of Canada has continued to monitor protests by farmers in India, including the multiple dialogues between the government and farmers union representatives and the intervention of the Supreme Court of India in January 2021. Canada welcomes the Government of India’s commitment to ongoing dialogue to discuss issues of concern.
Civil and human rightsFarming and farmersForeign policyIndiaProtests
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 21, 2021432-00615432-00615 (Foreign affairs)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservativeBCMarch 8, 2021April 21, 2021February 4, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWHEREAS:
  • Canada and India share a longstanding and peaceful bilateral relationship;
  • Canadians uphold basic human rights, such as the freedom of expression and the freedom of peaceful assembly, as the hallmarks of a just, democratic, and pluralistic society;
  • Farmers from the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana have, for several months, been peacefully protesting a domestic legislative change that affects their agricultural enterprises;
  • Recent footage and images from India show violent aggressions carried out on protesting farmers that appear to be perpetrated by state police and security forces.
THEREFORE: We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to express condemnation of the violence perpetrated against peacefully protesting Indian farmers, and to convey our sincere belief in the rights of individuals to freedom of expression and to peaceful assembly.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada is committed to the growth and diversification of our strategic partnership with India through constructive and forward-looking bilateral dialogue. Canada attaches great importance to protecting and advancing human rights, and the values of democracy, diversity, pluralism, and rule of law. These values are reflected in our engagement with all international partners, including the Government of India.The Government of Canada has continued to monitor protests by farmers in India, including the multiple dialogues between the government and farmers union representatives and the intervention of the Supreme Court of India in January 2021. Canada welcomes the Government of India’s commitment to ongoing dialogue to discuss issues of concern.
Civil and human rightsFarming and farmersForeign policyIndiaProtests
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 21, 2021432-00614432-00614 (Foreign affairs)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservativeBCMarch 8, 2021April 21, 2021February 4, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWHEREAS:
  • Canada and India share a longstanding and peaceful bilateral relationship;
  • Canadians uphold basic human rights, such as the freedom of expression and the freedom of peaceful assembly, as the hallmarks of a just, democratic, and pluralistic society;
  • Farmers from the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana have, for several months, been peacefully protesting a domestic legislative change that affects their agricultural enterprises;
  • Recent footage and images from India show violent aggressions carried out on protesting farmers that appear to be perpetrated by state police and security forces.
THEREFORE: We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to express condemnation of the violence perpetrated against peacefully protesting Indian farmers, and to convey our sincere belief in the rights of individuals to freedom of expression and to peaceful assembly.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada is committed to the growth and diversification of our strategic partnership with India through constructive and forward-looking bilateral dialogue. Canada attaches great importance to protecting and advancing human rights, and the values of democracy, diversity, pluralism, and rule of law. These values are reflected in our engagement with all international partners, including the Government of India.The Government of Canada has continued to monitor protests by farmers in India, including the multiple dialogues between the government and farmers union representatives and the intervention of the Supreme Court of India in January 2021. Canada welcomes the Government of India’s commitment to ongoing dialogue to discuss issues of concern.
Civil and human rightsFarming and farmersForeign policyIndiaProtests
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 21, 2021432-00613432-00613 (Foreign affairs)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservativeBCMarch 8, 2021April 21, 2021February 3, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWHEREAS:
  • Canada and India share a longstanding and peaceful bilateral relationship;
  • Canadians uphold basic human rights, such as the freedom of expression and the freedom of peaceful assembly, as the hallmarks of a just, democratic, and pluralistic society;
  • Farmers from the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana have, for several months, been peacefully protesting a domestic legislative change that affects their agricultural enterprises;
  • Recent footage and images from India show violent aggressions carried out on protesting farmers that appear to be perpetrated by state police and security forces.
THEREFORE: We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to express condemnation of the violence perpetrated against peacefully protesting Indian farmers, and to convey our sincere belief in the rights of individuals to freedom of expression and to peaceful assembly.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada is committed to the growth and diversification of our strategic partnership with India through constructive and forward-looking bilateral dialogue. Canada attaches great importance to protecting and advancing human rights, and the values of democracy, diversity, pluralism, and rule of law. These values are reflected in our engagement with all international partners, including the Government of India.The Government of Canada has continued to monitor protests by farmers in India, including the multiple dialogues between the government and farmers union representatives and the intervention of the Supreme Court of India in January 2021. Canada welcomes the Government of India’s commitment to ongoing dialogue to discuss issues of concern.
Civil and human rightsFarming and farmersForeign policyIndiaProtests
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 21, 2021432-00612432-00612 (Foreign affairs)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservativeBCMarch 8, 2021April 21, 2021February 4, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWHEREAS:
  • Canada and India share a longstanding and peaceful bilateral relationship;
  • Canadians uphold basic human rights, such as the freedom of expression and the freedom of peaceful assembly, as the hallmarks of a just, democratic, and pluralistic society;
  • Farmers from the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana have, for several months, been peacefully protesting a domestic legislative change that affects their agricultural enterprises;
  • Recent footage and images from India show violent aggressions carried out on protesting farmers that appear to be perpetrated by state police and security forces.
THEREFORE: We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to express condemnation of the violence perpetrated against peacefully protesting Indian farmers, and to convey our sincere belief in the rights of individuals to freedom of expression and to peaceful assembly.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada is committed to the growth and diversification of our strategic partnership with India through constructive and forward-looking bilateral dialogue. Canada attaches great importance to protecting and advancing human rights, and the values of democracy, diversity, pluralism, and rule of law. These values are reflected in our engagement with all international partners, including the Government of India.The Government of Canada has continued to monitor protests by farmers in India, including the multiple dialogues between the government and farmers union representatives and the intervention of the Supreme Court of India in January 2021. Canada welcomes the Government of India’s commitment to ongoing dialogue to discuss issues of concern.
Civil and human rightsFarming and farmersForeign policyIndiaProtests
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 21, 2021432-00611432-00611 (Foreign affairs)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservativeBCMarch 8, 2021April 21, 2021February 3, 2021PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWHEREAS:
  • Canada and India share a longstanding and peaceful bilateral relationship;
  • Canadians uphold basic human rights, such as the freedom of expression and the freedom of peaceful assembly, as the hallmarks of a just, democratic, and pluralistic society;
  • Farmers from the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana have, for several months, been peacefully protesting a domestic legislative change that affects their agricultural enterprises;
  • Recent footage and images from India show violent aggressions carried out on protesting farmers that appear to be perpetrated by state police and security forces.
THEREFORE: We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to express condemnation of the violence perpetrated against peacefully protesting Indian farmers, and to convey our sincere belief in the rights of individuals to freedom of expression and to peaceful assembly.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada is committed to the growth and diversification of our strategic partnership with India through constructive and forward-looking bilateral dialogue. Canada attaches great importance to protecting and advancing human rights, and the values of democracy, diversity, pluralism, and rule of law. These values are reflected in our engagement with all international partners, including the Government of India.The Government of Canada has continued to monitor protests by farmers in India, including the multiple dialogues between the government and farmers union representatives and the intervention of the Supreme Court of India in January 2021. Canada welcomes the Government of India’s commitment to ongoing dialogue to discuss issues of concern.
Civil and human rightsFarming and farmersForeign policyIndiaProtests
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 21, 2021432-00610432-00610 (Justice)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservativeBCMarch 8, 2021April 21, 2021December 18, 2020PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • Sex selection abortion is legal as Canada has no legal restrictions on abortion;
  • Sex selective abortion is antithetical to our commitment to equality between men and women;
  • A 2019 DART & Maru/Blue poll, conducted for the National Post, showed that 84% of Canadians believe it should be illegal to have an abortion if the family does not want the child to be a certain sex;
  • International organizations including the World Health Organization, United Nations Women, and United Nations Children's Fund have identified unequal sex ratios at birth as a growing problem internationally;
  • Canada's health care profession recognizes sex selection as a problem.
Therefore, we the undersigned citizens of Canada call upon the House of Commons to pass a Criminal Code prohibition of sex selective abortion.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government of Canada condemns all practices that are motivated by discriminatory views of women and girls, including sex selective practices.In Canada, the administration and funding of health care services is a provincial responsibility that falls under the purview of the provincial governments. As is the case for other medical procedures, the delivery of abortion services is determined by the policies of the provincial governments and the standards set by the medical profession itself.
AbortionSexual discrimination
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 21, 2021432-00609432-00609 (Foreign affairs)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservativeBCMarch 8, 2021April 21, 2021December 18, 2020PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law), sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption;
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of "Truth, Compassion and Tolerance," including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, Qiang Wei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang.We also call upon the Government of Canada to refuse immigration/visitor visa to those who persecuted Falun Gong practitioners in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.To ensure the protection of all human rights, including freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), Canada addresses rights comprehensively through the Office of Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion (OHRFI), encouraging a climate of inclusion and respect for diversity to advance the rights of those too often marginalized in society. To this end, the OHRFI regularly engages with a diverse range of diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligation.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoAs part of the immigration application process, all visa applications are carefully assessed for eligibility and admissibility under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. For example, a foreign national may be inadmissible to Canada if they have engaged in criminality or human or international rights violations (including being subject to sanctions), or are a family member of an inadmissible person. In 2017, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law) came into force. It added two new inadmissibility provisions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act concerning sanctioned government officials or individuals acting on behalf of a foreign state who are responsible for corruption, extrajudicial killings, torture or other gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. A foreign national listed in an order or regulation made by the Governor in Council under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act would be inadmissible. If an applicant is determined to be inadmissible on any ground, they may be refused a visa, electronic travel authorization or entry to Canada. Inadmissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by Immigration Officers and are based on evidence, which may consist of police or intelligence reports, statutory declarations or other documents—such as media articles, scholarly journals or publicly-available information. In addition, if a foreign national who is at the border, or is in Canada, is found to be inadmissible, they may be denied entry or ordered to leave Canada. The Canada Border Services Agency is responsible for immigration enforcement at the border and in Canada. For privacy reasons, individual cases cannot be discussed.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 21, 2021432-00608432-00608 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 8, 2021April 21, 2021December 15, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas Bill C-7 further removes safeguards from the current euthanasia regime, including the mandatory 10-day reflection period and the number of required witnesses, thereby allowing a person's euthanasia request to be accepted and carried out within the same day and without robust consultation; and; Whereas the removal of the second required independent witness reduces oversight of the procedure, thereby leaving vulnerable persons at risk of abuse; and; Whereas the Canadian Government has an obligation to protect its citizens, especially those who are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation; Therefore we, the undersigned, urge the House of Commons to: 1) Restore the 10-day reflection period for people whose deaths have been determined to be "reasonably foreseeable"; 2) Restore the original requirement that a person must give consent to the life-ending procedure immediately before it is performed; 3) Restore the original requirements for the signatures of two witnesses, who cannot provide personal care to the person seeking to end their life; 4) Require medical professionals to do everything possible to enable the person to access life-affirming services to relieve their suffering other than physician-assisted death; and, 5) Accommodate persons with communication disabilities by clarifying "refusal or resistance to administration" of physician-assisted death.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOn March 17, 2021, Bill C-7, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying), received Royal Assent. Bill C-7 responds to the Superior Court of Québec’s September 2019 Truchon decision, which struck down the eligibility criterion of “reasonably foreseeable natural death” from the Criminal Code medical assistance in dying regime.  Our Government believes that those who are experiencing enduring and intolerable suffering from their medical condition – including those who are not approaching the end of life – should be allowed to decide for themselves when they wish to end their life, and that medical and nurse practitioners who are willing to help them have a peaceful and painless death should not be criminally culpable for doing so.As the Truchon decision applies only in Québec, Bill C-7 amended the Criminal Code to ensure consistency of the MAID law across the country. The reasonably foreseeable natural death criterion no longer applies as an eligibility criterion that could exclude persons from obtaining MAID, but is instead used to determine which of two different sets of safeguards applies to a particular MAID request.The first set of safeguards applies to persons whose natural death is reasonably foreseeable, where risks are reduced given the overall proximity of death and the fact that their suffering is most likely linked to the dying process itself. The removal of the requirement of a second independent witness and the repeal of the 10-day reflection period responds to the concerns raised by patients and their families, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders that these safeguards pose an access barrier to MAID, do not provide protection to vulnerable persons, and unnecessarily prolong patient suffering.For this group of persons, a waiver of the requirement for consent to be given immediately before MAID is provided is also possible following the Bill C-7 amendments. This change ensures that persons do not choose to have MAID earlier than they would like out of fear of losing their capacity to consent on their preferred day. If a person retains decision-making capacity on their preferred day, they must give consent in whatever manner of communication they are able. If they do not have decision-making capacity, the legislation clarifies that the procedure must not go forward if the person demonstrates refusal or resistance to the administration of MAID by words, gestures or sounds.The second set of safeguards reflects the more serious consequences of error for persons who request MAID and whose death is not reasonably foreseeable. It recognizes the diverse sources of suffering and vulnerability that could potentially lead a person whose death is not reasonably foreseeable to request MAID. The new safeguards for this group include all of the safeguards that apply to the first group, along with new and enhanced safeguards, to ensure that a request by a person whose death is not reasonably foreseeable is fully informed and considered, and that patients have been informed about and have seriously considered all reasonable and available treatment options and social services.The amendments in Bill C-7 were informed by consultations held at the beginning of 2020 with Canadians, the provinces and territories, Indigenous groups, key stakeholders, experts, and practitioners. The Bill protects vulnerable individuals and the equality rights of all Canadians, while supporting the autonomy of eligible persons to seek MAID.
Application processCapacity of consent for careHealth care systemMedical assistance in dyingOversight mechanismPersons with disabilities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 21, 2021432-00607432-00607 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 8, 2021April 21, 2021June 7, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 21, 2021432-00606432-00606 (Taxation)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 8, 2021April 21, 2021February 10, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, despite the promise made by the Liberal Government during the 2019 election that the carbon tax would not increase beyond $50 per tonne until 2022, the Liberal government has now committed to raise the federal carbon tax to $170 per tonne. Whereas, this raise in the carbon tax puts an exceptional burden on the province of Alberta as a significant portion of its economic activity is centered around the production of energy. Additionally, due to the geography of Alberta, costs from long commutes and extended travel are made more expensive by the carbon tax. Whereas, the Liberal government's inability to maintain consistent messaging around the carbon tax price makes it difficult for citizens and businesspeople to know how much they will have to pay in carbon tax in the future. In addition to rendering citizens unable to adjust their behavior according to the tax, this uncertainty makes energy related economic investment challenging. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to:1. Repeal the decision to increase the federal carbon tax to $170 per tonne. 2. Have the carbon tax shown as a separate expense when buying energy products so that citizens are aware of exactly how much money they are paying at a given time in carbon tax.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSONCarbon pricing is about recognizing the cost of pollution and accounting for those costs in daily decisions. Putting a price on pollution is widely recognized as the most efficient means to drive innovation and energy efficiency in order to reduce emissions.Canada’s approach is flexible, allowing any province or territory to design its own pricing system tailored to local needs, or to choose the federal pricing system. The federal government sets minimum national stringency standards that all systems must meet to ensure that they are comparable and contribute their fair share to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.The federal carbon pollution pricing system applies in any jurisdiction that requests it or that does not implement its own system that meets these national stringency standards. The federal system has two parts: a charge on fossil fuels and an output-based pricing system for industrial facilities. The fuel charge generally applies to fuel producers and distributors who generally pass those costs on to consumers in the form of higher fuel prices. There is no requirement or restriction for these producers to itemize the fuel charge on bills of sale. Many producers and distributors choose to do so.In December 2020, the Government of Canada published A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, Canada’s strengthened climate plan of federal policies, programs and $15 billion in investments to build a stronger, cleaner, more resilient and inclusive economy. Once fully implemented, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy will enable Canada to exceed its current 2030 greenhouse gas reduction target.Under A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, the Government proposes to continue putting a price on pollution, rising through to 2030, while ensuring that the majority of households receive more money back than they pay in the jurisdictions where the federal backstop applies. Returning proceeds helps make carbon pricing affordable, and enables households to make investments to increase energy efficiency and further reduce emissions. The increasing price will make cleaner options more affordable and discourage pollution-intensive investments. A longer price trajectory will also allow businesses and individuals to plan ahead providing predictability for longer-term investments and growing the market for cleaner solutions in Canada. The Government is engaging with province and territories, as well as with Indigenous organizations, on the proposed price on pollution post-2023.As part of this next phase of carbon pricing, the government also plans to review the standards it uses to assess provincial systems, known as the federal ‘benchmark.’ Strengthening these standards will help Canada meet its climate goals while allowing provinces and territories to choose the pricing systems that work best for them. Over the coming months, the federal government will work closely with provinces and territories on how best to strengthen the benchmark.The proposed Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, introduced in Parliament on November 19, 2020, will also formalize Canada’s target to achieve net-zero emissions by the year 2050, and establish a series of interim emissions reduction targets at 5-year milestones toward that goal. It will also require a series of plans and reports to support accountability and transparency, and help ensure that Canada reaches all of it milestones on the way towards 2050.Over the upcoming months, the Government of Canada will work with partners to ensure a strong, workable plan that can be designed and delivered. The Government of Canada is committed to working together with provinces, territories, and Indigenous communities, and other stakeholders in order to exceed Canada’s 2030 climate target and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.    
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada knows that climate change presents a threat to our long-term health and economic prosperity. Even in these challenging times, good environmental policy and addressing climate change matter.  Putting a price on pollution is an important part of Canada’s future, and the Government is doing this in a way that maintains affordability for households and ensures the competitiveness of Canadian companies.Pricing pollution is generally viewed as one of the most economically efficient ways to send a price signal to companies, investors, and consumers to make more environmentally sustainable choices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  It is central to our country’s plan to meet and exceed our emissions reduction targets, grow the economy and build resilience to a changing climate.  All provinces and territories have either implemented a pollution pricing system, or have the federal system in whole or in part.  The federal pollution pricing system has two components: a charge on fossil fuels (“fuel charge”) and a regulatory system for large industry, known as the output-based pricing system. The federal fuel charge applies in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Yukon and Nunavut. The federal output-based pricing system applies in Ontario, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, Saskatchewan (partially), Yukon and Nunavut.The regulatory charge on fossil fuels (“federal fuel charge”) applies to a broad range of fuels, including gasoline, light fuel oil (e.g., diesel), propane, and natural gas. The amount of the fuel charge is likely embedded in the price of fuels sold to consumers. Businesses have a right to choose to display this charge separately on consumer invoices and receipts. Canadian consumers who wish to obtain more information regarding the federal fuel charge applicable to the energy products they purchase can access the full list of rates at https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/publications/fcrates/fuel-charge-rates.html.The direct proceeds from the federal pollution pricing system will remain in the province or territory of origin. In Prince Edward Island, Yukon and Nunavut, the direct proceeds from the federal system are returned directly to the governments of these jurisdictions. In Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, the Government of Canada is returning the bulk of the direct proceeds from the fuel charge directly to individuals and families, through tax-free Climate Action Incentive payments. For example, in Alberta for 2021, the baseline amount for a single adult is $490, while the baseline amount for a family of four is $981. People can claim these payments through their 2020 personal income tax returns.Our Government’s approach to tax fairness is guided by the overall objective of building an economy that works for the middle class and those who are working hard to join it.
Carbon pricingCarbon tax
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 21, 2021432-00605432-00605 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 8, 2021April 21, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, conversion therapy has historically referred to coercive, degrading actions that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity which are wrong and should be banned;Whereas, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person's gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behavior or non-cisgender gender expression";Whereas, this broad definition wrongly applies the label "conversion therapy" to a broad range of practices, including counsel from parents, teachers, and counsellors encouraging children to reduce sexual behavior;Whereas, Bill C-6 expressly allows counselling, medical, and surgical efforts to change a child's gender, but prohibits support for a child seeking to de-transition to his or her birth (cis) gender;Whereas, Bill C-6 could restrict the choices of LGBTQ2 Canadians concerning sexuality and gender by prohibiting access to any professional or spiritual support freely chosen to limit sexual behaviour or de-transition.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Ban coercive, degrading practices that are designed to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity;2. Amend Bill C-6 to Fix the Definition of Conversion Therapy, thus banning Conversion Therapy without banning voluntary counselling or criminalizing conversations; and3. Allow parents to speak with their own children about sexuality and gender, and to set house rules about sex and relationships.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiEvery Canadian has the right to be who they are and love who they love. Conversion therapy is a scientifically discredited practice that targets vulnerable LGBTQ2 Canadians in an attempt to change their sexual orientation or identity. It is a cruel, harmful and degrading practice that can lead to life-long trauma.Our Government promised to ban conversion therapy in the Criminal Code and we are moving forward with that commitment.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, in support of the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, and prohibit promoting, advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.”Only practices, treatments or services that are meant to achieve one of these objectives are captured by the definition of conversion therapy and the proposed offences. Any practice, treatment or service that maintains a range of possible outcomes, or that seeks to explore a person’s sexuality or gender identity without seeking a specific outcome that conforms with societal norms, would not be captured by the proposed definition of conversion therapy, regardless of who provides and who receives the treatment or service. The Bill contains a “for greater certainty” clause to clarify that its conversion therapy definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates to the exploration of a person’s identity or its development, without favouring any particular sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The conversion therapy definition proposed by Bill C-6 would also not capture conversations or discussions that are not part of a formalized intervention (such as talk therapy) in which personal viewpoints on sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity are expressed.Finally, Bill C-6 would not prohibit the provision of conversion therapy to consenting adults when no fees are charged. The Bill does propose to prohibit profiting from, promoting and advertising conversion therapy, which would reduce its availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community.LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)Conversion therapyGender identity and gender expressionSexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 21, 2021432-00604432-00604 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMarch 8, 2021April 21, 2021October 21, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament229Not certifiedApril 19, 2021e-3050e-3050 (Parliament and politics)KirstenStallmanPaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCDecember 16, 2020, at 2:05 p.m. (EDT)April 15, 2021, at 2:05 p.m. (EDT)April 19, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:In defense of her previous support for the "good things" that happened at residential schools, Senator Beyak posted letters to her website that were found by Senate ethics officer Pierre Legault to contain racist content suggesting that Indigenous people are lazy, chronic whiners who are milking the residential-schools issue to get government handouts;The Senate ethics committee deemed Senator Beyak's apology for her actions perfunctory, and her cultural sensitivity training a fiasco;Despite her completion of a second cultural sensitivity training course, she is not fit to be entrusted with a position of responsibility or the ability to influence policies of the Government of Canada; andSenator Beyak's reinstatement as a Senator is an unacceptable act of institutional racism.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to support Senator McCallum's motion to expel Lynn Beyak from her position as Senator.Beyak, LynnExpelling a senator43rd Parliament229Not certifiedApril 19, 2021e-3190e-3190 (Foreign affairs)MichelleWilliamsZiadAboultaifEdmonton ManningConservativeABMarch 19, 2021, at 11:58 a.m. (EDT)April 18, 2021, at 11:58 a.m. (EDT)April 19, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Canada is a nation that believes in standing up for human rights, the right to practice one's own religion without persecution;"No one shall be held in slavery or servitude" and "No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment", as stated by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;Uyghurs in Xinjiang, China, are facing a cultural genocide as a result of the Chinese Government's 're-education policy', and are being violently assimilated, repressed and abused;Coercive labor is being done by detainees of Uyghur and Turkic Muslim decent, and there is evidence of population control through forced sterilization of Uyghur women;We have learned much from our nation's abuses of Indigenous peoples, and strives to be better and do better locally and abroad; andThe Government of China has yet to face consequences for its actions.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Support the findings of the Subcommittee on International Human Rights;2. Push for greater sanctions where possible and ask for stronger regulation around supply chains where Uyghurs are being forced to work in factories;3. Raise concerns with appropriate persons regarding China hosting the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, due to ongoing human rights abuses; and4. Pursue the Magnitsky Law: take restrictive measures in respect of foreign nationals responsible for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights and to make related amendments to the Special Economic Measures Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.ChinaCivil and human rightsEconomic sanctionsForeign policyUyghur43rd Parliament229Not certifiedApril 14, 2021e-3068e-3068 (Health)KristineRussellHon.MichelleRempel GarnerCalgary Nose HillConservativeABJanuary 13, 2021, at 4:37 p.m. (EDT)April 13, 2021, at 4:37 p.m. (EDT)April 14, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Antibiotics are critical medicines that prevent and treat infections in humans, animals and crops, but they are losing their effectiveness at a rate faster than our ability to identify and develop new drugs and other treatments;In 2018, 26% of infections were resistant to antibiotics in Canada; Without further action, the number is expected to increase to 40% by the year 2050, costing the Canadian healthcare system $7.6 billion annually;1 in 18 deaths in Canada are caused by sepsis, due in part to the failure of front-line antibiotics;Without an urgent response, common infections and minor injuries will once again take lives and cause significant harm to Canada’s health system and economy;The Pan-Canadian Framework on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) provides an important foundation for a Pan-Canadian Action Plan and supports implementation of the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan on AMR;A Pan-Canadian Action Plan is critically needed to drive new programs and funding in infection prevention and control, stewardship, surveillance, research and innovation to address the rising rate of resistance in Canada; andThe COVID-19 pandemic has created greater urgency around a Pan-Canadian Action Plan, to ensure Canada’s public health system is ready to address rates of antimicrobial resistance that are expected to accelerate in the COVID and post-COVID environment.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to provide an update regarding the Pan-Canadian Action Plan on AMR, and share its assumptions regarding the impact of COVID-19 on antimicrobial resistance in Canada.Antimicrobial resistanceCOVID-19PandemicPublic health43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00603432-00603 (Foreign affairs)NellyShinPort Moody—CoquitlamConservativeBCFebruary 26, 2021April 12, 2021September 30, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021e-2881e-2881 (Social affairs and equality)KarenKilbrideLindsayMathyssenLondon—FanshaweNDPONOctober 22, 2020, at 4:47 p.m. (EDT)January 20, 2021, at 4:47 p.m. (EDT)February 26, 2021April 12, 2021January 26, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons in Parliament assembled</Addressee>Whereas:Relationship violence is any form of physical, emotional, spiritual, or financial abuse, negative social control, neglect or coercion, that is suffered by anyone who has a bond or relationship with the offender;Violence in relationships impacts Canadians at all levels of society, regardless of socio-economic status, education level, religious affiliation, ethnicity, gender or age;Relationship violence is an issue in homes, schools, post-secondary institutions, workplaces and in society;Children who are raised in homes where domestic violence is witnessed, will suffer health and emotional trauma throughout their lives;Intergenerational learned behaviour normalizes violent behaviour in relationships; Victims of violence, and families bearing the stress of violence, can be found in all communities; We suffer violence in relationships from conception to the grave;The cost to Canadian society due to lost economic productivity and wages, social services costs, court costs, illness, physical injury, mental illness and death is estimated to be in the billions of dollars;12% of all violent crimes are related to relationship violence and 25% of calls to local police are related to relationship violence in couples; and We cannot accept, we will not accept, that violence is a normal part of human relationships.We, the undersigned, citizens (or residents) of Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to develop a national prevention plan that includes a media campaign on healthy relationships and the consequences of relationship violence and to proactively address educational goals and societal change to establish a society with healthier and happier relationships.
Response by the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic DevelopmentSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Gudie HutchingsINTRODUCTIONThe Government of Canada would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their concerns on gender-based violence (GBV), and especially on one of its forms, family violence, which includes intimate-partner violence. GBV is one of the most pervasive, deadly and deeply rooted human rights violations of our time and the Government of Canada continues to be committed to preventing and addressing this serious problem in our country. It is a major barrier to the expression of individual freedom and to our societal and collective development.While violence can affect people of all genders, ages, religions, cultures, ethnicities, geographic locations, and socio-economic backgrounds, some populations are more at risk of experiencing violence because of historical and ongoing oppression, such as sexism, homophobia, transphobia, colonialism, ageism, classism, racism and ableism. These populations include Indigenous women; Black and racialized women; non-binary, gender diverse and LGBTQ and Two-Spirit people; those living in northern, rural, and remote communities; those with disabilities; non-status and temporary status migrants, immigrants and refugees; children and youth; and seniors.The negative effects of GBV reach far beyond the individuals who have this violence committed against them. Violence can have long-lasting and negative health, social and economic effects that span generations, often leading to cycles of violence and abuse within families, and sometimes whole communities.The Government of Canada is committed to continuing to invest in efforts to prevent GBV, notably through It’s Time: Canada’s Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence (the Strategy), which includes several initiatives aimed at addressing the factors contributing to GBV, and through the development of a National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.CANADA’S STRATEGY TO PREVENT AND ADDRESS GENDER-BASED VIOLENCELaunched in 2017, the Strategy advances efforts in three areas: preventing GBV; supporting survivors and their families; and promoting responsive legal and justice systems. The Strategy helps to address gaps in support for diverse populations, including Indigenous women and girls, women living in northern, rural, and remote communities, women living with disabilities, newcomers, children and youth, seniors, LGBTQ2 and gender non-binary people.The Strategy is a whole-of-government approach that brings together GBV-related efforts of federal departments and agencies, builds on existing federal initiatives and programs, and lays the foundation for greater action on GBV. The Strategy also provides funding for six departments/agencies: the Department of Women and Gender Equality (WAGE); the Public Health Agency of Canada; Public Safety Canada; the Department of National Defence; the Royal Canadian Mounted Police; and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.The Strategy’s first pillar focuses on prevention by addressing the root causes of GBV and understanding its risk factors as it is the most effective way to end GBV and its devastating effects. Having conversations about gender equality, healthy relationships, and appropriate boundaries will help lay the foundation for preventing GBV, particularly among at-risk populations. Raising awareness about the causes and consequences of GBV, as well as what constitutes toxic behaviours and attitudes, will also help put an end to the perpetuation of beliefs that contribute to violence.Living with family violence has devastating effects on children. The Strategy’s first pillar includes an initiative, led by the Public Health Agency of Canada, aiming to prevent child maltreatment through parenting support programs. Adolescence is a key time to provide youth with the knowledge and skills to develop relationships free of violence. An additional initiative, also led by the Public Health Agency of Canada, supports the development, delivery and testing of innovative programs to promote healthy relationships and prevent dating violence in both school and community settings.Every year, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence begins on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25, and ends on International Human Rights Day on December 10. In Canada, the 16 Days of Activism include the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women on December 6. The 16 Days are an opportunity for the Government of Canada to develop an awareness campaign to reflect on GBV, to invite Canadians to come together to address injustices, and to take immediate action to create safe homes, communities and workplaces for everyone.The federal leadership demonstrated through the federal GBV Strategy has been welcomed by partners and stakeholders and has proven to be a strong first step to align federal partners, build collaborative structures, continue engaging with everyone in Canada, and demonstrate progress. Nevertheless, the Government of Canada has also heard the repeated calls for a National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence and understands the urgency that COVID-19 has brought to these long-standing needs.NATIONAL ACTION PLAN TO END GENDER-BASED VIOLENCEIn December 2019, the Minister for Women and Gender Equality Canada was mandated to build on the foundation laid by the federal GBV Strategy and move forward to develop a National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. Through an evidence-based and trauma-informed approach, the National Action Plan will aim to address the root causes and systemic violence that perpetuate GBV, to ensure that victims, survivors and their families are protected from violence no matter where they live in Canada.The Government of Canada is currently collaborating with stakeholders as well as its provincial and territorial counterparts and National Indigenous leaders and representatives on development and next steps. Since mid-March 2020, WAGE has heard from over 1,500 individuals representing organizations across the country on possible priorities for the National Action Plan.Like the GBV Strategy, one of the pillars of the National Action Plan would focus on prevention approaches meant to stop violence before it occurs by addressing its root causes. Recognizing that prevention cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach, it is important that this work is gender-informed and inclusive, intersectional, violence- and trauma-informed and culturally safe and appropriate to best meet the needs of diverse populations.It is also important that this work involve collaborative actions from federal, provincial and territorial governments, each working within their respective jurisdictional authorities, and in close partnership with victims and survivors, civil society, the private sector and researchers.On January 22, 2021, the Government of Canada, along with the Governments of the provinces and territories, endorsed the Joint Declaration for a Canada free of Gender-Based Violence. More than ever, there is a strong need and commitment from all levels of government to prevent and address GBV in our country. The Declaration can be seen in full at: https://cfc-swc.gc.ca/violence/knowledge-connaissance/gbv-declaration-vfs-en.html.COVID-19 PANDEMICWith the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent guidelines to stay at home, evidence from widespread reports suggests that there has been an increase in the frequency and severity of some forms of GBV, including domestic violence and online child sexual exploitation. The pandemic has highlighted the lack of necessary resources to meet the needs of those experiencing GBV and the need for further prevention and awareness efforts to stop violence from happening in the first place.The Government of Canada has provided a total of $100 million in emergency funding to women’s shelters, sexual assault centres and other organizations providing critical gender-based violence supports and services.As mentioned, the pandemic has exacerbated existing shortfalls in multiple systems and sectors, increasing the need and urgency for the development of a National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.CONCLUSIONCanada remains committed to addressing the root causes of violence by working to challenge the cultural and societal perceptions of gender norms, gender inequalities and economic, political and social power imbalances which contribute to GBV. While critical work has been done and is underway to prevent and address GBV, the continued implementation of the federal GBV Strategy and the development of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence will provide the Government of Canada with opportunities to do more to prevent, increase awareness of, and address GBV. 
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellThe Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recognizes that gender-based violence, including family violence, is a serious public health issue that can have lasting impacts on both the physical and mental health of Canadians. Our Government has invested more than $200 million since 2017 to establish It’s Time: Canada’s Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence. Based on three pillars—prevention; support for survivors and their families; and promotion of responsive legal and justice systems—the Strategy builds on and coordinates existing programs to establish a whole-of-government approach to addressing this issue.As part of the Strategy, PHAC is investing more than $40 million over five years and more than $8 million per year ongoing to prevent gender-based violence and its impact, from a health perspective. This includes investing in initiatives that help prevent child maltreatment and teen/youth dating violence as well as equipping health professionals and allied adults to recognize and respond safely to gender-based violence.Furthermore, PHAC invests over $6 million per year to support the health of survivors of family violence, through guidance and training for professionals, and through the delivery and testing of health promotion interventions for survivors. These projects are measuring their impact on health outcomes such as anxiety, depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.The government also recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic has created increased risks for the health and safety of many vulnerable Canadians, as children and families face increased stress, and may have difficulty leaving abusive relationships or accessing support or prevention programs.The government’s commitment to prevent and address family violence continues. Recently, PHAC launched a new call for proposals for projects that build the knowledge base of effective practices by delivering and testing diverse approaches to prevent and address family violence. This funding will support new strategies and adaptations to meet the growing and changing needs of families and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery period.As a member of the federal Family Violence Initiative, which brings together 12 departments and agencies in a multi-sectoral approach to addressing family violence, PHAC hosts and coordinates Stop Family Violence, a web-based source of current information on family violence for health professionals and the public. Stop Family Violence also provides links to supports and services available in each province and territory.
Domestic violenceInformation dissemination
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021e-2977e-2977 (Justice)KatieDeanLindsayMathyssenLondon—FanshaweNDPONNovember 16, 2020, at 2:13 p.m. (EDT)February 14, 2021, at 2:13 p.m. (EDT)February 26, 2021April 12, 2021February 15, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Groups have been distributing leaflets containing extremely graphic images of allegedly aborted fetuses in cities across Canada, ignoring "No Flyer" signage posted by homeowners;Groups have been gathering in protest against abortion by displaying extremely graphic images of allegedly aborted fetuses on busy street corners in cities across Canada;The sight of such imagery is being exposed to nonconsenting individuals and children; andImagery has been triggering for persons who have suffered trauma and loss involving pregnancy, infancy, childbirth, etc., including but not limited to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, abortion, domestic violence, and fleeing a country involved in war.We, the undersigned, Citizens and Residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to work with provinces and municipalities to:1. Amend or create legislation setting out the limitations regarding what imagery and content can be used in a protest or demonstration that is subject to public viewing; and2. Amend or create legislation regarding if, and how graphic imagery can be delivered to homes across the Country (i.e. putting such pamphlets in envelopes with a "Viewer Discretion" warning).
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government understands the deeply disturbing nature of graphic images portraying allegedly aborted fetuses. The freedom to express one’s viewpoint on social policy issues is protected by the Charter (section 2(b)). Freedom of peaceful assembly is also a Charter right (section 2(c)) and includes the right to participate in peaceful protests. The Government is committed to respecting Charter rights and values.Measures to impose limitations on graphic images and content used in protests or in materials delivered to personal residences fall within provincial and territorial jurisdiction and that of their respective municipalities.All women in Canada have the right to safe and consistent access to reproductive health services and our government will always support that.
AbortionProtestsSigns
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00600432-00600 (Taxation)KerryDiotteEdmonton GriesbachConservativeABFebruary 26, 2021April 12, 2021February 12, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, the Liberal carbon tax makes life more expensive for millions of Canadians across the country. As a tax on everything the carbon tax will mean Canadians will pay more for groceries, home heating and gasoline. Whereas, the Liberal carbon tax negatively affects important Canadian industries, including agriculture and the energy industry that employ hundreds of thousands of Canadians. Whereas, we need the energy industry and agriculture to drive our economic recovery and to paydown our massive debt load while protecting core services. Whereas, the newly announced carbon tax hike will raise the carbon tax to federal carbon tax to $170 a tonne, increasing the price you pay at the pump by at least 37.57 cents a litre. Whereas, in the last election — only a year ago the Liberals promised not to raise the carbon tax. Whereas, the Alberta Court of Appeal ruled the federal carbon tax was unconstitutional and it is currently before the Supreme Court. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to end the federal carbon tax.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSONCarbon pricing is about recognizing the cost of pollution and accounting for those costs in daily decisions. Putting a price on pollution is widely recognized as the most efficient means to drive innovation and energy efficiency in order to reduce emissions.Canada’s approach is flexible, allowing any province or territory to design its own pricing system tailored to local needs, or to choose the federal pricing system. The federal government sets minimum national stringency standards that all systems must meet to ensure that they are comparable and contribute their fair share to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.The federal carbon pollution pricing system applies in any jurisdiction that requests it or that does not implement its own system that meets these national stringency standards. The federal system has two parts: a charge on fossil fuels and an output-based pricing system for industrial facilities.In December 2020, the Government of Canada published A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, Canada’s strengthened climate plan of federal policies, programs and $15 billion in investments to build a stronger, cleaner, more resilient and inclusive economy. Once fully implemented, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy will enable Canada to exceed its current 2030 greenhouse gas reduction target.Under A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, the Government proposes to continue putting a price on pollution, rising through to 2030, while ensuring that the majority of households receive more money back than they pay in the jurisdictions where the federal backstop applies. Returning proceeds helps make carbon pricing affordable, and enables households to make investments to increase energy efficiency and further reduce emissions. The increasing price will make cleaner options more affordable and discourage pollution-intensive investments. A longer price trajectory will also allow businesses and individuals to plan ahead, providing predictability for longer-term investments and growing the market for cleaner solutions in Canada. The Government is engaging with provinces and territories, as well as with Indigenous organizations, on the proposed price on pollution post-2023.As part of this next phase of carbon pricing, the government also plans to review the standards it uses to assess provincial systems, known as the federal ‘benchmark.’ Strengthening these standards will help Canada meet its climate goals while allowing provinces and territories to choose the pricing systems that work best for them. Over the coming months, the federal government will work closely with provinces and territories on how best to strengthen the benchmark.The proposed Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, introduced in Parliament on November 19, 2020, will also formalize Canada’s target to achieve net-zero emissions by the year 2050, and establish a series of interim emissions reduction targets at 5-year milestones toward that goal. It will also require a series of plans and reports to support accountability and transparency, and help ensure that Canada reaches all of its milestones on the way towards 2050.Over the upcoming months, the Government of Canada will work with partners to ensure a strong, workable plan that can be designed and delivered. The Government of Canada is committed to working together with provinces, territories, and Indigenous communities, and other stakeholders in order to exceed Canada’s 2030 climate target and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. 
Carbon pricingCarbon tax
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00599432-00599 (Taxation)KerryDiotteEdmonton GriesbachConservativeABFebruary 26, 2021April 12, 2021February 4, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, the Liberal carbon tax makes life more expensive for millions of Canadians across the country. As a tax on everything the carbon tax will mean Canadians will pay more for groceries, home heating and gasoline. Whereas, the Liberal carbon tax negatively affects important Canadian industries, including agriculture and the energy industry that employ hundreds of thousands of Canadians. Whereas, we need the energy industry and agriculture to drive our economic recovery and to paydown our massive debt load while protecting core services. Whereas, the newly announced carbon tax hike will raise the carbon tax to federal carbon tax to $170 a tonne, increasing the price you pay at the pump by at least 37.57 cents a litre. Whereas, in the last election — only a year ago the Liberals promised not to raise the carbon tax. Whereas, the Alberta Court of Appeal ruled the federal carbon tax was unconstitutional and it is currently before the Supreme Court. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to end the federal carbon tax.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSONCarbon pricing is about recognizing the cost of pollution and accounting for those costs in daily decisions. Putting a price on pollution is widely recognized as the most efficient means to drive innovation and energy efficiency in order to reduce emissions.Canada’s approach is flexible, allowing any province or territory to design its own pricing system tailored to local needs, or to choose the federal pricing system. The federal government sets minimum national stringency standards that all systems must meet to ensure that they are comparable and contribute their fair share to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.The federal carbon pollution pricing system applies in any jurisdiction that requests it or that does not implement its own system that meets these national stringency standards. The federal system has two parts: a charge on fossil fuels and an output-based pricing system for industrial facilities.In December 2020, the Government of Canada published A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, Canada’s strengthened climate plan of federal policies, programs and $15 billion in investments to build a stronger, cleaner, more resilient and inclusive economy. Once fully implemented, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy will enable Canada to exceed its current 2030 greenhouse gas reduction target.Under A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, the Government proposes to continue putting a price on pollution, rising through to 2030, while ensuring that the majority of households receive more money back than they pay in the jurisdictions where the federal backstop applies. Returning proceeds helps make carbon pricing affordable, and enables households to make investments to increase energy efficiency and further reduce emissions. The increasing price will make cleaner options more affordable and discourage pollution-intensive investments. A longer price trajectory will also allow businesses and individuals to plan ahead, providing predictability for longer-term investments and growing the market for cleaner solutions in Canada. The Government is engaging with provinces and territories, as well as with Indigenous organizations, on the proposed price on pollution post-2023.As part of this next phase of carbon pricing, the government also plans to review the standards it uses to assess provincial systems, known as the federal ‘benchmark.’ Strengthening these standards will help Canada meet its climate goals while allowing provinces and territories to choose the pricing systems that work best for them. Over the coming months, the federal government will work closely with provinces and territories on how best to strengthen the benchmark.The proposed Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, introduced in Parliament on November 19, 2020, will also formalize Canada’s target to achieve net-zero emissions by the year 2050, and establish a series of interim emissions reduction targets at 5-year milestones toward that goal. It will also require a series of plans and reports to support accountability and transparency, and help ensure that Canada reaches all of its milestones on the way towards 2050.Over the upcoming months, the Government of Canada will work with partners to ensure a strong, workable plan that can be designed and delivered. The Government of Canada is committed to working together with provinces, territories, and Indigenous communities, and other stakeholders in order to exceed Canada’s 2030 climate target and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. 
Carbon pricingCarbon tax
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00598432-00598 (Taxation)KerryDiotteEdmonton GriesbachConservativeABFebruary 26, 2021April 12, 2021February 12, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, the Liberal carbon tax makes life more expensive for millions of Canadians across the country. As a tax on everything the carbon tax will mean Canadians will pay more for groceries, home heating and gasoline. Whereas, the Liberal carbon tax negatively affects important Canadian industries, including agriculture and the energy industry that employ hundreds of thousands of Canadians. Whereas, we need the energy industry and agriculture to drive our economic recovery and to paydown our massive debt load while protecting core services. Whereas, the newly announced carbon tax hike will raise the carbon tax to federal carbon tax to $170 a tonne, increasing the price you pay at the pump by at least 37.57 cents a litre. Whereas, in the last election — only a year ago the Liberals promised not to raise the carbon tax. Whereas, the Alberta Court of Appeal ruled the federal carbon tax was unconstitutional and it is currently before the Supreme Court. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to end the federal carbon tax.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSONCarbon pricing is about recognizing the cost of pollution and accounting for those costs in daily decisions. Putting a price on pollution is widely recognized as the most efficient means to drive innovation and energy efficiency in order to reduce emissions.Canada’s approach is flexible, allowing any province or territory to design its own pricing system tailored to local needs, or to choose the federal pricing system. The federal government sets minimum national stringency standards that all systems must meet to ensure that they are comparable and contribute their fair share to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.The federal carbon pollution pricing system applies in any jurisdiction that requests it or that does not implement its own system that meets these national stringency standards. The federal system has two parts: a charge on fossil fuels and an output-based pricing system for industrial facilities.In December 2020, the Government of Canada published A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, Canada’s strengthened climate plan of federal policies, programs and $15 billion in investments to build a stronger, cleaner, more resilient and inclusive economy. Once fully implemented, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy will enable Canada to exceed its current 2030 greenhouse gas reduction target.Under A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, the Government proposes to continue putting a price on pollution, rising through to 2030, while ensuring that the majority of households receive more money back than they pay in the jurisdictions where the federal backstop applies. Returning proceeds helps make carbon pricing affordable, and enables households to make investments to increase energy efficiency and further reduce emissions. The increasing price will make cleaner options more affordable and discourage pollution-intensive investments. A longer price trajectory will also allow businesses and individuals to plan ahead, providing predictability for longer-term investments and growing the market for cleaner solutions in Canada. The Government is engaging with provinces and territories, as well as with Indigenous organizations, on the proposed price on pollution post-2023.As part of this next phase of carbon pricing, the government also plans to review the standards it uses to assess provincial systems, known as the federal ‘benchmark.’ Strengthening these standards will help Canada meet its climate goals while allowing provinces and territories to choose the pricing systems that work best for them. Over the coming months, the federal government will work closely with provinces and territories on how best to strengthen the benchmark.The proposed Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, introduced in Parliament on November 19, 2020, will also formalize Canada’s target to achieve net-zero emissions by the year 2050, and establish a series of interim emissions reduction targets at 5-year milestones toward that goal. It will also require a series of plans and reports to support accountability and transparency, and help ensure that Canada reaches all of its milestones on the way towards 2050.Over the upcoming months, the Government of Canada will work with partners to ensure a strong, workable plan that can be designed and delivered. The Government of Canada is committed to working together with provinces, territories, and Indigenous communities, and other stakeholders in order to exceed Canada’s 2030 climate target and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. 
Carbon pricingCarbon tax
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00597432-00597 (Taxation)KerryDiotteEdmonton GriesbachConservativeABFebruary 26, 2021April 12, 2021February 9, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, the Liberal carbon tax makes life more expensive for millions of Canadians across the country. As a tax on everything the carbon tax will mean Canadians will pay more for groceries, home heating and gasoline. Whereas, the Liberal carbon tax negatively affects important Canadian industries, including agriculture and the energy industry that employ hundreds of thousands of Canadians. Whereas, we need the energy industry and agriculture to drive our economic recovery and to paydown our massive debt load while protecting core services. Whereas, the newly announced carbon tax hike will raise the carbon tax to federal carbon tax to $170 a tonne, increasing the price you pay at the pump by at least 37.57 cents a litre. Whereas, in the last election — only a year ago the Liberals promised not to raise the carbon tax. Whereas, the Alberta Court of Appeal ruled the federal carbon tax was unconstitutional and it is currently before the Supreme Court. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to end the federal carbon tax.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSONCarbon pricing is about recognizing the cost of pollution and accounting for those costs in daily decisions. Putting a price on pollution is widely recognized as the most efficient means to drive innovation and energy efficiency in order to reduce emissions.Canada’s approach is flexible, allowing any province or territory to design its own pricing system tailored to local needs, or to choose the federal pricing system. The federal government sets minimum national stringency standards that all systems must meet to ensure that they are comparable and contribute their fair share to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.The federal carbon pollution pricing system applies in any jurisdiction that requests it or that does not implement its own system that meets these national stringency standards. The federal system has two parts: a charge on fossil fuels and an output-based pricing system for industrial facilities.In December 2020, the Government of Canada published A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, Canada’s strengthened climate plan of federal policies, programs and $15 billion in investments to build a stronger, cleaner, more resilient and inclusive economy. Once fully implemented, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy will enable Canada to exceed its current 2030 greenhouse gas reduction target.Under A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, the Government proposes to continue putting a price on pollution, rising through to 2030, while ensuring that the majority of households receive more money back than they pay in the jurisdictions where the federal backstop applies. Returning proceeds helps make carbon pricing affordable, and enables households to make investments to increase energy efficiency and further reduce emissions. The increasing price will make cleaner options more affordable and discourage pollution-intensive investments. A longer price trajectory will also allow businesses and individuals to plan ahead, providing predictability for longer-term investments and growing the market for cleaner solutions in Canada. The Government is engaging with provinces and territories, as well as with Indigenous organizations, on the proposed price on pollution post-2023.As part of this next phase of carbon pricing, the government also plans to review the standards it uses to assess provincial systems, known as the federal ‘benchmark.’ Strengthening these standards will help Canada meet its climate goals while allowing provinces and territories to choose the pricing systems that work best for them. Over the coming months, the federal government will work closely with provinces and territories on how best to strengthen the benchmark.The proposed Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, introduced in Parliament on November 19, 2020, will also formalize Canada’s target to achieve net-zero emissions by the year 2050, and establish a series of interim emissions reduction targets at 5-year milestones toward that goal. It will also require a series of plans and reports to support accountability and transparency, and help ensure that Canada reaches all of its milestones on the way towards 2050.Over the upcoming months, the Government of Canada will work with partners to ensure a strong, workable plan that can be designed and delivered. The Government of Canada is committed to working together with provinces, territories, and Indigenous communities, and other stakeholders in order to exceed Canada’s 2030 climate target and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. 
Carbon pricingCarbon tax
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00596432-00596 (Democratic process)KerryDiotteEdmonton GriesbachConservativeABFebruary 26, 2021April 12, 2021February 4, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, the Liberal government's firearms regulations brought in through the use of order-in-council fails to respect lawful firearms owners. Whereas, the vast majority of firearms owners' respect Canada's firearm laws and responsibly own and use firearms in a highly regulated manner. Whereas, evidence shows the vast majority of gun violence in Canada is perpetrated with illegal guns.Whereas, creating new laws and new bans won't stop criminals who are already breaking existing laws. Whereas, despite Liberal's promises their firearm ban includes several shotguns used for hunting.Whereas the current system is arbitrary. “Military-style assault rifles” is not a legal definition in Canada, and the government can arbitrarily add new firearms to the list without democratic debate in Parliament or public consultation. Whereas smuggling of firearms into Canada is and remains a major issue. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. To ensure all changes to firearms regulations are brought before the House of Commons for public debate. 2. That firearms regulations target the criminal use of firearms not hundreds of thousands of lawful gun owners. 3. That policies are enacted to prevent the illegal smuggling of firearms into Canada.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency PreparednessSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Joël Lightbound, M.PCanadians deserve to live in a society where they can feel safe and secure from gun violence. The Government ofCanada has prohibited assault-style firearms as they are not reasonable for hunting or sport shooting purposes given theinherent danger that they pose to public safety. The prohibition limits access to the most dangerous firearms that arecharacterized by their design and their capability of inflicting significant harm to Canadians. The prohibition reduces thenumber and availability of assault style firearms and other firearms that exceed safe civilian use in Canada, and lowersthe possibility of these firearms being diverted to the illegal market.For decades chiefs of police had been advocating for additional restrictions, and even a prohibition, of military-styleassault rifles. The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police previously passed a resolution declaring that military assaultrifles were produced for the “sole purpose of killing people in large numbers” and asked the Minister of Justice to “banall military assault rifles except for law enforcement and military purposes.” Last September the Ontario Association ofChiefs of Police expressed support for a prohibition on all military-designed assault rifles, averring that “these weaponshave no place in our communities and should be reserved for use by Canada’s military and law enforcement.” The current president of the CACP even declared that “Canadian Chiefs believe that this finds balance, it ensures the safety of our members when they respond to calls for service.”Through Section 117.15 of the Criminal Code, Parliament provides the Government with the authority to prescribe the classification of firearms. We have exercised that authority to benefit the safety and security of Canadians, within limits set by Parliament. The affected firearms are prohibited as they (1) have semi-automatic action with sustain rapid-fire capability (tactical/military design with large magazine capacity), (2) are of modern design, and (3) are present in large volumes in the Canadian market. This authority has existed for decades and has been exercised several times over theyears including by the previous Conservative Government.We made a promise to Canadians and we have delivered. We have been clear that our prohibition will not impact the activities of law-abiding hunters or sport shooters. We have also signaled our intent to implement a buyback program that will provide fair compensation to affected owners. We are looking at a range of options, and will work with Parliament as well as the provinces and territories to get this right for law-abiding gun owners and businesses.While the prohibition is a crucial first step, it is only one of a series of measures that we are taking to target firearm-related crime in this country. We know that firearms-related violence is complex and must be addressed comprehensively. That is why our Government introduced Bill C-21, which proposes amendments to the Firearms Act and the CriminalCode that would build on the Government’s previous actions to promote the safety of Canadians while protecting the privileges associated with lawful firearms ownership. These include:•             bringing into law “red and yellow flag” regimes that would give anyone - medical practitioners, family members, neighbours and victims of gender-based, intimate-partner, and family violence - the ability to seek a temporary licence suspension or removal of firearms from those who pose a danger to themselves or others in cases of domestic violence, suicide, or hate motivated crime;•             creating new offences for altering a cartridge magazine, depicting violence in advertising;•             tightening restrictions on replica firearms and the importation of non-prohibited ammunition;•             increasing the exchange of intelligence between the RCMP and local police of jurisdiction;•             providing firearms owners affected by the May 1 assault-style firearms prohibition with disposition options including a strict non-permissive storage regime; and•             helping create safer communities by supporting the efforts of municipalities who choose to take action to restrict handguns within their boundaries.In recognition of the public safety threat posed by gun smuggling, the Bill also includes provisions that would increase the maximum penalties for trafficking and smuggling offences, moving them from 10 years to 14 years imprisonment. We welcome the support of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police who “wholeheartedly endorse all efforts to strengthen border controls and impose stronger penalties to combat firearms smuggling and trafficking”.Let us not forget that during C-71 study at committee, Conservative MPs proposed amendments that proposed there be no punishment for “false statements to procure licences” and “false statements to procure customs confirmations”— so, importing or trafficking. Just recently, we announced that we will be re-establishing the Cross-Border Crime Forum with the U.S. while exploring the creation of a cross-border task force which to address gun smuggling and trafficking.Following hundreds of millions of dollars in cuts to our agencies by the previous Conservative government, we arerebuilding capacity. The CBSA is receiving $51.5 million over five years through the Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence to enhance its capacity to stem the flow of inadmissible travellers and illegal firearms entering Canada at vulnerable points of entry and through postal facilities. It is also procuring equipment to enhance air cargo security and pallet imaging, intelligence collection and production abilities, and improving border operations through measures aimed at enhancing the CBSA’s capacity to detect and interdict illegal firearms at the border.In addition, the RCMP is receiving $34.5 million through the Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence to enhance its capacity to conduct investigations related to the criminal use of firearms as well as to provide law enforcement with enhanced access to training, technology and data to keep illicit firearms out of Canada and detect and report on criminal gang activities. The RCMP has created the Integrated Criminal Firearms Initiative to expand and enhance existing services available to support firearms investigations nationwide. This includes providing anonymous online capabilities to investigate firearms trafficking and smuggling, conducting physical firearms inspections, enhancing analytical capacity to develop and produce actionable intelligence, and supporting stakeholder outreach among partners to advance focused initiatives. The RCMP is also prioritizing strategic intelligence analysis related to street gangs and the procurement of advanced technologies to expedite and further support the analysis of ballistics and illicit manufacturing of firearms.We are also making important investments in our communities to reduce gun and gang violence.  More than $200 million is now flowing directly to provinces and territories to target initiatives that best meet the unique needs of individual communities to advance efforts in areas of prevention, gang exit, outreach and awareness training as well as enhanced intelligence sharing and law enforcement capacity. With the funding allocations, jurisdictions have made investments to support new law enforcement activities including specialized training and education initiatives and improving data collection and information sharing. PTs have also prioritized a number of prevention intervention initiatives. We will help create safer communities by giving young people the opportunities and resources they need to resist lives of crime by providing an additional $250 million over five years to municipalities and Indigenous communities to support youth programming.Our Government will continue working to enhance public safety by focusing on prevention, effective law enforcement and strong community partnerships.
FirearmsParliamentary democracy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00595432-00595 (Democratic process)KerryDiotteEdmonton GriesbachConservativeABFebruary 26, 2021April 12, 2021February 12, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, the Liberal government's firearms regulations brought in through the use of order-in-council fails to respect lawful firearms owners. Whereas, the vast majority of firearms owners' respect Canada's firearm laws and responsibly own and use firearms in a highly regulated manner. Whereas, evidence shows the vast majority of gun violence in Canada is perpetrated with illegal guns.Whereas, creating new laws and new bans won't stop criminals who are already breaking existing laws. Whereas, despite Liberal's promises their firearm ban includes several shotguns used for hunting.Whereas the current system is arbitrary. “Military-style assault rifles” is not a legal definition in Canada, and the government can arbitrarily add new firearms to the list without democratic debate in Parliament or public consultation. Whereas smuggling of firearms into Canada is and remains a major issue. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. To ensure all changes to firearms regulations are brought before the House of Commons for public debate. 2. That firearms regulations target the criminal use of firearms not hundreds of thousands of lawful gun owners. 3. That policies are enacted to prevent the illegal smuggling of firearms into Canada.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency PreparednessSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Joël Lightbound, M.PCanadians deserve to live in a society where they can feel safe and secure from gun violence. The Government ofCanada has prohibited assault-style firearms as they are not reasonable for hunting or sport shooting purposes given theinherent danger that they pose to public safety. The prohibition limits access to the most dangerous firearms that arecharacterized by their design and their capability of inflicting significant harm to Canadians. The prohibition reduces thenumber and availability of assault style firearms and other firearms that exceed safe civilian use in Canada, and lowersthe possibility of these firearms being diverted to the illegal market.For decades chiefs of police had been advocating for additional restrictions, and even a prohibition, of military-styleassault rifles. The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police previously passed a resolution declaring that military assaultrifles were produced for the “sole purpose of killing people in large numbers” and asked the Minister of Justice to “banall military assault rifles except for law enforcement and military purposes.” Last September the Ontario Association ofChiefs of Police expressed support for a prohibition on all military-designed assault rifles, averring that “these weaponshave no place in our communities and should be reserved for use by Canada’s military and law enforcement.” The current president of the CACP even declared that “Canadian Chiefs believe that this finds balance, it ensures the safety of our members when they respond to calls for service.”Through Section 117.15 of the Criminal Code, Parliament provides the Government with the authority to prescribe the classification of firearms. We have exercised that authority to benefit the safety and security of Canadians, within limits set by Parliament. The affected firearms are prohibited as they (1) have semi-automatic action with sustain rapid-fire capability (tactical/military design with large magazine capacity), (2) are of modern design, and (3) are present in large volumes in the Canadian market. This authority has existed for decades and has been exercised several times over theyears including by the previous Conservative Government.We made a promise to Canadians and we have delivered. We have been clear that our prohibition will not impact the activities of law-abiding hunters or sport shooters. We have also signaled our intent to implement a buyback program that will provide fair compensation to affected owners. We are looking at a range of options, and will work with Parliament as well as the provinces and territories to get this right for law-abiding gun owners and businesses.While the prohibition is a crucial first step, it is only one of a series of measures that we are taking to target firearm-related crime in this country. We know that firearms-related violence is complex and must be addressed comprehensively. That is why our Government introduced Bill C-21, which proposes amendments to the Firearms Act and the CriminalCode that would build on the Government’s previous actions to promote the safety of Canadians while protecting the privileges associated with lawful firearms ownership. These include:•             bringing into law “red and yellow flag” regimes that would give anyone - medical practitioners, family members, neighbours and victims of gender-based, intimate-partner, and family violence - the ability to seek a temporary licence suspension or removal of firearms from those who pose a danger to themselves or others in cases of domestic violence, suicide, or hate motivated crime;•             creating new offences for altering a cartridge magazine, depicting violence in advertising;•             tightening restrictions on replica firearms and the importation of non-prohibited ammunition;•             increasing the exchange of intelligence between the RCMP and local police of jurisdiction;•             providing firearms owners affected by the May 1 assault-style firearms prohibition with disposition options including a strict non-permissive storage regime; and•             helping create safer communities by supporting the efforts of municipalities who choose to take action to restrict handguns within their boundaries.In recognition of the public safety threat posed by gun smuggling, the Bill also includes provisions that would increase the maximum penalties for trafficking and smuggling offences, moving them from 10 years to 14 years imprisonment. We welcome the support of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police who “wholeheartedly endorse all efforts to strengthen border controls and impose stronger penalties to combat firearms smuggling and trafficking”.Let us not forget that during C-71 study at committee, Conservative MPs proposed amendments that proposed there be no punishment for “false statements to procure licences” and “false statements to procure customs confirmations”— so, importing or trafficking. Just recently, we announced that we will be re-establishing the Cross-Border Crime Forum with the U.S. while exploring the creation of a cross-border task force which to address gun smuggling and trafficking.Following hundreds of millions of dollars in cuts to our agencies by the previous Conservative government, we arerebuilding capacity. The CBSA is receiving $51.5 million over five years through the Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence to enhance its capacity to stem the flow of inadmissible travellers and illegal firearms entering Canada at vulnerable points of entry and through postal facilities. It is also procuring equipment to enhance air cargo security and pallet imaging, intelligence collection and production abilities, and improving border operations through measures aimed at enhancing the CBSA’s capacity to detect and interdict illegal firearms at the border.In addition, the RCMP is receiving $34.5 million through the Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence to enhance its capacity to conduct investigations related to the criminal use of firearms as well as to provide law enforcement with enhanced access to training, technology and data to keep illicit firearms out of Canada and detect and report on criminal gang activities. The RCMP has created the Integrated Criminal Firearms Initiative to expand and enhance existing services available to support firearms investigations nationwide. This includes providing anonymous online capabilities to investigate firearms trafficking and smuggling, conducting physical firearms inspections, enhancing analytical capacity to develop and produce actionable intelligence, and supporting stakeholder outreach among partners to advance focused initiatives. The RCMP is also prioritizing strategic intelligence analysis related to street gangs and the procurement of advanced technologies to expedite and further support the analysis of ballistics and illicit manufacturing of firearms.We are also making important investments in our communities to reduce gun and gang violence.  More than $200 million is now flowing directly to provinces and territories to target initiatives that best meet the unique needs of individual communities to advance efforts in areas of prevention, gang exit, outreach and awareness training as well as enhanced intelligence sharing and law enforcement capacity. With the funding allocations, jurisdictions have made investments to support new law enforcement activities including specialized training and education initiatives and improving data collection and information sharing. PTs have also prioritized a number of prevention intervention initiatives. We will help create safer communities by giving young people the opportunities and resources they need to resist lives of crime by providing an additional $250 million over five years to municipalities and Indigenous communities to support youth programming.Our Government will continue working to enhance public safety by focusing on prevention, effective law enforcement and strong community partnerships.
FirearmsParliamentary democracy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00594432-00594 (Democratic process)KerryDiotteEdmonton GriesbachConservativeABFebruary 26, 2021April 12, 2021February 12, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, the Liberal government's firearms regulations brought in through the use of order-in-council fails to respect lawful firearms owners. Whereas, the vast majority of firearms owners' respect Canada's firearm laws and responsibly own and use firearms in a highly regulated manner. Whereas, evidence shows the vast majority of gun violence in Canada is perpetrated with illegal guns.Whereas, creating new laws and new bans won't stop criminals who are already breaking existing laws. Whereas, despite Liberal's promises their firearm ban includes several shotguns used for hunting.Whereas the current system is arbitrary. “Military-style assault rifles” is not a legal definition in Canada, and the government can arbitrarily add new firearms to the list without democratic debate in Parliament or public consultation. Whereas smuggling of firearms into Canada is and remains a major issue. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. To ensure all changes to firearms regulations are brought before the House of Commons for public debate. 2. That firearms regulations target the criminal use of firearms not hundreds of thousands of lawful gun owners. 3. That policies are enacted to prevent the illegal smuggling of firearms into Canada.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency PreparednessSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Joël Lightbound, M.PCanadians deserve to live in a society where they can feel safe and secure from gun violence. The Government ofCanada has prohibited assault-style firearms as they are not reasonable for hunting or sport shooting purposes given theinherent danger that they pose to public safety. The prohibition limits access to the most dangerous firearms that arecharacterized by their design and their capability of inflicting significant harm to Canadians. The prohibition reduces thenumber and availability of assault style firearms and other firearms that exceed safe civilian use in Canada, and lowersthe possibility of these firearms being diverted to the illegal market.For decades chiefs of police had been advocating for additional restrictions, and even a prohibition, of military-styleassault rifles. The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police previously passed a resolution declaring that military assaultrifles were produced for the “sole purpose of killing people in large numbers” and asked the Minister of Justice to “banall military assault rifles except for law enforcement and military purposes.” Last September the Ontario Association ofChiefs of Police expressed support for a prohibition on all military-designed assault rifles, averring that “these weaponshave no place in our communities and should be reserved for use by Canada’s military and law enforcement.” The current president of the CACP even declared that “Canadian Chiefs believe that this finds balance, it ensures the safety of our members when they respond to calls for service.”Through Section 117.15 of the Criminal Code, Parliament provides the Government with the authority to prescribe the classification of firearms. We have exercised that authority to benefit the safety and security of Canadians, within limits set by Parliament. The affected firearms are prohibited as they (1) have semi-automatic action with sustain rapid-fire capability (tactical/military design with large magazine capacity), (2) are of modern design, and (3) are present in large volumes in the Canadian market. This authority has existed for decades and has been exercised several times over theyears including by the previous Conservative Government.We made a promise to Canadians and we have delivered. We have been clear that our prohibition will not impact the activities of law-abiding hunters or sport shooters. We have also signaled our intent to implement a buyback program that will provide fair compensation to affected owners. We are looking at a range of options, and will work with Parliament as well as the provinces and territories to get this right for law-abiding gun owners and businesses.While the prohibition is a crucial first step, it is only one of a series of measures that we are taking to target firearm-related crime in this country. We know that firearms-related violence is complex and must be addressed comprehensively. That is why our Government introduced Bill C-21, which proposes amendments to the Firearms Act and the CriminalCode that would build on the Government’s previous actions to promote the safety of Canadians while protecting the privileges associated with lawful firearms ownership. These include:•             bringing into law “red and yellow flag” regimes that would give anyone - medical practitioners, family members, neighbours and victims of gender-based, intimate-partner, and family violence - the ability to seek a temporary licence suspension or removal of firearms from those who pose a danger to themselves or others in cases of domestic violence, suicide, or hate motivated crime;•             creating new offences for altering a cartridge magazine, depicting violence in advertising;•             tightening restrictions on replica firearms and the importation of non-prohibited ammunition;•             increasing the exchange of intelligence between the RCMP and local police of jurisdiction;•             providing firearms owners affected by the May 1 assault-style firearms prohibition with disposition options including a strict non-permissive storage regime; and•             helping create safer communities by supporting the efforts of municipalities who choose to take action to restrict handguns within their boundaries.In recognition of the public safety threat posed by gun smuggling, the Bill also includes provisions that would increase the maximum penalties for trafficking and smuggling offences, moving them from 10 years to 14 years imprisonment. We welcome the support of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police who “wholeheartedly endorse all efforts to strengthen border controls and impose stronger penalties to combat firearms smuggling and trafficking”.Let us not forget that during C-71 study at committee, Conservative MPs proposed amendments that proposed there be no punishment for “false statements to procure licences” and “false statements to procure customs confirmations”— so, importing or trafficking. Just recently, we announced that we will be re-establishing the Cross-Border Crime Forum with the U.S. while exploring the creation of a cross-border task force which to address gun smuggling and trafficking.Following hundreds of millions of dollars in cuts to our agencies by the previous Conservative government, we arerebuilding capacity. The CBSA is receiving $51.5 million over five years through the Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence to enhance its capacity to stem the flow of inadmissible travellers and illegal firearms entering Canada at vulnerable points of entry and through postal facilities. It is also procuring equipment to enhance air cargo security and pallet imaging, intelligence collection and production abilities, and improving border operations through measures aimed at enhancing the CBSA’s capacity to detect and interdict illegal firearms at the border.In addition, the RCMP is receiving $34.5 million through the Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence to enhance its capacity to conduct investigations related to the criminal use of firearms as well as to provide law enforcement with enhanced access to training, technology and data to keep illicit firearms out of Canada and detect and report on criminal gang activities. The RCMP has created the Integrated Criminal Firearms Initiative to expand and enhance existing services available to support firearms investigations nationwide. This includes providing anonymous online capabilities to investigate firearms trafficking and smuggling, conducting physical firearms inspections, enhancing analytical capacity to develop and produce actionable intelligence, and supporting stakeholder outreach among partners to advance focused initiatives. The RCMP is also prioritizing strategic intelligence analysis related to street gangs and the procurement of advanced technologies to expedite and further support the analysis of ballistics and illicit manufacturing of firearms.We are also making important investments in our communities to reduce gun and gang violence.  More than $200 million is now flowing directly to provinces and territories to target initiatives that best meet the unique needs of individual communities to advance efforts in areas of prevention, gang exit, outreach and awareness training as well as enhanced intelligence sharing and law enforcement capacity. With the funding allocations, jurisdictions have made investments to support new law enforcement activities including specialized training and education initiatives and improving data collection and information sharing. PTs have also prioritized a number of prevention intervention initiatives. We will help create safer communities by giving young people the opportunities and resources they need to resist lives of crime by providing an additional $250 million over five years to municipalities and Indigenous communities to support youth programming.Our Government will continue working to enhance public safety by focusing on prevention, effective law enforcement and strong community partnerships.
FirearmsParliamentary democracy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00593432-00593 (Democratic process)KerryDiotteEdmonton GriesbachConservativeABFebruary 26, 2021April 12, 2021February 9, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, the Liberal government's firearms regulations brought in through the use of order-in-council fails to respect lawful firearms owners. Whereas, the vast majority of firearms owners' respect Canada's firearm laws and responsibly own and use firearms in a highly regulated manner. Whereas, evidence shows the vast majority of gun violence in Canada is perpetrated with illegal guns.Whereas, creating new laws and new bans won't stop criminals who are already breaking existing laws. Whereas, despite Liberal's promises their firearm ban includes several shotguns used for hunting.Whereas the current system is arbitrary. “Military-style assault rifles” is not a legal definition in Canada, and the government can arbitrarily add new firearms to the list without democratic debate in Parliament or public consultation. Whereas smuggling of firearms into Canada is and remains a major issue. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. To ensure all changes to firearms regulations are brought before the House of Commons for public debate. 2. That firearms regulations target the criminal use of firearms not hundreds of thousands of lawful gun owners. 3. That policies are enacted to prevent the illegal smuggling of firearms into Canada.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency PreparednessSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Joël Lightbound, M.PCanadians deserve to live in a society where they can feel safe and secure from gun violence. The Government ofCanada has prohibited assault-style firearms as they are not reasonable for hunting or sport shooting purposes given theinherent danger that they pose to public safety. The prohibition limits access to the most dangerous firearms that arecharacterized by their design and their capability of inflicting significant harm to Canadians. The prohibition reduces thenumber and availability of assault style firearms and other firearms that exceed safe civilian use in Canada, and lowersthe possibility of these firearms being diverted to the illegal market.For decades chiefs of police had been advocating for additional restrictions, and even a prohibition, of military-styleassault rifles. The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police previously passed a resolution declaring that military assaultrifles were produced for the “sole purpose of killing people in large numbers” and asked the Minister of Justice to “banall military assault rifles except for law enforcement and military purposes.” Last September the Ontario Association ofChiefs of Police expressed support for a prohibition on all military-designed assault rifles, averring that “these weaponshave no place in our communities and should be reserved for use by Canada’s military and law enforcement.” The current president of the CACP even declared that “Canadian Chiefs believe that this finds balance, it ensures the safety of our members when they respond to calls for service.”Through Section 117.15 of the Criminal Code, Parliament provides the Government with the authority to prescribe the classification of firearms. We have exercised that authority to benefit the safety and security of Canadians, within limits set by Parliament. The affected firearms are prohibited as they (1) have semi-automatic action with sustain rapid-fire capability (tactical/military design with large magazine capacity), (2) are of modern design, and (3) are present in large volumes in the Canadian market. This authority has existed for decades and has been exercised several times over theyears including by the previous Conservative Government.We made a promise to Canadians and we have delivered. We have been clear that our prohibition will not impact the activities of law-abiding hunters or sport shooters. We have also signaled our intent to implement a buyback program that will provide fair compensation to affected owners. We are looking at a range of options, and will work with Parliament as well as the provinces and territories to get this right for law-abiding gun owners and businesses.While the prohibition is a crucial first step, it is only one of a series of measures that we are taking to target firearm-related crime in this country. We know that firearms-related violence is complex and must be addressed comprehensively. That is why our Government introduced Bill C-21, which proposes amendments to the Firearms Act and the CriminalCode that would build on the Government’s previous actions to promote the safety of Canadians while protecting the privileges associated with lawful firearms ownership. These include:•             bringing into law “red and yellow flag” regimes that would give anyone - medical practitioners, family members, neighbours and victims of gender-based, intimate-partner, and family violence - the ability to seek a temporary licence suspension or removal of firearms from those who pose a danger to themselves or others in cases of domestic violence, suicide, or hate motivated crime;•             creating new offences for altering a cartridge magazine, depicting violence in advertising;•             tightening restrictions on replica firearms and the importation of non-prohibited ammunition;•             increasing the exchange of intelligence between the RCMP and local police of jurisdiction;•             providing firearms owners affected by the May 1 assault-style firearms prohibition with disposition options including a strict non-permissive storage regime; and•             helping create safer communities by supporting the efforts of municipalities who choose to take action to restrict handguns within their boundaries.In recognition of the public safety threat posed by gun smuggling, the Bill also includes provisions that would increase the maximum penalties for trafficking and smuggling offences, moving them from 10 years to 14 years imprisonment. We welcome the support of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police who “wholeheartedly endorse all efforts to strengthen border controls and impose stronger penalties to combat firearms smuggling and trafficking”.Let us not forget that during C-71 study at committee, Conservative MPs proposed amendments that proposed there be no punishment for “false statements to procure licences” and “false statements to procure customs confirmations”— so, importing or trafficking. Just recently, we announced that we will be re-establishing the Cross-Border Crime Forum with the U.S. while exploring the creation of a cross-border task force which to address gun smuggling and trafficking.Following hundreds of millions of dollars in cuts to our agencies by the previous Conservative government, we arerebuilding capacity. The CBSA is receiving $51.5 million over five years through the Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence to enhance its capacity to stem the flow of inadmissible travellers and illegal firearms entering Canada at vulnerable points of entry and through postal facilities. It is also procuring equipment to enhance air cargo security and pallet imaging, intelligence collection and production abilities, and improving border operations through measures aimed at enhancing the CBSA’s capacity to detect and interdict illegal firearms at the border.In addition, the RCMP is receiving $34.5 million through the Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence to enhance its capacity to conduct investigations related to the criminal use of firearms as well as to provide law enforcement with enhanced access to training, technology and data to keep illicit firearms out of Canada and detect and report on criminal gang activities. The RCMP has created the Integrated Criminal Firearms Initiative to expand and enhance existing services available to support firearms investigations nationwide. This includes providing anonymous online capabilities to investigate firearms trafficking and smuggling, conducting physical firearms inspections, enhancing analytical capacity to develop and produce actionable intelligence, and supporting stakeholder outreach among partners to advance focused initiatives. The RCMP is also prioritizing strategic intelligence analysis related to street gangs and the procurement of advanced technologies to expedite and further support the analysis of ballistics and illicit manufacturing of firearms.We are also making important investments in our communities to reduce gun and gang violence.  More than $200 million is now flowing directly to provinces and territories to target initiatives that best meet the unique needs of individual communities to advance efforts in areas of prevention, gang exit, outreach and awareness training as well as enhanced intelligence sharing and law enforcement capacity. With the funding allocations, jurisdictions have made investments to support new law enforcement activities including specialized training and education initiatives and improving data collection and information sharing. PTs have also prioritized a number of prevention intervention initiatives. We will help create safer communities by giving young people the opportunities and resources they need to resist lives of crime by providing an additional $250 million over five years to municipalities and Indigenous communities to support youth programming.Our Government will continue working to enhance public safety by focusing on prevention, effective law enforcement and strong community partnerships.
FirearmsParliamentary democracy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021e-2995e-2995 (Culture and heritage)SteveSainasRonMcKinnonCoquitlam—Port CoquitlamLiberalBCNovember 25, 2020, at 2:50 p.m. (EDT)February 23, 2021, at 2:50 p.m. (EDT)February 26, 2021April 12, 2021February 24, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas: Music is essential to Canadian cultural identity; Scientific studies strongly indicate that music is essential to everyone’s well-being; Canada’s music industry has suffered major economic crisis due to COVID-19 shutdowns and music performance restrictions; Without significant financial relief, the majority of musicians and live music venues are at risk of losing their businesses; Our music sector’s survival is important to Canadian economic recovery; Exploitative music devaluation, due to unlimited music streaming services and ongoing pandemic restrictions to live music performances, have made it nearly impossible for most professional musicians to earn a living wage from music; andThe Broadcasting Act has not been adequately updated to ensure fair and transparent remuneration for music artists.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Create an ongoing Canadian Musicians’ Support Fund to (i) provide sustainable financial relief to professional musicians so they can earn an annual living wage, (ii) support rebuilding our music economy by providing professional live music performance incentives to venues, (iii) provide additional funding for creative grants to support new Canadian music creation, as well as for public school music education to foster the development of future Canadian musicians;2. While currently amending the Broadcasting Act, consider which regulatory tools would be most suitable to address fair and transparent remuneration for music artists.
Response by the Minister of Canadian Heritage Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Julie DabrusinThe Government would like to thank the petitioners for their recognition of the importance of music to Canadian cultural identity and well-being, and for expressing their concerns regarding the financial impact of COVID-19 on Canada’s music industry, musicians and live music venues.This country’s music industry, which is a major economic driver, is facing extraordinary challenges because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic immediately halted the live music sector and caused significant financial losses across the value network. Live music had become the largest economic driver for the music industry and its absence has created further challenges to develop and promote Canadian artists, much of which relies on building audiences through live performances in Canada and abroad. The live music industry faces a long slump; this sector was the first to cease all activities and they will be the last to resume.On September 9, 2020, the Minister of Canadian Heritage held a townhall on the music industry to better understand the financial pressures facing cultural organizations and artists. Participants discussed new models to improve artist remuneration and proposed measures to support the sector’s recovery.  The Government's financial support to the music industry and artists is multifaceted. The commercial orientation of theCanada Music Fund (CMF) and the artistic direction of the Canada Council for the Arts (CAC) are complementary. Both provide direct financial assistance to Canadian artists and support the development of music. Further, the Canada Arts Presentation Fund (CAPF) supports music festivals and performing arts series in communities all across Canada.The Department of Canadian Heritage undertook a rapid, coordinated response to provide urgent relief to the music industry, arts and cultural organizations through the Emergency Support Fund (ESF) delivered via the CMF, CAPF, and the CCA.The Government of Canada continues to provide financial support to Canadian artists and the music industry during the COVID-19 crisis through various mechanisms described below.Canada Music FundThe CMF is the federal government’s main support program for commercially driven Canadian music, providing direct financial support to Canadian music artists and entrepreneurs for the production and marketing of commercial music recordings, touring, showcasing, conferences, award shows and other events that enhance the visibility of Canadian artists. The CMF is administered by FACTOR for the Anglophone market and Musicaction for the Francophone market.The CMF’s current reference level is $24.75 million. In Budget 2019, the CMF received $20 million over two fiscal years (2019-20 and 2020-21) to support a program modernization, which among other things, opened envelope funding to a wider spectrum of entrepreneurs who develop and promote Canadian artists. The additional resources also funded key export initiatives, training to entrepreneurs and artists to develop modernized marketing skills (boot-camps, conferences, hiring of metadata experts, etc.), and risk-based activities with strong potential for long-term success. The 2020 Fall Economic Statement extended that additional funding for 2021-22.The CMF supports Canadian artists and entrepreneurs from different gender and identity groups, including Canadian artists from all racialized backgrounds, in different musical genres and in both the Anglophone and Francophone markets. In a typical year, the CMF supports:
  • The production of over 500 albums by Canadian artists from a wide variety of genres.
  • Over 2,500 artist marketing, touring and showcasing projects allowing Canadian artists to expand their fan base at home and abroad.
  • Some 800 performances of artists from official language minority communities.
  • Bootcamps to support the development of artists’ business and artistic skills to reflect changes in their revenue streams and support new digital skills required for livestreams.
  • Around 300 collective promotional projects including:
    • Events showcasing hundreds of Canadian artists to international audiences and talent buyers.
    • Projects promoting Canadian music on a multitude of digital platforms.
    • Numerous conferences, award shows and other industry events.On April 1, 2020, the CMF was modernized with a reformulated objective to increase the focus on artist promotion and to foster an environment where a diversity of Canadian music artists connect with audiences everywhere. The program was also restructured according to new business models, opening flexible comprehensive envelope funding to a wide range of entrepreneurs who are integral to building audiences for Canadian artists.The modernized CMF is well positioned to directly assist Canadian artists and music entrepreneurs amidst this unprecedented industry upheaval. The funding flexibility offered through the modernization’s expanded comprehensive envelope will support entrepreneurs’ key activities, with incentives to invest in new artists, Indigenous artists, artists from racialized groups and official-language minority communities. In addition, the modernized CMF will continue to emphasize the development of artists' business and artistic skills, more critical than ever in the face of constant change.Emergency Support FundOn May 8, 2020, the Minister of Canadian Heritage announced a $500 million Emergency Support Fund (ESF) to provide temporary relief to the culture, heritage and sports sectors.For the culture sector, the fund was distributed through departmental programs and portfolio agencies such as the: Canada Periodical Fund, Canada Book Fund, Canada Music Fund (via two third-party administrators), Canada Arts Training Fund, CAPF, Harbourfront Centre Funding Program, Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program, CCA and Telefilm Canada. The CMF delivered a total of $32.9 million in emergency support to 876 Canadian music entrepreneurs and organizations, including those in the live music sector that do not normally receive funding from the CMF, such as music venues, booking agents, concert promoters and for-profit festivals. Recipients had to demonstrate that their main activities are central to the career development of Canadian artists, the promotion of Canadian music content and audience development.The CMF ESF funds were used to maintain jobs and help companies stay in business during the pandemic. Specifically, the funding supported the Canadian portion of eligible music activities related to Canadian artists, including payments to artists and freelance workers, administrative expenses, and fixed operational costs. Funding must not have been used to cover expenses already supported by other COVID-19 government emergency measures. Note that some recipients used a portion of their funding to present virtual live performances.Support for Workers in Live Arts and Music SectorsOn March 2, 2021, the Minister of Canadian Heritage, in collaboration with the Canada Council for the Arts, provided details of the rollout of funds supporting arts and live events workers in response to COVID-19, as announced in the Government of Canada’s Fall Economic Statement. A total of $181.5 million will be invested in 2021–22 to support the planning and presentation of COVID-19-safe events in the arts and music sectors, both live and digital, and provide work opportunities in these sectors. Funding will also help stabilize the overall environment for the arts and music sectors by providing a one-year renewal of funding for three Canadian Heritage programs originally provided in Budget 2019. The Canada Council for the Arts will receive $116.5 million, to be invested as follows:
  • $50.5 million for a new digital innovation initiative enabling artistic groups, collectives and organizations to adapt or create works to be shared with virtual audiences; and
  • $66 million of new funding to stimulate increased research, creation and production of new work through the Explore and Create program.The Department of Canadian Heritage will receive $65 million, which will be delivered through existing departmental programs:
  • $40 million in new funding for initiatives aimed at stimulating short-term contracting of workers through the creation and digital broadcast of live arts and music events, to be delivered through the following programs:
    • Building Communities through Arts and Heritage;
    • CAPF; and
    • CMF.
  • $25 million in funding allocated to the above-mentioned programs as a one-year extension of Budget 2019 resources.Arts, culture and music play a vital role in the social and economic life of Canadians. The Government is committed to supporting Canadian artists and cultural workers through this difficult time.It should be noted that public school music education falls under the responsibility of the provinces.The Government recognizes the importance of ensuring fair and transparent remuneration for musical artists. The Minister of Canadian Heritage is working with the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry to ensure that the revenues of web giants are shared more fairly with Canadian creators and media as well as to require online platforms to contribute to the creation, production and distribution of our stories on screen, in lyrics, in music and in writing.Specific to the Broadcasting Act, Bill C-10 recognizes the importance of online audio services supporting the creation and production of Canadian music. It will also provide the CRTC with the power to regulate these services and impose discoverability requirements to raise the profile of Canadian artists and their music. Bill C-10 provides the CRTC with powers to require online broadcasters to make financial contributions to support the creation and production of Canadian content.  Traditional Canadian broadcasters (radio and satellite stations, television stations and cable and satellite companies) have done this by complying with expenditure requirements or by contributing to production funds.  If the CRTC requires online broadcasters to contribute to Canadian music and stories at a similar rate to traditional broadcasters, contributions from online broadcasters could amount to as much as $830 million per year by 2023. For example, in the case of music, the CRTC could require an online audio service (such as Spotify, Apple Music, or QUB Musique) to contribute a percentage of its Canadian revenue toward funds that support the Canadian music industry, similar to current Canadian Content Development contributions that are required from traditional radio broadcasters.  As well, it could impose discoverability requirements intended to raise the profile of Canadian artists, including Francophone and Indigenous artists. It is important to note that the aforementioned $830 million figure is an illustrative estimate of the potential impact of Bill C-10; it is not a target and support for Canadian programming is not guaranteed to increase by this amount.   Once Bill C-10 receives Royal Assent, the Minister of Canadian Heritage intends to bring forward a policy direction to the CRTC that will include instructions to consider which regulatory tools are most suitable to facilitate fair and transparent remuneration for musical artists. Through the policy direction, the CRTC would be directed to consider how regulatory tools such as incentive based tools, Canadian programming requirements, discoverability requirements, reporting requirements, charges and expenditures, or any other appropriate tool, could be used to support and promote fair and transparent remuneration for music creators in the modern broadcasting system.
Government assistanceIncome and wagesMusic and musicians
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00591432-00591 (Taxation)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABFebruary 26, 2021April 12, 2021February 10, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, despite the promise made by the Liberal Government during the 2019 election that the carbon tax would not increase beyond $50 per tonne until 2022, the Liberal government has now committed to raise the federal carbon tax to $170 per tonne. Whereas, this raise in the carbon tax puts an exceptional burden on the province of Alberta as a significant portion of its economic activity is centered around the production of energy. Additionally, due to the geography of Alberta, costs from long commutes and extended travel are made more expensive by the carbon tax. Whereas, the Liberal government's inability to maintain consistent messaging around the carbon tax price makes it difficult for citizens and businesspeople to know how much they will have to pay in carbon tax in the future. In addition to rendering citizens unable to adjust their behavior according to the tax, this uncertainty makes energy related economic investment challenging. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to:1. Repeal the decision to increase the federal carbon tax to $170 per tonne. 2. Have the carbon tax shown as a separate expense when buying energy products so that citizens are aware of exactly how much money they are paying at a given time in carbon tax.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSONCarbon pricing is about recognizing the cost of pollution and accounting for those costs in daily decisions. Putting a price on pollution is widely recognized as the most efficient means to drive innovation and energy efficiency in order to reduce emissions.Canada’s approach is flexible, allowing any province or territory to design its own pricing system tailored to local needs, or to choose the federal pricing system. The federal government sets minimum national stringency standards that all systems must meet to ensure that they are comparable and contribute their fair share to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.The federal carbon pollution pricing system applies in any jurisdiction that requests it or that does not implement its own system that meets these national stringency standards. The federal system has two parts: a charge on fossil fuels and an output-based pricing system for industrial facilities. The fuel charge generally applies to fuel producers and distributors who generally pass those costs on to consumers in the form of higher fuel prices. There is no requirement or restriction for these producers to itemize the fuel charge on bills of sale. Many producers and distributors choose to do so.In December 2020, the Government of Canada published A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, Canada’s strengthened climate plan of federal policies, programs and $15 billion in investments to build a stronger, cleaner, more resilient and inclusive economy. Once fully implemented, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy will enable Canada to exceed its current 2030 greenhouse gas reduction target.Under A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, the Government proposes to continue putting a price on pollution, rising through to 2030, while ensuring that the majority of households receive more money back than they pay in the jurisdictions where the federal backstop applies. Returning proceeds helps make carbon pricing affordable, and enables households to make investments to increase energy efficiency and further reduce emissions. The increasing price will make cleaner options more affordable and discourage pollution-intensive investments. A longer price trajectory will also allow businesses and individuals to plan ahead providing predictability for longer-term investments and growing the market for cleaner solutions in Canada. The Government is engaging with province and territories, as well as with Indigenous organizations, on the proposed price on pollution post-2023.As part of this next phase of carbon pricing, the government also plans to review the standards it uses to assess provincial systems known as the federal ‘benchmark.’ Strengthening these standards will help Canada meet its climate goals while allowing provinces and territories to choose the pricing systems that work best for them. Over the coming months, the federal government will work closely with provinces and territories on how best to strengthen the benchmark.The proposed Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, introduced in Parliament on November 19, 2020, will also formalize Canada’s target to achieve net-zero emissions by the year 2050, and establish a series of interim emissions reduction targets at 5-year milestones toward that goal. It will also require a series of plans and reports to support accountability and transparency, and help ensure that Canada reaches all of its milestones on the way towards 2050.Over the upcoming months, the Government of Canada will work with partners to ensure a strong, workable plan that can be designed and delivered. The Government of Canada is committed to working together with provinces, territories, and Indigenous communities, and other stakeholders in order to exceed Canada’s 2030 climate target and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.  
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada knows that climate change presents a threat to our long-term health and economic prosperity. Even in these challenging times, good environmental policy and addressing climate change matter.  Putting a price on pollution is an important part of Canada’s future, and the Government is doing this in a way that maintains affordability for households and ensures the competitiveness of Canadian companies.Pricing pollution is generally viewed as one of the most economically efficient ways to send a price signal to companies, investors, and consumers to make more environmentally sustainable choices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  It is central to our country’s plan to meet and exceed our emissions reduction targets, grow the economy and build resilience to a changing climate.  All provinces and territories have either implemented a pollution pricing system, or have the federal system in whole or in part.  The federal pollution pricing system has two components: a charge on fossil fuels (“fuel charge”) and a regulatory system for large industry, known as the output-based pricing system. The federal fuel charge applies in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Yukon and Nunavut. The federal output-based pricing system applies in Ontario, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, Saskatchewan (partially), Yukon and Nunavut.The regulatory charge on fossil fuels (“federal fuel charge”) applies to a broad range of fuels, including gasoline, light fuel oil (e.g., diesel), propane, and natural gas. The amount of the fuel charge is likely embedded in the price of fuels sold to consumers. Businesses have a right to choose to display this charge separately on consumer invoices and receipts. Canadian consumers who wish to obtain more information regarding the federal fuel charge applicable to the energy products they purchase can access the full list of rates at https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/publications/fcrates/fuel-charge-rates.html.The direct proceeds from the federal pollution pricing system will remain in the province or territory of origin. In Prince Edward Island, Yukon and Nunavut, the direct proceeds from the federal system are returned directly to the governments of these jurisdictions. In Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, the Government of Canada is returning the bulk of the direct proceeds from the fuel charge directly to individuals and families, through tax-free Climate Action Incentive payments. For example, in Alberta for 2021, the baseline amount for a single adult is $490, while the baseline amount for a family of four is $981. People can claim these payments through their 2020 personal income tax returns.Our Government’s approach to tax fairness is guided by the overall objective of building an economy that works for the middle class and those who are working hard to join it.
Carbon pricingCarbon tax
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00590432-00590 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABFebruary 26, 2021April 12, 2021January 28, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas Bill C-7 further removes safeguards from the current euthanasia regime, including the mandatory 10-day reflection period and the number of required witnesses, thereby allowing a person's euthanasia request to be accepted and carried out within the same day and without robust consultation; and; Whereas the removal of the second required independent witness reduces oversight of the procedure, thereby leaving vulnerable persons at risk of abuse; and; Whereas the Canadian Government has an obligation to protect its citizens, especially those who are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation; Therefore we, the undersigned, urge the House of Commons to: 1) Restore the 10-day reflection period for people whose deaths have been determined to be "reasonably foreseeable"; 2) Restore the original requirement that a person must give consent to the life-ending procedure immediately before it is performed; 3) Restore the original requirements for the signatures of two witnesses, who cannot provide personal care to the person seeking to end their life; 4) Require medical professionals to do everything possible to enable the person to access life-affirming services to relieve their suffering other than physician-assisted death; and, 5) Accommodate persons with communication disabilities by clarifying "refusal or resistance to administration" of physician-assisted death.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOn March 17, 2021, Bill C-7, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying), received Royal Assent. Bill C-7 responds to the Superior Court of Québec’s September 2019 Truchon decision, which struck down the eligibility criterion of “reasonably foreseeable natural death” from the Criminal Code medical assistance in dying regime.  Our Government believes that those who are experiencing enduring and intolerable suffering from their medical condition – including those who are not approaching the end of life – should be allowed to decide for themselves when they wish to end their life, and that medical and nurse practitioners who are willing to help them have a peaceful and painless death should not be criminally culpable for doing so.As the Truchon decision applies only in Québec, Bill C-7 amended the Criminal Code to ensure consistency of the MAID law across the country. The reasonably foreseeable natural death criterion no longer applies as an eligibility criterion that could exclude persons from obtaining MAID, but is instead used to determine which of two different sets of safeguards applies to a particular MAID request.The first set of safeguards applies to persons whose natural death is reasonably foreseeable, where risks are reduced given the overall proximity of death and the fact that their suffering is most likely linked to the dying process itself. The removal of the requirement of a second independent witness and the repeal of the 10-day reflection period responds to the concerns raised by patients and their families, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders that these safeguards pose an access barrier to MAID, do not provide protection to vulnerable persons, and unnecessarily prolong patient suffering.For this group of persons, a waiver of the requirement for consent to be given immediately before MAID is provided is also possible following the Bill C-7 amendments. This change ensures that persons do not choose to have MAID earlier than they would like out of fear of losing their capacity to consent on their preferred day. If a person retains decision-making capacity on their preferred day, they must give consent in whatever manner of communication they are able. If they do not have decision-making capacity, the legislation clarifies that the procedure must not go forward if the person demonstrates refusal or resistance to the administration of MAID by words, gestures or sounds.The second set of safeguards reflects the more serious consequences of error for persons who request MAID and whose death is not reasonably foreseeable. It recognizes the diverse sources of suffering and vulnerability that could potentially lead a person whose death is not reasonably foreseeable to request MAID. The new safeguards for this group include all of the safeguards that apply to the first group, along with new and enhanced safeguards, to ensure that a request by a person whose death is not reasonably foreseeable is fully informed and considered, and that patients have been informed about and have seriously considered all reasonable and available treatment options and social services.The amendments in Bill C-7 were informed by consultations held at the beginning of 2020 with Canadians, the provinces and territories, Indigenous groups, key stakeholders, experts, and practitioners. The Bill protects vulnerable individuals and the equality rights of all Canadians, while supporting the autonomy of eligible persons to seek MAID.
Application processCapacity of consent for careHealth care systemMedical assistance in dyingOversight mechanismPersons with disabilities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00589432-00589 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABFebruary 26, 2021April 12, 2021June 7, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00588432-00588 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABFebruary 26, 2021April 12, 2021November 12, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021e-2748e-2748 (Consumer protection)MichaelArgastPatrickWeilerWest Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky CountryLiberalBCAugust 27, 2020, at 11:18 a.m. (EDT)December 25, 2020, at 11:18 a.m. (EDT)February 26, 2021April 12, 2021December 29, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Cyber crime and financial fraud are having a significant and increasing impact to Canadian citizens and businesses;Online account compromise is a significant avenue of crime and fraud;Multi-factor authentication is a security mechanism shown to dramatically reduce the risk of successful account compromise;A wide variety of financial institutions outside of Canada, online business services and even online consumer services offer multi-factor authentication free of charge that is significantly stronger than that commonly offered by Canadian financial institutions; andIt is in the best interest of Canada, Canadian citizens and businesses to benefit from strong protections against cyber crime and financial fraud.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to use their legislative and regulatory powers to require all financial institutions with more than 50,000 customers to offer, free of charge and easily accessible, multi-factor authentication as an enhanced security option on their online accounts.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FrelandThe Government of Canada takes the issue of cyber crime and financial fraud seriously. Canadians deserve protection from fraudulent activity, which is why the government has taken a series of steps to combat these issues.In 2018, the Government of Canada launched a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy and invested over half a billion dollars to bolster the safety of Canadians and Canadian businesses online. The Strategy strengthens both how we combat cybercrimes and how we defend against them. It consolidates federal cyber operations into the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security. The Centre defends against cyber threat actors that target Canadian businesses, including federally or provincially regulated financial institutions, for their consumer data, financial information, and payment systems. Efforts to address cyber crime have been further bolstered by the Cybercrime Coordination Unit within the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, which provides a national cybercrime reporting mechanism for Canadians – including incidents related to data breaches or financial fraud.The Government also recognizes the importance of transparency around the breadth and frequency of data breaches and the resulting fraud from such activities within Canada. On November 1, 2018, all businesses, including banks, became subject to new mandatory breach reporting regulations under Canada’s federal private sector privacy law, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. Organizations are required to inform the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of any breach of security safeguards involving personal information that may pose a real risk of significant harm to individuals.  In November 2020, the Government tabled Bill C-11, the Digital Charter Implementation Act, 2020, which would significantly strengthen the privacy framework through a new Consumer Privacy Protection Act.The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) is also taking actions to contribute to sound industry practices on cyber security. In September 2020, OSFI released a discussion paper on technology and related risks. In addition to explaining OSFI’s evolving role in cyber security, existing guidance, and supervisory work, this paper shares OSFI’s recent actions to contribute to cyber security. These include industry bulletins that share information, and OSFI’s observations, on emerging technology issues, including strong authentication practices. These bulletins complement OSFI’s regulatory guidance and support sound risk outcomes at federally regulated financial institutions and pension plans.To increase consumer awareness of fraud, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, Competition Bureau and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre have conducted a public awareness campaign to promote the Fraud Prevention Month in March for the past 15 years. The organizations have produced a number of information products related to fraud, which are accessible on their respective websites, as well as through various social media platforms.The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada also monitors banks to ensure they comply with codes of conducts and public commitments, including related to fraud prevention. In July 2019, for instance, the Canadian banking industry adopted a code of conduct to guide banks in their delivery of services to Canada’s seniors. The Code consists of seven principles, including that banks mitigate potential financial harm to seniors and provide appropriate training to their staff, which includes information on fraud and scams.
Banks and bankinge-Security
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021e-2891e-2891 (Transportation)EstelleHoneywellPatrickWeilerWest Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky CountryLiberalBCNovember 18, 2020, at 4:29 p.m. (EDT)January 17, 2021, at 4:29 p.m. (EDT)February 26, 2021April 12, 2021January 18, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="214333" mp-riding-display="3">Minister of Transport</Addressee>Whereas:In 2013, the federal government divested the New Brighton Dock, the only all-season remote access port facility on the southwest area of Gambier Island BC, without any consultation with the local community that relies on it for all critical transport services;The current owners, Skwxwú7mesh Uxwumixw (Squamish Nation), are considering their options as to the long-term future of the New Brighton Dock now that their management contract with the Ministry of Transportation has been fulfilled; Given there is little or no avenue for private revenue development from the facility, it is uncertain how, or if, they will continue to manage it;This situation has put the long-term future of this cornerstone public facility in jeopardy and the community does not have the resources to resolve the issue in isolation; and Given that this port has been the community's critical access and evacuation point for the past 100 years, the only year-round sheltered moorage and deemed an essential service for BC Ferries (route 13) for our community to reach the mainland for necessities such as emergency care, school, work and groceries, it is absolutely crucial that this dock remains a public asset. We, the undersigned, Gambier Islanders and friends, call upon the Minister of Transport to ensure long-term public access to the New Brighton Dock, the primary port of Gambier Island's southwestern peninsula, and assist us in working with the Squamish Nation, the provincial government, and the Sunshine Coast Regional District to ensure that the New Brighton Dock is permanently maintained as a public facility for the benefit of all.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraTransport Canada transferred the port to the SN New Brighton Dock Ltd. under an overarching transfer agreement. The company was required to operate the facility as a Public Port Facility until November 2015.The New Brighton Dock underwent a specific circulation process by which it was made available numerous times beginning in 1996. As part of the Port Divestiture Program, it was first offered for transfer/divestiture to other federal government departments; then to provincial governments; and, finally to local interests which include municipalities, port users, Indigenous groups, and stakeholders. When the circulation process opened up to local interests who were notified via public notice and letters in the summer of 2012, the Squamish Nation was the only entity who sought to acquire the facility.During the transfer period, Transport Canada had limited post-transfer involvement beyond ensuring that the facility remains a Public Port Facility and the federal contribution funding was spent in accordance with the agreement.  The SN New Brighton Dock Ltd has fulfilled their obligation under the transfer agreement, therefore, TC is not in a position to direct future operations of the facility. Removing federal involvement at the facility in favour of local decision making was a stated goal of the transfer.Issues or concerns regarding the future of the facility should be directed at the port owner and operator SN New Brighton Dock Ltd. as TC has already relinquished ownership of the facility and has no role in evaluating any future transfer or operations at the dock. TC also does not have a mandate to reacquire the port nor is a reacquisition aligned with departmental priorities. 
New Brighton DockPorts and harbours
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00585432-00585 (Natural resources and energy)KellyMcCauleyEdmonton WestConservativeABFebruary 26, 2021April 12, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, the government continues to allow refineries to import foreign oil, in spite of a struggling oil and gas industry in Canada that extracts and refines the most ethically sourced oil in the world, ultimately resulting in additional environmental impact due to the lower standards for foreign oil extraction which is not subject to the same rigorous environmental assessments and criteria as Canada. Therefore we, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to immediately put in place a plan for an east/west energy corridor to replace foreign oil so that Canada's source of oil and crude remains in Canada serving the dual function of economic stimulus and environmental protection.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mr. Marc G. SerréThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views regarding a west-east energy corridor.Canada maintains a market-based energy policy that relies on the private sector to decide when and where energy projects should be brought forward. TC Energy’s withdrawal of its application to review the proposed Energy East pipeline in 2017 was a business decision. Project proponents develop their applications in a business environment where market factors, such as supply, demand and both product and transport prices are constantly changing.At this time, there is no project application to build a west-east crude oil pipeline. If a new proposal is put forward, federal regulators will provide a fair and rigorous review process. The Government of Canada will consider whether to approve a project once the review is complete and public and Indigenous consultations have concluded.While Canada has the third-largest proven reserves of crude oil in the world, some refiners in central and Eastern Canada do import a portion of their crude oil inputs under certain circumstances. Refiners are therefore not dependent on pipeline access for heavy crude oil producers in Western Canada. This is due to several factors. Regional refinery specialization, for instance, influences the decision to import lighter crude oil. Nearly three-quarters of Canada’s crude oil imports come from the United States due to a highly integrated energy market.The government is taking action to make Canada a more attractive place to invest and do business. However, it does not intend to pursue the construction of an energy corridor ahead of market factors. Pipeline and transmission line companies are already using a corridor approach. They are taking advantage of existing utilities, rails, and road corridors. This minimizes the impact on the environment and communities, and facilitates regulatory approvals. There are multiple factors to consider in evaluating the feasibility of an energy corridor, including impacts on Indigenous communities and landowners, environmental impacts, as well as costs and timelines.The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to supporting the competitiveness of the energy sector by working with federal and provincial counterparts, industry and other parties. The government is actively identifying both the barriers facing Canada’s oil and gas sector. It is also considering future growth opportunities to connect Canada’s resources to new markets. This is why the government continues to support key infrastructure projects such as the Trans Mountain Expansion project, LNG Canada and Line 3, while ensuring worker safety in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government of Canada is taking action to set up the energy sector for success today, and help prepare it for an increasingly low carbon future.
Oil and gasPipeline transportation
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00584432-00584 (Business and trade)KellyMcCauleyEdmonton WestConservativeABFebruary 26, 2021April 12, 2021February 12, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, the government has acknowledged publicly that small businesses will bear the brunt of the economic downturn resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.Therefore we, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to adopt the 2017 recommendations of the Alberta Jobs Taskforce and create a bipartisan, equal membership committee to develop a small business action plan that will take into account the realities of all communities in Canada, not just those that favour a particular election outcome.
Response by the Minister of Innovation, Science and IndustrySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Parliamentary Secretary Rachel BendayanRepresenting 98% of businesses in Canada, small businesses are the cornerstone of the Canadian economy and pillars in their local communities. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting small businesses as they recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and thrive into the future.While the majority of businesses in Canada have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, smaller businesses have been significantly more affected. Small businesses are more likely to experience a decrease in revenue and have less liquidity, and more likely to be unable to take on more debt and to be considering bankruptcy in the current economic environment. Since the beginning of this pandemic, the Government of Canada has supported Canadian businesses of all sizes and in all sectors who have been impacted by COVID-19 and its economic fallout.The Government of Canada took immediate action to support those businesses, particularly by introducing new measures as part of Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, the largest economic assistance program in our history. The Government of Canada will continue to preserve hundreds of thousands of jobs by working to help the hardest-hit sectors (particularly tourism and hospitality, airlines, retail, aerospace, oil and gas) and by providing additional support for other businesses which have been hit the hardest, including Main Street businesses, as well as women- and minority-owned businesses.As the pandemic continues to evolve, so does Canada’s approach. In September's Speech from the Throne, the Government committed to take further steps to help vulnerable businesses pull through. In particular, the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy has been extended through to June 2021. More than 1.9 million claims have been approved to date. The updated Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy is a significant program that responds directly to the feedback the Government has heard from Canadian businesses. These measures have been extended until June 2021 and expanded to allow tenants to apply directly to the program, without going through their landlord to get the support their business needs to keep their doors open. Additionally, the Canadian Emergency Business Account (CEBA), which initially provided $40,000 loans to eligible small businesses to help with fixed costs, is now raised to $60,000. This funding is provided at zero interest until December 31, 2022, and 25% is forgivable if paid before that date. Also, the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF), provides over $1.5 billion in assistance to businesses and communities that may require additional support to cope with and recover from the pandemic. Furthermore, in February 2021, the Government implemented the Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP) Guarantee, a credit availability program with 100% government-backed loan support and favourable terms for businesses that have lost revenue as people stay home to fight the spread of the virus.In recognition of the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, Canada provided a targeted response to support women entrepreneurs specifically. The Government has provided an additional $15 million in funding to the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) Ecosystem Fund, enabling existing recipient organizations to provide thousands of women entrepreneurs with access to urgent business support in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, on September 9, 2020, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the Black Entrepreneurship Program, the first of its kind in Canada. This program is designed to break down systemic barriers to start, maintain, and grow a business among Black entrepreneurs. The Government is also providing funding of up to $306.8 million to help small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses, and to support Aboriginal Financial Institutions that offer financing to these businesses. This measure will help an estimated 6,000 Indigenous-owned businesses get through the pandemic. Furthermore, to support young entrepreneurs through this pandemic, the Government provided $20.1 million to Futurpreneur Canada, a key national organization aimed at helping young Canadians develop their business ideas and access financing.The Government of Canada is committed to examining any further supports needed to ensure that Canadian small businesses can continue to remain viable now and in the future.
COVID-19Economic slowdownPandemicSmall and medium-sized enterprises
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00583432-00583 (Taxation)KellyMcCauleyEdmonton WestConservativeABFebruary 26, 2021April 12, 2021February 15, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, the government's carbon tax system results in GST being applied to carbon taxes, ultimately leading to double taxation on essential goods and services and additional costs being filtered down to consumers.Therefore we, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to eliminate the GST on the federal carbon tax, levies, and additional costs the newly announced standards charges.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandOur economy and the quality of life we have in Canada are deeply connected to the health of our environment. Pollution is not free. Canadians pay the price when extreme weather threatens their safety, their health, their communities and their livelihoods.That is why our Government has taken action to ensure that there is a price on pollution across Canada as of 2019. Pricing pollution is generally viewed as one of the most economically efficient ways to send a price signal to companies, investors, and consumers to make more environmentally sustainable choices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is central to our country’s plan to meet our emissions reduction targets, grow the economy and build resilience to a changing climate.The federal pollution pricing system applies in provinces and territories that request it or that do not have a system in place that meets the federal benchmark. It has two components: a regulatory charge on fossil fuels (“fuel charge”) and an output-based pricing system for large industry. One or both components of the federal system currently apply in Ontario, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Yukon and Nunavut.  The direct proceeds from the federal pollution pricing system will remain in the province or territory of origin. In Prince Edward Island, Yukon and Nunavut, the direct proceeds from the federal system are returned directly to the governments of these jurisdictions. In Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, the Government of Canada is returning the bulk of the direct proceeds from the fuel charge directly to individuals and families, through tax-free Climate Action Incentive payments. For example, in Alberta for 2021, the baseline amount for a single adult is $490, while the baseline amount for a family of four is $981. People can claim these payments through their 2020 personal income tax returns.With respect to the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax, the GST/HST is calculated on the final amount charged for a good or service. The general rule that was adopted at the inception of the GST is that this final amount includes other taxes, levies and charges that apply to the good or service and that may be embedded in the final price. This longstanding approach to calculating the GST/HST helps to maintain the broad-based nature of the tax, and ensures that tax is applied evenly across goods and services consumed in Canada. It also simplifies the vendor’s calculation of the amount of tax payable since the vendor is not required to back out other taxes, levies and charges at the point of sale in order to determine the amount of GST/HST payable.A fair and efficient tax system is essential to the economic and social well-being of Canadians. Our Government’s approach to tax fairness is guided by the overall objective of building an economy that works for the middle class and those who are working hard to join it.
Carbon pricingCarbon taxGoods and services tax
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00582432-00582 (Business and trade)ArifViraniParkdale—High ParkLiberalONFebruary 26, 2021April 12, 2021July 10, 2020Petition to the Government of CanadaAs such we, the undersigned, Residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to ensure that financial institutions be permitted to charge small businesses no more than 0.5% as the processing fee for credit card transactions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government has taken action through the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan to ensure that Canadians have timely access to comprehensive financial supports to weather these challenging times. We are particularly mindful that small businesses have been among the hardest hit by the pandemic. The Government is taking strong, immediate and effective action to protect Canadians and the economy from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.As part of this support, the Government is continuing to pay close attention to the issue of payment acceptance costs for small businesses.Payment card networks in Canada have made individual voluntary undertakings to reduce credit card acceptance fees and have adopted the Code of Conduct for the Credit and Debit Card Industry in Canada.Visa and Mastercard entered into separate voluntary undertakings with the federal government to reduce domestic consumer interchange fees to an annual average effective rate of 1.40 per cent and narrow the range of interchange rates charged to merchants. The agreements came into effect in May 2020 and will be in place for a five-year period. The card networks are required to provide annual verification by an independent third party, confirming their adherence to the commitments. The first annual verifications are expected this summer and will be reviewed closely by the Department of Finance.The commitments are expected to save small and medium-sized businesses in Canada $250 million per year. These undertakings are making credit card acceptance fairer for small and medium sized enterprises, which have less bargaining power than larger merchants to negotiate lower rates.In addition to the undertakings, the Code of Conduct for the Credit and Debit Card Industry in Canada increases fairness, transparency and choice for merchants with respect to payment card acceptance. The Department of Finance has recently launched a review of the Code to ensure it remains fit for purpose.
Banks and bankingCOVID-19Interchange feesPandemicSmall and medium-sized enterprises
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00581432-00581 (Foreign affairs)ArifViraniParkdale—High ParkLiberalONFebruary 26, 2021April 12, 2021January 27, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS
  • Canada and Cameroon, both officially English-French bilingual countries, have nearly 60 years of direct diplomatic relations;
  • Since 2016, rights groups in Canada and Cameroon have recorded over 3,000 deaths, 200 villages burned, and hundreds of human rights abuses, including crimes against humanity, in the ‘Anglophone Crisis' in Cameroon's English-speaking regions;
  • Members of the Cameroonian government and military are implicated in serious human rights abuses, including atrocity crimes as defined by International Humanitarian Law;
  • Self-proclaimed leaders of the non-state armed groups, whether residing in Cameroon or in the diaspora, are implicated in serious human rights abuses in the Anglophone regions;
  • Prime Minister Trudeau's December 2019 Mandate Letter to Minister of Foreign Affairs Champagne called on the Minister to “[b]uild on the Magnitsky sanctions regime to ensure increased support for victims of human rights violations”;
  • Canada has previously, pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law), imposed targeted measures against foreign nationals who are responsible for or complicit in gross human rights violations.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada, to:
  • Impose targeted sanctions using the Magnitsky Law to prevent travel and immigration to Canada, and freeze assets situated in Canada, of Cameroonian government and military officials implicated in human rights abuses, including through command responsibility, and including their family members.
  • Impose targeted sanctions using the Magnitsky Law to prevent travel and immigration to Canada by the self-proclaimed leaders of the non-state armed groups, whether they reside in Cameroon or in the diaspora, who are implicated in human rights abuses in the Anglophone regions, including through command responsibility.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe Government of Canada is deeply concerned by the continuing violence in Cameroon, including in the Northwest and Southwest regions (NWSW). The promotion and protection of human rights is a pillar of Canadian foreign policy. As such, the Government will continue to condemn violence and human rights violations in Cameroon, and encourage all parties to the conflict in the NWSW to seek an inclusive negotiated solution.Canada provides funding to the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue’s (HD) facilitation efforts and supports Switzerland’s mediation efforts. Canada also finances Swisspeace’s work with various civil society peacebuilders in Cameroon as well as the efforts of the regional NGO Réseau des Défenseurs des Droits Humains en Afrique Centrale (REDHAC) to place women and girls at the centre of peace and reconciliation in Central Africa.Canadian officials, including Canada’s High Commissioner to Cameroon, have raised Canada’s human rights concerns with Cameroonian authorities and have encouraged the Government of Cameroon to take steps towards a negotiated solution. On March 11, 2021, the Minister of Foreign Affairs discussed with his Cameroonian counterpart the need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis in the NWSW regions of Cameroon. In the Fall of 2020, Canada’s High Commissioner to Cameroon visited the Southwest region and signaled Canada’s ongoing concerns about the NWSW crisis with various local stakeholders, including civil society and government officials.Canada has consistently and publicly condemned violence and human rights violations in the NWSW regions of Cameroon. For example, on January 14, 2021, Canada shared its deep concerns following the upsurge in violence in several towns, including around Mautu, and called for an impartial investigation of the perpetrators of violence. On February 17, 2021, Canada voiced its concerns following the killings of traditional Chiefs. On February 26, 2021, the Canadian High Commission in Cameroon expressed concerns about violence perpetrated in March 2020 against civilians in Ebam (including murder and rapes), following the publication of a Human Rights Watch report.In addition to public statements and direct engagement with Cameroonian officials, Canada continues to raise its concerns about the situation in Cameroon in international fora, including during Cameroon’s most recent Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council.Sanctions are an important component of Canada’s principled and pragmatic approach to foreign policy, which also includes dialogue, capacity building, advocacy, multilateral engagement, and other diplomatic actions. The regulations enacted under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act allow the Government of Canada to target individuals responsible for, or complicit in, gross violations of internationally recognized human rights or acts of significant corruption. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption against the criteria set out in the Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. The Government of Canada tailors its responses to the specifics of each unique situation. Canada is judicious in its approach regarding when to deploy sanctions and/or draw on other courses of action in our diplomatic toolkit based on foreign policy priorities.The Government of Canada continues to call for respect for human rights and for a negotiated peace in Cameroon.
CameroonCivil and human rightsEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00580432-00580 (Foreign affairs)BradRedekoppSaskatoon WestConservativeSKFebruary 26, 2021April 12, 2021November 4, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00579432-00579 (Foreign affairs)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKFebruary 26, 2021April 12, 2021October 21, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00578432-00578 (Animals)NathanielErskine-SmithBeaches—East YorkLiberalONFebruary 26, 2021April 12, 2021July 22, 2020PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned Citizens of Canada draw to the attention of the House the following:THAT horses are ordinarily kept and treated as sport and companion animals; THAT horses are not raised primarily as food-producing animals; THAT horses are commonly administered drugs that are strictly prohibited from being used at any time in all other food-producing animals destined for the human food supply; and WHEREAS Canadian horsemeat products that are currently being sold for human consumption in domestic and international markets are likely to contain prohibited substances;THEREFORE, YOUR PETITIONERS call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to amend the Health of Animals Act and the Meat Inspection Act, thus prohibiting the importation or exportation of horses for slaughter for human consumption, as well as horsemeat products for human consumption.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellThe Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is tasked with safeguarding the Canadian food supply, which enhances the health of Canadians and international consumers. This responsibility is shared with all those in the food production sector.The Government of Canada recognizes the possibility that horses presented for slaughter may have been administered drugs that are prohibited from use in horses destined for food. As a result, the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) stipulates that documentation providing a previous six-month drug history is required for all horses processed in Canada for human consumption. This requirement applies to both domestic and imported horses. This six-month period meets internationally accepted standards. Documentation for all horses, regardless of origin, is verified at the slaughter plant, by plant operators, and is systematically reviewed by the CFIA.The documentation system is one tool among several that are used to provide safe equine meat in Canada. Slaughter facilities must still comply with Canadian laws, and the CFIA inspects those facilities, in pre- and post-slaughter inspections. Also, the CFIA does targeted residue sampling of meat based on inspection findings.Additionally, the CFIA conducts a drug residue program, designed in accordance with international principles, to monitor the presence of veterinary drug residues in foods. In addition to this testing, which is done here in Canada, importing countries typically run their own food safety testing programs to verify the safety of the foods they import. If drug residues are found in excess of the maximum residue limits, affected product will be subjected to a food safety evaluation and recalled if it is deemed hazardous.In the case of drugs where the maximum residue limit is zero, such as phenylbutazone, if any trace of the drug is detected during testing, a risk assessment would be conducted by either the CFIA or Health Canada and corrective action would be determined on a case-by-case basis.The low rate of detections of unacceptable residues in Canadian horsemeat, and the absence of reported cases of human illness resulting from the consumption of Canadian horsemeat, indicates that Canadian horsemeat is safe for human consumption.At this time, any Canadian exporter who has successfully negotiated a commercial contract with a country and who can comply with that country’s import conditions can export horses to that country. The current export certificates do not specify slaughter as an end purpose of export of horses to any country.Please note that the Meat Inspection Act and the Meat Inspection Regulations have been repealed, having been replaced by the Safe Food for Canadians Act and the SFCR.
Food safetyHorsesInternational tradeMeatMeat and livestock industry
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021e-2700e-2700 (Animals)AdrianWaltonNathanielErskine-SmithBeaches—East YorkLiberalONJune 26, 2020, at 4:23 p.m. (EDT)August 25, 2020, at 4:23 p.m. (EDT)February 26, 2021April 12, 2021August 26, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The recent mass importation of dogs into the Toronto International Airport has highlighted a major hole in the Canadian system for monitoring the commercial sales of animals;The international aspect to this trade lends it to two major problems, outsourcing puppy mills to foreign countries and in a world of zoonotic diseases, the international trade in pet animals represents a great risk to both human and companion animal health; andA quick search of the major classified websites show a collection of animals both legal and illegal for sale, with minimal oversight by federal agencies.We, the undersigned, companion animals lovers, Veterinarians and just compassionate people, call upon the Government of Canada to ban the sale of animals through online classified websites like Kijiji and other social media platforms.
Response by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-FoodSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, PC, MPThe proper care and well-being of animals is very important to Canadians. Citizens are rightly upset when they see animals being mistreated. There is an expectation that those who keep animals also have a responsibility to ensure their care and well-being, whether they are farmed, companion, recreational, or working animals. Canadians have a special appreciation for dogs and other companion animals, which are often considered as part of the family, making their mistreatment seem particularly objectionable.The term “puppy mill” is typically used in reference to sub-standard dog breeding operations lacking basic standards of care. The term is not defined in legislation. However, there are common characteristics usually associated with the term, which is described by the National Companion Animal Coalition (NCAC) as follows:The term puppy mill generally refers to a high-volume, sub-standard dog breeding operation, which sells purebred or mixed breed dogs to unsuspecting buyers. Some of the characteristics common to puppy mills are:
  1. Sub-standard health and / or environmental issues;
  2. Sub-standard animal care, treatment, and/or socialization;
  3. Sub-standard breeding practices that lead to genetic defects or hereditary disorders; and
  4. Erroneous or falsified certificates of registration, pedigrees, and/or genetic background.
(Note: These conditions may also exist in small-volume or single-breed establishments.)Deceptive sales practices and contractual issues are also aggravating factors, including misrepresentation of animals as registered or purebred. When sold as registered or purebred in Canada, animals should be individually identified and followed by an appropriately transferred certificate of registration in accordance with the Animal Pedigree Act. The Canadian Kennel Club and other dog breed associations approved under the Act are authorized to register dog breeds in Canada.The legislative authority with respect to animal production and welfare, including dog breeding operations, falls primarily under provincial jurisdiction. Every province has legislation in place respecting the humane treatment of animals and authority to enforce its respective regulations. In addition, animal control requirements are usually a responsibility of municipalities. If any person is concerned about dog breeding facilities and potential violations of provincial and/or municipal regulations and by-laws, they should bring their concerns to the attention of the appropriate provincial or municipal authority.The following provincial and territorial legislation concerning farm animal welfare, also apply to dog breeding operations:https://inspection.canada.ca/animal-health/humane-transport/provincial-and-territorial-legislation/eng/1358482954113/1358483058784The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is not responsible for regulating puppy mills or the online sale of companion animals/pets. However, CFIA is responsible for regulating the importation of animals, including dogs, into Canada in order to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases that could negatively impact the health of both animals and humans. CFIA veterinarians inspect all import shipments that require a permit. All dogs coming to Canada must have all necessary vaccinations appropriate for the age of the dog, be healthy with no visible sign of illness, be fit to travel, and be accompanied by the necessary export documentation. All dogs over three months of age must have a valid rabies certificate at arrival or within 14 days after arrival.Commercial dogs younger than eight months, including dogs destined for subsequent adoption or animal welfare organizations, must meet additional import requirements. They must come from a registered kennel, be fully vaccinated (including vaccination against canine distemper, hepatitis, parvo virus, parainfluenza, and rabies if older than three months), be identified by microchip or tattoo, be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate, and have an import permit. CFIA is also planning to significantly strengthen the import conditions for dogs in 2021 and develop electronic systems that can better track animal imports in Canada.Whether dogs are bred in Canada or imported, one of the most important measures to combat puppy mills is for prospective new owners to be appropriately informed. There is guidance available to members of the public who wish to understand appropriate criteria for kennel operations. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association has developed a Code of Practice for Canadian Kennel Operations that is accessible online. To assist potential owners in avoiding purchasing a dog from sub-standard operations, the National Companion Animal Coalition and other organizations also have developed online guidance for prospective owners.In Canada, the COVID pandemic resulted in an increase in demand for dogs, which rapidly surpassed the available supply from reputable breeders. As a result, buyers who were willing to purchase animals at inflated prices and without all the normal due diligence and assurances, may have helped create a situation in which puppy mills were able to thrive temporarily.It is important for those wishing to purchase a new family pet to undertake due diligence and ask critical questions before making a purchase. This is one of the most important steps to limit puppy mills in Canada. If buyers have been victims of misleading or deceptive practices, they may report it to the local police or to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre through its website at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm, or by telephone at 1-888-495-8501.
Animal rights and welfareElectronic commerce
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021e-2614e-2614 (Health)KattrinaHornerNathanielErskine-SmithBeaches—East YorkLiberalONJune 1, 2020, at 12:03 p.m. (EDT)August 30, 2020, at 12:03 p.m. (EDT)February 26, 2021April 12, 2021August 31, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The Canadian Cancer Society recommendations are for Canadians to avoid processed meats;Processed meat is considered to be any meat derived from the carcass of an animal which has been modified in order to either improve its taste or extend its shelf life;Methods of meat processing include adding salt, curing, fermentation, and smoking; Examples of processed meat include ham, sausage, hot dogs, pepperoni, hamburgers, beef jerky and deli meats, including roast beef, chicken, and turkey;Over 800 studies were evaluated by the IARC/WHO and the conclusions were primarily based on the evidence for colorectal cancer;Data also showed positive associations between processed meat consumption and bowel and stomach cancers;This demonstrated sufficient evidence that processed meats cause cancer and resulted in the classification of processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen, on the same list as tobacco smoke and asbestos;Processed meats are served daily in prisons, schools, daycares, seniors' homes, businesses, restaurants, and grocery stores; andMany citizens are unaware and uninformed about the health risks they are taking when choosing processed meats.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to help protect its citizens by doing the due diligence of having mandatory carcinogenic warning information labels on the packaging of processed meat foods that we are consuming.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellCanada has a strong food safety program that helps to ensure that foods sold in Canada are safe to eat and that Canadians have the information they need to make healthy food choices. Health Canada bases its dietary guidance on high-quality scientific evidence on the relationships between food, nutrients and health.The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and World Cancer Research Fund International have both made evaluations of processed meat. Their reports concluded that the totality of evidence is convincing that the consumption of processed meat increases the risk of colorectal cancer. These reports helped inform the 2019 Canada’s Food Guide, which, in accordance with this high-quality scientific evidence, recommends limiting highly processed foods, including processed meats.
Food labellingMeat and livestock industry
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021e-2981e-2981 (Consumer protection)KattrinaHornerNathanielErskine-SmithBeaches—East YorkLiberalONDecember 3, 2020, at 2:30 p.m. (EDT)January 2, 2021, at 2:30 p.m. (EDT)February 26, 2021April 12, 2021January 4, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The food label is one of the most important and direct means of communicating product information between buyers and sellers, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency;In Canada, between 2003 and 2008, participation in ethical consumption increased, and continues to rise, creating a need for better informative labeling;During the coronavirus outbreak, touching multiple items to see if something is made with the use of animals or their secretions is an unnecessary risk for transmission of COVID-19 and would be easily preventable with clear labeling;A list of ingredients that are derived from animals would be too long to list; andTrying to be conscious of the products on the list every time you are purchasing clothing, food, beauty, hygiene, home and auto products can be daunting, and cause many canadians undue stress.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to help better inform canadians of products that are considered to be more ethical by having mandatory labeling to tell consumers that a product was made with the use of animals or their secretions.
Response by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-FoodSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, PC, MPAll food products, whether domestic or imported, must comply with Canada’s safety and labelling laws. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has taken measures to protect Canada’s food safety system and supply lines during the pandemic.As Canada’s largest science-based agency, CFIA works with other governments, industry, science, academia and the global community to share accurate, science-based information about COVID-19.There is currently no scientific evidence that food or food packaging is a likely source or route of transmission of the COVID-19 virus.Canadian federal regulations require most prepackaged foods to be labelled with specific information to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions. This includes the name of the food, ingredients list, nutritional information, best-before dating, net quantity, and company name and address.CFIA also permits companies to make voluntary claims about their food, including claims related to a food’s composition and quality. This allows companies to identify their products as suitable for a vegan or vegetarian diet by adding words or symbols to the label. While the decision to identify products in this way is voluntary, it is important to note that all labelling must be truthful and not misleading.In addition, CFIA updated its guidance on vegetarian and vegan claims in the last year in recognition of the increased interest in plant-based foods and use of the term “vegan.” This update will help to better clarify for companies and consumers that vegan foods are made from only plant-based ingredients. This can facilitate clearer identification of foods that have only plant-based ingredients by consumers.If you are interested in seeing more vegan/vegetarian declarations on food products, you are encouraged to contact companies directly, because it is their decision whether to include this information. You can read CFIA guidance on vegetarian and vegan claims on the Agency’s website at www.inspection.gc.ca/food-label-requirements/labelling/industry/composition-and-quality-claims/eng/1391025998183/1391026062752?chap=2#s5c2.You can find general information on food labelling in Canada on the Agency’s website at www.inspection.gc.ca/food/labelling/food-labelling-for-consumers/eng/1400426541985.
AnimalsPackaging and labelling
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021e-3027e-3027 (Business and trade)WilliamMorrisonTonyBaldinelliNiagara FallsConservativeONDecember 9, 2020, at 5:07 p.m. (EDT)February 7, 2021, at 5:07 p.m. (EDT)February 26, 2021April 12, 2021February 8, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Canada’s travel and tourism industry was hit first by the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been hit hardest, and it will take the longest to recover;Policies implemented by the Government of Canada in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are forcing many businesses to temporarily and permanently close through no fault of their own;These current policies are creating a serious unemployment issue in Canada that would otherwise not exist, if these decisions were based on evidence, science, and facts;The Government of Canada has delayed too long in providing sector-specific support and relief to those hardest hit travel and tourism sectors; andPublic confidence and demand for travel domestically and internationally has plummeted to an all-time low since March 2020.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Present a sector-specific tourism recovery plan on or before the date of the 2021 Federal Budget;2. Ensure this tourism recovery plan addresses the specific needs of the many travel and tourism sectors across Canada; 3. Ensure this tourism recovery plan supports the urgent and complete development, implementation, and deployment of Health Canada approved vaccines and rapid testing devices; 4. Ensure this tourism recovery plan includes sector-specific health guidelines, which enable sectors to resume work operations in a safe and responsible manner; and5. Use this tourism recovery plan as a tool to begin restoring public confidence in travel and tourism.
Response by the Minister of Innovation, Science and IndustrySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Mélanie Joly, P.C., M.P.The health and safety of Canadians is the Government of Canda’s top priority. The Government of Canada continues to work with provinces and territories to take the measures that are necessary to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 and its variants in Canada. To date, the Government of Canada has invested over $1 billion to secure access to promising vaccine candidates. This includes up-front payments that companies require to support vaccine development, testing and at-risk manufacturing. Subsequent payments are contingent on vaccines passing clinical trials and obtaining regulatory approval.The Government of Canada recognizes that pandemic restrictions have taken a very heavy toll on jobs, businesses, and communities. The tourism sector was the first hit by COVID-19, the hardest hit, and will be among those that take the longest to recover.From the start of the pandemic, the Government of Canada has introduced broad-based measures to support the Canadian economy, many of which have helped the tourism sector. This includes financial support for employees who cannot work because of COVID-19, subsidies for wages and rent, and loans to provide liquidity relief. Approximately $9.7 billion was  estimated in the Fall Economic Update to have flowed to tourism businesses through the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, Canada Emergency Business Account and the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance.In addition, the Government of Canada has introduced measures targeting the tourism sector. For example, in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, the Government of Canada announced the Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program –  a new credit facility that provides government-guaranteed, low-interest loans of up to $1 million for businesses in the hardest hit sectors, like tourism and hospitality. This program was launched on February 1, 2021.The Government of Canada also earmarked 25 percent of the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund to tourism businesses, representing $500 million. The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund provides assistance to businesses to allow them to continue their operations, including paying their employees, and supports projects by businesses, organizations and communities to prepare now for a successful recovery.The Government of Canada will continue to work with partners and stakeholders to identify effective ways to support the recovery of this important sector.
COVID-19Economic recoveryPandemicTourismWorkplace health and safety
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00573432-00573 (Foreign affairs)MartyMorantzCharleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—HeadingleyConservativeMBFebruary 26, 2021April 12, 2021October 27, 2020Petition to the Government of Canada WHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law) sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption;
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party corrupt officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of "Truth, Compassion and Tolerance," including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, Qiang Wei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.To ensure the protection of all human rights, including freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), Canada addresses rights comprehensively through the Office of Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion (OHRFI), encouraging a climate of inclusion and respect for diversity to advance the rights of those too often marginalized in society. To this end, the OHRFI regularly engages with a diverse range of diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010. The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligation.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00572432-00572 (Foreign affairs)MarcDaltonPitt Meadows—Maple RidgeConservativeBCFebruary 25, 2021April 12, 2021February 3, 2021Petition to the Government of Canada WHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law) sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption;
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party corrupt officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of "Truth, Compassion and Tolerance," including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, Qiang Wei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.To ensure the protection of all human rights, including freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), Canada addresses rights comprehensively through the Office of Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion (OHRFI), encouraging a climate of inclusion and respect for diversity to advance the rights of those too often marginalized in society. To this end, the OHRFI regularly engages with a diverse range of diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010. The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligation.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00571432-00571 (Natural resources and energy)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservativeABFebruary 25, 2021April 12, 2021February 12, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, the actions of the Government led by former Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau through the National Energy Program led to an intentional systematic assault on Alberta's ability to operate as an equal partner in the Canadian Federation, and further that those actions had a detrimental economic and societal impact on Alberta and its population that persist today. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Have the current Prime Minister of Canada apologize for the actions of Former Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau and his Governments destructive the National Energy Program; 2. Affirm the rights of provinces to develop, manage, and market their natural resources.
Response by the President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Kevin LamoureuxThe Government of Canada recognizes that Alberta is indispensable to the social and economic fabric of Canada and it is committed to supporting Alberta families, workers and businesses. The Government provides significant financial support to all provinces and territories to support social programs.The Government of Canada is committed to fostering productive relationships with all provinces and territories, including Alberta.The Prime Minister has appointed the Honourable Jim Carr as Special Representative for the Prairies.Minister Carr’s mandate notably includes maintaining open and collaborative relationships with the Prairie provinces, with the goal of working together to serve and improve the lives of all Canadians.The Government recognizes that Albertans have faced economic challenges in recent years due to declines in commodity prices and limited capacity to export products, including oil.The Government took significant action to assist Alberta’s economy with the 2018 purchase of Trans Mountain Corporation, which is overseeing the completion of the Trans Mountain Expansion project, which will significantly increase Alberta’s oil export capacity.We are committed to get Canadian resources to new markets, and offer unwavering support to those in Canada’s natural resource sectors who have faced tough times recently.The Government of Canada has also worked very closely with the Government of Alberta to manage the current COVID-19 situation in a number of areas. The Government of Canada is providing support to Albertans and Alberta businesses, including the oil and gas industry.The Government recognizes that energy-producing regions are facing the compounding challenges of  COVID-19 and the shock to oil prices. In addition to a range of programs to support individuals and businesses, the Government of Canada has notably provided $1 billion to the Government of Alberta to support the province’s work to clean up inactive oil and gas wells across the province and $200 million to the Alberta Orphan Wells Association to support its work to clean up orphan oil and gas wells and well sites across Alberta.We know that Canada only succeeds when every region and province – including Alberta – succeeds.
Industrial policyOfficial apologyOil and gasProvincial jurisdiction
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00570432-00570 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABFebruary 25, 2021April 12, 2021January 28, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas Bill C-7 further removes safeguards from the current euthanasia regime, including the mandatory 10-day reflection period and the number of required witnesses, thereby allowing a person's euthanasia request to be accepted and carried out within the same day and without robust consultation; and;Whereas the removal of the second required independent witness reduces oversight of the procedure, thereby leaving vulnerable persons at risk of abuse; and;Whereas the Canadian Government has an obligation to protect its citizens, especially those who are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation;Therefore we, the undersigned, urge the House of Commons to immediately discontinue the removal of safeguards for people requesting euthanasia, and put in place additional measures to protect vulnerable persons.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOn March 17, 2021, Bill C-7, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying), received Royal Assent. Bill C-7 responds to the September 2019 Superior Court of Quebec ruling in Truchon,which struck down the eligibility criterion of “reasonably foreseeable natural death” from the Criminal Code medical assistance in dying regime.Bill C-7 amended the Criminal Code to ensure consistency of the medical assistance in dying law across the country. The reasonably foreseeable natural death criterion no longer applies as an eligibility criterion that could exclude persons from obtaining medical assistance in dying, but is instead used to determine which of two different sets of safeguards applies to a particular medical assistance in dying request.The first set of safeguards applies to persons whose natural death is reasonably foreseeable, where risks are reduced given the overall proximity of death and the fact that their suffering is most likely linked to the dying process itself. The removal of the requirement of a second independent witness and the repeal of the 10-day reflection period responds to the concerns raised by healthcare professionals and other stakeholders to the effect that: finding two independent witnesses is a challenge for many patients and poses an access barrier to medical assistance in dying; and, the 10-day reflection period prolongs patient suffering unduly, as persons who request medical assistance in dying do so after careful consideration.The second set of safeguards reflects the more serious consequences of error for persons who request medical assistance in dying and whose death is not reasonably foreseeable. It recognizes the diverse sources of suffering and vulnerability that could potentially lead a person whose death is not reasonably foreseeable to request medical assistance in dying. The new safeguards for this group include a minimum 90-day assessment period, a requirement that an expert be consulted if neither of the two practitioners assessing eligibility has the required expertise, and clarifications related to informed consent.The Bill C-7 amendments were informed by consultations with Canadians, the provinces and territories, Indigenous groups, key stakeholders, experts, and practitioners. They support greater autonomy and freedom of choice for eligible persons, and provides appropriate safeguards to protect those who may be vulnerable.
Application processHealth care systemMedical assistance in dyingOversight mechanism
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00569432-00569 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABFebruary 25, 2021April 12, 2021June 7, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00568432-00568 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABFebruary 25, 2021April 12, 2021November 12, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00567432-00567 (Taxation)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABFebruary 25, 2021April 12, 2021February 10, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, despite the promise made by the Liberal Government during the 2019 election that the carbon tax would not increase beyond $50 per tonne until 2022, the Liberal government has now committed to raise the federal carbon tax to $170 per tonne. Whereas, this raise in the carbon tax puts an exceptional burden on the province of Alberta as a significant portion of its economic activity is centered around the production of energy. Additionally, due to the geography of Alberta, costs from long commutes and extended travel are made more expensive by the carbon tax. Whereas, the Liberal government's inability to maintain consistent messaging around the carbon tax price makes it difficult for citizens and businesspeople to know how much they will have to pay in carbon tax in the future. In addition to rendering citizens unable to adjust their behavior according to the tax, this uncertainty makes energy related economic investment challenging. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to:1. Repeal the decision to increase the federal carbon tax to $170 per tonne. 2. Have the carbon tax shown as a separate expense when buying energy products so that citizens are aware of exactly how much money they are paying at a given time in carbon tax.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSONCarbon pricing is about recognizing the cost of pollution and accounting for those costs in daily decisions. Putting a price on pollution is widely recognized as the most efficient means to drive innovation and energy efficiency in order to reduce emissions.Canada’s approach is flexible, allowing any province or territory to design its own pricing system tailored to local needs, or to choose the federal pricing system. The federal government sets minimum national stringency standards that all systems must meet to ensure that they are comparable and contribute their fair share to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.The federal carbon pollution pricing system applies in any jurisdiction that requests it or that does not implement its own system that meets these national stringency standards. The federal system has two parts: a charge on fossil fuels and an output-based pricing system for industrial facilities. The fuel charge generally applies to fuel producers and distributors who generally pass those costs on to consumers in the form of higher fuel prices. There is no requirement or restriction for these producers to itemize the fuel charge on bills of sale. Many producers and distributors choose to do so.In December 2020, the Government of Canada published A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, Canada’s strengthened climate plan of federal policies, programs and $15 billion in investments to build a stronger, cleaner, more resilient and inclusive economy. Once fully implemented, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy will enable Canada to exceed its current 2030 greenhouse gas reduction target.Under A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, the Government proposes to continue putting a price on pollution, rising through to 2030, while ensuring that the majority of households receive more money back than they pay in the jurisdictions where the federal backstop applies. Returning proceeds helps make carbon pricing affordable, and enables households to make investments to increase energy efficiency and further reduce emissions. The increasing price will make cleaner options more affordable and discourage pollution-intensive investments. A longer price trajectory will also allow businesses and individuals to plan ahead providing predictability for longer-term investments and growing the market for cleaner solutions in Canada. The Government is engaging with province and territories, as well as with Indigenous organizations, on the proposed price on pollution post-2023.As part of this next phase of carbon pricing, the government also plans to review the standards it uses to assess provincial systems, known as the federal ‘benchmark.’ Strengthening these standards will help Canada meet its climate goals while allowing provinces and territories to choose the pricing systems that work best for them. Over the coming months, the federal government will work closely with provinces and territories on how best to strengthen the benchmark.The proposed Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, introduced in Parliament on November 19, 2020, will also formalize Canada’s target to achieve net-zero emissions by the year 2050, and establish a series of interim emissions reduction targets at 5-year milestones toward that goal. It will also require a series of plans and reports to support accountability and transparency, and help ensure that Canada reaches all of it milestones on the way towards 2050.Over the upcoming months, the Government of Canada will work with partners to ensure a strong, workable plan that can be designed and delivered. The Government of Canada is committed to working together with provinces, territories, and Indigenous communities, and other stakeholders in order to exceed Canada’s 2030 climate target and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.  
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada knows that climate change presents a threat to our long-term health and economic prosperity. Even in these challenging times, good environmental policy and addressing climate change matter.  Putting a price on pollution is an important part of Canada’s future, and the Government is doing this in a way that maintains affordability for households and ensures the competitiveness of Canadian companies.Pricing pollution is generally viewed as one of the most economically efficient ways to send a price signal to companies, investors, and consumers to make more environmentally sustainable choices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  It is central to our country’s plan to meet and exceed our emissions reduction targets, grow the economy and build resilience to a changing climate.  All provinces and territories have either implemented a pollution pricing system, or have the federal system in whole or in part.  The federal pollution pricing system has two components: a charge on fossil fuels (“fuel charge”) and a regulatory system for large industry, known as the output-based pricing system. The federal fuel charge applies in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Yukon and Nunavut. The federal output-based pricing system applies in Ontario, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, Saskatchewan (partially), Yukon and Nunavut.The regulatory charge on fossil fuels (“federal fuel charge”) applies to a broad range of fuels, including gasoline, light fuel oil (e.g., diesel), propane, and natural gas. The amount of the fuel charge is likely embedded in the price of fuels sold to consumers. Businesses have a right to choose to display this charge separately on consumer invoices and receipts. Canadian consumers who wish to obtain more information regarding the federal fuel charge applicable to the energy products they purchase can access the full list of rates at https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/publications/fcrates/fuel-charge-rates.html.The direct proceeds from the federal pollution pricing system will remain in the province or territory of origin. In Prince Edward Island, Yukon and Nunavut, the direct proceeds from the federal system are returned directly to the governments of these jurisdictions. In Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, the Government of Canada is returning the bulk of the direct proceeds from the fuel charge directly to individuals and families, through tax-free Climate Action Incentive payments. For example, in Alberta for 2021, the baseline amount for a single adult is $490, while the baseline amount for a family of four is $981. People can claim these payments through their 2020 personal income tax returns.Our Government’s approach to tax fairness is guided by the overall objective of building an economy that works for the middle class and those who are working hard to join it.
Carbon pricingCarbon tax
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00566432-00566 (Health)GordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNDPBCFebruary 25, 2021April 12, 2021February 15, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWhereas:
  • Health Canada has an open file (# 10-MM0330) to license a Medical Marijuana facility at 7827 Beaver Creek Rd., in Port Alberni, British Columbia;
  • This Walmart-sized cannabis facility would be located directly across the street (174m) from Kackaamin, a First Nations Family Trauma and Addictions healing centre that provides treatment to adults while housing the entire family, with onsite fully accredited daycare and K-12 school;
  • Kackaamin is doing the work of healing from our shared history of Colonialism and Residential Schools;
  • Kackaamin was never consulted in the initial planning of this facility, and has requested that this facility be located elsewhere;
  • The purpose of the Cannabis Act is “to protect public health and public safety"; and
  • The government of Canada has commitments to Reconciliation, UNDRIP and to implement TRC's Calls to Action.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Health to:
  • Acknowledge the implicit racism in the policy choices of Health Canada's Cannabis licensing process and handling of this file;
  • Adhere to the purpose of the Cannabis Act and Principle of Reconciliation;
  • Expedite review of this file and cancel all cannabis licenses and applications at 7827, 7825 and 7821 Beaver Creek Rd., Port Alberni, BC. under s. 62(7)(g) of the Cannabis Act "in the public interest;"
  • Apologize to Kackaamin and reaffirm their commitment to the UNDRIP and the TRC's Calls to Action.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellThe Government of Canada is committed to a renewed, nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous peoples, based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership. Health Canada works closely with Indigenous leaders, organizations and communities across the country to consider carefully any cannabis-related interests and to advance shared objectives of protecting public health and safety.Due to Access to Information and Privacy laws, Health Canada is unable to disclose personal information or information provided by a third party, including the status of any licence application, unless granted consent. However, the Department has engaged specifically with representatives of the Kackaamin Family Development Centre, the City of Port Alberni, and the Province of British Columbia in the interest of promoting understanding and discussing community concerns.The Cannabis Act and the Cannabis Regulations create a strict framework for controlling the production, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis in Canada. The purpose of the Act is to protect public health and public safety by keeping cannabis out of the hands of youth and profits out of the pockets of criminals, and providing adults with legal access to a quality-controlled source of cannabis. In order to achieve these aims, any licence application for medical marijuana facilities undergo a thorough and rigorous review, and any approved facilities are subject to strict enforcement measures.Before submitting an application, an applicant must provide written notice of their intentions to the local authorities. The Department processes licence applications in the order received, and begins its review only after the applicant has submitted a complete application, including a site-evidence package that demonstrates that the site is fully built and compliant with the stringent requirements set out in the Act and Regulations. Some of the criteria by which Health Canada assesses an application include:
  • the physical security measures at the site;
  • the processes that will be used for the building and the equipment to help ensure that cannabis meets quality standards appropriate to its intended use;
  • the applicant’s demonstration of an air filtration system to prevent the escape of odours;
  • how the applicant will keep records of their activities with cannabis, such as records for tracking sales, product returns and product inventory; and,
  • the security profile of key personnel.
If Health Canada does issue a licence after this meticulous review, an applicant must comply with the Cannabis Regulations and all other applicable laws and is subject to any enforcement measures. These additional applicable laws include: local by-laws and fire codes; municipal, provincial and territorial laws, such as environmental or nuisance laws; as well as any by-laws/regulations made by a First Nation acting within their legal authority, if the application is for activities located on reserves. Health Canada possesses a range of enforcement tools to verify compliance, including inspections, to ensure that licensees produce, sell, and distribute cannabis in accordance with the Cannabis Regulations. Health Canada encourages licence applicants to undertake consultation and engagement with local communities to address any concerns or questions they may have about proposed cannabis production facilities. The stringent controls on the commercial cultivation, processing, and sale of quality-controlled cannabis strive to safeguard the public health and safety of communities. Applications for licenses can be refused under grounds outlined in the Regulations, especially if there is a special risk to public health or safety, such as the risk of cannabis being diverted to an illicit market or activity. Such determinations, however, can only be made once the review of an application is complete.
CannabisIndigenous policyPermits and licencesPort Alberni
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00565432-00565 (Justice)BobSaroyaMarkham—UnionvilleConservativeONFebruary 25, 2021April 12, 2021February 4, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWHEREAS
  • Smuggled firearms make up a significant portion of the firearms used in crime across the country.
  • Criminals caught in knowing possession of smuggled firearms are a threat to public safety but often receive light sentences and are quick to obtain bail.
  • Bill C-238 would increase sentences for those caught in knowing possession of a smuggled weapon and make it more difficult for those charged to be released on bail.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the House of Commons to:
  • Support and vote to pass Bill C-238 An Act to amend the Criminal Code (possession of unlawfully imported firearms).
  • Support more action being taken to stop the flow of illegal firearms over the border.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency PreparednessSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JOËL LIGHTBOUND, M.P.Our government is committed to ensuring that our border remains open to legitimate trade and travel while closed to those who seek to traffic or smuggle weapons or drugs. Following significant cuts by the previous Conservative government to our security agencies, in the last Parliament our government announced an investment of $327M to combat gun and gang violence, with $86M to prevent cross-border smuggling of illegal firearms. Of this, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is being provided an extra $51.5 million to enhance screening, detection and training around firearms smuggling and $34.5 million for the RCMP’s Integrated Criminal Firearms Initiative to enhance intelligence gathering, technology and investigations. Upon the introduction of new legislation that will strengthen gun control at our borders, we announced additional anti-smuggling investments for the RCMP worth $42.4 million over 5 years, with $6.1 million ongoing. At the same time, for the CBSA we announced enhanced intelligence and investigative capacity of 21.8 million over 5 years, and $3.3 million ongoing for AI threat detection: $1.7 million over 5 years. We welcome the opportunity to discuss ways to prevent cross-border firearms smuggling, considering during C-71 study at SECU, Conservative MPs proposed amendments that proposed there be no punishment for “false statements to procure licences” and “false statements to procure customs confirmations”— meaning, importing or trafficking. https://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/42-1/SECU/meeting-161/evidence At every point in the travel continuum, the government undertakes activities to prevent the smuggling of illicit firearms. Pre-border, the Government works closely with domestic and international law enforcement agencies to identify and disrupt criminal networks involved in smuggling or facilitating the smuggling of illicit firearms, through intelligence sharing and operations. The CBSA’s National Targeting Center also uses intelligence, information and other indicators to conduct pre-arrival risk assessments on goods and people entering the country to identify high-risk shipments or travelers. If firearms are smuggled into Canada, the CBSA works closely with its law enforcement partners to identify smuggling routes and individuals involved, and lay the appropriate criminal charges after a thorough criminal investigation. Where a foreign national may be involved, the CBSA can also remove the individual from the country as such criminal involvement would likely deem the individual as inadmissible to Canada. From January 1, 2014 to September 6, 2020, the CBSA seized 4263 undeclared firearms at the border. Just recently, we announced that we will be re-establishing the Cross-Border Crime Forum with the U.S. while exploring the creation of a cross-border task force which to address gun smuggling and trafficking. To fight the criminal act of gun smuggling and trafficking at our border, under C-21 we will increase the maximum prison sentence to highlight how serious this offense is. Additionally, we will increase sharing of data between the RCMP and local law enforcement agencies to better prosecute trafficking offences, and will table an annual report for greater transparency and accountability. We welcome the support of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police who “wholeheartedly endorse all efforts to strengthen border controls and impose stronger penalties to combat firearms smuggling and trafficking”. 
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government of Canada is committed to addressing gun crime and strengthening measures to enhance public safety. Reducing firearms smuggling into Canada is a key part of the Government’s fight to reduce access to illegal firearms. Smuggled firearms make their way into the hands of criminals and are often used to commit serious offences tied to organized crime, such as drug trafficking.On February 16, the Government introduced Bill C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms). The proposed reforms are an important component of the Government’s broader approach to combat firearms violence and includes amendments to increase the maximum penalties of imprisonment for firearms trafficking and smuggling and related offences from 10 to 14 years imprisonment.The Government is also implementing effective measures with respect to strengthening firearm regulations and gun and gang initiatives that prioritize public safety. In the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, the Government committed $250 million over five years to directly support municipalities and Indigenous communities to help protect Canadians from gun violence and support anti-gang programming and prevention programs for at-risk youth.
FirearmsImportsSentencing
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00564432-00564 (Health)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABFebruary 25, 2021April 12, 2021January 28, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: That, all human life should be regarded with great respect, from conception to natural death.Therefore we, the undersigned request the Canadian Parliament and Government to: Support measures which protect human life.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government supports women’s right to choose. In its 1988 Morgentaler decision, which struck down section 287 of the Criminal Code, the Supreme Court of Canada held that forcing a woman, by threat of criminal sanction, to carry a fetus to term was a profound interference with her right to life, liberty and security of the person (section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms). This Government is committed to upholding all the rights enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, including section 7.All women in Canada have the right to safe and consistent access to reproductive health services and our government will always support that. We hope that all political parties will stand up for the rights of women and girls here at home and around the world, including their reproductive rights.
Health care system
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00563432-00563 (Health)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABFebruary 25, 2021April 12, 2021January 27, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWE, THE UNDERSIGNED RESIDENTS OF CANADA, draw the attention of the House to the following:WHEREAS sexually explicit material — including demeaning material and material depicting sexual violence — can be easily accessed on the Internet by young persons; Whereas a significant proportion of the sexually explicit material accessed online is made available on the Internet for commercial purposes and is not protected by any effective age-verification method; WHEREAS the consumption of sexually explicit material by young persons is associated with a range of serious harms, including the development of pornography addiction, the reinforcement of gender stereotypes and the development of attitudes favourable to harassment and violence — including sexual harassment and sexual violence — particularly against women; WHEREAS Parliament recognizes that the harmful effect of the increasing accessibility of sexually explicit material online for young persons is an important public health and public safety concern; WHEREAS online age-verification technology is increasingly sophisticated and can now effectively ascertain the age of users without breaching their privacy rights; WHEREAS anyone making sexually explicit material available on the Internet for commercial purposes has a responsibility to ensure that it is not accessed by young persons; WHEREAS online age-verification was the primary recommendation made by stakeholders during a 2017 study by the Standing Committee on Health.THEREFORE your petitioners call upon the House of Commons to adopt Bill S-203, Protecting Young Persons from Exposure to Pornography Act.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that children are safe from sexual abuse and exploitation, including when they are online. The Criminal Code of Canada provides a robust framework for protecting children from sexual exploitation, both online and in person. This includes offences such as possessing, making, accessing or distributing child pornography (section 163.1), making sexually explicit material available to a child (section 171.1) and luring a child (section 172.1), in addition to a range of other child-specific sexual offences. Canada’s laws addressing child sexual offending also apply extra-territorially, meaning that prosecutions may occur in Canada for offences allegedly committed by Canadian citizens or permanent residents abroad.An Act respecting the mandatory reporting of Internet child pornography by persons who provide Internet service came into force on December 8, 2011. This Act requires a Canadian provider of Internet services to report child pornography that they find on their servers in the ordinary course of conducting their business to police. As the designated organization under this Act, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P) also receives and processes reports of child pornography and child abuse on the Internet. C3P is a non-governmental organization that operates Cybertip.ca, which forwards child sexual exploitation leads to the appropriate authorities. C3P also provides public education and awareness materials, as well as support and referral services. In addition, C3P operates Project Arachnid, an automated web crawler that detects and processes tens of thousands of images per second and sends take down notices to online service providers to remove child sexual abuse material globally.In 2004, the Government of Canada created the National Strategy for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation on the Internet (National Strategy). The National Strategy focuses on law enforcement, prevention and education, and support for Cybertip.ca, Canada’s national tip-line for reporting online sexual exploitation and abuse. The National Strategy was renewed in 2009, bringing the total investment in fighting CSE online to over $18 million per year for Public Safety Canada, the RCMP and Justice Canada. In 2019, the Government of Canada announced an additional $22.24 million over three years to combat this crime. Public Safety Canada is the lead department on the National Strategy.Senate Public Bill S-203, An Act to restrict young persons’ online access to sexually explicit material, proposes measures to restrict access to sexually explicit material online, including through a new offence and new powers to compel Internet Service Providers to take steps to prevent the sharing of sexually explicit material to a young person. This bill will be debated in accordance with the rules that govern Senate Public Bills.
InternetLegal agePornographyYoung people
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00562432-00562 (Environment)JenniferO'ConnellPickering—UxbridgeLiberalONFebruary 25, 2021April 12, 2021January 14, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsTo the House of Commons in Parliament assembled,Whereas the Federal Lands in Pickering, Ontario, encompass Class 1 Ontario Greenbelt farmland and vital watersheds of the Oak Ridges Moraine; And whereas the Federal Government in 2013 announced that the Lands would be used for an airport and economic development but not for agriculture; And whereas there is no business case for an airport at Pickering, as evidenced by the fact that Pearson and Hamilton international airports are operating at, or far below, half-capacity and show no sign of reaching capacity in the foreseeable future; And whereas ruling out agricultural uses on prime farmland — the land that feeds us — is unacceptable policy in the 21st century;We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled:To rescind all plans for an airport and non-agricultural uses on the Federal Lands in Pickering; and to act, instead, to preserve the watersheds and agricultural land of this irreplaceable natural resource for the long-term benefit of all Canadians.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraThe Government of Canada is taking a balanced approach to the management of the Pickering Lands, ensuring environmental, aviation and economic demands are being met.In June 2013, the Government of Canada announced that it would retain a smaller land area for retention for a potential future airport site in the southeast quadrant of the Pickering Lands. The Government concurrently announced that it was transferring approximately 4,700 acres of the Pickering Lands to Parks Canada Agency (PCA) for the creation of the Rouge National Urban Park (RNUP). The transfer was completed in April 2015. Subsequently, on April 1, 2017, an additional 5,200 acres was transferred to PCA to further expand the RNUP. Transport Canada has retained approximately 8,700 acres for a potential future airport.In 2015, Dr. Gary Polonsky, the Independent Advisor on the Economic Development of the Pickering Lands, was mandated by the Government to conduct targeted stakeholder consultations on the future development of the Pickering Lands, including a potential future airport. The Advisor’s report, as well as Transport Canada’s response to his recommendations, are publicly available online at the following links: https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/ontario/economic-development-pickering-lands.html and https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/ontario/report-pickering-lands.htmlIn May 2016, Transport Canada awarded a contract to KPMG to undertake a Pickering Lands Aviation Sector Analysis, which will update supply and demand forecasts from the 2011 Needs Assessment Study for aviation traffic, develop options for the type and role of an airport in the regional airport system, and provide an assessment of the economic impact of these options.  The analysis was completed in 2019.In 2018, Transport Canada completed an agricultural lease renewal initiative which provided greater certainty to farmers through longer lease tenures. As of April 1, 2018, all agricultural leases were updated to a 10-year lease term. This agricultural lease model has enabled lease holders to make sound business decisions by providing longer tenures and fixed rental rates. The timing of any decision concerning the development of a potential airport on the Pickering Lands will be influenced by many market and non-market factors beyond the exclusive consideration of passenger capacities at other airports within the Southern Ontario airports system. Such factors may include, but are not limited to: shifting airline business models, regional population growth and evolving demographics, infrastructure needs and investments, as well as the interests and needs of regional stakeholders.There are no predetermined decisions based on results from the Aviation Sector Analysis, and no decisions or plans have been made to develop an airport on the Pickering Lands. The Aviation Sector Analysis would be one of many inputs into the development of a future recommendation for the Pickering Lands. Any decision on the development of the Pickering Lands will be made based on a sound business case and updated data on aviation demand and capacity.
Agricultural landGovernment landsNature conservationOak Ridges MorainePickering Airport
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021e-2907e-2907 (Environment)BeverleyDowlingJenniferO'ConnellPickering—UxbridgeLiberalONOctober 15, 2020, at 6:39 p.m. (EDT)January 13, 2021, at 6:39 p.m. (EDT)February 25, 2021April 12, 2021January 14, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons in Parliament assembled</Addressee>Whereas:18,600 acres of prime farmland ("the Pickering Lands"), being mostly in Pickering, but also in Markham and Uxbridge, were expropriated by the Government of Canada in 1972 for the purpose of building an airport;Since that time numerous studies have been commissioned to determine whether there is a need or a business case for such an airport;The last such study, by KPMG, was released in March of 2020;None of these studies has shown a need or business case for such an airport;Much of the Pickering Lands has been transferred to Parks Canada, but much remains;The Pickering Lands are prime farmland, for which there is a clear need;While we are focused on the COVID-19 crisis, we cannot forget the climate change crisis; andStewardship of the Pickering Lands can be either a contribution to, or a failure of, Canada's commitment to the Paris Agreement.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to: 1. Designate Parks Canada as the custodian of all the Pickering Lands;2. Mandate that Parks Canada become the agricultural custodian of the said lands; and3. Mandate the use of long-term leases, to allow revitalization.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraThe Government of Canada is taking a balanced approach to the management of the Pickering Lands, ensuring environmental, aviation and economic demands are being met.In June 2013, the Government of Canada announced that it would retain a smaller land area for retention for a potential future airport site in the southeast quadrant of the Pickering Lands. The Government concurrently announced that it was transferring approximately 4,700 acres of the Pickering Lands to Parks Canada Agency (PCA) for the creation of the Rouge National Urban Park (RNUP). The transfer was completed in April 2015. Subsequently, on April 1, 2017, an additional 5,200 acres was transferred to PCA to further expand the RNUP. Transport Canada has retained approximately 8,700 acres for a potential future airport.In 2015, Dr. Gary Polonsky, the Independent Advisor on the Economic Development of the Pickering Lands, was mandated by the Government to conduct targeted stakeholder consultations on the future development of the Pickering Lands, including a potential future airport. The Advisor’s report, as well as Transport Canada’s response to his recommendations, are publicly available online at the following links: https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/ontario/economic-development-pickering-lands.html and https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/ontario/report-pickering-lands.html.In May 2016, Transport Canada awarded a contract to KPMG to undertake a Pickering Lands Aviation Sector Analysis, which updated supply and demand forecasts from the 2011 Needs Assessment Study for aviation traffic, develop options for the type and role of an airport in the regional airport system, and provide an assessment of the economic impact of these options.  The analysis was completed in 2019.In 2018, Transport Canada completed an agricultural lease renewal initiative, which provided greater certainty to farmers through longer lease tenures. As of April 1, 2018, all agricultural leases were updated to a 10-year lease term. This agricultural lease model has enabled lease holders to make sound business decisions by providing longer tenures and fixed rental rates. The Pickering Lands is also comprised of a considerable number of non-agricultural commercial land uses.  Transport Canada recognizes the importance of a diverse land use presence and specifically the role of commercial small businesses to advance economic development, employment and opportunity in the local community.  Transport Canada continues to manage the Pickering Lands respecting the Treasury Board guidelines with respect to the management of federal real property for highest and best use value.The timing of any decision concerning the development of a potential airport on the Pickering Lands will be influenced by many market and non-market factors beyond the exclusive consideration of passenger capacities at other airports within the Southern Ontario airports system. Such factors may include, but are not limited to: shifting airline business models, regional population growth and evolving demographics, infrastructure needs and investments, as well as the interests and needs of regional stakeholders.There are no predetermined decisions based on results from the Aviation Sector Analysis, and no decisions or plans have been made to develop an airport on the Pickering Lands. The Aviation Sector Analysis would be one of many inputs into the development of a future recommendation for the Pickering Lands. Any decision on the development of the Pickering Lands will be made based on a sound business case and updated data on aviation demand and capacity. 
Agricultural landGovernment landsNature conservationParks Canada AgencyPickering Airport
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021e-2820e-2820 (Foreign affairs)PatriciaLissonHeatherMcPhersonEdmonton StrathconaNDPABSeptember 1, 2020, at 12:03 p.m. (EDT)December 30, 2020, at 12:03 p.m. (EDT)February 25, 2021April 12, 2021January 4, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:Canadian corporation OceanaGold has operated a mine in Didipio, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines since 2013;The people of Didipio, supported by their municipal and provincial governments, oppose the renewal of OceanaGold’s mining permit, which expired on June 20, 2019;On April 6, 2020, some 100 Philippine National Police violently dispersed some 29 primarily indigenous Ifugao residents maintaining Didipio’s peaceful People’s Barricade that is authorized by municipal and provincial governments and started on July 1, 2019;The Philippine National Police escorted three fuel trucks into the mine site using excessive force to break up the human barricade;Rolando Pulido was beaten and arrested, and others were wounded; andOn April 7, 2020, Armed Forces of the Philippines Lt. Gen Antonio Parlade, Jr. issued a public statement “red-tagging” several environmental and disaster response organizations, including those supporting Didipio residents.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to: 1. Strengthen rules for Canadian businesses operating overseas and uphold human rights;2. Make the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise independent and empowered to compel evidence and witness testimony under oath;3. Enact a human rights due diligence law that compels businesses to respect international human rights;4. Hold hearings on the human rights situation in the Philippines in the parliamentary human rights sub-committee during the current session of Parliament;5. End Canadian support to the Government of the Philippines, including socio-economic and financial programming, tactical, logistical and training support, military sales and defence cooperation; and6. Mandate Canadian consular personnel to protect human rights defenders.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, including in the Philippines, to abide by all relevant laws, to respect human rights in their operations, and to adopt voluntary best practices and internationally respected guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.   Canada is committed to leading by example and promoting democracy, human rights and environmental protection. In 2018, Canada implemented the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE), an initiative to strengthen Canada’s approach to responsible business conduct for Canadian companies doing business and operating abroad. The establishment of the CORE highlights this commitment. The Government of Canada has a multi-faceted approach to helping Canadian companies mitigate social and environmental risks. Canada’s network of diplomatic missions abroad actively promotes responsible business practices and creates opportunities for relationship building through conferences, workshops and other activities involving companies, representatives of host governments, civil society organizations, and community representatives. Global Affairs Canada provides funding and undertakes roughly 50 responsible business conduct (RBC) related projects around the world annually. Furthermore, Trade Commissioners within Canada’s network of missions abroad regularly provide RBC related guidance to Canadian businesses. The Government of Canada works with a wide range of stakeholders, including Canadian businesses and civil society organizations, to promote responsible business practices and encourage inclusive economic growth and shared values in the markets where Canadian companies are active. Canadian companies active abroad benefit from Canada’s strong and competitive international reputation. However, they are expected and encouraged to incorporate RBC into their operations and to be accountable for their activities abroad. The mandate of the CORE is to promote RBC standards, advise Canadian companies on their RBC related policies and practices, and review allegations of human rights abuses arising from the operations of Canadian companies abroad in the mining, oil and gas and garment sectors. To fulfill this important mandate, the Ombudsperson has the ability to initiate a review on her own initiative, undertake joint or independent fact finding, make recommendations, follow up on the implementation of those recommendations and report publicly throughout the process. On March 15, 2021, the office launched its online complaint process for reporting potential human rights abuses. The CORE complements Canada’s National Contact Point (NCP) for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Created in 2000, the NCP, which includes the Government of Canada’s other dispute resolution mechanism, applies to all sectors including human rights, employment, environment, disclosure and anti-bribery. Canada’s NCP promotes the OECD Guidelines on responsible business conduct and facilitates dialogue or mediation between parties to resolve issues pertaining to the Guidelines. The NCP also reviews complaints, makes recommendations and provides follow up on implementation of those recommendations, reporting publicly at the conclusion of a review. Not collaborating in good faith with Canada’s dispute resolution mechanisms for responsible business conduct abroad could result in a CORE or NCP recommendation to deny or withdraw trade advocacy support and recommending to Export Development Canada (EDC) that they decline to provide financial support to the company. Canada is deeply committed to the protection and promotion of human rights and Indigenous rights around the world, including in the Philippines. Canada recognizes the key role played by human rights defenders in protecting and promoting human rights and strengthening the rule of law, often at great risk to themselves, their families and communities, and to the organizations and movements they often represent. Canada has a strong tradition of supporting these brave people in communities around the world as they hold governments and companies to account and keep respect for human rights alive. Human rights are at the core of Canada’s feminist foreign policy. As part of this commitment, Canada adopted the Voices at Risk Guidelines on Supporting Human Rights Defenders, which offer practical advice to Canadian diplomats working around the world, to support human rights defenders. Canada will continue to monitor the human rights situation in the Philippines and engage with relevant stakeholders, including government officials, non-governmental organizations, and representatives of civil society, to promote and protect human rights.
Canadian companiesCanadian Ombudsperson for Responsible EnterpriseCivil and human rightsForeign policyPhilippinesSocial responsibility
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00559432-00559 (Environment)MatthewGreenHamilton CentreNDPONFebruary 25, 2021April 12, 2021February 28, 2020PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONSWe, the undersigned Citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:WHEREAS, Climate change has escalated into a global climate emergency; the world is on pace to warm nearly 4 degrees Celsius by 2100 and extreme weather events are growing with increasingly severe impacts, including floods, forest fires, rising temperatures, killer heat-waves, massive storms, sea level rise and disruption to marine and land ecosystems;WHEREAS, in order to act to avert further catastrophic climate change, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) states that the scientific consensus is that we need to immediately move to reduce net human-caused greenhouse gas emissions to 45 per cent below 2010 levels by 2030 and net-zero by 2050;WHEREAS, Canada must address this climatic emergency with the ambition and urgency required, on behalf of present and future generations;WHEREAS, Canadians are living through unprecedented, catastrophic climate events and at the same time, our society is suffering from worsening socio-economic inequalities, with almost half of Canada's population reporting they are $200 away from insolvency at the end of each month;WHEREAS, climate change impacts threaten physical & mental health (particularly young people, the elderly and persons with disabilities), surrounding environments by affecting the food we eat, the world's water supply, the air we breathe, the weather we experience, and how well local communities can adapt to climate change;WHEREAS, the impacts of climate emergency are far more severe for those living through the immediate consequences of climate change; Indigenous Peoples, frontline and vulnerable communities, like people seeking refugee status or asylum and those displaced by climate change, are disproportionality affected, resulting in the increased risks to their health;WHEREAS, it has never been more urgent that Canada reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy to meet the scale and urgency of the climate crisis, while ensuring that all Indigenous Peoples and Canadians benefit from the substantial public investments a low-carbon economy requires, like energy efficiency retrofits, affordable housing, renewable energy, infrastructure, public transit, pharmacare, dental care, childcare and eliminating student debt and tuition fees;WHEREAS, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and the recognition of inherent rights, title and treaty rights, while fully implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), must be at the heart of Canada's approach to addressing the climate emergency;THEREFORE, your petitioners call on the Government of Canada to support Motion M-1, a made-in-Canada Green New Deal, the first initiative before the House of Commons, which calls on Canada to take bold & rapid action to adopt socially equitable climate action to tackle the climate emergency and address worsening socio-economic & racial inequalities at the same time; while ending fossil fuel subsidies, closing offshore tax havens, and supporting workers impacted by the transition and creating well-paying, unionized jobs in the shift to a clean and renewable energy economy.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSONIn pursuit of efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, the Government of Canada is committed to exceed Canada’s Paris Agreement 2030 emissions reduction goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent below 2005 levels, and achieving net-zero emissionsby 2050.To ensure Canada has a solid foundation to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the Government has announced a plan to exceed Canada’s 2030 climate goal. A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy is Canada’s strengthened climate plan of federal policies, programs and investments to build a stronger, cleaner, more resilient and inclusive economy. This plan builds on the important accomplishments of and work underway with provinces, territories and Indigenous partners under the 2016 Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.The Pan Canadian Framework has done more to cut pollution in a practical and affordable way than any other climate plan in Canada’s history. Canada’s 2019 greenhouse gas emissions projections show a widespread decline in projected emissions across the economy, reflecting the breadth and depth of the Pan-Canadian Framework. In fact, the policies and measures now in place, including those introduced in 2019, are projected to reduce emissions by 227 million tonnes in 2030. Taken together with A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, Canada will exceed its 2030 greenhouse-gas-reduction target—making it the first time ever this country has set a climate target and outlined a path to not only meet it but exceed it.A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy outlines 64 new and strengthened federal climate measures and $15 billion in new investments. While some of these investments will begin immediately, other measures require engagement with provinces and territories, Indigenous partners, stakeholders, and with Canadians. Over the next few months, the Government of Canada will work with partners to ensure a strong, workable plan that can be delivered together.As part of its plan, key initiatives included:
  • Proposing to continue to put a price on pollution through to 2030, rising at $15 per tonne after 2022, while returning the proceeds back to households such that the majority receive more money back than they pay in provinces where the federal system applies;
  • Creating thousands of jobs retrofitting homes and buildings, including an investment of $2.6 billion over seven years to help homeowners make their homes more energy efficient, cutting energy costs for Canadian families and businesses;
  • Investing $1.5 billion over three years for green and inclusive community buildings, and require that at least 10 percent of this funding be allocated to projects serving First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities;
  • Building on historic investments in public transit in the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to develop next steps on public transit, including the government’s plan to help electrify public transit systems, and provide permanent public transit funding;
  • Developing a national active transportation strategy, and explore ways to deliver more active transportation options;
  • Continuing to make zero-emissions vehicles more affordable by extending the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) program until March 2022, while investing an additional $150 million over three years in more charging stations across the country;
  • Investing in renewable energy and next-generation clean energy and technology solutions;
  • Working with businesses to make Canada the best place to start and grow clean technology companies; and,
  • Planting 2 billion incremental trees over the next 10 years, as part of a broader commitment to nature-based solutions that also encompasses wetlands and urban forests.
In addition, the Government of Canada also recently tabled the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, which delivers on the government’s commitment to legislate Canada’s target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Once the bill becomes law, it will establish a legally binding process for the Government to set five-year emissions reduction targets based on the advice of experts and Canadians to ensure transparency and accountability as Canada charts a path to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. The Act also requires emissions reduction plans for each target and the publication of interim and final reports on implementation of the plans and the emissions reductions they achieve, as well as periodic examination and reporting by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development on the implementation of these mitigation measures. The Act will also enshrine greater accountability and public transparency into Canada’s plan for meeting net-zero emissions by 2050. To provide independent advice to the Government on the best pathways to reach its targets, a Net-Zero Advisory Body was established in February 2021.To support the participation of youth in the clean growth economy, in August 2017, Environment and Climate Change Canada announced that it would invest more than $14 million to support almost 1,000 green jobs for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) graduates across the country through the Science Horizons Youth Internship Program. Similarly, Natural Resources Canada announced that it is investing more than $16 million to create 1,200 green STEM jobs for Canadian youth in the natural resources sector, via the Green Jobs - Science and Technology Internship Program. The abovementioned funding is part of Budget 2017’s additional $395.5 million investment over three years, starting in 2017-2018, for the Youth Employment Strategy, in which 11 federal departments committed to providing opportunities for Canada’s youth.The Government of Canada recognizes that Indigenous peoples are among the most vulnerable populations to a rapidly changing environment and is committed to renewing the relationship between the Government of Canada and First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis Nation on a nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government basis. This includes collaborating with Indigenous partners on climate change action through structured, collaborative approaches, based on robust, ongoing and meaningful engagement based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership, consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including free, prior and informed consent.In taking action on climate change and in moving forward on the implementation of Canada’s climate plan, the Prime Minister issued joint statements with each of the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the President of the Métis National Council. These joint statements committed to establishing three senior bilateral distinctions-based tables between the Government of Canada and First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis Nation. These partnerships seek to ensure that Indigenous Peoples are full and effective partners in advancing clean growth and achieving climate change goals to mitigate and reduce emissions as a necessary precursor to the mitigation of climate impacts.The economic impacts of COVID-19 have been unprecedented, with millions of jobs lost at the height of the lockdown in Spring 2020, continued hardships throughout the year, and an unequal distribution of who feels these impacts more deeply. The Government of Canada is committed to helping Canada build back a better and more resilient economy, including by creating over 1 million jobs to bring employment back to pre-pandemic levels, with climate action and clean growth serving as a cornerstone for these efforts. This includes a variety of measures in our strengthened climate plan that will help create jobs, from retrofitting homes and buildings, to building the infrastructure needed for clean transportation across the country, to helping clean technology firms grow.At the same time, we know that achieving Canada’s climate goals will require nothing short of a transformation of the Canadian economy, with corresponding impacts on and opportunities for Canadian workers. Climate action and clean growth is a cornerstone of this commitment, and Canadians must be at the center of our climate policies, which is why we need to support workers and communities affected by the transition to a low carbon economy. Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, we established a Just Transition Task Force in 2018 to provide advice on how to make the transition away from traditional coal-fired electricity fair to those affected. In response to the Task Force’s recommendations, Budget 2019 proposed that we:
  • Create worker transition centres that will offer skills development initiatives and diversification activities in western and eastern Canada.
  • Work with those affected to explore new ways to protect wages and pensions.
  • Establish a $150 million infrastructure fund to support priority projects and economic diversification in impacted communities.
Adding to these efforts, the Government of Canada is working to prepare the workforce for a decarbonized economy by identifying skills that are in demand now and in the future, developing new approaches to skills development, and providing new opportunities for Canadian workers. The Future Skills program (led by Employment and Social Development Canada) provides an opportunity to support the deep transformations that will be required across a range of economic sectors in order to meet our climate change targets, and provide new opportunities for Canadian workers. Learn more about Future Skills at the following link: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/future-skills.html.  
Climate change and global warmingGreen economy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00558432-00558 (Health)MatthewGreenHamilton CentreNDPONFebruary 25, 2021April 12, 2021November 24, 2020Petition to the Government of CanadaWhereas opioid crisis is one of the most deadly public health emergencies of our lifetime, with a death taking place on average about every two hours and a death toll of almost 15,400 in the past four years alone (January 2016 to December 2019);Whereas the overdose crisis rages;We, the undersigned, call upon the Government of Canada to declare the overdose crisis a national public health emergency and:
  • Take steps to end overdose deaths and overdose injuries
  • Immediately collaborate with provinces and territories to develop a comprehensive, pan-Canadian overdose action plan
  • Ensure that any plan considers reforms that other countries have used, such as legal regulation of drugs to ensure safe, supply, decriminalization for personal use, and changes to flawed drug policy and policing.
  • Ensure this emergency is taken seriously with adequately funded programming and supports.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Patty HajduThe Government of Canada is deeply concerned about problematic substance use in Canada, including the ongoing opioid overdose crisis and the devastating impact it is having on the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Tragically, there were more than 17,602 apparent opioid-related deaths between January 2016 and June 2020.The Government recognizes that the complexity of this crisis has only increased due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Public health guidance around physical distancing and self-isolation presents a unique challenge for people who use drugs. Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada have been working with provinces and territories and other partners, including researchers, advocates and people with lived and living experience, to help make sure that people who use drugs can continue to access treatment, harm reduction and other services during the pandemic.Since taking office, our government has taken strong action to address the opioid crisis. The comprehensive federal response has included legislative and regulatory enabling measures, new prescription guidelines, marketing restrictions, awareness campaigns, improvements to the knowledge base, and emergency funding to provinces and territories. We will continue this important work to help save lives and keep Canadians safe.The Government of Canada remains committed to taking a public health approach to substance use through the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy. The Strategy includes four pillars – prevention, treatment, harm reduction and enforcement – and is designed to be comprehensive, collaborative, compassionate and evidence-based. The Government is placing particular focus on:
  • ensuring that life-saving harm reduction measures are available to Canadians who need it;
  • working with stakeholders to reduce stigma directed at people who use drugs, which acts as a barrier to accessing critical health and social services and often leads to social isolation;
  • working with provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment options; and,
  • implementing additional surveillance and research activities that will further build the evidence base and allow us to pursue innovative solutions to this public health crisis.
The Government of Canada recognizes that the overwhelming majority of deaths caused by the opioid overdose crisis are due to a toxic illegal drug supply that is contaminated with highly toxic substances, such as fentanyl. The situation is now such that anyone who uses illegal drugs for any reason in Canada is at risk of a potentially fatal opioid-related overdose every time they use drugs due to the contaminated illegal supply.The Government of Canada has taken actions to reduce barriers to providing people who use drugs with a safer, pharmaceutical alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply. For example, Health Canada has issued class exemptions to pharmacists and eased restrictions on the transportation of controlled substances to make it easier for people to access the medications they need during the COVID-19 pandemic while following public health advice, such as physical distancing. In addition, through Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP), the Government of Canada is providing $44.2 million for projects providing a safer supply of pharmaceutical medications for people with substance use disorder in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. These investments will help provide pathways to care and treatment. Examples of funded projects include:
  • The Vancouver Island Health Authority was provided approximately $2 million over 48 months for an innovative project that will provide pharmaceutical medication as an alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply for people in Cowichan Valley who have not responded to other forms of treatment for opioid use disorder.
  • The London InterCommunity Health Centre (London, Ontario) was provided more than $6.5 million over 50 months to deliver a safer supply program that will help reduce harms related to the toxic illegal drug supply by providing prescribed opioids to patients with opioid use disorder during the pandemic and beyond.
Findings from these initiatives will contribute to the evidence base to support the scaling up of effective models. In addition, to bolster further these efforts, on August 24, 2020, the Minister of Health sent a letter to Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Health and regulatory colleges to encourage them to provide people who use drugs with a full spectrum of care options, including access to a safer supply of drugs.The Government of Canada has also taken a number of steps to provide options for those seeking treatment for severe substance use disorder. On April 25, 2019, the Minister of Health added diacetylmorphine to the List of Drugs for an Urgent Public Health Need. This makes it possible for provinces and territories to import this drug for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Amendments to federal regulations have also allowed health care practitioners to provide diacetylmorphine-assisted treatment outside of a hospital setting, if permitted by their province or territory. In addition, on May 1, 2019, Health Canada approved the use of injectable hydromorphone by qualified healthcare professionals as a treatment for adults with severe opioid use disorder. This is the first approval of injectable hydromorphone for this purpose in the world.The Government of Canada is also providing guidance and leadership on the prescribing, dispensing, and delivery of opioids and other narcotics during the pandemic. For instance, through funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse (CRISM) developed a series of national guidance documents related to substance use in the context of COVID-19. The guidance documents can be found here. Health Canada has also assembled a toolkit to provide clarity on prescribing for the treatment of substance use disorder and/or to provide a safer supply. The toolkit can be found here. Furthermore, the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health published a Rapid Review of clinical and cost-effectiveness of injectable opioid agonist treatment for patients with opioid dependence. The report can be found here.The Government of Canada continues to make substantial investments to address the overdose crisis. Recent examples of key federal investments in this area include:
  • investing an additional $66 million over two years to support community-based organizations responding to substance use issues, including to help them provide frontline services in a COVID-19 context;
  • investing $76.2 million to take action to protect Canadians and prevent overdose deaths. This investment will be used to scale-up key lifesaving measures and increase access to a safer drug supply as an alternative to the contaminated supply. These measures build on the Budget 2019 investment of $30.5 million over five years, with $1 million ongoing, to expand access to safer alternatives to the illegal drug supply and support better access to opioid overdose response training and naloxone in underserved communities;
  • providing $1.7 million to the University of Saskatchewan to increase access to chronic pain services, and providing Alberta Health Services $1.2 million to implement and evaluate pathways to care for people living with pain and opioid use disorder, both funded through the Substance Use and Addictions Program;
  • providing $231.4 million over five years through Budget 2018 for additional measures to help address the opioid overdose crisis, including a one-time $150 million emergency treatment fund for provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment services;
  • providing an additional $200 million, with $40 million per year ongoing, to enhance the delivery of culturally appropriate addictions treatment and prevention services in First Nations communities; and,
  • allocating $13 million over five years to launch a new national, multi-year public education campaign to help reshape Canadians’ attitudes and perceptions about people who use drugs.
In order to prevent and reduce the harms of problematic substance use, including to enable access to evidence-based treatment and support recovery, the Government has undertaken a broad range of policy, legislative and regulatory actions, such as:
  • approving supervised consumption sites (with 39 currently in operation across Canada), and providing class exemptions to facilitate the establishment of overdose prevention sites;
  • supporting the passage of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, which encourages people to call for emergency help at the scene of an overdose by providing protection against simple drug possession charges;
  • establishing effective Federal, Provincial and Territorial public health emergency governance, including the Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses and the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Assistant Deputy Minister Committee on Problematic Substance Use & Harms;
  • collaborating with provinces and territories to better understand the evolving crisis, and undertaking timely monitoring and reporting of opioid-related deaths and harms in Canada;
  • deploying public health officers from the Public Health Agency of Canada to support public health surveillance systems in provinces and territories; and,
  • supporting the development and dissemination of national clinical practice guidelines to treat opioid use disorder, as well as the injectable opioid agonist treatment clinical and operational guidelines through the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse. The guidelines can be found here.
The Government of Canada continues to encourage the use of diversion programs that create pathways away from the criminal justice system toward appropriate health services and social supports for people who use drugs. For example, on August 18, 2020, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada issued guidance to prosecutors stating that alternatives to prosecution should be considered for simple possession offences, except when there are serious aggravating circumstances. In addition, Health Canada is currently funding a three-year project in Peterborough, Ontario, to develop a multi-sector response to direct people who use drugs away from the justice system and into care. In addition, on February 18, 2021, the Department of Justice introduced Bill C-22 in Parliament to help address systemic racism and the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples as well as Black and marginalized Canadians in Canada’s criminal justice system. Among other measures, this Bill would repeal mandatory minimum penalties for drug related-offences, and would also require police and prosecutors to consider other responses to laying charges for simple possession of drugs, such as diversion to treatment programs.It is recognized that there are a growing number of calls for drug decriminalization, in acknowledgement that criminalizing personal drug possession results in stigma and discrimination, creates barriers to accessing health and social services, and increases the risks of overdose and other harms. The City of Vancouver and the Province of British Columbia have written to the Minister of Health requesting exemptions to decriminalize simple possession of small amounts of controlled substances for personal use in their jurisdictions. We will continue working with them on options to address the overdose crisis that respond to their local and regional needs.We will also continue to take a comprehensive and collaborative approach, working with all partners. No single organization or level of government alone can solve the opioid overdose crisis. All levels of government, a wide range of stakeholders and all Canadians who are impacted by opioid use must work together to reduce opioid-related overdoses and deaths, and improve the health and well-being of Canadians who use drugs.
Drug use and abuseHealth emergenciesOpiates and opioidsPublic health
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00557432-00557 (Economy and finance)BlaineCalkinsRed Deer—LacombeConservativeABFebruary 25, 2021April 12, 2021February 15, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Alberta has historically been the economic driver of Canada, contributing over $200 billion in the last ten years despite unprecedented economic issues;Whereas, anti-energy and resource development policy by the current Liberal government has significantly contributed to these unprecedented economic issues that continue to impact Alberta;Whereas, in 2019 the Liberal government locked in the unfair equalization formula until 2024 without consultation or negotiations;Whereas, the changes made to the Government of Canada's Fiscal Stabilization Program did not properly account for the hundreds of billions of dollars Alberta has contributed to Federal Revenues, amounting to a slap in the face of Albertans;Whereas, the unemployment rate in Alberta continues to be amongst the highest in Canada;Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to immediately take action by:1. Acknowledging the oversized economic contribution Alberta has made to Canada and the significant economic hardship the province is currently facing. 2. Immediately re-opening the negotiations for the equalization formula with the provinces.
Response by the President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Kevin LamoureuxThe Government recognizes that Alberta is indispensable to the social and economic fabric of Canada and it is committed to supporting Alberta families, workers and businesses. The Government provides significant financial support to all provinces and territories to support social programs. In 2021-22, Alberta will receive $6.8 billion through major transfers to help pay for health care, education and other social services.  The Government of Canada is committed to fostering productive relationships with all provinces and territories, including Alberta.The Government recognizes that Albertans have faced economic challenges in recent years due to declines in commodity prices and limited capacity to export products, including oil.Equalization is the Government of Canada’s transfer program used to reduce fiscal disparities among provinces. The principle of Equalization is set out in the Constitution, namely “to ensure that provincial governments have sufficient revenues to provide reasonably comparable levels of public services at reasonably comparable levels of taxation.” Equalization is funded entirely by the federal government from general revenues; provincial governments make no contributions to the Equalization program. Alberta does not receive Equalization because it has a higher-than-average ability to raise revenues, despite its recent economic challenges. Equalization reduces, but does not eliminate fiscal disparities; the fiscal capacities of non-receiving provinces remain above the national average. The current Equalization formula was introduced in 2007 by the previous Conservative government. In 2018, the federal government renewed the equalization program without changes. The Government of Canada will continue to work collaboratively with all provinces on Equalization in the  lead-up to the next renewal of the program, which must take place before March 31, 2024.  
AlbertaEconomic slowdownEqualization formula
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00556432-00556 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABFebruary 23, 2021April 12, 2021December 15, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas Bill C-7 further removes safeguards from the current euthanasia regime, including the mandatory 10-day reflection period and the number of required witnesses, thereby allowing a person's euthanasia request to be accepted and carried out within the same day and without robust consultation; and; Whereas the removal of the second required independent witness reduces oversight of the procedure, thereby leaving vulnerable persons at risk of abuse; and; Whereas the Canadian Government has an obligation to protect its citizens, especially those who are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation; Therefore we, the undersigned, urge the House of Commons to: 1) Restore the 10-day reflection period for people whose deaths have been determined to be "reasonably foreseeable"; 2) Restore the original requirement that a person must give consent to the life-ending procedure immediately before it is performed; 3) Restore the original requirements for the signatures of two witnesses, who cannot provide personal care to the person seeking to end their life; 4) Require medical professionals to do everything possible to enable the person to access life-affirming services to relieve their suffering other than physician-assisted death; and, 5) Accommodate persons with communication disabilities by clarifying "refusal or resistance to administration" of physician-assisted death.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOn March 17, 2021, Bill C-7, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying), received Royal Assent. Bill C-7 responds to the Superior Court of Québec’s September 2019 Truchon decision, which struck down the eligibility criterion of “reasonably foreseeable natural death” from the Criminal Code medical assistance in dying regime.  Our Government believes that those who are experiencing enduring and intolerable suffering from their medical condition – including those who are not approaching the end of life – should be allowed to decide for themselves when they wish to end their life, and that medical and nurse practitioners who are willing to help them have a peaceful and painless death should not be criminally culpable for doing so.As the Truchon decision applies only in Québec, Bill C-7 amended the Criminal Code to ensure consistency of the MAID law across the country. The reasonably foreseeable natural death criterion no longer applies as an eligibility criterion that could exclude persons from obtaining MAID, but is instead used to determine which of two different sets of safeguards applies to a particular MAID request.The first set of safeguards applies to persons whose natural death is reasonably foreseeable, where risks are reduced given the overall proximity of death and the fact that their suffering is most likely linked to the dying process itself. The removal of the requirement of a second independent witness and the repeal of the 10-day reflection period responds to the concerns raised by patients and their families, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders that these safeguards pose an access barrier to MAID, do not provide protection to vulnerable persons, and unnecessarily prolong patient suffering.For this group of persons, a waiver of the requirement for consent to be given immediately before MAID is provided is also possible following the Bill C-7 amendments. This change ensures that persons do not choose to have MAID earlier than they would like out of fear of losing their capacity to consent on their preferred day. If a person retains decision-making capacity on their preferred day, they must give consent in whatever manner of communication they are able. If they do not have decision-making capacity, the legislation clarifies that the procedure must not go forward if the person demonstrates refusal or resistance to the administration of MAID by words, gestures or sounds.The second set of safeguards reflects the more serious consequences of error for persons who request MAID and whose death is not reasonably foreseeable. It recognizes the diverse sources of suffering and vulnerability that could potentially lead a person whose death is not reasonably foreseeable to request MAID. The new safeguards for this group include all of the safeguards that apply to the first group, along with new and enhanced safeguards, to ensure that a request by a person whose death is not reasonably foreseeable is fully informed and considered, and that patients have been informed about and have seriously considered all reasonable and available treatment options and social services.The amendments in Bill C-7 were informed by consultations held at the beginning of 2020 with Canadians, the provinces and territories, Indigenous groups, key stakeholders, experts, and practitioners. The Bill protects vulnerable individuals and the equality rights of all Canadians, while supporting the autonomy of eligible persons to seek MAID.
Application processCapacity of consent for careHealth care systemMedical assistance in dyingOversight mechanismPersons with disabilities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00555432-00555 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABFebruary 23, 2021April 12, 2021June 5, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00554432-00554 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABFebruary 23, 2021April 12, 2021November 12, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00553432-00553 (Taxation)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABFebruary 23, 2021April 12, 2021February 10, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, despite the promise made by the Liberal Government during the 2019 election that the carbon tax would not increase beyond $50 per tonne until 2022, the Liberal government has now committed to raise the federal carbon tax to $170 per tonne. Whereas, this raise in the carbon tax puts an exceptional burden on the province of Alberta as a significant portion of its economic activity is centered around the production of energy. Additionally, due to the geography of Alberta, costs from long commutes and extended travel are made more expensive by the carbon tax. Whereas, the Liberal government's inability to maintain consistent messaging around the carbon tax price makes it difficult for citizens and businesspeople to know how much they will have to pay in carbon tax in the future. In addition to rendering citizens unable to adjust their behavior according to the tax, this uncertainty makes energy related economic investment challenging. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to:1. Repeal the decision to increase the federal carbon tax to $170 per tonne. 2. Have the carbon tax shown as a separate expense when buying energy products so that citizens are aware of exactly how much money they are paying at a given time in carbon tax.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSONCarbon pricing is about recognizing the cost of pollution and accounting for those costs in daily decisions. Putting a price on pollution is widely recognized as the most efficient means to drive innovation and energy efficiency in order to reduce emissions.Canada’s approach is flexible, allowing any province or territory to design its own pricing system tailored to local needs, or to choose the federal pricing system. The federal government sets minimum national stringency standards that all systems must meet to ensure that they are comparable and contribute their fair share to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.The federal carbon pollution pricing system applies in any jurisdiction that requests it or that does not implement its own system that meets these national stringency standards. The federal system has two parts: a charge on fossil fuels and an output-based pricing system for industrial facilities. The fuel charge generally applies to fuel producers and distributors who generally pass those costs on to consumers in the form of higher fuel prices. There is no requirement or restriction for these producers to itemize the fuel charge on bills of sale. Many producers and distributors choose to do so.In December 2020, the Government of Canada published A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, Canada’s strengthened climate plan of federal policies, programs and $15 billion in investments to build a stronger, cleaner, more resilient and inclusive economy. Once fully implemented, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy will enable Canada to exceed its current 2030 greenhouse gas reduction target.Under A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, the Government proposes to continue putting a price on pollution, rising through to 2030, while ensuring that the majority of households receive more money back than they pay in the jurisdictions where the federal backstop applies. Returning proceeds helps make carbon pricing affordable, and enables households to make investments to increase energy efficiency and further reduce emissions. The increasing price will make cleaner options more affordable and discourage pollution-intensive investments. A longer price trajectory will also allow businesses and individuals to plan ahead providing predictability for longer-term investments and growing the market for cleaner solutions in Canada. The Government is engaging with province and territories, as well as with Indigenous organizations, on the proposed price on pollution post-2023.As part of this next phase of carbon pricing, the government also plans to review the standards it uses to assess provincial systems known as the federal ‘benchmark.’ Strengthening these standards will help Canada meet its climate goals while allowing provinces and territories to choose the pricing systems that work best for them. Over the coming months, the federal government will work closely with provinces and territories on how best to strengthen the benchmark.The proposed Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, introduced in Parliament on November 19, 2020, will also formalize Canada’s target to achieve net-zero emissions by the year 2050, and establish a series of interim emissions reduction targets at 5-year milestones toward that goal. It will also require a series of plans and reports to support accountability and transparency, and help ensure that Canada reaches all of its milestones on the way towards 2050.Over the upcoming months, the Government of Canada will work with partners to ensure a strong, workable plan that can be designed and delivered. The Government of Canada is committed to working together with provinces, territories, and Indigenous communities, and other stakeholders in order to exceed Canada’s 2030 climate target and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.    
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada knows that climate change presents a threat to our long-term health and economic prosperity. Even in these challenging times, good environmental policy and addressing climate change matter.  Putting a price on pollution is an important part of Canada’s future, and the Government is doing this in a way that maintains affordability for households and ensures the competitiveness of Canadian companies.Pricing pollution is generally viewed as one of the most economically efficient ways to send a price signal to companies, investors, and consumers to make more environmentally sustainable choices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  It is central to our country’s plan to meet and exceed our emissions reduction targets, grow the economy and build resilience to a changing climate.  All provinces and territories have either implemented a pollution pricing system, or have the federal system in whole or in part.  The federal pollution pricing system has two components: a charge on fossil fuels (“fuel charge”) and a regulatory system for large industry, known as the output-based pricing system. The federal fuel charge applies in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Yukon and Nunavut. The federal output-based pricing system applies in Ontario, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, Saskatchewan (partially), Yukon and Nunavut.The regulatory charge on fossil fuels (“federal fuel charge”) applies to a broad range of fuels, including gasoline, light fuel oil (e.g., diesel), propane, and natural gas. The amount of the fuel charge is likely embedded in the price of fuels sold to consumers. Businesses have a right to choose to display this charge separately on consumer invoices and receipts. Canadian consumers who wish to obtain more information regarding the federal fuel charge applicable to the energy products they purchase can access the full list of rates at https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/publications/fcrates/fuel-charge-rates.html.The direct proceeds from the federal pollution pricing system will remain in the province or territory of origin. In Prince Edward Island, Yukon and Nunavut, the direct proceeds from the federal system are returned directly to the governments of these jurisdictions. In Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, the Government of Canada is returning the bulk of the direct proceeds from the fuel charge directly to individuals and families, through tax-free Climate Action Incentive payments. For example, in Alberta for 2021, the baseline amount for a single adult is $490, while the baseline amount for a family of four is $981. People can claim these payments through their 2020 personal income tax returns.Our Government’s approach to tax fairness is guided by the overall objective of building an economy that works for the middle class and those who are working hard to join it.
Carbon pricingCarbon tax
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00552432-00552 (Natural resources and energy)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABFebruary 23, 2021April 12, 2021February 5, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, Alberta's Industrial Heartland is one of the world's most attractive locations for chemical, petrochemical, oil, and gas investment.Whereas, Alberta's Industrial Heartland is Canada's largest hydrocarbon processing region and has 40+ companies, several being world scale, provide fuels, fertilizers, power, petrochemicals, and more to provincial, national and global consumers. Whereas, energy-related manufacturing plays a crucial role in Canadian energy development and security, and in providing jobs and opportunity for Canadians. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to: 1. Advance policies which support growth in Alberta's Industrial Heartland and growth in energy-related manufacturing in general; and 2. Support permanent accelerated capital cost allowance for energy related manufacturing.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSONImportance of the energy sector/clean tech to Canada:
  • Canada’s energy sector is a key contributor to employment, economic growth and social development in Alberta and across Canada. As we move forward to transform our economy towards a net-zero future, workers and innovators are going to be an essential part of this transition building on the innovation and expertise across the energy sector. 
  • Building on the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, our new strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, announced in December 2020, continues to advance the next generation of clean technology and grow the role of renewable energy. It includes $15 billion in investments for 64 strengthened and new federal policies, programs and investments to cut pollution and build a stronger, cleaner, more resilient and inclusive economy.
  • We are committed to promoting clean economic growth by helping Canadian businesses take advantage of the massive transition that Canada and the global economy must make to reach the target of net-zero emissions.
  • We are committed to continuing to work with the sector to grow the economy, and to better align climate change objectives, including achieving emissions reductions through innovation across the energy sector. 
Federal support for energy sectorGovernment of Canada investments:
  • $3 billion since 2016 to help Canadian companies innovate, develop new and improved technologies, reduce carbon pollution, strengthen competitiveness and create jobs. This includes investments in things like clean energy, clean hydrogen, carbon capture, use and storage, wind, solar, energy storage and smart grids.
  • Infrastructure improvements to help the transition away from coal, which will make it easier for affordable clean energy.
  • $750 million over five years for Sustainable Development Technology Canada to support startups and scale up companies to enable pre-commercial clean technologies to successfully demonstrate feasibility, as well as support early commercialization efforts.
  • $50 million to invest in technologies and $100 million to leverage private sector co-investments through the Clean Resource Innovation Network – a pan-Canadian network focused on ensuring Canada’s energy resources can be sustainably developed and integrated into the global energy supply.
  • Up to $1.72 billion, including funding to the governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia, and the Alberta Orphan Well Association, to clean up orphan and/or inactive oil and gas wells – creating thousands of jobs and having lasting environmental benefits.
  • Launching a Net-Zero Challenge for large emitters to support Canadian industries in developing and implementing plans to transition their facilities to net-zero emissions by 2050.
  • $3 billion in the Strategic Innovation Fund’s Net-Zero Accelerator Fund to rapidly expedite decarbonization projects with large emitters, scale-up clean technology and accelerate Canada’s industrial transformation across all sectors.
  • $1.5 billion in a Low-carbon and Zero-emissions Fuels Fund to increase the production and use of low-carbon fuels (e.g., hydrogen, biocrude, renewable natural gas and diesel, cellulosic ethanol).
  • $750-million Emission Reduction Funds provides loans for projects that reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions with a focus on methane and supports reducing the greenhouse gas intensity of fuel production.  Projects that entirely eliminate methane have a non-repayable portion.
  
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mr. Marc G. SerréThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views in support of energy policies for Alberta’s Industrial Heartland.The government understands the importance of the region’s natural resources to Canadians, providing jobs and opportunities that contribute to the national economy. While Canada takes climate action, the government recognizes that the energy sector in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland has a significant role to play. A strong energy sector will help to ensure that the environment is protected as it drives economic growth.Ongoing federal support to Alberta’s Industrial Heartland energy sector includes:
  • Investing $1.5 billion in the Low-carbon and Zero-emissions Fuels Fund. This will increase the production and use of low-carbon fuels such as hydrogen, biocrude, renewable natural gas and diesel, and cellulosic ethanol.
  • Developing a carbon capture, utilization and storage strategy to cut industrial emissions. 
  • Unveiling a national Hydrogen Strategy that will cement Canada’s position as a leading global supplier of hydrogen fuels. Vast natural gas and petroleum resources endow Canada with a competitive advantage in the production of clean hydrogen. A growing hydrogen sector also opens the door to new markets for Canada’s conventional energy resources.
  • Advancing plans to eliminate plastic waste in the environment through the circular economy. The knowledge and experience of the petrochemical industry in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland will be instrumental in the development of valuable solutions using plastic waste. Developing the circular economy presents an opportunity for the energy sector to re-imagine its refining capacity.
Alberta’s Industrial Heartland plays an important role in Canada’s sustainable development. There are many positive examples of interrelated industries already working together in the region, benefitting from the Heartland’s unique characteristics, economic opportunities and the high-quality renewable carbon feedstock produced by the energy sector. The Government of Canada will continue to work, alongside the Government of Alberta, with Heartland stakeholders to grow energy-related manufacturing in a way that adds value to the province’s hydrocarbon sector. The government supports its success as Alberta’s Industrial Heartland transitions to an increasingly low-carbon future.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrysta FreelandThe Government of Canada recognizes the importance of Canada’s energy sector, which directly and indirectly supports hundreds of thousands of middle class families and their communities. As the Government of Canada works to rebuild a more sustainable and resilient economy, our industrial advantage will depend on the speed and success of decarbonization efforts, ability to meet the demands of domestic and global consumers for low-carbon goods and services, and efforts to rapidly scale up low-carbon technologies. Canadian workers and businesses are well-positioned to be leaders as we build back to deliver a stronger economy that thrives in a low-carbon world.Support for Energy-Related Manufacturing Canada’s industrial sectors – such as manufacturing, chemicals, cement and oil and gas – play a key role in our economy, and will be vital in the transition towards a net-zero future. Canada’s strengthened climate plan, “A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy”, was announced in December 2020 and contains 64 strengthened and new federal policies, programs and investments to reduce emissions and build a stronger, cleaner, more resilient and inclusive economy. The Plan includes $3 billion for the Strategic Innovation Fund – Net Zero Accelerator to support the adoption and deployment of decarbonization solutions in Canadian industry and $1.5 billion to increase the production and use of low- carbon fuels. A focus of the Government as we transition to a net-zero economy will be on supporting the rapid scale up of existing and new, strategic clean technologies and supporting the market for clean fuels in Canada, including through Canada’s Hydrogen Strategy. The Government is committed to working with Canadian businesses and workers in advancing a net-zero economy. Support for Alberta and the Energy SectorCanada’s strengthened climate plan builds off previous measures targeted at the energy sector as part of the Government’s COVID-19 economic response. Due to the unprecedented challenges for workers and companies in the energy sector as a result of the pandemic, the Government allocated $2.8 billion to support energy sector workers and help the industry reduce its emissions. This includes $750 million for the Emissions Reduction Fund to help oil and gas companies reduce methane emissions, $1.7 billion to the Western provinces and Alberta Orphan Wells Association to support work to clean up orphan and inactive oil and gas wells, and $320 million for Newfoundland and Labrador to support workers in the offshore sector. This funding will sustain jobs in the energy sector, while also supporting the broader energy-related supply chain.Support through Accelerated Capital Cost AllowancesIn the 2018 Fall Economic Statement, the Government introduced the Accelerated Investment Incentive, which provides an enhanced first-year capital cost allowance of up to three times the first-year allowance otherwise available for all businesses, including in the energy sector. For businesses in the manufacturing and processing sector, including energy transformation, the 2018 Fall Economic Statement also announced an enhanced first-year capital cost allowance of 100 per cent for investments in machinery and equipment. These measures will be available for investments that become available for use before 2028, subject to a phase-out starting in 2024.
Response by the Minister of Innovation, Science and IndustrySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable François-Philippe ChampagneThe petrochemicals and energy related manufacturing sectors fulfill a critical function for the country, supporting the Canadians economy and providing a myriad of products. This function, includes providing equipment and products that are vital to our collective efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.The chemicals and advanced manufacturing industry is an important driver for innovation and growth in the Canadian economy. Demand for chemicals will continue to grow in key markets to meet consumer demands for new materials and technologies, while the sector works to minimize environmental impacts and create more circular product lifecycles. Canada has a significant and growing petrochemical sector footprint – driven by a strong productivity advantage and strategic linkages to both upstream and downstream sectors. Investment in the industry and new value chains such as propane to propylene, help complement and support the upstream supply industry.Advanced manufacturing brings together several advanced and clean technologies relevant to the chemical sector to improve productivity, reduce risk, innovate, and generate new income streams. It is playing an important role in transforming Canada's petrochemical sector to achieve greater growth and competitiveness. Programs like the Clean Growth Hub, a unique whole-of-government focal point for clean technology dedicated to helping Canadians navigate federal programs and services, have been a strategic part of government’s approach to connecting these innovators with the support they need to conduct research and demonstration, access new markets, scale up and export. The Government of Canada has implemented a number of initiatives that are available and beneficial to the Alberta Industrial Heartland region. In Budget 2017, the Government of Canada established the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), which supports large-scale, transformative and collaborative projects that help position Canada to prosper in the global knowledge-based economy, particularly in innovative petrochemical and advanced manufacturing projects. Through this program, Canada is providing $49 million to Inter Pipeline, who is constructing a $3.5-billion Heartland Petrochemical Complex in Strathcona County, and another $49 million to the Canada Kuwait Petrochemical Corporation (CKPC), to construct a new $4.5-billion polypropylene complex in Sturgeon County in Alberta. Both the projects would generate significant economic, innovative and public benefits, resulting in the creation of skilled, high-paying jobs, reduced environmental impacts and value-added for regional supply chains.The Government of Canada's Innovation and Skills Plan included the establishment of a number of Economic Strategy Tables (EST) to enable collaboration and support economic growth in six key sectors including the Agrifood EST, the Advanced Manufacturing EST and the Resources of the Future EST. The EST initiative identified opportunities for Canada to become a global competitive force in advanced manufacturing and natural resources through diversifying export market, developing new products and adopting clean technology that will make Canada more productive and attractive.As Canada continues to implement its strengthened Climate Plan, the Alberta Industrial Heartland’s focus on clean tech innovation, job creation and strengthening economic growth will be important. Continued collaboration between the federal, provincial and territorial governments and the private sector will ensure we are able to build a prosperous, greener economy to the benefit of all Canadians. 
AlbertaDepreciation allowanceOil and gas
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00551432-00551 (Natural resources and energy)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABFebruary 23, 2021April 12, 2021February 12, 2021Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, a recent Statistics Canada report highlighted that from mid-May to Mid-October 2020, 81% of excess Canadian deaths of men aged 0 to 45 came from Alberta and British Columbia;Whereas, men are three times more likely to commit suicide with suicide being the second leading cause of death for men aged 15 to 34; Whereas, studies show that more young men die by suicide in a time of societal stress: Whereas, prior to COVID-19, the Alberta economy was already hard-pressed due to an energy downturn, an oil-price war and a federal government that targeted Alberta's natural resource sector and was unwilling to support major pipeline and investment projects; Whereas, Unemployment rates in Alberta have reached more than 11%, with the province having one of the highest unemployment rates in Canada; Whereas, Unemployment, increased drug use, high suicide rates and economic instability have each contributed negatively to Albertan families. Therefore we, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1) Approve shovel-ready construction and development projects across the country, cut red tape and let Albertans get back to work; 2) Actively promote and seek investment in Canada's natural resource sector and ensure that both the Keystone XL and TMX expansion are completed; 3) Encourage and support local communities, families, and organizations who help connect, support, and inspire men; 4) Quickly create the 988 national suicide hotline, which was proposed by the Conservative Party and has received unanimous support from all parties.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mr. Marc G. SerréThe Government of Canada is committed to ensuring the energy and natural resource sectors continue to create and sustain middle-class jobs, prosperity and opportunity across the country. This includes supporting resource communities and workers as they transition to cleaner technologies to help meet Canada’s climate action objectives. The government also supports and promotes the competitiveness of Canadian companies by encouraging investment, opening access to new international markets, and getting resources to those markets.Because of this commitment, the government announced targeted funding to support sectors of the economy affected by the COVID-19 pandemic— including more than $2.8 billion for the oil and gas sector. This support is helping maintain and create approximately 10,000 good jobs, while enhancing the sector’s environmental performance so it can continue to play a key role in Canada’s clean-growth future.Ongoing support to the oil and gas sector includes:
  • Providing up to $1.72 billion to help the governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia clean up orphan and/or inactive oil and gas wells. This support is expected to create thousands of jobs, including an estimated 5,200 in Alberta alone, and provide lasting environmental benefits.
  • Making available up to $750 million through the new Emissions Reduction Fund to lower greenhouse gas emissions in Canada’s oil-and-gas sector, with a focus on methane emissions. The fund includes $75 million to help the offshore oil industry create and maintain jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador through greenhouse gas-reduction efforts.
  • Expanding eligibility of support programs to help Canadian businesses access the financing they need during this period of uncertainty to keep workers on the job.
  • Investing $320 million “to support jobs and ensure a sustainable, long-term, low-emitting future” for Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore oil industry. The investment will help create and sustain jobs in a range of areas: health and safety; maintenance and upgrades of existing offshore infrastructure; research and development; environmental services; and clean technology.
The government continues to support the Canadian energy sector’s competitiveness, working with provinces to unlock the potential of their natural resources. In addition to ongoing investment in and support for the oil and gas sector, the Government of Canada is also working closely with the Government of Alberta to attract foreign investment in projects across the province.The Government of Canada is deeply disappointed in President Biden’s decision to revoke Keystone XL’s permit. Workers in Alberta and across Canada will always have support. That is why the Prime Minister spoke directly with President Biden about the project’s merits immediately after the November election. The Prime Minister expressed Canada’s disappointment in that decision since then, including during the President’s first virtual foreign visit on February 23. The Canadian embassy has for years advocated strongly in KXL’s favour, and Ambassador Hillman and others in the government worked hard – often in concert with the Government of Alberta – to make the case to high-level officials in the incoming administration.While the Government of Canada acknowledges that the President’s decision fulfills an election campaign promise, the government will not waver in its support for Canada’s workers.The Government of Canada remains deeply concerned about all Canadians who have lost their jobs, whether a result of this decision, the pandemic, or other changing economic circumstances. The government continues to support the affected communities, including Indigenous communities that depend on jobs in the energy sector. For generations, important parts of Canada’s economy have been powered by the natural resources sector and its workers. The Government of Canada remains committed to developing natural resources sustainably and to creating good jobs for all Canadians.
Response by the President of the Treasury Board Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): GREG FERGUSThe Government of Canada is committed to reduce the administrative burden on Canadian businesses and industry and improve their competitiveness while continuing to protect Canadians’ health, safety, security, social and economic well-being and the environment. One example of this effort is the one-for-one rule, implemented in 2012, as currently represented in the Red Tape Reduction Act. Its objective is to control the administrative burden that regulations impose on businesses. Since its introduction, annual net burden has been reduced by approximately $58.4 million. Most recently, in the 2019-2020 fiscal year, the net administrative burden imposed on business decreased by $34 million, the largest annual reduction since the introduction of the rule. The Government is undertaking a legislated review of the Red Tape Reduction Act to identify ways to further reduce unnecessary administrative burden on businesses and identify potential improvements to further benefit the Canadian economy. A number of initiatives are underway as part of the Government’s efforts to modernize the regulatory system with an objective to simplify regulations, eliminate regulatory barriers, and encourage innovation. The federal Government’s Targeted Regulatory Reviews are an example of such initiatives. These Reviews examine regulatory requirements and practices that are creating bottlenecks to growth and innovation and identify solutions that support economic development, increase investment, and accommodate emerging technologies and businesses across Canada.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandOn August 30, 2018, the Government of Canada acquired the Trans Mountain Corporation to ensure that the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP) was completed, for the benefit of all Canadians.TMEP as it stands today is very different from the project that Kinder Morgan proposed in 2017. It has been designed to a higher standard for environmental protection, undergone rigorous consultation with Indigenous groups and will support union jobs in B.C. and Alberta. These enhancements have improved TMEP, ensured that construction proceeds in the right way, and that it will support the Canadian economy today and into the future.To date, Trans Mountain and its contractors have hired approximately 10,250 people, of whom;
  • approximately 1,100 are Indigenous people,
  • approximately 4,905 are residents of Alberta; and
  • approximately 4,420 are residents of British Columbia.
Overall, the Government of Canada is working with the Trans Mountain Corporation to ensure the safety of all workers and community members and that construction proceeds as quickly as possible. By moving forward with TMEP, the Government is creating jobs, diversifying markets, accelerating Canada’s clean energy transition, and opening up new avenues for Indigenous economic prosperity.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellAs demonstrated by the unanimous support received, there is great interest in exploring the implementation of a three-digit National Suicide Hotline number in Canada, and the first step to establishing the hotline is a need to gain a better understanding of the regulatory, technological and resource implications.The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is responsible for administrating telecommunication numbers in Canada, including three-digit numbers, and is currently conducting outreach with key stakeholders on the implications of providing such a number as a crisis line. Should the CRTC choose to pursue this matter, it would likely initiate a public proceeding in order to build a fulsome public record in an open and transparent manner. This record could identify potential obstacles and propose solutions to overcoming them. It may also determine whether to assign a three-digit number to access mental health crisis/suicide prevention services in Canada.The Government of Canada recognizes the impact suicide has on families and communities, and working together to connect people to appropriate supports and resources will help to prevent suicide. The Public Health Agency of Canada has facilitated discussions for the CRTC with key stakeholders and other national and regional organizations with a focus on suicide prevention, and feedback from these stakeholders has been supportive. Furthermore, the Government of Canada is investing $21 million over five years to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health to develop, implement, and sustain a pan-Canadian suicide prevention service. The Canada Suicide Prevention Service currently provides people across Canada with suicide prevention crisis support from trained responders via phone (24/7) and text (evenings).
Response by the Minister of Infrastructure and CommunitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Andy FillmoreGiven the significant health and socio-economic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Infrastructure Canada has implemented a number of changes to the existing Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to increase our immediate infrastructure investments while also maintaining the long-term goals of the Investing in Canada plan. Some of these changes include the creation of a new COVID-19 Resilience stream and the temporary expansion of eligibility under the Public Transit, Green Infrastructure, and Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure streams. These changes will see federal support moving out more quickly to communities across the country, including in Alberta.The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Canadians and communities across the country, including Alberta.  Since 2015, Infrastructure Canada has approved 350 projects representing almost $5 billion in federal funding to support a range of investments in communities across Alberta. These investments are supporting public transit investments in Calgary and Edmonton, critical wastewater improvements across the province, including in communities like Vermilion and St. Paul, as well as investment in crucial community and recreational facilities that support communities by providing opportunities for healthy activity and community-building.These community investments support and encourage local communities, families, and organizations to help connect, support and inspire all residents in healthy activities. Investments in community parks in Edmonton, or improvements at Medicine Hat College or the University of Lethbridge to make more inclusive spaces for Indigenous peoples, are all specific examples of these investments at work to support Alberta’s hard working men and women.
Economic slowdownHelp line servicesMenOil and gasPipeline transportation
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00550432-00550 (Natural resources and energy)GeraldSorokaYellowheadConservativeABFebruary 23, 2021April 12, 2021February 13, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Asia is the main consumer of thermal coal of over 3 billion tons per year to generate electricity. Whereas, China will be phasing out thermal coal for electricity by 2050 to reach carbon neutral by 2060.Whereas, for the next thirty years China will be purchasing coal from many different countries with different degrees of quality, sulfur content, environmental and labour standards. Whereas, Alberta mines thermal coal with very low sulfur content with the highest environmental and labour standards in the world. This thermal coal is for export and not for domestic use. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation: 1. Keep mining thermal coal in Alberta because it has the highest environmental and labour standards with very low sulfur content, thus giving China access to better coal to lower their environmental footprint as they eliminate thermal coal for the electrical generation.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSONCanada is launching a strategic assessment under the Impact Assessment Act to solicit feedback on policy considerations related to thermal coal mining and to consider the future of new and significantly expanded thermal coal mine projects in Canada under federal review.The strategic assessment will include, but not be limited to:
  • Environmental and health impacts of thermal coal mining and end use of thermal coal such as the impacts on air, water, wildlife, greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, and related health impacts.
  • Market analysis of projected demand for thermal coal. This will include an overview of Canada’s current and proposed thermal coal mines, an assessment of the economic importance of the thermal coal mining sector in Canada, and projections of future domestic and global demand for thermal coal mined in Canada.
  • The use of thermal coal, including the export of thermal coal and its impact on Canada’s international commitments and initiatives. This strategic assessment will consider the implications of thermal coal mining and export on Canada’s related domestic and international policies, commitments and objectives, including the Powering Past Coal Alliance.
A committee of government officials, led by Environment and Climate Change Canada in collaboration with the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, Natural Resources Canada and Global Affairs Canada, will conduct the strategic assessment of thermal coal mining.In conducting the strategic assessment, the committee will:
  • Conduct engagement sessions with key stakeholders;
  • Engage with Indigenous groups throughout the process;
  • Provide an opportunity for the public to comment on a draft strategic assessment of thermal coal mining; and,
  • Publish a final strategic assessment of thermal coal mining.
We intend to be in a position to have that conversation with Canadians completed, hopefully by the end of this year, with the publication of a final report in 2022. 
AlbertaCoalExportsMining industry
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00549432-00549 (Natural resources and energy)GeraldSorokaYellowheadConservativeABFebruary 23, 2021April 12, 2021February 15, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, the demand and the need for oil and gas in Canada is still many years away from being eliminated. Whereas, Alberta and Western Canada produces the most environmental oil and gas with the highest labour standards compared to other countries.Whereas, Canadians should be only using oil and gas from Alberta and Western Canada before importing any other country. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Eliminate all importation of foreign oil and gas into Canada within the next five years; thus, creating more jobs and building a better economy.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mr. Marc G. SerréThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views regarding Western Canada’s petroleum industry.Crude oil is a globally-traded commodity for which purchasing decisions are dictated by supply and demand fundamentals. Canada’s market-based energy framework allows the private sector to determine crude oil and petroleum product flows. Companies make their own decisions on market conditions. Canada’s energy policies are firmly rooted on the principle that well-functioning markets are the best way to direct investment and production decisions. Limiting refineries’ ability to access global crude sources would go against this principle.Decisions pertaining to the purchase of crude oil by refineries depend on the price and availability on the global market, as well as choosing the type of crude oil that is well suited for their specific refinery configuration and operating requirements. Due to the cost to transport Western Canadian crude to Eastern Canada, Eastern Canadian refineries choose to import foreign crude oil as it is more economical. In 2020, Canadian refineries imported 600,000 barrels per day of crude oil. Seventy-one percent of Canadian crude oil imports came from the U.S., which is the result of having an integrated energy market. This trade helps to ensure that adequate supplies are available at the lowest cost for consumers.In recent years, Eastern refineries have had increasing access to domestic crude sources. The reversal of Enbridge Line 9 pipeline has enabled the flow of 300,000 barrels per day of crude oil to refineries in Quebec. To ensure access for Eastern refiners to domestic crude sources, the Government of Canada is supporting the replacement of Enbridge’s Line 3 pipeline, as well as advocating for maintaining operations on Enbridge’s Line 5, which supplies refineries in Ontario, Quebec and neighbouring U.S. states. Refineries on the East Coast also have access to offshore oil produced in Newfoundland and Labrador, which increased with the coming into service of the Hebron project, an offshore oil field estimated to contain more than 700 million barrels of recoverable resources.In 2020, the Government of Canada provided more than $2.8 billion to support the petroleum sector during theCOVID-19 pandemic, including $1.7 billion for orphan and abandoned well reclamation in Western Canada. This funding is helping to retain and create approximately 10,000 well-paying jobs while enhancing the sector’s environmental performance so it can continue to play a key role in Canada’s clean-growth future.As noted by the undersigned, it is anticipated that Canadian oil and gas will play a key role in supplying to the world’s future energy needs, even as many countries commit to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The government supports international market access for Canadian oil. The government is taking action to ensure that new infrastructure is built, including by committing resources to continue construction of the Trans Mountain Expansion project since purchasing it in 2018.The Government of Canada also recognize that the Canadian oil and gas sector has made strides in reducing its emissions, achieving a 36 percent reduction per barrel in 2018 compared to 2000 levels. The government will continue to support oil and gas decarbonization through its funding programs, which include the Clean Growth Hub, the Strategic Innovation Fund’s Net-Zero Accelerator Program and the Emissions Reductions Fund.
ImportsOil and gas
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021e-2467e-2467 (Health)NadineBelzileStevenMacKinnonGatineauLiberalQCOctober 7, 2020, at 12:12 p.m. (EDT)February 4, 2021, at 12:12 p.m. (EDT)February 23, 2021April 12, 2021February 4, 2021Petition to <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">the Government of Canada </Addressee>Whereas:There are more than 3,000 stillbirths in Canada each year, and at least 30% of these babies could be saved;Stillbirths are 16 times more common than cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS);Stillbirth is a neglected, invisible public health issue that is not addressed by current public policies;The stillbirth rate in Canada is 3.1 per 1,000 births, and has been stagnant for more than 20 years, while the rate in the Netherlands decreased by 52% to reach 1.8;The United Kingdom and Scotland have programs in place that have successfully reduced the number of stillbirths by 20%;The Government of Australia is developing a national action plan further to recommendations from a senate committee that studied the matter in 2018; and The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada recommends that all pregnant women be informed of the importance of fetal movement during the third trimester. We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to follow the lead of the aforementioned countries and put in place:1. A national committee to study stillbirth in Canada as a public health issue and to make recommendations for reducing the number of cases; and 2. A national awareness campaign, similar to the one for SIDS, to inform pregnant women of the risk of stillbirth and the importance of fetal movement during the third trimester.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellThe Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) agrees with the importance of providing information and guidance in relation to the risk of stillbirth. We also recognize that, over the past century, advancements in maternity care have significantly reduced the stillbirth rate in Canada.To contribute to this effort, PHAC supports initiatives that promote positive pregnancy and birth outcomes for families, such as the development and dissemination of the Family-Centred Maternity and Newborn Care National Guidelines. These guidelines address the importance of health care providers educating families on strategies to improve birth outcomes, for example the importance of fetal movement, and the importance of fetal movement counting in specific situations. The guidelines also place a large emphasis on providing family-centred care should a perinatal loss unfortunately occur, including stillbirth. In addition to developing and disseminating guidance and information on this issue, PHAC funds the community-based Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP), which reaches over 45,000 participants each year across Canada. The CPNP aims to help improve the health outcomes during pregnancy for new parents and their babies, particularly those who face challenges that put their health at risk, such as poverty, teen pregnancy, social and geographic isolation, substance use or family violence.PHAC will continue to monitor this issue and take steps to support awareness, where possible, including consideration of additional communication opportunities going forward. 
Information disseminationPublic healthStillbirth
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00547432-00547 (Indigenous affairs)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCFebruary 23, 2021April 12, 2021February 28, 2020PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • Canadian constitutional law is accountable to the human rights obligations outlined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples;
  • Canada has also committed to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action;
  • The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has called on Canada to:
    • immediately suspend work on the Coastal GasLink pipeline until free, prior, and informed consent is obtained from Indigenous Peoples;
    • Immediately cease the forced eviction of Wet'suwet'en Peoples;
    • Prohibit the use of lethal weapons against Indigenous Peoples and guarantee no force will be used against them;
    • Withdraw the RCMP and associated security and policing services, from traditional lands;
  • Hereditary Chiefs have the right to grant consent, or not, for activities on their territories; and,
  • The Coastal GasLink project has the potential to release massive amounts of methane through the extraction, transport, liquefaction and regasification processes
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to:
  • Commit to upholding the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action by immediately:
    • Halting all existing and planned construction of the Coastal GasLink project on Wet'suwet'en territory;
    • Ordering the RCMP to dismantle their exclusion zone and stand down;
    • Schedule nation-to-nation talks between the Wet'suwet'en Nation and federal and provincial governments; and,
    • Prioritize the real implementation of UNDRIP.
Response by the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Gary AnandasangareeThe Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations (CIR) would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their interest in the Wet’suwet’en Nation` and Coastal GasLink pipeline project. The Government endorsed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples without qualification in 2016 and is committed to its full implementation in partnership with Indigenous peoples. On December 3, 2020, the Ministers of Justice and CIR introduced to Parliament Bill C-15 – An Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.The Minister of CIR and the British Columbia Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation met with the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs between February 27 and 29, 2020. These talks focused on two separate topics: the recognition of Wet’suwet’en Aboriginal rights and title throughout their territory and the issues arising out of the Coastal GasLink project. These topics were discussed separately. The Coastal GasLink pipeline remains entirely within provincial jurisdiction.Canada, British Columbia, and the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on May 14, 2020. This MOU establishes a path forward for discussions toward substantive agreements that would describe future governance and the implementation of Wet’suwet’en rights and title. These nation-to-nation talks have been ongoing.The Government is committed to reconciliation with all Indigenous peoples, including the Wet’suwet’en Nation.
Coastal GasLink Pipeline ProjectIndigenous rightsWet'suwet'en First Nation
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00546432-00546 (Natural resources and energy)GregMcLeanCalgary CentreConservativeABFebruary 23, 2021April 12, 2021February 15, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, Canadian oil and gas producers are global environmental leaders;Whereas, Canadian oil is produced to the highest environmental standards in the world, and the Government needs to acknowledge the industry's pioneering efforts.Whereas, Oil sands producers reduced GHG emissions intensity by 28% from 2000 to 2017. Whereas, Oil & Gas is Canada's leading export and the number one private sector investor in the Canadian economy, representing 5.4% of Canada's GDP.Whereas, Oil sands producers have spent $13 billion with Indigenous-owned businesses since 2012, including a record $2.1 billion in 2018.Whereas, The Trans Mountain Expansion Project provided almost 8,000 jobs and contributed $76 million in personal, corporate, and sales tax. At its peak, the Project will employ 17,050 Canadian workers. Whereas, Trans Mountain Expansion was needed yesterday to get our resources to market. The continued uncertainty of Canada's ability to get our energy products to tidewater erodes global trust in Canada's energy sector.Whereas, The Fraser Institute indicates that Canada loses $16 billion annually because of lack of access to diverse markets for our oil. And the Parliamentary Budget Officer identifies that the Trans Mountain Expansion Project will mitigate this loss by $6 billion annually.Whereas, pipelines are the safest way and cleanest way to transport oil and gas;Therefore we, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to expedite the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mr. Marc G. SerréThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views regarding the Trans Mountain Expansion (TMX) project.The government recognizes that TMX is in the public interest and is important to Canada’s economic future. It will help producers find new markets beyond the United States, and in the process get a fair price for their petroleum products. It will also create or support good, middle-class jobs in Canada. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has demonstrated that investment in oil and gas projects is part of the rapid clean energy transition, and supports Canada’s climate change goals.Construction has continued during the COVID-19 pandemic, in full compliance with public health orders and directives. All necessary health and safety measures are in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among workers and communities. Construction is well underway across British Columbia and Alberta, creating 7,300 middle-class jobs -- including nearly 1,000 for Indigenous workers. As of February 23, 2021, approximately 120 kilometres of new pipeline have been installed since the Government of Canada’s approval of TMX. The projected in-service date is December 31, 2022.The government remains committed to ensuring the project proceeds towards completion, while ensuring that the work meets all engineering, safety and environmental requirements. The Government of Canada will collaborate with all levels of government, Indigenous communities and the Trans Mountain Corporation to ensure that all necessary permits and regulatory authorizations are in place. To date, the Government of Canada and the governments of British Columbia and Alberta have issued approximately 90 percent of all necessary federal and provincial permits needed to allow construction to move towards completion in a safe and environmentally sound manner.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about the importance of the oil and gas sector to the Canadian economy as well as views on expediting the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP).The environment and the economy go hand-in-hand. When we create prosperity today, we can invest in the clean jobs, technologies, and infrastructure of the future — and help Canadians benefit from opportunities presented by a rapidly changing economy.The key to creating prosperity is finding new markets for our businesses to sell their products and services. Nowhere is the need to diversify greater than for our energy sector, where 99 per cent of our conventional resources are sold to one market — and often at large discounts. Canadians understand that we need to open up new international markets, in order to get a full and fair price, support workers and their families, and foster competitiveness.The Government is confident that the TMEP will generate a positive return for Canadians.TMEP as it stands today is very different from the project that Kinder Morgan proposed in 2017. It has been designed to a higher standard for environmental protection, undergone rigorous consultation with Indigenous groups and will support union jobs in B.C. and Alberta. These enhancements have improved TMEP, ensured that construction proceeds in the right way, and that it will support the Canadian economy today and into the future.The Government also announced that every dollar the federal government earns from TMEP will be invested in Canada’s clean energy transition. It is estimated that additional tax revenues from TMEP alone could generate $500 million per year once the project has been completed. This money will be invested in clean energy projects that will power our homes, businesses, and communities for generations to come.
Oil and gasTrans Mountain pipeline
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00545432-00545 (Taxation)GregMcLeanCalgary CentreConservativeABFebruary 23, 2021April 12, 2021February 12, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, the current pandemic is causing significant disruptions to business models; Whereas, during the 2019 Federal election, then federal environment minister said the carbon tax would be frozen at $50 a tonne annually as of 2022;Whereas, the Liberal Government has repeatedly told Canadians that the Carbon Tax would be revenue neutral for most taxpayers;Whereas, low- and middle-income Canadians are already overtaxed;Whereas, the first-ever annual carbon tax revenue report indicates tax collections were as much as 21% higher than rebates paid to taxpayers in four provinces - Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick;Whereas, the 'A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy' plan now proposes to increase the Carbon Tax to $170 per tonne as of 2030.Therefore we, the undersigned, Citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to keep its promise to Canadians and not increase the Carbon Tax beyond $50 per tonne.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada knows that climate change presents a threat to our long-term health and economic prosperity. Even in these challenging times, good environmental policy and addressing climate change matter.Putting a price on pollution is an important part of Canada’s future, and the Government is doing this in a way that maintains affordability for households and ensures the competitiveness of Canadian companies. All of the direct proceeds generated by the federal pollution pricing system are returned to the province or territory of origin.  The price on pollution is revenue neutral to the federal government.In jurisdictions that have not proposed their own fuel charge consistent with the federal benchmark criteria – Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta – the federal price on pollution is in place. In those provinces, approximately 90 percent of direct proceeds from the fuel charge are returned to residents of those provinces through Climate Action Incentive payments. Most households get more in Climate Action Incentive payments than the increased costs they face from the federal pollution pricing system. The remaining fuel charge proceeds are used to support small businesses, schools, universities, municipalities, and Indigenous groups.Our Government will continue to take further action as required to ensure that the health of Canadians is protected, that families and businesses are supported, and that our economy remains strong in the face of uncertainty.To this end, our Government recently proposed to increase the price on pollution through to 2030, and will continue to provide support to Canadians so that the majority of households will continue to be better off. Going forward, the federal price will continue to be revenue neutral for the Government of Canada, and we remain committed to ensuring that the federal price on pollution remains affordable, and to helping households to make investments to increase energy efficiency and further reduce emissions.Continuing to increase the price on pollution is a central part of our proposal for a strengthened climate plan. Pollution pricing can help us achieve our environmental goals and economic ambitions at the same time.
Carbon pricingCarbon tax
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00544432-00544 (Environment)GregMcLeanCalgary CentreConservativeABFebruary 23, 2021April 12, 2021February 12, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, the reduction of global net carbon emissions is a critical endeavor in our fight against climate change;Whereas, the Liberal Government committed to net-zero emissions by 2050;Whereas, the Liberal Government committed to exceed Canada's 2030 goal by introducing new carbon reducing measures;Whereas, Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) is a leading measure to reduce global carbon emissions.Therefore we, the undersigned, Citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to introduce new tax incentives to attract CCUS investment to Canada.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada recognizes the importance of accelerating action to fight climate change. As the Government of Canada works to rebuild a more sustainable and resilient economy, it will examine whether a proposed tax incentive for Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) should be considered in the context of its environmental and fiscal priorities.Strengthened Climate PlanCanada’s strengthened climate plan, “A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy”, was announced in December 2020. It proposes measures to cut energy waste, provide clean and affordable transportation and power, build Canada’s clean industrial advantage, and support nature based climate solutions. It also proposes to put a rising price on pollution through to 2030. The plan is supported by an initial $15 billion in investments that will create jobs, grow the middle class, and support workers in a stronger and cleaner economy. This is in addition to the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s $6 billion for clean infrastructure that was announced in the fall.CCUS technologies will play a role in helping Canada exceed its 2030 Paris Agreement emissions reductions target. Under the proposed strengthened climate plan, CCUS projects can benefit from credits that are generated under pollution pricing regimes, and the Clean Fuel Standard if projects reduce the carbon intensity of fuels for fuel suppliers. The plan also provides direct support that may be available for CCUS investments through a new Net Zero Accelerator that will provide $3 billion over five years via the Strategic Innovation Fund. The fund is expected to face high demand as it aims to rapidly expedite decarbonization projects with large emitters, scale-up clean technology, and accelerate Canada’s industrial transformation across all sectors. Certain projects could also be complemented by funding under the $1.5 billion Low-carbon and Zero-emissions Fuels Fund to increase the production and use of low-carbon fuels. As well, investments by Sustainable Development Technology Canada will support further advancement of pre-commercial clean technologies.As announced in the strengthened climate plan, the Government proposes to develop a comprehensive CCUS strategy and explore other opportunities to help keep Canada globally competitive in this growing industry. It is important that governments continue to work with stakeholders to determine the best approach to leveraging this technology in Canada.Tax SupportThe Accelerated Investment Incentive that was announced in the 2018 Fall Economic Statement provides an enhanced first-year allowance for certain eligible property that is subject to Capital Cost Allowance rules. CCUS projects are typically capital intensive and can benefit from a more rapid expensing of capital for the purpose of calculating business income tax. The incentive applies to property acquired after November 20, 2018, and that is available for use before 2028. A phase-out will begin for property that becomes available for use after 2023.Support for Sectors Reducing EmissionsThe Government of Canada has also announced support for high emitting sectors of the economy to assist them with their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As part of the Government’s COVID economic response plan, $2.8 billion has been allocated for the energy sector to support workers and reduce emissions. This includes $750 million for the Emissions Reduction Fund to help oil and gas companies reduce methane emissions, $1.7 billion to the Western provinces and the Alberta Orphan Wells Association to support work to clean up orphan and inactive oil and gas wells, and $320 million for Newfoundland and Labrador to support workers in the offshore sector. This funding will sustain jobs in the energy sector while cleaning up the environment. In addition, the Government has committed $185 million to support communities and workers affected by the phase out of coal-fired electricity through measures aimed at skills development and economic diversification.
Carbon capture, utilization and storageForeign investments in CanadaTax measures
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00543432-00543 (Infrastructure)ScotDavidsonYork—SimcoeConservativeONFebruary 23, 2021April 12, 2021January 27, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS
  • The Pefferlaw Dam in Pefferlaw, Ontario was constructed across the Pefferlaw River in the 1820s and has become a local landmark, contributing to the distinct charm and character of the area;
  • The Dam's structure has deteriorated and been deemed “unsafe' by the Lake Simcoe Regional Conservation Authority, and requires significant rehabilitation and repair;
  • The local ecosystem will be drastically affected by changes to the water flow and other impacts related to the Dam's deterioration; and
  • The Pefferlaw Dam has cultural, historical, environmental, economic and recreational significance to the residents and visitors of Pefferlaw, Ontario.
We, the undersigned, residents of Pefferlaw and other concerned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to partner with the Government of Ontario and provide the federal funding required to rehabilitate the Pefferlaw Dam.
Response by the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic DevelopmentSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Andy FillmoreThe Government of Canada is providing over $11.8 billion in federal funding for  infrastructure projects in Ontario under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). This funding will see the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario make unprecedented investments in public transit, green infrastructure, communities, recreational and cultural infrastructure, and in rural and northern communities.Under the Integrated Bilateral Agreement struck to implement ICIP, proposed projects must first be prioritized by the Province of Ontario before they are submitted to Infrastructure Canada for funding consideration. Infrastructure Canada has not received an application from Ontario for the rehabilitation of the Pefferlaw Dam, which may be eligible under the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of ICIP.The rehabilitation of the Pefferlaw Dam may also be eligible under the federal Gas Tax Fund if the Town of Georgina, as the Ultimate Recipient under the program, chooses to apply its allocation to this project.
Maintenance, repair and renovation servicesPefferlaw Dam
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021e-3039e-3039 (Foreign affairs)RimzyKuthubdeenSalmaZahidScarborough CentreLiberalONDecember 16, 2020, at 2:04 p.m. (EDT)February 14, 2021, at 2:04 p.m. (EDT)February 23, 2021April 12, 2021February 15, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="253367" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The Government of Sri Lanka mandated an exclusive cremation order on all deceased persons attributed to the COVID-19 virus;This order has been arbitrarily introduced, with no scientific evidence, and is contrary to the guidelines issued by the World Health Organization (WHO);Canadians of Sri Lankan origin are raising this concern and are resonating the worldwide outcry against this act of forced cremation.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada of Sri Lankan origin, call upon the Government of Canada to communicate via formal channels and request the Sri Lankan government to honour the religious and cultural sentiments of Muslim and Christian minority communities by restoring them the basic human right of burial of victims of COVID-19 within the guidelines of the WHO.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms are an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and Canada has long advocated for the global protection of freedom of religion or belief, including the rights of faith and belief minorities. In this regard, Canada has engaged directly with the Government of Sri Lanka to express its concern regarding reports of forced cremation of those deceased from COVID-19, a decision that has disproportionately affected the minority Muslim community.As member of the Core Group responsible for United Nations Human Rights Council resolutions on Sri Lanka, Canada has consistently expressed concern over the targeting of minorities and marginalization of minority groups in the pandemic response. At the Council’s 44th session (June 2020), the Core Group reiterated that extraordinary measures to tackle COVID-19 should not be used to roll back human rights, including freedom of religion and belief.At the Council’s 46th session (February-March 2021), Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs highlighted Sri Lanka’s deteriorating human rights situation and Canada’s Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that Sri Lanka’s forced cremation policy would fuel further divisions. At the Session, through Core Group efforts, the Council adopted a new resolution which advances accountability in Sri Lanka by mandating the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights ‘to collect, consolidate, analyse and preserve information and evidence’ of gross violations of human rights and humanitarian law. The continued reporting and the attention of the UNHRC will assist in monitoring ongoing human rights concerns in the country.Although Sri Lanka has revoked its policy of forced cremation for those deceased from COVID-19, Canada will monitor the implementation of new burial measures to ensure that the rights of religious minorities are respected, consistent with World Health Organization guidelines. Further, Canada will continue to urge the Government of Sri Lanka to uphold its human rights obligations, end impunity and undertake a comprehensive accountability process for all violations and abuses of human rights.
COVID-19Deaths and funeralsForeign policyPandemicSri Lanka
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00541432-00541 (Natural resources and energy)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservativeABFebruary 23, 2021April 12, 2021February 12, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, the actions of the Government led by former Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau through the National Energy Program led to an intentional systematic assault on Alberta's ability to operate as an equal partner in the Canadian Federation, and further that those actions had a detrimental economic and societal impact on Alberta and its population that persist today. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Have the current Prime Minister of Canada apologize for the actions of Former Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau and his Governments destructive the National Energy Program; 2. Affirm the rights of provinces to develop, manage, and market their natural resources.
Response by the President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Kevin LamoureuxThe Government of Canada recognizes that Alberta is indispensable to the social and economic fabric of Canada and it is committed to supporting Alberta families, workers and businesses.The Government of Canada is committed to fostering productive relationships with all provinces and territories, including Alberta.The Prime Minister has appointed the Honourable Jim Carr as Special Representative for the Prairies.Minister Carr’s mandate notably includes maintaining open and collaborative relationships with the Prairie provinces, with the goal of working together to serve and improve the lives of all Canadians.The Government recognizes that Albertans have faced economic challenges in recent years due to declines in commodity prices and limited capacity to export products, including oil.The Government took significant action to assist Alberta’s economy with the 2018 purchase of Trans Mountain Corporation, which is overseeing the completion of the Trans Mountain Expansion project, which will significantly increase Alberta’s oil export capacity.We are committed to get Canadian resources to new markets, and offer unwavering support to those in Canada’s natural resource sectors who have faced tough times recently.The Government of Canada has also worked very closely with the Government of Alberta to manage the current COVID-19 situation in a number of areas. The Government of Canada is providing support to Albertans and Alberta businesses, including the oil and gas industry.The Government recognizes that energy-producing regions are facing the compounding challenges ofCOVID-19 and the shock to oil prices. In addition to a range of programs to support individuals and businesses, the Government of Canada has notably provided $1 billion to the Government of Alberta to support the province’s work to clean up inactive oil and gas wells across the province and $200 million to the Alberta Orphan Wells Association to support its work to clean up orphan oil and gas wells and well sites across Alberta.We know that Canada only succeeds when every region and province – including Alberta – succeeds.
Industrial policyOfficial apologyOil and gasProvincial jurisdiction
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00540432-00540 (Parliament and politics)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservativeABFebruary 23, 2021April 12, 2021February 15, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, the Government through rhetoric, policy, action, and inaction has led to a national unity crisis. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government to take the following actions to address the situation:1. That the Government take responsibly for creating a national unity crisis; and2. That the Government ensure that there are no bureaucratic or legislative roadblocks for provinces who wish to exercise their constitutionally allowed measures of autonomy.
Response by the President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Kevin LamoureuxNational unity is of paramount importance. The Government of Canada is committed to a united Canada and to ensuring that the federal government works for all Canadians. The Government of Canada is committed to fostering productive and collaborative relationships with all provinces and territories and to respecting the Constitutional division of powers to allow all orders of government to act within their areas of jurisdiction.
Government accountabilityNational unityProvincial jurisdiction
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00539432-00539 (Natural resources and energy)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservativeABFebruary 23, 2021April 12, 2021February 15, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, Alberta has faced systemic economic discrimination against its people and interests by Governments and ideologies that advocate for the shutting down or phasing out of Alberta's energy infrastructure. The consequences of these actions have been the loss of wealth, prosperity, opportunity, wellness, and the ability for Alberta to operate as an equal partner in confederation; Whereas, Albertans cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing discrimination against its people, lands, and resources; Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize Alberta's place as an equal partner in the federation. 2. Remove any barriers to Alberta being able to develop its resources without interference. 3. Ensure unfettered access to international markets for those resources.
Response by the Prime MinisterSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Kevin LamoureuxThe Government of Canada recognizes that Alberta is indispensable to the social and economic fabric of Canada and it is committed to supporting Alberta families, workers and businesses. The Government provides significant financial support to all provinces and territories to support social programs. In 2021-22, Alberta will receive $6.8 billion through major transfers to help pay for health care, education and other social services.  The Government of Canada is committed to fostering productive relationships with all provinces and territories, including Alberta.The Prime Minister has appointed the Honourable Jim Carr as Special Representative for the Prairies.Minister Carr’s mandate notably includes maintaining open and collaborative relationships with the Prairie provinces, with the goal of working together to serve and improve the lives of all Canadians.The Government recognizes that Albertans have faced economic challenges in recent years due to declines in commodity prices and limited capacity to export products, including oil.The Government took significant action to assist Alberta’s economy with the 2018 purchase of Trans Mountain Corporation, which is overseeing the completion of the Trans Mountain Expansion project, which will significantly increase Alberta’s oil export capacity.We are committed to get Canadian resources to new markets, and offer unwavering support to those in Canada’s natural resource sectors who have faced tough times recently.The Government of Canada has also worked very closely with the Government of Alberta to manage the current COVID-19 situation in a number of areas. The Government of Canada is providing support to Albertans and Alberta businesses, including the oil and gas industry.The Government recognizes that energy-producing regions are facing the compounding challenges of  COVID-19 and the shock to oil prices. In addition to a range of programs to support individuals and businesses, the Government of Canada has notably provided $1 billion to the Government of Alberta to support the province’s work to clean up inactive oil and gas wells across the province and $200 million to the Alberta Orphan Wells Association to support its work to clean up orphan oil and gas wells and well sites across Alberta.We know that Canada only succeeds when every region and province – including Alberta – succeeds.
AlbertaEnergy and fuelFederal-provincial-territorial relationsMarket access
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00538432-00538 (Justice)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservativeABFebruary 23, 2021April 12, 2021February 12, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, property rights are not clearly outlined in Canada's Constitution and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, therefore leading to a clear and obvious lack of ability for citizens to be protected by measures that exist to protect other fundamental rights. Whereas, this exclusion has led to the systematic discrimination against citizens; including landowners, first nations people, minority law abiding firearms owners, and others subject to unfair legislative practises. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government to take the following actions to address the situation:1. That the Government should seek the agreement of the provinces to amend the Constitution to include property rights; and2. That the Government should also take steps to enact legislation to ensure that full, just, and timely compensation will be paid to all persons who are deprived of personal or private property as a result of any federal government initiative, policy, process, regulation or legislation.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiDuring the negotiations and debates prior to the adoption of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982 (which forms part of the Constitution of Canada), it was decided that the final text would not contain a constitutionally-protected right to property. Provinces expressed concerns that property rights would interfere with their authority to make laws relating to property and civil rights as provided for under the Constitution Act, 1867. The Government also notes that the Canadian Bill of Rights, which was adopted by Parliament in 1960, remains in force and is treated by the courts as having "quasi-constitutional" status. Subsection 1(a) protects the right of individuals to the enjoyment of property and the right not to be deprived of that right without due process of law.If a federal law cannot be sensibly construed and applied so that it does not abrogate, abridge or infringe the rights and freedoms recognized and declared by the Canadian Bill of Rights, then such law is inoperative unless Parliament has expressly declared that it shall operate notwithstanding the Canadian Bill of Rights.
ConstitutionGovernment compensationProperty rights
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00537432-00537 (Taxation)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservativeABFebruary 23, 2021April 12, 2021February 12, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, the current Government's refusal to work with Provinces to amend the equalization formula has contributed to a national unity crisis, whereas Alberta has historically made an oversized contribution to Canada's economic well being, and that the recent global market challenges affecting Alberta's oil and gas industry have been exacerbated by the actions of the current Government; Whereas, the current equalization formula is not responsive to the fiscal and economic realities facing Alberta and other regions of the country that are resource dependant; Whereas, the current formula fails to acknowledge the need for jurisdictions that are long term net recipients of equalization to undertake meaningful economic development and ensure that their actions do not restrict the economic success of other jurisdictions; Whereas, the measures the Government announced in the 2020 Speech from the Throne are wholly insufficient to address the scope of the challenges faced by affected provinces.Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government to take the following actions to address the situation:1. That the Government immediately increase and backdate the Fiscal Stabilization Program; and 2. That the Government commit to working with provinces to address the current inequities that exist in the Equalization Formula.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government recognizes that Alberta is indispensable to the social and economic fabric of Canada and it is committed to supporting Alberta families, workers and businesses.  The Government provides significant financial support to all provinces and territories to support social programs.  In 2021-22, Alberta will receive $6.8 billion through major transfers to help pay for health care, education and other social services.In addition to the funding regularly provided to provinces and territories through major transfers, the Government has announced significant direct support for provinces and territories to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, with over $24 billion made available at the time of the Fall Economic Statement 2020, of this amount, Alberta received more than $1.9 billion.  Moreover, thanks as well to the unprecedented investment by the federal government to help stabilize the economy with broad measures to support businesses and individuals, provincial and territorial tax bases will benefit from the economic effects of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, Canada Emergency Business Account and other programs.Equalization is the Government of Canada’s transfer program used to reduce fiscal disparities among provinces.  The principle of Equalization is set out in the Constitution, namely “to ensure that provincial governments have sufficient revenues to provide reasonably comparable levels of public services at reasonably comparable levels of taxation.”  Since its inception in 1957, the Equalization program has provided benefits at some point in time to every province in Canada. Equalization is funded entirely by the federal government from general revenues; provincial governments make no contributions to the Equalization program. The allocation of Equalization payments is based on a measure of fiscal capacity, which represents the revenues a province could raise if it were to tax at the national average tax rate.  Equalization supports provinces that have a lower-than-average ability to raise revenues by filling the gap between a province’s fiscal capacity and the national average fiscal capacity.  Alberta does not receive Equalization because it has a higher-than-average ability to raise revenues, despite its recent economic challenges.  Equalization reduces, but does not eliminate fiscal disparities; the fiscal capacities of non-receiving provinces remain above the national average. Equalization payments are calculated according to a formula set out in the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Actand in regulations made under the Act.  The legislation governing the Equalization program is reviewed on a periodic basis to ensure the program is meeting its objectives and using the most up-to-date and accurate measures in the determination of provincial entitlements.  The federal government consults regularly with provincial governments as part of the review process.  For example, regular working level meetings were held between federal and provincial officials to discuss the 2019 renewal of Equalization.  Provinces were also consulted on the renewal at the December 2017 Federal-Provincial-Territorial Finance Ministers’ Meeting.  Equalization was renewed for a five-year period beginning April 1, 2019 through the Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No. 1, which received Royal Assent on June 21, 2018.  Improvements to the accuracy and efficiency of the calculation of entitlements were made through amendments to the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Regulations, 2007, which were published in the Canada Gazette Part II, Vol. 152, No. 14 on July 11, 2018.  The Government of Canada will continue to work collaboratively with all provinces on Equalization in the lead-up to the next renewal of the program, which must take place before March 31, 2024.Another program – the Fiscal Stabilization Program – provides financial assistance to provinces in the event of sudden, significant declines in revenues, even if the province does not qualify for Equalization.  The program provides financial assistance to any province faced with a year-over-year decrease of more than 5 per cent in its non-resource revenues or of more than 50 per cent in its resource revenues, with adjustments for interactions between the revenue sources.  Payments are currently capped at $60 per person for a given fiscal year.The Fiscal Stabilization program was last reviewed in 1995 and, following calls from provincial and territorial governments and academics for the program to be modernized, the federal government is proposing reforms as announced in the Fall Economic Statement 2020.Specifically, the federal government is proposing to index the maximum payment of $60 per capita, which was set in 1987, to total Canadian economic growth per person since that time.  This means that the cap would nearly triple to about $170 per person in 2019-20 and 2020-21, and would grow thereafter in line with Canadian economic growth per person.  In years when the economy declines, the cap would remain at its preceding year’s level.  The Minister of Finance would retain the discretion to extend interest-free loans for eligible revenue declines above the cap, if requested by a province.  In addition, the federal government is proposing technical changes to modernize and simplify the program.  The higher cap would apply to 2019-20 Stabilization claims and onward and could provide billions in additional support to provinces for revenue declines experienced in 2020-21.  For Alberta in particular, the maximum payment for 2020-21 is projected to rise from $265 million to $752 million as a result of this change.  These changes would make the Fiscal Stabilization program more generous when provinces need help the most.The Government recognizes that energy-producing regions are facing the compounding challenges of COVID-19 and the shock to oil prices.  The federal government has therefore announced significant funding to assist oil-producing provinces, including:
  • $1 billion to Alberta;
  • $400 million to Saskatchewan;
  • $320 million to Newfoundland and Labrador; and
  • A fully-repayable loan of $200 million to the Alberta Orphan Well Association, to clean up orphan and inactive oil and gas wells. 
In addition, the federal government is providing support to conventional and offshore oil and gas companies through the Emissions Reduction Fund.
Equalization formulaFederal-provincial-territorial fiscal arrangementsFiscal Stabilization Program
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00536432-00536 (Parliament and politics)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservativeABFebruary 23, 2021April 12, 2021February 15, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, certain regions and provinces of our country face underrepresentation in Canada's legislative decision-making process, and that this underrepresentation had led to an institutional disparity and has created a crisis in national unity. Further, the framers of our Constitution intended that the Senate, as Canada's upper legislative body in our bicameral parliament, would be allocated to ensure fair representation. Whereas the original regional distribution has not evolved as our federation has grown and changed. Therefore, regions of Canada demand fair representation in the Senate to address the uneven distribution of Canada's population (especially where a region an oversized economic contribution to the Federation), and to provide a balance to safeguard regional interests. Whereas, we cannot remain silent in the face of a lack of institutional representation in Canada's Parliament; Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Take the steps required to establish equal representation for each province in the Senate.
Response by the President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Kevin LamoureuxSection 22 of the Constitution Act, 1867 allocates 24 seats in the Senate to each of the following four divisions: Ontario, Quebec, the Maritime Provinces, and the Western Provinces. The Constitution also provides for how the seats are divided amongst provinces in the latter two divisions. Reallocation of the provincial seats in the Senate is a constitutional change that would require engaging in negotiations with provinces to obtain sufficient support. Pursuant to section 42 of the Constitution Act, 1982, changes to the number of members by which a province is entitled to be represented in the Senate requires an amendment supported by the House of Commons, the Senate, and the legislatives assemblies of seven provinces representing 50% of the population of the provinces. While the Government of Canada understands concerns about fairness in provincial representation in the Senate, Canadians have been clear that they do not wish to enter into complex constitutional negotiations at this time.Nonetheless, the Government of Canada has taken action to restore confidence in the Senate and improve its capacity to serve Canadians within the existing constitutional framework. In 2016, the Government established a non-partisan, merit-based process for Senate appointments. The Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments (the Advisory Board) plays an important role in Canada’s democracy, providing the Prime Minister with non-binding, merit-based recommendations for Senate appointments that reflect Canada’s diversity, make a significant contribution to the work of Parliament, and ensures a high standard of integrity, collaboration, and non-partisanship in the Senate.In addition to its role to provide sober, second thought in legislative review, the Senate also plays an important role in ensuring regional representation and the representation of minority voices. The Advisory Board is required to give priority consideration to gender balance and diversity with a view to enable the representation of all Canadian communities.
Representation by populationSenatorial divisions
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00535432-00535 (Taxation)EarlDreeshenRed Deer—Mountain ViewConservativeABFebruary 23, 2021April 12, 2021February 12, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, the Liberal government's Carbon Tax has placed farmers and ranchers in a carbon tax trap. Our global competitors are not burdened by tens of thousands of dollars of carbon tax debt while Canadian farmers and ranchers do not have the ability to add the carbon tax levy to the price of their product. Instead, they are subject to paying this tax as it is levied by their input suppliers; Whereas, the Liberal government knows what the true cost of this ill-conceived tax will be on Canadian farmers over the coming years since it has undertaken several studies on the impact of the Carbon Tax on farmers, but it has also consistently refused to release their findings to Canadians; Whereas, according to a report from the Parliamentary Budget Officer based on Statistics Canada information, the average farm in Alberta with about 850 seeded acres of crops can expect to see the Liberal government's carbon tax cost it slightly more than $17,000 per year, once the tax reaches $50 per tonne in 2022; Whereas, the Liberal government has now announced that the Carbon Tax will increase to $170 per tonne by 2030 even though the Liberal government denied they would increase it beyond $50 per tonne during the last election; Whereas, the Liberal government is now also in the process of implementing a so-called Clean Fuel Standard initiative that some studies estimate will represent a total cost to the Canadian economy of $7 to $15 billion and 50,000 lost jobs, including an impact of $389 million to the Agricultural sector; Whereas, the high costs of the Clean Fuel Standard is even more questionable given the tax's unachievable emissions reduction goal. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Immediately exempt all direct and indirect input costs incurred by farmers as a result of the Carbon Tax. 2. Immediately cancel implementation of the Clean Fuel Standard which will have a devastating impact on the Canadian economy, including the agriculture sector.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSONCarbon pricing is about recognizing the cost of pollution and accounting for those costs in daily decisions. Putting a price on pollution is widely recognized as the most efficient means to drive innovation and energy efficiency in order to reduce emissions.Canada’s approach is flexible, allowing any province or territory to design its own pricing system tailored to local needs, or to choose the federal pricing system. The federal government sets minimum national stringency standards that all systems must meet to ensure that they are comparable and contribute their fair share to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.The federal carbon pollution pricing system applies in any jurisdiction that requests it or that does not implement its own system that meets these national stringency standards. The federal system has two parts: a charge on fossil fuels and an output-based pricing system for industrial facilities.In December 2020, the Government of Canada published A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, Canada’s strengthened climate plan of federal policies, programs and $15 billion in investments to build a stronger, cleaner, more resilient and inclusive economy. Once fully implemented, the plan will enable Canada to exceed its current 2030 greenhouse gas reduction target.The Government of Canada recognize the important role Canadian farms have to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including through new land management practices and innovative technologies.The costs of inaction on climate change are enormous – as evidenced in the catastrophic weather events that have had severe impacts, including for Canadian farms. The costs of a changing climate mean that it can not be free to pollute. It is well known that putting a price on carbon pollution is the most efficient way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and stimulate investments in clean innovation. It is critical to drive low cost-emission reductions and lay the foundation for a low carbon economy.The Government designed the federal approach to pricing carbon pollution to provide targeted relief for farmers. For example, the carbon pollution price does not apply to greenhouse gas emissions from livestock or crop production. In addition, the federal fuel charge does not apply to gasoline and diesel used in tractors, trucks and other eligible farm machinery. Moreover, all direct proceeds from the federal price on pollution are returned to the province of origin, to individuals, families and businesses, and rural families receive a supplementary amount.The Government of Canada is also creating economic opportunities through carbon offsets. The Federal GHG Offset System will encourage cost-effective, voluntary emissions reductions and removals across Canada from activities not covered by carbon pollution pricing, expanding the financial incentives to reduce carbon pollution across the economy. On March 6, the Government of Canada announced draft regulations to establish the Federal Greenhouse Gas Offset System. A first area of focus will be on activities and practices that improve the carbon sequestered in soils. This system will create opportunities for farmers who implement projects to reduce carbon pollution.This is an example of another tool we are using to combat climate change, and create a cleaner, healthier future, and create new economic opportunities. It is part of the Government of Canada’s larger strategy, which also includes over $350 million in new agro-environmental programs, as outlined in A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy.Taking serious climate action is an important economic opportunity that will maintain and create Canadian jobs, and make Canada’s economy more competitive.The Clean Fuel Standard is also an important part of Canada’s plan to reduce emissions and accelerate the use of clean technologies and fuels. The Clean Fuel Standard will lead to increased investments in the following areas:
  1. GHG reduction technologies along the life cycle of fossil fuels, such as carbon capture and storage and renewable electricity;
  2. Lower carbon fuels, such as ethanol and hydrogen;
  3. Advanced vehicle technologies, such as electric vehicles.
The Clean Fuel Standard will also create opportunities for voluntary parties and supporting industries. For example, biofuel producers, which are not regulated under the Clean Fuel Standard, will see an increased demand for their product. In turn, biofuel feedstock providers, like farmers and foresters, will also have an economic opportunity.The Clean Fuel Standard is a key part of Canada’s strengthened climate plan, a Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. It is estimated that the Clean Fuel Standard would result in up to 20.6 Mt of GHG emissions reductions in 2030. The net societal cost of the Clean Fuel Standard is estimated to be $94 per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions between 2021 and 2040, based on the 2016 estimate of the social cost of carbon ($50/tonne of CO2). Recent estimates of social cost of carbon range between $135 and $440/tonne of CO2. Given the higher range of more recent social cost of carbon estimates, it is likely that the monetized benefits of the proposed Regulations would exceed its costs once the social cost of carbon estimates are updated.In order to complement the Clean Fuel Standard, the Government of Canada has committed $1.5 billion in its strengthened climate plan to support domestic production of cleaner fuels (e.g. hydrogen, biocrude, renewable natural gas and diesel, cellulosic ethanol). This will increase domestic production of clean fuels to meet the demand created by the Clean Fuel Standard while creating new economic opportunities for the agriculture sector. A portion of these funds will be used to help farmers diversify by producing feedstocks for biofuels.The proposed Clean Fuel Regulations were published in Canada Gazette, Part I, in December 2020. Final Regulations are expected to be published in fall 2021, with reduction requirements coming into force in December 2022. See the Government of Canada’s website on the Clean Fuel Regulations Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement (Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 154, Number 51) for more details on the economic analysis of the proposed Clean Fuel Regulations. 
Response by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-FoodSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, PC, MPThe Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food understands and acknowledges the concerns of the petitioners. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) recognizes that taking action to address climate change is critical and urgent, both for our environment and our economy.  AAFC is actively engaging partners to ensure that Canadian farmers and ranchers remain competitive, and that our water, air, and soil are sustainable for generations to come.Farmers are important drivers of the Canadian economy and play a key role in land stewardship and conservation. The Government recognizes the important role Canadian farms have to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including through new land management practices and innovative technologies.The costs of inaction on climate change are enormous, as evidenced in the catastrophic weather events that have had severe impacts, including for Canadian farms. The costs of a changing climate mean that it can not be free to pollute. Putting a price on carbon pollution is the most efficient way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as it reduces pollution at the lowest cost to businesses and households and stimulates investments in clean innovation.The Government explicitly designed the federal approach to price carbon pollution to provide targeted relief for farmers. For example, the federal fuel charge does not apply to gasoline and diesel used in tractors, trucks, and other farm machinery, nor is there a price on pollution on emissions from livestock and crop production. All proceeds from the federal price on pollution are returned to the province of origin, to individuals, families, and businesses. In addition, rural families receive a supplementary amount.In December 2020, the Government announced its Strengthened Climate Plan (SCP), “A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy,” which is Canada’s road map to build a better future. This plan expands on the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change and continues to progress on the path that Canadians, their governments, and businesses have set. The SCP is a cornerstone of our government’s 2020 Speech from the Throne commitment to address climate change and recognizes the important role producers and ranchers will play in this fight.The climate-smart agriculture initiatives under the SCP include a $350 million investment to support producers in adopting clean technology and beneficial management practices to reduce emissions. Furthermore, the $1.5 billion Low-carbon and Zero-emissions Fuels Fund will help expand our domestic biofuel production capacity to the benefit of grains and oilseeds producers.Our government is committing to a path forward that further supports farmers in the fight against climate change, and the unique challenges they face. We are committed to new rebates for on-farm fuel use such as grain drying, in order to both support our food producers and also encourage new investments in sustainable technologies, that go beyond existing exemptions for farm fuels and rebates for greenhouses.In addition, our government will make grain drying and barn heating a priority focus under the new $165 million Agricultural Clean Technology fund. The program will invest in energy efficiency, fuel switching, and other new technologies on farms. This program will be announced in the coming months.These commitments build on our government’s launch of a $185 million Agricultural Climate Solutions program, which was announced on March 18, 2021.The Government is also creating economic opportunities for producers through carbon offsets. The Federal Federal Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Offset System will encourage cost-effective, voluntary emissions reductions and removals across Canada from activities not covered by carbon pollution pricing, expanding the financial incentives to reduce carbon pollution across the economy. It will create opportunities for farmers who implement innovative projects to reduce carbon pollution.On March 6th, the Government announced draft regulations to establish the GHG Offset System. This market-based approach will spur innovation and private sector investment, and create economic opportunities including in the agricultural sector, and lead to further emissions reductions. One of our first areas of focus will be on activities and practices that improve the carbon sequestered in soils.Current provincial and federal renewable fuels regulations have helped build a vibrant yet relatively small domestic biofuels industry, for which Canadian farmers and food processors supply high quality feedstock. The renewable fuel industry is an important stable, domestic market, and a driver of market diversity for the agriculture and agri-food sectors. Measures announced in the SCP, such as the Clean Fuel Regulations, support for low-carbon and zero-emissions fuels, and the renewed Agricultural Clean Technology Program, will further develop the Canadian clean fuel industry and further enhance opportunity for agriculture and agri-food sectors to provide low carbon feedstock and to contribute to Canadian climate change commitments, while providing grain farmers in Canada with more domestic marketing opportunities for their product.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada knows that climate change presents a threat to our long-term health and economic prosperity. Even in these challenging times, good environmental policy and addressing climate change matter.Putting a price on pollution is an important part of Canada’s future, and the Government is doing this in a way that maintains affordability for households and ensures the competitiveness of Canadian companies.The purpose of the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (GGPPA) is to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by ensuring that pollution pricing applies broadly throughout Canada.  The GGPPA is comprised of a regulatory charge on fossil fuels (the “fuel charge”) and an output-based pricing system for large final emitters.Our Government recognizes the importance of the agriculture sector in Canada. To this end, our Government is always working hard with stakeholders, representatives of various sectors, and provinces to find real, practical solutions for farmers, as needed.
Carbon pricingCarbon taxClean Fuel RegulationsConsumer priceFarming and farmers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00534432-00534 (Public safety)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservativeABFebruary 23, 2021April 12, 2021February 12, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House to the following: Whereas, Under Section 92 (14) of the Constitution, provinces have responsibility for law enforcement including policing. However, only three provinces, Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador have provincial police forces.Whereas, the Fair Deal Panel which consulted tens of thousands of Albertans found that many Albertans, especially rural Albertans, felt that the RCMP had become too bureaucratic and inflexible to the needs of small communities. The RCMP is often unable to adequately staff local communities. Rural crime in the prairie provinces was 36 to 42% higher than in urban areas. In 2017, the RCMP had a vacancy rate of 6.4% in Alberta, despite Alberta paying the full contract price.Whereas, to combat this, in 2006, the Government of Alberta created the Alberta Sheriffs to help mitigate the lack of RCMP officers; however, rather than providing basic assistance as was their original function, they have formed the backbone of rural policing in most communities. In 2011, Alberta renewed its contract with the RCMP for 20 years until 2032. The contract contains a termination clause which allows either party to terminate the agreement with 24 months notice.Whereas, an Alberta Police Service would enable local control over policing and improve employment conditions for personnel. Regional policing districts could pool resources to tackle crime depending on when and where criminals operate. This could happen without waiting for prior approval from Ottawa every time a new initiative is needed to tackle crime. This would also encourage Albertans to become police officers and to support their own local communities.Whereas, a provincial police force would not stop the RCMP from continuing to provide Alberta with services befitting a national police service such as counter-terrorism, antimoney laundering, and organized crime units.Whereas. Alberta had its own police service until 1932. The Fair Deal Panel recommends creating an Alberta Police Service to replace the RCMP.We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to make a public statement that should the Alberta government decide to terminate the community policing agreement with the RCMP as per the recommendation of the Fair Deal Panel there should be no penalty levied against the Province of Alberta from the Government of Canada and that the Government of Canada would support the transition towards a province-wide community police force as is Alberta's constitutional right.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency PreparednessSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Joël Lightbound, M.PThe administration of justice — including policing — falls under the constitutional responsibility of provinces.The RCMP delivers front-line policing services pursuant to Police Service Agreements (PSA) negotiated between the Government of Canada and provinces, territories, and municipalities (contract jurisdictions). In 2012, the PSAs were renewed for a 20-year period. Should any contract jurisdiction — such as the Province of Alberta — elect to terminate or to not renew its PSA, the Government of Canada would fully cooperate with that jurisdiction to facilitate an efficient and orderly transition of police services from the RCMP to a new independent police service in a manner that would prioritize public and officer safety.As our national police agency, the RCMP delivers core federal and specialized policing services across Canada to target serious and organized crime and national security, including in jurisdictions that have their own independent provincial (Quebec and Ontario) or municipal police services.To combat rural crime, the RCMP in Alberta have implemented a comprehensive Crime Reduction Strategy, as the foundational basis for the delivery of policing services to the people of Alberta. Built on proven methodologies, and using evidence and intelligence, the Strategy focusses policing resources to proactively target the small percentage of people involved in criminal activity, as well as on community partner engagement to address the root causes of crime so the cycle of crime with the most prolific criminals can be broken.The strategy is data-driven and built on four pillars: apprehension, offender management, targeted prevention, and suppression. The Alberta RCMP has set up four dedicated Crime Reduction Teams in rural areas. These teams are spread out across Alberta and are focussing on prominent rural crime concerns, such as cases of breaking and entering, and property theft.As a result of this Crime Reduction Strategy, RCMP Crime Reduction Units made over 700 arrests and recovered stolen property valued at over $1 million in 2018 and 2019. This has generated a 6% reduction in reported property crime between 2018 and 2019.
AlbertaPolice servicesProvincial jurisdictionRoyal Canadian Mounted Police
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00533432-00533 (Economy and finance)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservativeABFebruary 23, 2021April 12, 2021February 12, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House to the following:Whereas, all of Canada's Premiers have called on the Government of Canada to remove the per capita cap on fiscal stabilization payments.Whereas, in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, the Liberals increased the per capita limit on fiscal stabilization payments to $170 from $60. This cap had not been changed since 1987.Whereas, all provinces have received stabilization payments at one time or another. Since 1987, there have been 18 stabilization payments totaling nearly $2.6 billion. In 4 instances payments were capped by the $60 per capita limit.Whereas, the Government of Alberta was requesting an additional $2.4 billion for fiscal years 2015-16 and 2016-17 when its revenue fell by $8.8 billion, or $2,114 per capita. This reflects the $2.9 billion that would have been paid without the cap, less the $500 million Alberta received with the $60 per capita cap.Whereas, for fiscal year 2020-21, based on current revenue projections, Alberta would have qualified for an estimated $3 billion if there was no stabilization cap, but will now only receive about $750 million with the new $170 cap. This is a difference of $2.25 billion.Whereas, without the cap, Alberta should be eligible for $5.9 billion in fiscal stabilization payments over the last five years, but will only receive $1.25 billion, a difference of $4.6 billion.Whereas, the new Liberal fiscal stabilization cap of $170 per capita is a half-measure that does not go far enough to address the unfairness of fiscal stabilization payments.We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to remove the $170 per capita cap on the fiscal stabilization fund, pay the Province of Alberta the $4.6 billion it would have received without the cap, and establish fairness in federal fiscal stabilization payments.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Fiscal Stabilization program was created to provide financial assistance to provinces that are facing significant declines in their revenues resulting from extraordinary economic downturns.  The program provides financial help to any province faced with a year-over-year decrease of more than 5 per cent in its non-resource revenues or of more than 50 per cent in its resource revenues, with adjustments for interactions between the revenue sources.  Payments are currently capped at $60 per person for a given fiscal year. The Fiscal Stabilization program was last reviewed in 1995 and, following calls from provincial and territorial governments and academics for the program to be modernized, the federal government is proposing reforms as announced in the Fall Economic Statement 2020.Specifically, the federal government is proposing to index the maximum payment of $60 per capita, which was set in 1987, to Canadian economic growth per person since that time.  This means that the cap would nearly triple to about $170 per person in 2019-20 and 2020-21, and would grow thereafter in line with Canadian economic growth per person.  In years when the economy declines, the cap would remain at its preceding year’s level.  The Minister of Finance would retain the discretion to extend interest-free loans for eligible revenue declines above the cap, if requested by a province.  In addition, the federal government is proposing technical changes to modernize and simplify the program.    The higher cap would apply to 2019-20 Stabilization claims and onward and could provide billions in additional support to provinces for revenue declines experienced in 2020-21.  For Alberta in particular, the maximum payment for 2020-21 is projected to rise from $265 million to $752 million as a result of this change.  These changes would make the Fiscal Stabilization program more generous when provinces need help the most.The Government recognizes that energy-producing regions are facing the compounding challenges of COVID-19 and the shock to oil prices.  The federal government has announced significant funding to assist oil-producing provinces, including:
  • $1 billion to Alberta;
  • $400 million to Saskatchewan;
  • $320 million to Newfoundland and Labrador; and
  • A fully-repayable loan of $200 million to the Alberta Orphan Well Association, to clean up orphan and inactive oil and gas wells. 
In addition, the federal government is providing support to conventional and offshore oil and gas companies through the Emissions Reduction Fund.
AlbertaEqualization payments cap
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021e-3018e-3018 (Transportation)HollyOshustTomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservativeABDecember 3, 2020, at 4:10 p.m. (EDT)February 1, 2021, at 4:10 p.m. (EDT)February 23, 2021April 12, 2021February 2, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Existing legislation does not require minors to provide any form of identification when travelling domestically by air within Canada;In 2019, there were 40,425 accounts of missing children in Canada and 22 confirmed cases of missing children linked to child trafficking;The International Labor Organization estimates that up to 1.2 million children are trafficked each year;No country is immune to child trafficking; andThe lack of identification requirements for minors on domestic flights poses a security risk and does not adequately protect minors from the threat of human trafficking in Canada.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to amend section 3(1) of the Secure Air Travel Act to provide that an air carrier must, at the boarding gate for a domestic flight, verify the identity of each passenger regardless of age, not just those who appear to be 18 years of age or older.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency PreparednessSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Joël Lightbound, M.PHuman trafficking is an unconscionable crime that impacts the most vulnerable in Canada and around the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it even more difficult to keep vulnerable populations safe, and help victims escape situations of human trafficking and access the supports they need. The Government of Canada is committed to ending human trafficking in all its forms and continues to work with domestic and international partners to prevent and respond to this crime.In September 2019, the Government of Canada launched the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking (National Strategy), a whole-of-government approach that brings together federal efforts, and is supported by an investment of $57.22 million over five years and $10.28 million ongoing. This builds on previous investments of $14.51 million over five years, and $2.89 million per year to establish the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline, which launched in May 2019, and is a multi-lingual, toll-free service available 24/7 that refers victims to law enforcement, and a range of supports and services.Investments under the National Strategy will support a national public awareness campaign, enhance support services for victims and at-risk populations, and increase departments’ capacity to detect and respond to suspected cases. The Strategy will also strengthen awareness of human trafficking among front-line workers in key sectors, including the transportation sector (road, air, rail, and marine), who may come in contact with a victim or perpetrator. Specifically, the Strategy will support the development of a comprehensive set of training tools to increase awareness of the indicators and signs of human trafficking in order to enable employees in these sectors to effectively identify potential victims and understand how to report suspected cases to authorities.With regard to the request to amend  Secure Air Travel Act (SATA) to provide that an air carrier must, at the boarding gate for a domestic flight, verify the identity of each passenger regardless of age, not just those who appear to be 18 years of age or older, the SATA and associated Secure Air Travel Regulations (SATR) are not the appropriate legal framework for verification for the purpose of human trafficking.  Specifically, the SATA and SATR serve the purpose of preventing air travel for the purpose of engaging in acts of terrorism.Under the SATA, the Minister has the authority to establish a list of individuals if there are reasonable grounds to suspect that they will engage, or attempt to engage, in an act that would threaten transportation security, or travel by air to commit certain terrorism offences. As such, the verification of an air passenger’s identity, who appears 18 years of age or older under section 3(1) of the SATR, is limited to the administration and enforcement of SATA in order to protect Canada’s aviation security interests.Many airlines recommend that younger passengers travelling within Canada present some form of valid, government-issued identification.
Airline passengersAirlinesDomestic flightsIdentityYoung people
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00531432-00531 (Animals)MartinShieldsBow RiverConservativeABFebruary 23, 2021April 12, 2021February 12, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, the Government of Canada has proposed amendments to the Health of Animals Regulations, Part XV (15) (Livestock identification and traceability) which pose a threat to the future of agricultural exhibitions, fairs, and rodeos; Whereas, these proposed changes would place onerous regulations on volunteer-run agricultural exhibitions fairs, and rodeos and discourage their operation; Whereas, Provincial and National Associations for Agricultural Societies, Exhibitions, and Fairs have raised serious concerns with the proposed regulatory changes; Whereas, agricultural exhibitions, fairs, and rodeos are a pillar of Western Canadian heritage and enjoyed by Canadians across the country. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Consult carefully with Agricultural Societies, Exhibitions, and Fairs in developing these regulations. 2. Ensure that new traceability requirements do the operations of Agricultural Societies, Exhibitions, and Fairs so that future generations can continue to enjoy these pillars of Western Canadian heritage.
Response by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-FoodSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, PC, MPThe objective of the proposed amendments to Part XV of the Health of Animals Regulations is to provide more precise, complete, and timely information about animal movements in order to mitigate the social, economic, and environmental impacts of a disease outbreak, food safety issue, or natural disaster.The main pillars of a strong traceability program include animal identification, location identification, and animal movement reporting.Strengthening Canada’s livestock identification and traceability program with the proposed amendments will benefit the operators of fairs and exhibitions by reducing the risk of a cease movement order in the event of a disease outbreak. In addition, fairs and exhibitions are sites where commingling of many different sources of animals can occur, and livestock traceability would be key during a disease investigation.   Under the current regulations, cattle, bison, sheep, and pigs are required to be identified with a tag before leaving the site where they were born. If animals arrive at an intermediate site—such as a fair or exhibition— without the required tag, then a tag must be applied to any untagged animals received. In the proposed amendments, this requirement would only be new for goats and cervids.If an operator of a fair or exhibition does not want to have volunteers handle untagged animals, they can provide the tags, but have producers do the tagging. Another option is to communicate with their producers to ensure only animals with approved tags arrive at their site, and/or refuse to allow untagged animals on their site.A new requirement in the proposed amendments for fairs and exhibitions would be the need to report animals received on their site to industry-led databases (i.e., Canadian Cattle Identification Agency, DairyTrace, PigTrace). After consultation with stakeholders, the design of the livestock trace program amendments were drafted with this move-in reporting model. All sites receiving animals need to report this move-in, and maintaining this consistency is the main driver for fairs and exhibitions reporting reception of animals. The administrators for the trace databases all have easy to use, mobile device-friendly apps for reporting this information. They also allow for reporting via telephone, mail, and fax.The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has been consulting on the proposed amendments since 2013, including with provinces and stakeholders across the livestock sector. Sector-specific industry associations, including the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions (CAFE), were consulted.To continue engagement and outreach with stakeholders, CFIA has also established a Regulatory Implementation Committee (RIC), with regular meetings, of which the provinces and impacted industry associations are members, including the CAFE. In 2020, CFIA shared a plain language but detailed description of the proposed regulations with the RIC members and solicited further feedback.CFIA recognizes the concerns of the fairs and exhibitions with the proposed amendments and encourages them to continue to participate in the RIC meetings, and to also express their implementation issues in future consultations.Under CFIA’s Forward Regulatory Plan (https://www.inspection.gc.ca/about-cfia/acts-and-regulations/forward-regulatory-plan/eng/1361986810905/1361986866978), the proposed regulations are anticipated to be published for consultation in Part I of the Canada Gazette in summer 2021, after which time citizens will have a 90-day period to provide comments. CFIA will review and consider all comments received prior to publishing the finalized regulations in Part II of the Canada Gazette.
Animal rights and welfareEventsLivestock
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021e-2793e-2793 (Foreign affairs)OwenLewisMartinShieldsBow RiverConservativeABSeptember 15, 2020, at 8:59 a.m. (EDT)January 13, 2021, at 8:59 a.m. (EDT)February 23, 2021April 12, 2021January 13, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The new Hong Kong National Security Law is a violation of the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ agreement which guaranteed the preservation of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong until 2047;Hong Kong residents believe in and previously enjoyed such rights as equality before the law, freedom of movement, freedom of conscience and religious belief, freedom of speech, and privacy of communication;These rights are now eliminated or endangered by the new security law imposed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP);Hongkongers deserve to continue living in the relative freedom they have known for decades and to have the same for their children; andAs a liberal democracy, Canada is committed on principle to standing up for the rights and freedoms of people around the world, no matter their nationality.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Join other nations such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Taiwan in opening the doors of our country to Hongkongers wishing to leave the increasingly oppressive conditions created under the new Hong Kong National Security Law;2. Grant a special dispensation to allow the resettlement of between 500,000 and 1,000,000 Hongkongers not currently Canadian citizens or permanent residents who have been made vulnerable to political persecution by the new law, including streamlining applications and the opening of a logical and non-burdensome pathway for them towards Canadian citizenship;3. Create and execute a plan to accomplish this by the end of the next decade (i.e. by the end of 2030).
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoCanada shares longstanding ties with the people of Hong Kong and is concerned with the deteriorating human rights situation there. Canada will always stand up to the abuse of human rights everywhere, including for the people of Hong Kong.  On November 12, 2020, in response to these concerns and in recognition of the fact that many in Hong Kong are casting their eyes abroad, the Government of Canada announced measures which are designed to encourage Hong Kong residents, in particular youth, to choose Canada as a place to study, work, and settle.Canada has longstanding and extensive arrays of pathways that Hong Kong residents can use to come to Canada either temporarily or permanently, including for work, to study, for permanent immigration, or for family reunification.In addition to these existing options, the Government of Canada has introduced a new temporary residence initiative for Hong Kong youth that provides open work permits of up to three (3) years to those who have completed a degree or diploma from a designated Canadian post-secondary institution in the last five (5) years, or the equivalent credential from a learning institution abroad. Applications for the new open work permit opened on February 8, 2021. Individuals with these open work permits who would like to permanently remain in Canada would be able to apply for permanent residency after only one year of working in Canada.The Government of Canada is also creating two new streamlined pathways to permanent residence, which will be available later this year. The first will target those from Hong Kong who have gained a minimum of 1 year of authorized work experience in Canada and meet other criteria such as minimum language and education levels. The second pathway will allow those who have graduated from a post-secondary institution in Canada to apply directly for permanent residence.Taken together, these measures represent a significant expansion of the opportunities for Hong Kong residents, including those concerned about the evolving situation there, to come to Canada. Canada has opened its doors as others have done and these measures are a strong complement to those announced by Canada’s close allies. In fact, these measures introduced by the Government of Canada may be more facilitative than the measures announced by other countries, for example by allowing Hong Kong residents to submit a permanent residence application in as little as one year after arriving in Canada on an open work permit. Others who are already in Canada and have recently graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution will be able to apply for permanent residency immediately.In addition to the new temporary and permanent pathways, the Government of Canada is also processing Hong Kong work and study permits on a priority basis, and has shifted work to ensure there are sufficient resources dedicated to speed up processing of Hong Kong permanent residence applications, including for family sponsorship. Canada has also waived the cost of processing fees for individuals in Canada from Hong Kong who wish to extend their status.With regard to those fleeing persecution, resettling refugees is a proud part of Canada’s humanitarian tradition. Individuals from Hong Kong who have fled their home country and have no other durable solution may be referred to Canada for resettlement by the UN Refugee Agency or Canadian private sponsors. Equally, Canada has a robust asylum system and like all foreign nationals who are in Canada, Hong Kong residents have access to this protection. Individuals who are eligible to make a claim are referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB), an independent, administrative tribunal. In addition, asylum applications from Hong Kong are now assigned to a specialized taskforce at the IRB designed to accelerate claims processing. The IRB has a world-class research directorate that produces national documentation packages (NDPs) on all countries from which the IRB receives claims, including Hong Kong. These NDPs comprehensively cover the human rights environment in a country, and are updated regularly. In addition to NDPs, adjudicators who specialize in Hong Kong current events are assigned to members presiding over claims.Due to the worsening conditions in Hong Kong that could put some individuals at risk, the Government of Canada has also implemented an exemption to the 12-month bar on a pre-removal risk assessment (PRRA) for Hong Kong residents in November 12, 2020. A PRRA examines the risk an individual may face if they are returned to their home country. Normally, individuals who receive a negative decision on their asylum claim from the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada or the Federal Court, or on their previous PRRA application, are not eligible to apply for a PRRA for at least 12 months from the date of their decision.  Residents of Hong Kong are exempt from the 12-month bar if their Immigration and Refugee Board or previous PRRA decision was made between November 13, 2019 and November 12, 2020, inclusive. Any recent changes in country conditions would have been considered when the refugee claim was decided or during the PRRA process.Support for human rights and the rule of law both at home and abroad remains a priority for the Government of Canada. Canada continues to closely monitor the situation in Hong Kong and will take further action if and when necessary.
AsylumForeign policyHong Kong
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00529432-00529 (Justice)MarilynGladuSarnia—LambtonConservativeONFebruary 19, 2021April 12, 2021February 10, 2021Petition to the Government of Canada We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, are extremely concerned about an attack on our freedom of religion, conscience, expression, belief and our ability to speak it in the public square. While all Canadians agree that no one should have to forcibly undergo a treatment they do not want, Bill C-6 prevents a person who of their own free will wants counselling or advice or prayer about their sexual confusion. We call upon the Government of Canada for a narrower definition of what the Liberals view as "conversion therapy," in order to exclude pastoral care, voluntary sought counselling, or prayer. We call upon the Government of Canada to amend or withdraw this legislation. We call upon the Government of Canada to preserve our Charter rights.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiConversion therapy efforts are rooted in the premise that one’s sexual orientation and gender identity can and should be changed to a narrow ideal of what is considered ‘natural’ or ‘normal’. There is no place for the destructive, harmful, and deadly practice of conversion therapy in Canada.Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), which was introduced in the House of Commons on October 1, 2020, supports the Government’s commitment to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy. The main objective of Bill C-6 is to protect the dignity and equality of LGBTQ2 people through Criminal Code amendments that would prohibit causing a person under 18, or anyone without their consent, to undergo conversion therapy, as well as advertising and profiting from conversion therapy, a practice that discriminates against LGBTQ2 people and is known to cause harm to those subjected to it.As amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, which reported the Bill with amendments on December 11, 2020, Bill C-6 defines conversion therapy as “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a person’s gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression.” The Bill targets practices, treatments or services that are designed to change a fundamental part of a person’s identity – their sexual orientation or gender identity, because these interventions are known to cause harm.The Bill’s definition of conversion therapy captures practices, treatments or services that are designed to achieve the objective of changing a person’s identity. An activity that does not amount to a “practice, treatment or service” would not be captured by the proposed definition, nor would a practice, treatment or service that does not seek to change a person’s identity.The Bill also seeks to reduce conversion therapy’s availability and the presence of discriminatory public messaging about the LGBTQ2 community through its proposed material benefit and advertising offences. This approach strikes a balance between the rights and freedoms of adults who may choose to receive or to provide conversion therapy, and the equality and dignity of LGBTQ2 people.More information about the considerations that support the consistency of Bill C-6 with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms can be found in the Bill’s Charter Statement, available at the following link: https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/csj-sjc/pl/charter-charte/c6b.html.
Conversion therapySexual minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00528432-00528 (Foreign affairs)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCFebruary 18, 2021April 12, 2021December 18, 2020PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas the Canadian Parliament has unanimously passed the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, also known as the Sergei Magnitsky Act, to sanction corrupt foreign officials who, among others, are responsible for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights;Whereas the Former Chinese Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin and his cohorts personally ordered, launched, orchestrated and executed the eradication campaign against Falun Gong using state apparatus, including the extrajudicial torture and killing of Falun Gong practitioners in large numbers with impunity for the past 19 years for their beliefs in "truthfulness, compassion and tolerance”; and whereas Falun Gong practitioners have been killed for their organs in China on a massive scale, which has been well documented and widely reported;Whereas extensive evidence points to fourteen key officials and former officials of the Chinese communist regime who demonstrate prime culpability in the human rights atrocities committed against Falun Gong practitioners in China.Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against these perpetrators under the Sergei Magnitsky Act.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.To ensure the protection of all human rights, including freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), Canada addresses rights comprehensively through the Office of Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion (OHRFI), encouraging a climate of inclusion and respect for diversity to advance the rights of those too often marginalized in society. To this end, the OHRFI regularly engages with a diverse range of diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010. The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligation.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021e-3057e-3057 (Transportation)KathleenYurchesynJaimeBattisteSydney—VictoriaLiberalNSDecember 21, 2020, at 11:13 a.m. (EDT)January 20, 2021, at 11:13 a.m. (EDT)February 18, 2021April 12, 2021January 26, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The COVID-19 pandemic and related travel restrictions have had a devastating impact on air service across Canada;This has caused airlines to suspend routes and reduced capacity at airports all across the country;Due to these suspensions, the J.A. Douglas McCurdy Airport located in Sydney, Nova Scotia, has lost all commercial air service indefinitely, which has resulted in job loss and has severed air accessibility to our island;This loss of air service has direct catastrophic consequences to our post-secondary institution, tourism sector, business community, rotational workers, etc., by preventing us from sustaining our current economy and achieving any level of economic growth in our region as every aspect of our economy depends on air service connectivity;This situation is unprecedented, and the entire economy of our region is at stake; andWithout immediate government action and intervention, it will take years, if not decades, to rebuild this lost air access and debilitate our ability to grow economically as a region.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to provide financial support to our air industry so that the national air carriers can then re-establish commercial air service to airports including the J.A. Douglas McCurdy Airport in Sydney, Nova Scotia.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraThe Government of Canada understands the needs and deep challenges faced by Canadian airports and the air transport industry in general right now, including J.A. Douglas McCurdy Airport located in Sydney, Nova Scotia.Transport Canada has been working with a range of air industry participants, the organizations that represent them, and other government departments to analyze the current situation and develop appropriate options to support Canada’s air transport sector generally, and ensure that Canadians have the services they need at a reasonable cost.Through the Fall Economic Statement, the Government announced $1.1 billion in financial support for the air sector through a series of targeted measures designed to support regional connectivity, critical infrastructure investments, and the continued operation of Canada’s airports.The Government of Canada is engaging with Canada’s major air carriers regarding potential options for financial assistance. Any assistance the Government of Canada provides will come with strict conditions to protect Canadians and the public interest.The Government will also ensure Canadians and regional communities retain air connections to the rest of Canada, as we recognize that regional connectivity is important to Canadians travelling now and in the future.In addition, as stated in the Speech from the Throne, the Government will work to support regional routes for airlines to ensure that Canadians have reliable and affordable regional air services to support equity, jobs and economic development.The Government understands that financial supports need to align with plans for a safe restart and recovery and will continue engagement with stakeholders to ensure alignment of our efforts.
AirportsCOVID-19Government assistancePandemic
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00526432-00526 (Justice)JohnWilliamsonNew Brunswick SouthwestConservativeNBFebruary 18, 2021April 12, 2021October 21, 2020PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • Sex selection abortion is legal as Canada has no legal restrictions on abortion;
  • Sex selective abortion is antithetical to our commitment to equality between men and women;
  • A 2019 DART & Maru/Blue poll, conducted for the National Post, showed that 84% of Canadians believe it should be illegal to have an abortion if the family does not want the child to be a certain sex;
  • International organizations including the World Health Organization, United Nations Women, and United Nations Children's Fund have identified unequal sex ratios at birth as a growing problem internationally;
  • Canada's health care profession recognizes sex selection as a problem.
Therefore, we the undersigned citizens of Canada call upon the House of Commons to pass a Criminal Code prohibition of sex selective abortion.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government of Canada condemns all practices that are motivated by discriminatory views of women and girls, including sex selective practices.In Canada, the administration and funding of health care services is a provincial responsibility that falls under the purview of the provincial governments. As is the case for other medical procedures, the delivery of abortion services is determined by the policies of the provincial governments and the standards set by the medical profession itself.
AbortionSexual discrimination
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00525432-00525 (Foreign affairs)MarilynGladuSarnia—LambtonConservativeONFebruary 17, 2021April 12, 2021February 4, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWhereas:
  • Petition against the Human Rights Violations in Kashmir going on for more than a year now, since the 5th of August, 2019.
  • Humanitarian crises is going on in Kashmir for the past year. People there are going through a great deal of mental and emotional stress. Doctors there say that a state of hopelessness has morphed into a severe psychological crisis. Mental health workers say Kashmir is witnessing an alarming increase in instances of depression, anxiety and psychotic events. The New York Times report on Kashmir.
  • For over 16 months now, over 8 million Kashmiris continue to face unprecedented restrictions, lockdown, military siege, communications blockade, and arbitrary detentions. The entire occupied territory has turned into the world's largest prison. Canada needs to speak up for the rights of Kashmiris just like it recently spoke up for the rights of the Indian farmers.
  • Canada needs to take this matter of Kashmir crises to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to make sure that Mr. Modi answers to the people and this humanitarian crises is resolved soon.
Therefore,We, the undersigned Citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to take the Modi government to ICJ (International Court of Justice).
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe Government of Canada continues to closely monitor the political and human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir. More than one year after the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution of India on August 5, 2019, many restrictions have been lifted, including the release of most individuals under preventative detention, the easing of curfews, and the partial restoration of telecommunications services. Canada remains concerned, however, by the continuing communication restrictions, ongoing preventative detentions, and the mounting economic impact, which is compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic.Canada regularly engages the Government of India on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Following the revocation of Article 370, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with the Minister of External Affairs of India and also issued a statement expressing Canada’s concerns regarding the risk of escalation, infringements on civil rights, and reports of detentions. During an official visit to Ottawa on December 19, 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs also discussed the situation in Jammu and Kashmir directly with the Minister of External Affairs of India.Canada also engages with local stakeholders on the ground in Jammu and Kashmir. On February 12-13, 2020, Canada’s High Commissioner to India visited the Jammu and Kashmir region as part of a diplomatic delegation. During the visit, the High Commissioner met with local officials, media, and civil society representatives and discussed issues including the security situation, economic and communications restrictions, and the political process.Canada looks forward to the restoration of normalcy and resumption of inclusive political dialogue in Jammu and Kashmir. In this regard, Canada has followed political developments, including the implementation of the Reorganization (Adaptation of State Laws) Order or “domicile law,” issued by the Government of India on March 31, 2020. Canada continues to encourage meaningful consultations with affected local communities and shares the aspiration that all communities in the region can live in peace, security and dignity.The Government of Canada is committed to the protection and promotion of human rights at home and abroad, and will continue to follow the situation in Jammu and Kashmir closely.
Civil and human rightsForeign policyIndiaKashmir
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00524432-00524 (Justice)MichaelCooperSt. Albert—EdmontonConservativeABFebruary 17, 2021April 12, 2021November 29, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00523432-00523 (Foreign affairs)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservativeBCFebruary 17, 2021April 12, 2021December 18, 2020PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWHEREAS:
  • Canada and India share a longstanding and peaceful bilateral relationship;
  • Canadians uphold basic human rights, such as the freedom of expression and the freedom of peaceful assembly, as the hallmarks of a just, democratic, and pluralistic society;
  • Farmers from the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana have, for several months, been peacefully protesting a domestic legislative change that affects their agricultural enterprises;
  • Recent footage and images from India show violent aggressions carried out on protesting farmers that appear to be perpetrated by state police and security forces.
THEREFORE: We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to express condemnation of the violence perpetrated against peacefully protesting Indian farmers, and to convey our sincere belief in the rights of individuals to freedom of expression and to peaceful assembly.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada is committed to the growth and diversification of our strategic partnership with India through constructive and forward-looking bilateral dialogue. Canada attaches great importance to protecting and advancing human rights, and the values of democracy, diversity, pluralism, and rule of law. These values are reflected in our engagement with all international partners, including the Government of India.The Government of Canada has continued to monitor protests by farmers in India, including the multiple dialogues between the government and farmers union representatives and the intervention of the Supreme Court of India in January 2021. Canada welcomes the Government of India’s commitment to ongoing dialogue to discuss issues of concern.
Civil and human rightsFarming and farmersForeign policyIndiaProtests
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00522432-00522 (Health)PaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCFebruary 17, 2021April 12, 2021February 15, 2021Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament AssembledWHEREAS:
  • The majority of COVID-19 communications and mandates by health officials include social distancing, masking, hand sanitizing, contact tracing, and vaccination;
  • Natural, time-tested immune system essentials and holistic health practices have received less attention for their role in preventive healthcare;
  • A holistic and complementary approach to health would be more affordable for taxpayers than treating disease;
  • Many Canadians already invest in natural immunity, proactive self-care and prevention strategies;
  • Eating fresh vegetables, exercising, managing stress, drinking water, walking in fresh air/sunshine and getting adequate sleep are simple and cost-effective measures to improve immune function and overall wellness;
  • Vitamin D has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms associated with COVID-19;
  • Many Canadians are deficient in Vitamin D during winter months and yet are isolating for safety in their homes without supplementing;
  • Other vitamins and nutrients essential for optimal immunity and overall health include Vitamin C, Zinc, Selenium and plant extracts, and show promising results for COVID-19 prevention;
  • Greater attention and education on natural health solutions would help optimize Canadians' immune systems, increasing quality of life and productivity;
THEREFORE, we the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada respectfully request that the Government of Canada: 1) Educate and empower Canadians on holistic approaches to optimize and maintain their natural immunity and wellbeing. 2) Cover practices for health sustainability and wellness care under the Canada Health Act, including chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, and meopathic and naturopathic medicines. 3) Support, promote, and enhance Canadians' access to holistic health services and natural products. 4) Include immune-strengthening measures and practices in COVID-19 prevention messaging.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellThe Government of Canada is responsible for establishing and administering legislation and regulations for natural health products. Health Canada recognizes that, for many Canadians, natural health products are an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including helping to maintain and support immune function.Since 2004, natural health products in Canada have been regulated under the Natural Health Products Regulations (NHPR) to help provide Canadians access to a wide range of natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality. The NHPR were created to differentiate natural health products from prescription and non-prescription drugs, which are regulated under the Food and Drug Regulations.Natural health products are generally low-risk products (such as vitamin and mineral supplements and herbal products), meant to be used by individuals for minor, non-serious conditions. However, low-risk does not mean no risk. That is why Health Canada reviews the safety, efficacy and quality of natural health products prior to their entry on the Canadian market, in accordance with the NHPR. Health Canada has not received an application for a product containing Vitamin D with claims to reduce symptoms associated with COVID-19. Claims related to prevention of COVID-19 infection or symptomatic treatment of COVID-19 are considered higher risk and would require a high degree of supporting scientific evidence prior to approval for this use.The Department is committed to making sure that Canadians have the information they need to make informed choices. For this reason, Health Canada has been focusing on improving the labelling of natural health products so that these labels are easier for consumers to read, supporting them in selecting and safely using these products. These changes are not expected to impact the availability of natural health products for consumers. For more information on Health Canada’s regulation of natural health products, please visit our website.Although the federal government plays a crucial role in supporting health care by providing funding to the provinces and territories, the provincial and territorial governments have primary jurisdiction in the administration and delivery of health care services. This includes determining which services to cover under their respective health care insurance plans. Under the Canada Health Act, a province or territory must provide coverage for medically necessary hospital and physician services (i.e., insured health services, including access to holistic health services) to their eligible residents. Wellness care and practices aimed at sustaining health, including chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, and homeopathic and naturopathic medicines, are part of a range of additional services and benefits which are outside the scope of the Act, and may be provided at provincial and territorial discretion, on their own terms and conditions. 
COVID-19Natural health productsPandemicPublic health
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00521432-00521 (Foreign affairs)Hon.Kerry-LynneFindlaySouth Surrey—White RockConservativeBCFebruary 17, 2021April 12, 2021February 1, 2021Petition to the Government of Canada WHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law) sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption;
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party corrupt officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of "Truth, Compassion and Tolerance," including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, Qiang Wei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.To ensure the protection of all human rights, including freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), Canada addresses rights comprehensively through the Office of Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion (OHRFI), encouraging a climate of inclusion and respect for diversity to advance the rights of those too often marginalized in society. To this end, the OHRFI regularly engages with a diverse range of diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010. The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligation.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00520432-00520 (Health)Hon.Kerry-LynneFindlaySouth Surrey—White RockConservativeBCFebruary 17, 2021April 12, 2021November 24, 2020Petition to the Government of CanadaWhereas opioid crisis is one of the most deadly public health emergencies of our lifetime, with a death taking place on average about every two hours and a death toll of almost 15,400 in the past four years alone (January 2016 to December 2019);Whereas the overdose crisis rages;We, the undersigned, call upon the Government of Canada to declare the overdose crisis a national public health emergency and:
  • Take steps to end overdose deaths and overdose injuries
  • Immediately collaborate with provinces and territories to develop a comprehensive, pan-Canadian overdose action plan
  • Ensure that any plan considers reforms that other countries have used, such as legal regulation of drugs to ensure safe, supply, decriminalization for personal use, and changes to flawed drug policy and policing.
  • Ensure this emergency is taken seriously with adequately funded programming and supports.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Patty HajduThe Government of Canada is deeply concerned about problematic substance use in Canada, including the ongoing opioid overdose crisis and the devastating impact it is having on the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Tragically, there were more than 17,602 apparent opioid-related deaths between January 2016 and June 2020.The Government recognizes that the complexity of this crisis has only increased due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Public health guidance around physical distancing and self-isolation presents a unique challenge for people who use drugs. Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada have been working with provinces and territories and other partners, including researchers, advocates and people with lived and living experience, to help make sure that people who use drugs can continue to access treatment, harm reduction and other services during the pandemic.Since taking office, our government has taken strong action to address the opioid crisis. The comprehensive federal response has included legislative and regulatory enabling measures, new prescription guidelines, marketing restrictions, awareness campaigns, improvements to the knowledge base, and emergency funding to provinces and territories. We will continue this important work to help save lives and keep Canadians safe.The Government of Canada remains committed to taking a public health approach to substance use through the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy. The Strategy includes four pillars – prevention, treatment, harm reduction and enforcement – and is designed to be comprehensive, collaborative, compassionate and evidence-based. The Government is placing particular focus on:
  • ensuring that life-saving harm reduction measures are available to Canadians who need it;
  • working with stakeholders to reduce stigma directed at people who use drugs, which acts as a barrier to accessing critical health and social services and often leads to social isolation;
  • working with provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment options; and,
  • implementing additional surveillance and research activities that will further build the evidence base and allow us to pursue innovative solutions to this public health crisis.
The Government of Canada recognizes that the overwhelming majority of deaths caused by the opioid overdose crisis are due to a toxic illegal drug supply that is contaminated with highly toxic substances, such as fentanyl. The situation is now such that anyone who uses illegal drugs for any reason in Canada is at risk of a potentially fatal opioid-related overdose every time they use drugs due to the contaminated illegal supply.The Government of Canada has taken actions to reduce barriers to providing people who use drugs with a safer, pharmaceutical alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply. For example, Health Canada has issued class exemptions to pharmacists and eased restrictions on the transportation of controlled substances to make it easier for people to access the medications they need during the COVID-19 pandemic while following public health advice, such as physical distancing. In addition, through Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP), the Government of Canada is providing $44.2 million for projects providing a safer supply of pharmaceutical medications for people with substance use disorder in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. These investments will help provide pathways to care and treatment. Examples of funded projects include:
  • The Vancouver Island Health Authority was provided approximately $2 million over 48 months for an innovative project that will provide pharmaceutical medication as an alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply for people in Cowichan Valley who have not responded to other forms of treatment for opioid use disorder.
  • The London InterCommunity Health Centre (London, Ontario) was provided more than $6.5 million over 50 months to deliver a safer supply program that will help reduce harms related to the toxic illegal drug supply by providing prescribed opioids to patients with opioid use disorder during the pandemic and beyond.
Findings from these initiatives will contribute to the evidence base to support the scaling up of effective models. In addition, to bolster further these efforts, on August 24, 2020, the Minister of Health sent a letter to Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Health and regulatory colleges to encourage them to provide people who use drugs with a full spectrum of care options, including access to a safer supply of drugs.The Government of Canada has also taken a number of steps to provide options for those seeking treatment for severe substance use disorder. On April 25, 2019, the Minister of Health added diacetylmorphine to the List of Drugs for an Urgent Public Health Need. This makes it possible for provinces and territories to import this drug for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Amendments to federal regulations have also allowed health care practitioners to provide diacetylmorphine-assisted treatment outside of a hospital setting, if permitted by their province or territory. In addition, on May 1, 2019, Health Canada approved the use of injectable hydromorphone by qualified healthcare professionals as a treatment for adults with severe opioid use disorder. This is the first approval of injectable hydromorphone for this purpose in the world.The Government of Canada is also providing guidance and leadership on the prescribing, dispensing, and delivery of opioids and other narcotics during the pandemic. For instance, through funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse (CRISM) developed a series of national guidance documents related to substance use in the context of COVID-19. The guidance documents can be found here. Health Canada has also assembled a toolkit to provide clarity on prescribing for the treatment of substance use disorder and/or to provide a safer supply. The toolkit can be found here. Furthermore, the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health published a Rapid Review of clinical and cost-effectiveness of injectable opioid agonist treatment for patients with opioid dependence. The report can be found here.The Government of Canada continues to make substantial investments to address the overdose crisis. Recent examples of key federal investments in this area include:
  • investing an additional $66 million over two years to support community-based organizations responding to substance use issues, including to help them provide frontline services in a COVID-19 context;
  • investing $76.2 million to take action to protect Canadians and prevent overdose deaths. This investment will be used to scale-up key lifesaving measures and increase access to a safer drug supply as an alternative to the contaminated supply. These measures build on the Budget 2019 investment of $30.5 million over five years, with $1 million ongoing, to expand access to safer alternatives to the illegal drug supply and support better access to opioid overdose response training and naloxone in underserved communities;
  • providing $1.7 million to the University of Saskatchewan to increase access to chronic pain services, and providing Alberta Health Services $1.2 million to implement and evaluate pathways to care for people living with pain and opioid use disorder, both funded through the Substance Use and Addictions Program;
  • providing $231.4 million over five years through Budget 2018 for additional measures to help address the opioid overdose crisis, including a one-time $150 million emergency treatment fund for provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment services;
  • providing an additional $200 million, with $40 million per year ongoing, to enhance the delivery of culturally appropriate addictions treatment and prevention services in First Nations communities; and,
  • allocating $13 million over five years to launch a new national, multi-year public education campaign to help reshape Canadians’ attitudes and perceptions about people who use drugs.
In order to prevent and reduce the harms of problematic substance use, including to enable access to evidence-based treatment and support recovery, the Government has undertaken a broad range of policy, legislative and regulatory actions, such as:
  • approving supervised consumption sites (with 39 currently in operation across Canada), and providing class exemptions to facilitate the establishment of overdose prevention sites;
  • supporting the passage of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, which encourages people to call for emergency help at the scene of an overdose by providing protection against simple drug possession charges;
  • establishing effective Federal, Provincial and Territorial public health emergency governance, including the Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses and the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Assistant Deputy Minister Committee on Problematic Substance Use & Harms;
  • collaborating with provinces and territories to better understand the evolving crisis, and undertaking timely monitoring and reporting of opioid-related deaths and harms in Canada;
  • deploying public health officers from the Public Health Agency of Canada to support public health surveillance systems in provinces and territories; and,
  • supporting the development and dissemination of national clinical practice guidelines to treat opioid use disorder, as well as the injectable opioid agonist treatment clinical and operational guidelines through the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse. The guidelines can be found here.
The Government of Canada continues to encourage the use of diversion programs that create pathways away from the criminal justice system toward appropriate health services and social supports for people who use drugs. For example, on August 18, 2020, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada issued guidance to prosecutors stating that alternatives to prosecution should be considered for simple possession offences, except when there are serious aggravating circumstances. In addition, Health Canada is currently funding a three-year project in Peterborough, Ontario, to develop a multi-sector response to direct people who use drugs away from the justice system and into care. In addition, on February 18, 2021, the Department of Justice introduced Bill C-22 in Parliament to help address systemic racism and the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples as well as Black and marginalized Canadians in Canada’s criminal justice system. Among other measures, this Bill would repeal mandatory minimum penalties for drug related-offences, and would also require police and prosecutors to consider other responses to laying charges for simple possession of drugs, such as diversion to treatment programs.It is recognized that there are a growing number of calls for drug decriminalization, in acknowledgement that criminalizing personal drug possession results in stigma and discrimination, creates barriers to accessing health and social services, and increases the risks of overdose and other harms. The City of Vancouver and the Province of British Columbia have written to the Minister of Health requesting exemptions to decriminalize simple possession of small amounts of controlled substances for personal use in their jurisdictions. We will continue working with them on options to address the overdose crisis that respond to their local and regional needs.We will also continue to take a comprehensive and collaborative approach, working with all partners. No single organization or level of government alone can solve the opioid overdose crisis. All levels of government, a wide range of stakeholders and all Canadians who are impacted by opioid use must work together to reduce opioid-related overdoses and deaths, and improve the health and well-being of Canadians who use drugs.
Drug use and abuseHealth emergenciesOpiates and opioidsPublic health
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00519432-00519 (Health)Hon.Kerry-LynneFindlaySouth Surrey—White RockConservativeBCFebruary 17, 2021April 12, 2021February 3, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWhereas opioid crisis is one of the most deadly public health emergencies of our lifetime, with a death taking place on average about every two hours and a death toll of almost 15,400 in the past four years alone (January 2016 to December 2019);Whereas the overdose crisis rages;We, the undersigned, call upon the Government of Canada to declare the overdose crisis a national public health emergency and:
  • Take steps to end overdose deaths and overdose injuries
  • Immediately collaborate with provinces and territories to develop a comprehensive, pan-Canadian overdose action plan
  • Ensure that any plan considers reforms that other countries have used, such as legal regulation of drugs to ensure safe, supply, decriminalization for personal use, and changes to flawed drug policy and policing.
  • Ensure this emergency is taken seriously with adequately funded programming and supports.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Patty HajduThe Government of Canada is deeply concerned about problematic substance use in Canada, including the ongoing opioid overdose crisis and the devastating impact it is having on the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Tragically, there were more than 17,602 apparent opioid-related deaths between January 2016 and June 2020.The Government recognizes that the complexity of this crisis has only increased due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Public health guidance around physical distancing and self-isolation presents a unique challenge for people who use drugs. Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada have been working with provinces and territories and other partners, including researchers, advocates and people with lived and living experience, to help make sure that people who use drugs can continue to access treatment, harm reduction and other services during the pandemic.Since taking office, our government has taken strong action to address the opioid crisis. The comprehensive federal response has included legislative and regulatory enabling measures, new prescription guidelines, marketing restrictions, awareness campaigns, improvements to the knowledge base, and emergency funding to provinces and territories. We will continue this important work to help save lives and keep Canadians safe.The Government of Canada remains committed to taking a public health approach to substance use through the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy. The Strategy includes four pillars – prevention, treatment, harm reduction and enforcement – and is designed to be comprehensive, collaborative, compassionate and evidence-based. The Government is placing particular focus on:
  • ensuring that life-saving harm reduction measures are available to Canadians who need it;
  • working with stakeholders to reduce stigma directed at people who use drugs, which acts as a barrier to accessing critical health and social services and often leads to social isolation;
  • working with provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment options; and,
  • implementing additional surveillance and research activities that will further build the evidence base and allow us to pursue innovative solutions to this public health crisis.
The Government of Canada recognizes that the overwhelming majority of deaths caused by the opioid overdose crisis are due to a toxic illegal drug supply that is contaminated with highly toxic substances, such as fentanyl. The situation is now such that anyone who uses illegal drugs for any reason in Canada is at risk of a potentially fatal opioid-related overdose every time they use drugs due to the contaminated illegal supply.The Government of Canada has taken actions to reduce barriers to providing people who use drugs with a safer, pharmaceutical alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply. For example, Health Canada has issued class exemptions to pharmacists and eased restrictions on the transportation of controlled substances to make it easier for people to access the medications they need during the COVID-19 pandemic while following public health advice, such as physical distancing. In addition, through Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP), the Government of Canada is providing $44.2 million for projects providing a safer supply of pharmaceutical medications for people with substance use disorder in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. These investments will help provide pathways to care and treatment. Examples of funded projects include:
  • The Vancouver Island Health Authority was provided approximately $2 million over 48 months for an innovative project that will provide pharmaceutical medication as an alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply for people in Cowichan Valley who have not responded to other forms of treatment for opioid use disorder.
  • The London InterCommunity Health Centre (London, Ontario) was provided more than $6.5 million over 50 months to deliver a safer supply program that will help reduce harms related to the toxic illegal drug supply by providing prescribed opioids to patients with opioid use disorder during the pandemic and beyond.
Findings from these initiatives will contribute to the evidence base to support the scaling up of effective models. In addition, to bolster further these efforts, on August 24, 2020, the Minister of Health sent a letter to Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Health and regulatory colleges to encourage them to provide people who use drugs with a full spectrum of care options, including access to a safer supply of drugs.The Government of Canada has also taken a number of steps to provide options for those seeking treatment for severe substance use disorder. On April 25, 2019, the Minister of Health added diacetylmorphine to the List of Drugs for an Urgent Public Health Need. This makes it possible for provinces and territories to import this drug for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Amendments to federal regulations have also allowed health care practitioners to provide diacetylmorphine-assisted treatment outside of a hospital setting, if permitted by their province or territory. In addition, on May 1, 2019, Health Canada approved the use of injectable hydromorphone by qualified healthcare professionals as a treatment for adults with severe opioid use disorder. This is the first approval of injectable hydromorphone for this purpose in the world.The Government of Canada is also providing guidance and leadership on the prescribing, dispensing, and delivery of opioids and other narcotics during the pandemic. For instance, through funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse (CRISM) developed a series of national guidance documents related to substance use in the context of COVID-19. The guidance documents can be found here. Health Canada has also assembled a toolkit to provide clarity on prescribing for the treatment of substance use disorder and/or to provide a safer supply. The toolkit can be found here. Furthermore, the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health published a Rapid Review of clinical and cost-effectiveness of injectable opioid agonist treatment for patients with opioid dependence. The report can be found here.The Government of Canada continues to make substantial investments to address the overdose crisis. Recent examples of key federal investments in this area include:
  • investing an additional $66 million over two years to support community-based organizations responding to substance use issues, including to help them provide frontline services in a COVID-19 context;
  • investing $76.2 million to take action to protect Canadians and prevent overdose deaths. This investment will be used to scale-up key lifesaving measures and increase access to a safer drug supply as an alternative to the contaminated supply. These measures build on the Budget 2019 investment of $30.5 million over five years, with $1 million ongoing, to expand access to safer alternatives to the illegal drug supply and support better access to opioid overdose response training and naloxone in underserved communities;
  • providing $1.7 million to the University of Saskatchewan to increase access to chronic pain services, and providing Alberta Health Services $1.2 million to implement and evaluate pathways to care for people living with pain and opioid use disorder, both funded through the Substance Use and Addictions Program;
  • providing $231.4 million over five years through Budget 2018 for additional measures to help address the opioid overdose crisis, including a one-time $150 million emergency treatment fund for provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment services;
  • providing an additional $200 million, with $40 million per year ongoing, to enhance the delivery of culturally appropriate addictions treatment and prevention services in First Nations communities; and,
  • allocating $13 million over five years to launch a new national, multi-year public education campaign to help reshape Canadians’ attitudes and perceptions about people who use drugs.
In order to prevent and reduce the harms of problematic substance use, including to enable access to evidence-based treatment and support recovery, the Government has undertaken a broad range of policy, legislative and regulatory actions, such as:
  • approving supervised consumption sites (with 39 currently in operation across Canada), and providing class exemptions to facilitate the establishment of overdose prevention sites;
  • supporting the passage of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, which encourages people to call for emergency help at the scene of an overdose by providing protection against simple drug possession charges;
  • establishing effective Federal, Provincial and Territorial public health emergency governance, including the Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses and the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Assistant Deputy Minister Committee on Problematic Substance Use & Harms;
  • collaborating with provinces and territories to better understand the evolving crisis, and undertaking timely monitoring and reporting of opioid-related deaths and harms in Canada;
  • deploying public health officers from the Public Health Agency of Canada to support public health surveillance systems in provinces and territories; and,
  • supporting the development and dissemination of national clinical practice guidelines to treat opioid use disorder, as well as the injectable opioid agonist treatment clinical and operational guidelines through the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse. The guidelines can be found here.
The Government of Canada continues to encourage the use of diversion programs that create pathways away from the criminal justice system toward appropriate health services and social supports for people who use drugs. For example, on August 18, 2020, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada issued guidance to prosecutors stating that alternatives to prosecution should be considered for simple possession offences, except when there are serious aggravating circumstances. In addition, Health Canada is currently funding a three-year project in Peterborough, Ontario, to develop a multi-sector response to direct people who use drugs away from the justice system and into care. In addition, on February 18, 2021, the Department of Justice introduced Bill C-22 in Parliament to help address systemic racism and the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples as well as Black and marginalized Canadians in Canada’s criminal justice system. Among other measures, this Bill would repeal mandatory minimum penalties for drug related-offences, and would also require police and prosecutors to consider other responses to laying charges for simple possession of drugs, such as diversion to treatment programs.It is recognized that there are a growing number of calls for drug decriminalization, in acknowledgement that criminalizing personal drug possession results in stigma and discrimination, creates barriers to accessing health and social services, and increases the risks of overdose and other harms. The City of Vancouver and the Province of British Columbia have written to the Minister of Health requesting exemptions to decriminalize simple possession of small amounts of controlled substances for personal use in their jurisdictions. We will continue working with them on options to address the overdose crisis that respond to their local and regional needs.We will also continue to take a comprehensive and collaborative approach, working with all partners. No single organization or level of government alone can solve the opioid overdose crisis. All levels of government, a wide range of stakeholders and all Canadians who are impacted by opioid use must work together to reduce opioid-related overdoses and deaths, and improve the health and well-being of Canadians who use drugs.
Drug use and abuseHealth emergenciesOpiates and opioidsPublic health
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021e-2890e-2890 (Justice)TeriMcGrathRichardCanningsSouth Okanagan—West KootenayNDPBCOctober 8, 2020, at 11:23 a.m. (EDT)February 5, 2021, at 11:23 a.m. (EDT)February 17, 2021April 12, 2021February 5, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons in Parliament assembled</Addressee>Whereas:The Canadian Medical Protective Association, founded in 1901, was incorporated by an Act of Parliament in 1913, and Canada remains after 120 years, worldwide, the only country with a medical protective association;The Canadian Medical Protective Association states it is a not-for-profit association and yet has $5,400,000,000 in assets that increase annually;The Canadian Medical Protective Association uses taxpayer dollars ($520,000,000+) that is transferred and increases annually in a rebate program to subsidize the association;The Canadian Medical Protective Association does not have public oversight, instead is governed by by-laws developed by membership and is therefore self-regulated/self-policed; andThe Canadian Medical Protective Association hires top tier lawyers who use scorched earth tactics to defend doctors accused of medical errors and these court cases can last from five to eight years, with only two percent of cases settled in favour of the patient/family.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to:1. Require the Attorney General of Canada to conduct a forensic examination of the Canadian Medical Protective Association program for improprieties, including misappropriation of taxpayer dollars that are being used for actions outside the realm of reasonable behaviors, ethics and conflicts of interest enabling negligence in patient care, profiteering as evident in their lavish work environment and breach of trust when denying culpability in patient related harm;2. Defund the Canadian Medical Protective Association by eliminating the rebate program and return taxpayer dollars to taxpayer patients who experience medical errors; and3. Repeal the Act of Parliament that incorporated the Canadian Medical Protective Association diminishing the hierarchical culture and restoring public trust.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellThe quality and safety of health service delivery is the responsibility of provinces and territories. However, the Government of Canada recognizes the need to improve patient safety within our healthcare system in collaboration with provinces, territories and other key partners. As a result, the federal government focuses its efforts, through its funding for Healthcare Excellence Canada (formerly the Canadian Patient Safety Institute and the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement), on collaborative work with all jurisdictions and system stakeholders to support the different legal, regulatory, and care delivery processes that can be used to reduce the occurrence of unintentional harm.  Healthcare Excellence Canada has developed world-class programs to help individuals and organizations ensure that patients are not harmed by the health care system, and makes those programs and related tools and resources widely available. The organization also seeks out innovative solutions for improving health care, and supports them so that they can spread and scale.In addition, Health Canada plays a role in regulating the quality, safety and efficacy of pharmaceuticals and as such plays a role in ensuring their safe use. Health Canada funds the Canadian Medication Incident Reporting and Prevention System (CMIRPS). Under CMIRPS, hospitals report medication errors to the National System for Incident Reporting (NSIR); community pharmacies report medication errors to the National Incident Data Repository for Community Pharmacies; and individual practitioners and consumers can report medication errors to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada (ISMP Canada). Reports of medication errors, as well as near misses and other reports of concern, are collected and analyzed for shared learning in an effort to prevent medication errors. Further, recent amendments to the Food and Drug Act through the Protecting Canadians from Unsafe Drugs Act (also known as Vanessa’s Law) will strengthen the regulation of therapeutic products and improve the reporting of adverse reactions by healthcare institutions. New regulations also came into force in December 2019 to mandate reporting on adverse drug reactions and medical device incidents at hospitals within 30 days of the event.Although created by a Special Act of Parliament, the Government of Canada does not enjoy any special status or obligations with respect to the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA). As a special act corporation, the CMPA is subject to Part 19 of the Canada Not-For-Profit Corporations Act, which requires the corporation to hold annual meetings and to file annual returns with Corporations Canada. The Act does not provide the federal government with authority to conduct a forensic examination of the CMPA program of the sort requested in this petition, in the absence of actions suspected to be criminal in nature. Petitioners are consequently encouraged to raise any concerns with respect to the CPMA with the voting members of the corporation and/or to its Council.Provincial/territorial governments provide funding to offset CMPA membership fees for physicians practicing in that province or territory as part of the compensation packages negotiated with physicians. As the delivery of health care services are a provincial/territorial responsibility in Canada, including management of the oversight and regulation of health care delivery, provinces and territories have the jurisdiction to decide how and how much they will fund insurance and medical liability coverage as part of the bargaining process with their physicians. Consequently, any changes to funding proposed by the petitioners should be directed to provincial/territorial governments.
Canadian Medical Protective AssociationDoctorsForensic auditsHealth care funding
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00517432-00517 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABFebruary 17, 2021April 12, 2021December 2, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas Bill C-7 further removes safeguards from the current euthanasia regime, including the mandatory 10-day reflection period and the number of required witnesses, thereby allowing a person's euthanasia request to be accepted and carried out within the same day and without robust consultation; and; Whereas the removal of the second required independent witness reduces oversight of the procedure, thereby leaving vulnerable persons at risk of abuse; and; Whereas the Canadian Government has an obligation to protect its citizens, especially those who are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation; Therefore we, the undersigned, urge the House of Commons to: 1) Restore the 10-day reflection period for people whose deaths have been determined to be "reasonably foreseeable"; 2) Restore the original requirement that a person must give consent to the life-ending procedure immediately before it is performed; 3) Restore the original requirements for the signatures of two witnesses, who cannot provide personal care to the person seeking to end their life; 4) Require medical professionals to do everything possible to enable the person to access life-affirming services to relieve their suffering other than physician-assisted death; and, 5) Accommodate persons with communication disabilities by clarifying "refusal or resistance to administration" of physician-assisted death.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOn March 17, 2021, Bill C-7, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying), received Royal Assent. Bill C-7 responds to the Superior Court of Québec’s September 2019 Truchon decision, which struck down the eligibility criterion of “reasonably foreseeable natural death” from the Criminal Code medical assistance in dying regime.  Our Government believes that those who are experiencing enduring and intolerable suffering from their medical condition – including those who are not approaching the end of life – should be allowed to decide for themselves when they wish to end their life, and that medical and nurse practitioners who are willing to help them have a peaceful and painless death should not be criminally culpable for doing so.As the Truchon decision applies only in Québec, Bill C-7 amended the Criminal Code to ensure consistency of the MAID law across the country. The reasonably foreseeable natural death criterion no longer applies as an eligibility criterion that could exclude persons from obtaining MAID, but is instead used to determine which of two different sets of safeguards applies to a particular MAID request.The first set of safeguards applies to persons whose natural death is reasonably foreseeable, where risks are reduced given the overall proximity of death and the fact that their suffering is most likely linked to the dying process itself. The removal of the requirement of a second independent witness and the repeal of the 10-day reflection period responds to the concerns raised by patients and their families, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders that these safeguards pose an access barrier to MAID, do not provide protection to vulnerable persons, and unnecessarily prolong patient suffering.For this group of persons, a waiver of the requirement for consent to be given immediately before MAID is provided is also possible following the Bill C-7 amendments. This change ensures that persons do not choose to have MAID earlier than they would like out of fear of losing their capacity to consent on their preferred day. If a person retains decision-making capacity on their preferred day, they must give consent in whatever manner of communication they are able. If they do not have decision-making capacity, the legislation clarifies that the procedure must not go forward if the person demonstrates refusal or resistance to the administration of MAID by words, gestures or sounds.The second set of safeguards reflects the more serious consequences of error for persons who request MAID and whose death is not reasonably foreseeable. It recognizes the diverse sources of suffering and vulnerability that could potentially lead a person whose death is not reasonably foreseeable to request MAID. The new safeguards for this group include all of the safeguards that apply to the first group, along with new and enhanced safeguards, to ensure that a request by a person whose death is not reasonably foreseeable is fully informed and considered, and that patients have been informed about and have seriously considered all reasonable and available treatment options and social services.The amendments in Bill C-7 were informed by consultations held at the beginning of 2020 with Canadians, the provinces and territories, Indigenous groups, key stakeholders, experts, and practitioners. The Bill protects vulnerable individuals and the equality rights of all Canadians, while supporting the autonomy of eligible persons to seek MAID.
Application processCapacity of consent for careHealth care systemMedical assistance in dyingOversight mechanismPersons with disabilities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00516432-00516 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABFebruary 17, 2021April 12, 2021June 5, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00515432-00515 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABFebruary 17, 2021April 12, 2021November 12, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00514432-00514 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABFebruary 17, 2021April 12, 2021October 10, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00513432-00513 (Health)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABFebruary 17, 2021April 12, 2021February 3, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWE, THE UNDERSIGNED RESIDENTS OF CANADA, draw the attention of the House to the following:WHEREAS sexually explicit material — including demeaning material and material depicting sexual violence — can be easily accessed on the Internet by young persons; Whereas a significant proportion of the sexually explicit material accessed online is made available on the Internet for commercial purposes and is not protected by any effective age-verification method; WHEREAS the consumption of sexually explicit material by young persons is associated with a range of serious harms, including the development of pornography addiction, the reinforcement of gender stereotypes and the development of attitudes favourable to harassment and violence — including sexual harassment and sexual violence — particularly against women; WHEREAS Parliament recognizes that the harmful effect of the increasing accessibility of sexually explicit material online for young persons is an important public health and public safety concern; WHEREAS online age-verification technology is increasingly sophisticated and can now effectively ascertain the age of users without breaching their privacy rights; WHEREAS anyone making sexually explicit material available on the Internet for commercial purposes has a responsibility to ensure that it is not accessed by young persons; WHEREAS online age-verification was the primary recommendation made by stakeholders during a 2017 study by the Standing Committee on Health.THEREFORE your petitioners call upon the House of Commons to adopt Bill S-203, Protecting Young Persons from Exposure to Pornography Act.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that children are safe from sexual abuse and exploitation, including when they are online. The Criminal Code of Canada provides a robust framework for protecting children from sexual exploitation, both online and in person. This includes offences such as possessing, making, accessing or distributing child pornography (section 163.1), making sexually explicit material available to a child (section 171.1) and luring a child (section 172.1), in addition to a range of other child-specific sexual offences. Canada’s laws addressing child sexual offending also apply extra-territorially, meaning that prosecutions may occur in Canada for offences allegedly committed by Canadian citizens or permanent residents abroad.An Act respecting the mandatory reporting of Internet child pornography by persons who provide Internet service came into force on December 8, 2011. This Act requires a Canadian provider of Internet services to report child pornography that they find on their servers in the ordinary course of conducting their business to police. As the designated organization under this Act, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P) also receives and processes reports of child pornography and child abuse on the Internet. C3P is a non-governmental organization that operates Cybertip.ca, which forwards child sexual exploitation leads to the appropriate authorities. C3P also provides public education and awareness materials, as well as support and referral services. In addition, C3P operates Project Arachnid, an automated web crawler that detects and processes tens of thousands of images per second and sends take down notices to online service providers to remove child sexual abuse material globally.In 2004, the Government of Canada created the National Strategy for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation on the Internet (National Strategy). The National Strategy focuses on law enforcement, prevention and education, and support for Cybertip.ca, Canada’s national tip-line for reporting online sexual exploitation and abuse. The National Strategy was renewed in 2009, bringing the total investment in fighting CSE online to over $18 million per year for Public Safety Canada, the RCMP and Justice Canada. In 2019, the Government of Canada announced an additional $22.24 million over three years to combat this crime. Public Safety Canada is the lead department on the National Strategy.Senate Public Bill S-203, An Act to restrict young persons’ online access to sexually explicit material, proposes measures to restrict access to sexually explicit material online, including through a new offence and new powers to compel Internet Service Providers to take steps to prevent the sharing of sexually explicit material to a young person. This bill will be debated in accordance with the rules that govern Senate Public Bills.
InternetLegal agePornographyYoung people
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00512432-00512 (Foreign affairs)JamesBezanSelkirk—Interlake—EastmanConservativeMBFebruary 17, 2021April 12, 2021February 4, 2021Petition to the Government of Canada WHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law) sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption;
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party corrupt officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of "Truth, Compassion and Tolerance," including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, Qiang Wei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.To ensure the protection of all human rights, including freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), Canada addresses rights comprehensively through the Office of Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion (OHRFI), encouraging a climate of inclusion and respect for diversity to advance the rights of those too often marginalized in society. To this end, the OHRFI regularly engages with a diverse range of diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010. The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligation.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021e-2306e-2306 (Justice)DanielaSiggiaVanceBadaweyNiagara CentreLiberalONNovember 29, 2019, at 9:17 a.m. (EDT)March 28, 2020, at 9:17 a.m. (EDT)February 16, 2021April 12, 2021April 2, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:It is common knowledge that there are a multitude of survivors of childhood sexual abuse by hundreds of pedophile priests in the Catholic Church over many decades;The Catholic Church has not released the names of pedophiles within its ranks and moved sexual predators around enabling ongoing abuse and evasion of criminal prosecution;The social ripple effect this systemic sexual predation of children has cost Canada in silent suffering of victims leading to health, mental health, criminal and addiction costs to society;We believe a public inquiry would send a message to survivors suffering in silence that it is safe to come forward to name their abusers to prevent further predation, but to also to facilitate survivors accessing the help they need. It would inform the public on systemic abuse of children and inform on establishing new policies that hold guilty priests accountable under the law, and prevent these acts of criminality to be repeated; andWe know that the majority of Catholics are innocent victims, as these priests predated among their most vulnerable members. An inquiry would help protect Catholics from further victimization and would lay the groundwork for truth and reconciliation for the Church as an integral member of Canada’s diverse and beautiful tapestry of faith.We, the undersigned, #ChurchToo movement: comprised of Canadian residents, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to instigate a public inquiry compelling Catholic church leadership to testify under oath with a comprehensive investigation with the aim of not only identifying pedophile priests, but also the logistics operation established by leadership that helped facilitate the continued sexual predation of children
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government of Canada is committed to protecting children from sexual harm, including by investigating and prosecuting those involved in abuse of children. The Canadian Criminal Code comprehensively prohibits all forms of child sexual abuse and exploitation, including through child-specific sexual offences (sections 151 to 153), as well as sexual assault offences (sections 271 to 273) that protect all Canadians.The Government of Canada has various programs to assist in investigating prior sexual abuse and preventing future child sexual abuse. In furtherance of this goal, the Government of Canada has invested in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s (RCMP) various programs related to child sexual abuse.For instance, the RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Crime Centre (NCECC) is a part of the RCMP’s National Police Services, which provide services to the entire law enforcement community. The NCECC is a key partner and the national law enforcement arm of the National Strategy for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation on the Internet. The NCECC works to reduce the vulnerability of children to online child sexual exploitation by identifying victimized children; investigating and assisting in the prosecution of sexual offenders; and strengthening the capacity of municipal, territorial, provincial, federal, and international police agencies through training, operational research and investigative support. The NCECC also engages with international partners to combat online child sexual exploitation and other forms of transnational offending worldwide and is the current Chair of the Virtual Global Taskforce (VGT). The VGT is an international police alliance dedicated to the protection of children from online sexual exploitation and other transnational child sexual offences.Recent or historical situations involving child sexual abuse or exploitation can be reported to the local police force of jurisdiction or the RCMP.
Child sexual abuse and exploitationInquiries and public inquiriesRoman Catholic ChurchSex offenders
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00510432-00510 (Public safety)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABFebruary 16, 2021April 12, 2021November 12, 2020Petition to the Government of Canada We, the undersigned Citizens and Residents of Canada draw the attention of the Government of Canada to the following:
  • That highly damaging noise levels repeatedly reach the ears of firearm users despite the use of traditional hearing protection;
  • That section 7 of our Charter of Rights and Freedoms recognises an individual's right to personal health and safety;
  • That sound moderators are the only universally recognised health and safety device that has a criminal prohibition in Canada;
  • That, as affirmed in Bedford v. Canada at the Supreme Court of Canada, one cannot be prevented from taking reasonable steps to improve personal safety in a hazardous situation;
  • That the majority of G7 nations and many others have recognised the health and safety benefits involved, and allow the legal use of sound moderators by hunters and sport shooters;
  • That sound moderators reduce noise pollution and noise complaints in communities with shooting ranges, in rural and farm communities, and in areas used for recreational activities where hunting and target shooting is legal;
  • That sound moderators facilitate significantly increased humane husbandry of game animals, livestock, and pets as hunting companions;
  • That hearing damage is a significant quality of life and public health issue costing taxpayers millions annually.
THEREFORE, your petitioners call upon the Government of Canada to:
  • Take a stand and empower Canadians to be responsible for their own health and safety by removing the prohibition of sound moderators from the Criminal Code of Canada;
  • Allow the legal acquisition, possession, and use of sound moderators on firearms by all licensed firearms users in Canada;
  • Call upon the provinces and territories to amend provincial and territorial prohibitions and allow the use of sound moderators while engaged in all legal hunting and sport shooting activities.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government believes in implementing effective measures with respect to firearms that prioritize public safety, while remaining mindful of the impact of such measures on firearms owners and businesses.Any device or contrivance designed or intended to muffle or stop the sound or report of a firearm has been unlawful in Canada since the early 1900s. These items are prescribed as prohibited devices in the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted.Sound reduction or elimination diminishes the public’s ability to react to gun shots and makes it difficult for law enforcement to become aware of a possible criminal incident.                                                        Firearms owners can make use of other forms of hearing protection that are commonly available and that do not adversely impact public safety. 
Gun controlHearing health
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00509432-00509 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABFebruary 16, 2021April 12, 2021September 13, 2016PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWE, THE UNDERSIGNED RESIDENTS OF CANADA, draw the attention of the House to the following:THAT coercion, intimidation or other forms of pressure intended to force physicians and health institutions to become parties in assisted suicide or euthanasia is a violation of fundamental freedoms of conscience;THAT during testimony at the Special Joint Committee for Physician Assisted Dying, witnesses stated that the protection of conscience should be included in the government's legislative response to Carter v Canada (AG);THAT the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) confirmed that conscience protection for physicians would not affect access assisted suicide or euthanasia because 30% of physicians (24,000) would be willing to do it;THAT s.2 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the freedom of conscience and freedom of religion;THEREFORE your petitioners call upon the Parliament of Canada to enshrine in the Criminal Code the protection of conscience for physicians and health care institutions from coercion or intimidation to provide or refer for assisted suicide or euthanasia.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiMedical assistance in dying (MAID) is a complex issue and many Canadians have deeply held views on the subject. On March 17, 2021, Bill C-7, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying), received Royal Assent. Bill C-7 responds to the September 2019 Superior Court of Quebec ruling in Truchon,which struck down the eligibility criterion of “reasonably foreseeable natural death” from the Criminal Code MAID regime. Conscience rights of health care providers and institutions are not matters that fall under the federal criminal law power. Nevertheless, the Government is committed to respecting the personal convictions of health care providers. Nothing in the existing federal law or in Bill C-7 compels a health care provider to provide or assist in the provision of MAID. This is expressly stated under the existing subsection 241.2(9) of the Criminal Code.The delivery of health care and the regulation of medical professionals fall within the jurisdiction of the provinces and territories. No province or territory currently compels practitioners to provide MAID. However, provinces and territories could adopt policies requiring “effective referrals” which, in the MAID context, means referring the person, in good faith, to a practitioner who does not object to MAID.A provincial or territorial law or regulation that affects the conscience rights of providers can be challenged under the Charter, as was the effective referral policy of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario in 2018-2019, which applies to MAID. The Ontario Court of Appeal agreed that Ontario’s effective referral policy infringes on practitioners’ Charter-protected freedom of religion, but upheld the policy as a reasonable limit of religious freedom. 
DoctorsFreedom of conscience and religionHospitalsMedical assistance in dying
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021e-2884e-2884 (Health)JennaWilliamsArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABOctober 7, 2020, at 12:24 p.m. (EDT)February 4, 2021, at 12:24 p.m. (EDT)February 16, 2021April 12, 2021February 4, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:Sexually explicit material, including demeaning material and material depicting sexual violence, can be easily accessed on the Internet by young persons;A significant proportion of the sexually explicit material accessed online is made available on the Internet for commercial purposes and is not protected by any effective age-verification method;The consumption of sexually explicit material by young persons is associated with a range of serious harms, including the development of pornography addiction, the reinforcement of gender stereotypes and the development of attitudes favourable to harassment and violence, including sexual harassment and sexual violence, particularly against women;Parliament recognizes that the harmful effect of the increasing accessibility of sexually explicit material online for young persons is an important public health and public safety concern;Online age-verification technology is increasingly sophisticated and can now effectively ascertain the age of users without breaching their privacy rights;Anyone making sexually explicit material available on the Internet for commercial purposes has a responsibility to ensure that it is not accessed by young persons; andOnline age verification was the primary recommendation made by stakeholders during a 2017 study by the Standing Committee on Health.We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to adopt Bill S-203, Protecting Young Persons from Exposure to Pornography Act.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that children are safe from sexual abuse and exploitation, including when they are online. The Criminal Code of Canada provides a robust framework for protecting children from sexual exploitation, both online and in person. This includes offences such as possessing, making, accessing or distributing child pornography (section 163.1), making sexually explicit material available to a child (section 171.1) and luring a child (section 172.1), in addition to a range of other child-specific sexual offences. Canada’s laws addressing child sexual offending also apply extra-territorially, meaning that prosecutions may occur in Canada for offences allegedly committed by Canadian citizens or permanent residents abroad.An Act respecting the mandatory reporting of Internet child pornography by persons who provide Internet service came into force on December 8, 2011. This Act requires a Canadian provider of Internet services to report child pornography that they find on their servers in the ordinary course of conducting their business to police. As the designated organization under this Act, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P) also receives and processes reports of child pornography and child abuse on the Internet. C3P is a non-governmental organization that operates Cybertip.ca, which forwards child sexual exploitation leads to the appropriate authorities. C3P also provides public education and awareness materials, as well as support and referral services. In addition, C3P operates Project Arachnid, an automated web crawler that detects and processes tens of thousands of images per second and sends take down notices to online service providers to remove child sexual abuse material globally.In 2004, the Government of Canada created the National Strategy for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation on the Internet (National Strategy). The National Strategy focuses on law enforcement, prevention and education, and support for Cybertip.ca, Canada’s national tip-line for reporting online sexual exploitation and abuse. The National Strategy was renewed in 2009, bringing the total investment in fighting CSE online to over $18 million per year for Public Safety Canada, the RCMP and Justice Canada. In 2019, the Government of Canada announced an additional $22.24 million over three years to combat this crime. Public Safety Canada is the lead department on the National Strategy.Senate Public Bill S-203, An Act to restrict young persons’ online access to sexually explicit material, proposes measures to restrict access to sexually explicit material online, including through a new offence and new powers to compel Internet Service Providers to take steps to prevent the sharing of sexually explicit material to a young person. This bill will be debated in accordance with the rules that govern Senate Public Bills.
InternetLegal agePornographyYoung people
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00507432-00507 (Health)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABFebruary 16, 2021April 12, 2021January 28, 2021PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: That, all human life should be regarded with great respect, from conception to natural death.Therefore we, the undersigned request the Canadian Parliament and Government to: Support measures which protect human life.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government supports women’s right to choose. In its 1988 Morgentaler decision, which struck down section 287 of the Criminal Code, the Supreme Court of Canada held that forcing a woman, by threat of criminal sanction, to carry a fetus to term was a profound interference with her right to life, liberty and security of the person (section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms). This Government is committed to upholding all the rights enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, including section 7.All women in Canada have the right to safe and consistent access to reproductive health services and our government will always support that. We hope that all political parties will stand up for the rights of women and girls here at home and around the world, including their reproductive rights.
Health care system
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00506432-00506 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABFebruary 16, 2021April 12, 2021November 29, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00505432-00505 (Health)TracyGrayKelowna—Lake CountryConservativeBCFebruary 16, 2021April 12, 2021February 4, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWhereas opioid crisis is one of the most deadly public health emergencies of our lifetime, with a death taking place on average about every two hours and a death toll of almost 15,400 in the past four years alone (January 2016 to December 2019);Whereas the overdose crisis rages;We, the undersigned, call upon the Government of Canada to declare the overdose crisis a national public health emergency and:
  • Take steps to end overdose deaths and overdose injuries
  • Immediately collaborate with provinces and territories to develop a comprehensive, pan-Canadian overdose action plan
  • Ensure that any plan considers reforms that other countries have used, such as legal regulation of drugs to ensure safe, supply, decriminalization for personal use, and changes to flawed drug policy and policing.
  • Ensure this emergency is taken seriously with adequately funded programming and supports.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Patty HajduThe Government of Canada is deeply concerned about problematic substance use in Canada, including the ongoing opioid overdose crisis and the devastating impact it is having on the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Tragically, there were more than 17,602 apparent opioid-related deaths between January 2016 and June 2020.The Government recognizes that the complexity of this crisis has only increased due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Public health guidance around physical distancing and self-isolation presents a unique challenge for people who use drugs. Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada have been working with provinces and territories and other partners, including researchers, advocates and people with lived and living experience, to help make sure that people who use drugs can continue to access treatment, harm reduction and other services during the pandemic.Since taking office, our government has taken strong action to address the opioid crisis. The comprehensive federal response has included legislative and regulatory enabling measures, new prescription guidelines, marketing restrictions, awareness campaigns, improvements to the knowledge base, and emergency funding to provinces and territories. We will continue this important work to help save lives and keep Canadians safe.The Government of Canada remains committed to taking a public health approach to substance use through the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy. The Strategy includes four pillars – prevention, treatment, harm reduction and enforcement – and is designed to be comprehensive, collaborative, compassionate and evidence-based. The Government is placing particular focus on:
  • ensuring that life-saving harm reduction measures are available to Canadians who need it;
  • working with stakeholders to reduce stigma directed at people who use drugs, which acts as a barrier to accessing critical health and social services and often leads to social isolation;
  • working with provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment options; and,
  • implementing additional surveillance and research activities that will further build the evidence base and allow us to pursue innovative solutions to this public health crisis.
The Government of Canada recognizes that the overwhelming majority of deaths caused by the opioid overdose crisis are due to a toxic illegal drug supply that is contaminated with highly toxic substances, such as fentanyl. The situation is now such that anyone who uses illegal drugs for any reason in Canada is at risk of a potentially fatal opioid-related overdose every time they use drugs due to the contaminated illegal supply.The Government of Canada has taken actions to reduce barriers to providing people who use drugs with a safer, pharmaceutical alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply. For example, Health Canada has issued class exemptions to pharmacists and eased restrictions on the transportation of controlled substances to make it easier for people to access the medications they need during the COVID-19 pandemic while following public health advice, such as physical distancing. In addition, through Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP), the Government of Canada is providing $44.2 million for projects providing a safer supply of pharmaceutical medications for people with substance use disorder in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. These investments will help provide pathways to care and treatment. Examples of funded projects include:
  • The Vancouver Island Health Authority was provided approximately $2 million over 48 months for an innovative project that will provide pharmaceutical medication as an alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply for people in Cowichan Valley who have not responded to other forms of treatment for opioid use disorder.
  • The London InterCommunity Health Centre (London, Ontario) was provided more than $6.5 million over 50 months to deliver a safer supply program that will help reduce harms related to the toxic illegal drug supply by providing prescribed opioids to patients with opioid use disorder during the pandemic and beyond.
Findings from these initiatives will contribute to the evidence base to support the scaling up of effective models. In addition, to bolster further these efforts, on August 24, 2020, the Minister of Health sent a letter to Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Health and regulatory colleges to encourage them to provide people who use drugs with a full spectrum of care options, including access to a safer supply of drugs.The Government of Canada has also taken a number of steps to provide options for those seeking treatment for severe substance use disorder. On April 25, 2019, the Minister of Health added diacetylmorphine to the List of Drugs for an Urgent Public Health Need. This makes it possible for provinces and territories to import this drug for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Amendments to federal regulations have also allowed health care practitioners to provide diacetylmorphine-assisted treatment outside of a hospital setting, if permitted by their province or territory. In addition, on May 1, 2019, Health Canada approved the use of injectable hydromorphone by qualified healthcare professionals as a treatment for adults with severe opioid use disorder. This is the first approval of injectable hydromorphone for this purpose in the world.The Government of Canada is also providing guidance and leadership on the prescribing, dispensing, and delivery of opioids and other narcotics during the pandemic. For instance, through funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse (CRISM) developed a series of national guidance documents related to substance use in the context of COVID-19. The guidance documents can be found here. Health Canada has also assembled a toolkit to provide clarity on prescribing for the treatment of substance use disorder and/or to provide a safer supply. The toolkit can be found here. Furthermore, the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health published a Rapid Review of clinical and cost-effectiveness of injectable opioid agonist treatment for patients with opioid dependence. The report can be found here.The Government of Canada continues to make substantial investments to address the overdose crisis. Recent examples of key federal investments in this area include:
  • investing an additional $66 million over two years to support community-based organizations responding to substance use issues, including to help them provide frontline services in a COVID-19 context;
  • investing $76.2 million to take action to protect Canadians and prevent overdose deaths. This investment will be used to scale-up key lifesaving measures and increase access to a safer drug supply as an alternative to the contaminated supply. These measures build on the Budget 2019 investment of $30.5 million over five years, with $1 million ongoing, to expand access to safer alternatives to the illegal drug supply and support better access to opioid overdose response training and naloxone in underserved communities;
  • providing $1.7 million to the University of Saskatchewan to increase access to chronic pain services, and providing Alberta Health Services $1.2 million to implement and evaluate pathways to care for people living with pain and opioid use disorder, both funded through the Substance Use and Addictions Program;
  • providing $231.4 million over five years through Budget 2018 for additional measures to help address the opioid overdose crisis, including a one-time $150 million emergency treatment fund for provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment services;
  • providing an additional $200 million, with $40 million per year ongoing, to enhance the delivery of culturally appropriate addictions treatment and prevention services in First Nations communities; and,
  • allocating $13 million over five years to launch a new national, multi-year public education campaign to help reshape Canadians’ attitudes and perceptions about people who use drugs.
In order to prevent and reduce the harms of problematic substance use, including to enable access to evidence-based treatment and support recovery, the Government has undertaken a broad range of policy, legislative and regulatory actions, such as:
  • approving supervised consumption sites (with 39 currently in operation across Canada), and providing class exemptions to facilitate the establishment of overdose prevention sites;
  • supporting the passage of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, which encourages people to call for emergency help at the scene of an overdose by providing protection against simple drug possession charges;
  • establishing effective Federal, Provincial and Territorial public health emergency governance, including the Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses and the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Assistant Deputy Minister Committee on Problematic Substance Use & Harms;
  • collaborating with provinces and territories to better understand the evolving crisis, and undertaking timely monitoring and reporting of opioid-related deaths and harms in Canada;
  • deploying public health officers from the Public Health Agency of Canada to support public health surveillance systems in provinces and territories; and,
  • supporting the development and dissemination of national clinical practice guidelines to treat opioid use disorder, as well as the injectable opioid agonist treatment clinical and operational guidelines through the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse. The guidelines can be found here.
The Government of Canada continues to encourage the use of diversion programs that create pathways away from the criminal justice system toward appropriate health services and social supports for people who use drugs. For example, on August 18, 2020, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada issued guidance to prosecutors stating that alternatives to prosecution should be considered for simple possession offences, except when there are serious aggravating circumstances. In addition, Health Canada is currently funding a three-year project in Peterborough, Ontario, to develop a multi-sector response to direct people who use drugs away from the justice system and into care. In addition, on February 18, 2021, the Department of Justice introduced Bill C-22 in Parliament to help address systemic racism and the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples as well as Black and marginalized Canadians in Canada’s criminal justice system. Among other measures, this Bill would repeal mandatory minimum penalties for drug related-offences, and would also require police and prosecutors to consider other responses to laying charges for simple possession of drugs, such as diversion to treatment programs.It is recognized that there are a growing number of calls for drug decriminalization, in acknowledgement that criminalizing personal drug possession results in stigma and discrimination, creates barriers to accessing health and social services, and increases the risks of overdose and other harms. The City of Vancouver and the Province of British Columbia have written to the Minister of Health requesting exemptions to decriminalize simple possession of small amounts of controlled substances for personal use in their jurisdictions. We will continue working with them on options to address the overdose crisis that respond to their local and regional needs.We will also continue to take a comprehensive and collaborative approach, working with all partners. No single organization or level of government alone can solve the opioid overdose crisis. All levels of government, a wide range of stakeholders and all Canadians who are impacted by opioid use must work together to reduce opioid-related overdoses and deaths, and improve the health and well-being of Canadians who use drugs.
Drug use and abuseHealth emergenciesOpiates and opioidsPublic health
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00504432-00504 (Foreign affairs)TracyGrayKelowna—Lake CountryConservativeBCFebruary 16, 2021April 12, 2021February 10, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS
  • Worldwide there are nearly half a million pensioners in receipt of a UK state pension which is "frozen" at the same amount as when the pension is first received - i.e. these pensioners never receive an annual cost of living increase to their UK state pension once payments begin. The UK is the only OECD country in the world to discriminate based on country of residence when it comes to providing annual inflationary increases to pension payments.
  • 91% of these pensioners live in four Commonwealth countries - Australia with 228,000, Canada with 128,000, New Zealand with 65,000 and South Africa with 32,000.
  • The UK Government has estimated that to uprate these “frozen” pensions worldwide would cost $1bn a year. Canada's share of this is $269 million. This has a “spending power” in excess of half a billion dollars a year, which would boost the Canadian economy significantly.
  • UK Governments have consistently said that they will only uprate “frozen” pensions through bilateral agreements. However, in 2013, UK Freedom of Information request 2013/00595 confirmed bilateral agreements were not required in order to uprate “frozen” pensions.
  • Any increase to the UK state pension would be taxable income in the hands of the UK pensioners living in Canada. In addition, since pensioners tend to be spenders rather than savers, then the Canadian federal and provincial governments would also receive a boost via GST and, in most cases, PST.
  • Any increase received by these pensioners living in Canada could mean that they are no longer eligible for GIS and social assistance, and this would represent a saving to the Canadian governments.
  • According to Statistics Canada, as at 2016, there were 828,000 pensioners living in Canada aged 65 and over on "low income", and, according to the Government of Canada, 10.3% of men and 10.8% of women aged 65 and over were living below the poverty line.
We, the undersigned Canadian citizens/Permanent Residents of Canada call upon the Prime Minister to:
  • Raise the issue of Frozen British Pensions at the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kigali, Rwanda - June 22-27, 2020;
  • Ensure that any future trade expansion discussions with the UK are dependent on the UK Government first unfreezing the UK state pension payments worldwide.
Response by the Minister of SeniorsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Deb SchulteUnder UK law, UK State Pensions are paid anywhere in the world. However, for many UK pensioners living in countries outside the UK, including in Canada, their pensions are not adjusted annually for increases in the cost of living. In other words, their pensions are "frozen" and paid at the same rate as they were when they first became entitled, or the date they left the UK if they were already pensioners then. This ultimately erodes the value of these pensions over time.Canada's long-standing position is that UK pensioners who live in Canada have contributed to the UK pension scheme, and have therefore earned the right to be treated the same way as other UK pensioners.Over the years, the Government of Canada has raised, and has sought to address, this issue with the UK, including by proposing that the two countries negotiate a comprehensive social security agreement that would provide for the indexation of UK pensions. To date, UK officials have not engaged on this issue.In early 2020, the British Secretariat of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Frozen British Pensions launched an inquiry regarding the impact of the UK Government’s approach to UK State Pensions paid to UK pensioners living abroad.The final report of the APPG was released in December 2020. The Government of Canada presented a submission on UK pensioners living in Canada, for the APPG’s consideration. The submission is consistent with its long-standing position of support for UK pensioners regarding the non-indexation of UK pensions. This submission was approved by the Minister of Seniors in September 2020. Minister of Seniors, spoke with the United Kingdom’s APPG on Frozen British Pensions about this issue on February 23, 2021, and reiterated Canada’s position.The Government of Canada will continue to raise this issue with the UK through various channels, where appropriate. Canada remains prepared to engage with UK officials should they choose to reconsider their non-indexation policy. 
Response by the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International TradeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rachel BendayanThe Government of Canada understands that the United Kingdom’s (UK) non-indexation policy is of great concern to many UK pensioners residing in Canada. It is important to note that the UK policy of non-indexation stems entirely from its domestic law. A trade agreement is not the appropriate mechanism for advancing the issue of pension indexation by the British government.The Government of Canada will, however, continue to raise the issue of non-indexation of UK pensions directly with the UK. We have also made submissions to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on frozen British pensions, which was released December 16, 2020. Canada’s longstanding position has been one of a support for British pensioners regarding the non-indexation of UK pensions.
International relationsPension indexationUnited Kingdom
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00503432-00503 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABFebruary 16, 2021April 12, 2021December 2, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas Bill C-7 further removes safeguards from the current euthanasia regime, including the mandatory 10-day reflection period and the number of required witnesses, thereby allowing a person's euthanasia request to be accepted and carried out within the same day and without robust consultation; and; Whereas the removal of the second required independent witness reduces oversight of the procedure, thereby leaving vulnerable persons at risk of abuse; and; Whereas the Canadian Government has an obligation to protect its citizens, especially those who are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation; Therefore we, the undersigned, urge the House of Commons to: 1) Restore the 10-day reflection period for people whose deaths have been determined to be "reasonably foreseeable"; 2) Restore the original requirement that a person must give consent to the life-ending procedure immediately before it is performed; 3) Restore the original requirements for the signatures of two witnesses, who cannot provide personal care to the person seeking to end their life; 4) Require medical professionals to do everything possible to enable the person to access life-affirming services to relieve their suffering other than physician-assisted death; and, 5) Accommodate persons with communication disabilities by clarifying "refusal or resistance to administration" of physician-assisted death.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOn March 17, 2021, Bill C-7, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying), received Royal Assent. Bill C-7 responds to the Superior Court of Québec’s September 2019 Truchon decision, which struck down the eligibility criterion of “reasonably foreseeable natural death” from the Criminal Code medical assistance in dying regime.  Our Government believes that those who are experiencing enduring and intolerable suffering from their medical condition – including those who are not approaching the end of life – should be allowed to decide for themselves when they wish to end their life, and that medical and nurse practitioners who are willing to help them have a peaceful and painless death should not be criminally culpable for doing so.As the Truchon decision applies only in Québec, Bill C-7 amended the Criminal Code to ensure consistency of the MAID law across the country. The reasonably foreseeable natural death criterion no longer applies as an eligibility criterion that could exclude persons from obtaining MAID, but is instead used to determine which of two different sets of safeguards applies to a particular MAID request.The first set of safeguards applies to persons whose natural death is reasonably foreseeable, where risks are reduced given the overall proximity of death and the fact that their suffering is most likely linked to the dying process itself. The removal of the requirement of a second independent witness and the repeal of the 10-day reflection period responds to the concerns raised by patients and their families, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders that these safeguards pose an access barrier to MAID, do not provide protection to vulnerable persons, and unnecessarily prolong patient suffering.For this group of persons, a waiver of the requirement for consent to be given immediately before MAID is provided is also possible following the Bill C-7 amendments. This change ensures that persons do not choose to have MAID earlier than they would like out of fear of losing their capacity to consent on their preferred day. If a person retains decision-making capacity on their preferred day, they must give consent in whatever manner of communication they are able. If they do not have decision-making capacity, the legislation clarifies that the procedure must not go forward if the person demonstrates refusal or resistance to the administration of MAID by words, gestures or sounds.The second set of safeguards reflects the more serious consequences of error for persons who request MAID and whose death is not reasonably foreseeable. It recognizes the diverse sources of suffering and vulnerability that could potentially lead a person whose death is not reasonably foreseeable to request MAID. The new safeguards for this group include all of the safeguards that apply to the first group, along with new and enhanced safeguards, to ensure that a request by a person whose death is not reasonably foreseeable is fully informed and considered, and that patients have been informed about and have seriously considered all reasonable and available treatment options and social services.The amendments in Bill C-7 were informed by consultations held at the beginning of 2020 with Canadians, the provinces and territories, Indigenous groups, key stakeholders, experts, and practitioners. The Bill protects vulnerable individuals and the equality rights of all Canadians, while supporting the autonomy of eligible persons to seek MAID.
Application processCapacity of consent for careHealth care systemMedical assistance in dyingOversight mechanismPersons with disabilities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00502432-00502 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABFebruary 16, 2021April 12, 2021June 5, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021432-00501432-00501 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABFebruary 16, 2021April 12, 2021November 12, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021e-3028e-3028 (Foreign affairs)NancyCovingtonElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCDecember 8, 2020, at 2:05 p.m. (EDT)February 6, 2021, at 2:05 p.m. (EDT)February 16, 2021April 12, 2021February 8, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:A nuclear weapons detonation could result in a humanitarian catastrophe so immense that it is impossible to comprehend. The direct effects would be far worse than any pandemic as there is no known meaningful medical response. A nuclear winter could be triggered causing widespread famine throughout the world;A recent surge in modernization of nuclear weapons means the risk of an accidental or intentional nuclear catastrophe has increased markedly since the Cold War era;The money and resources spent on nuclear weapons could be redirected to address the unsolved issues facing humankind, such as climate change, poverty or pandemics;Nuclear weapons, designed to kill vast numbers of people indiscriminately, have always been immoral. On January 22, 2021 nuclear weapons will also become illegal under international law for countries that have ratified the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, a Treaty whose text has been endorsed by 122 nations;The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons is the best current option for nuclear weapons disarmament; andThis Treaty is considered robust in terms of its provisions for implementing the process of abolishing nuclear weapons and is therefore complementary to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. It is a major achievement of international diplomacy;We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to accede to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons thereby advancing Canada’s longstanding commitment to global nuclear disarmament.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada acknowledges the widespread frustration with the pace of global efforts toward nuclear disarmament, which clearly motivated the negotiation of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). While Canada is seized of and shares these well-founded concerns, it does not support the TPNW, as the Treaty does not contain credible provisions for monitoring and verification, which are necessary for the elimination of nuclear weapons. Furthermore, the Treaty’s provisions are inconsistent with Canada’s collective defense obligations as a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).Canada is committed to achieving a world free of nuclear weapons, and maintains that progress toward nuclear disarmament is more effectively pursued through a pragmatic step by step approach that takes into account the security considerations of all states. That is why Canada works as a bridge-builder among states to reinforce the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the cornerstone of global nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. This approach aims to halt the spread of nuclear weapons, reduce existing stockpiles, and, ultimately, eliminate these weapons in a manner that is verifiable and irreversible. While this approach will take time, it is better able to build the trust and confidence required to make actual progress toward a world free of nuclear weapons.Canada has been a leader in contributing to the development of the global architecture for non-proliferation and disarmament. Canada is focusing its efforts on initiatives that unite nuclear and non-nuclear armed states such as commencing negotiations on a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty, pushing for the entry-into-force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty, supporting initiatives to build global capacity for nuclear disarmament verification, and advancing a more inclusive approach to disarmament and non-proliferation, including the full and equal participation of women and engagement of youth. In addition, Canada welcomed the recent extension of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) between the United States and Russia and continues to advocate strongly for the expansion of arms control. Canada is also an active member of coalitions of non-nuclear weapon states, like the Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative and the Stockholm Initiative for Nuclear Disarmament.Canada has long been, and remains, an important player in global nuclear disarmament and remains deeply committed to achieving the ultimate goal of a world free of nuclear weapons. Canada will continue to make concrete efforts toward nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
DisarmamentNuclear weaponsUnited Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
43rd Parliament229Not certifiedApril 7, 2021e-3004e-3004 (Health)BeritBeattieNathanielErskine-SmithBeaches—East YorkLiberalONDecember 3, 2020, at 2:31 p.m. (EDT)April 2, 2021, at 2:31 p.m. (EDT)April 7, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Since January 2016, there have been over 16,500 apparent opioid-related deaths in Canada;For the first time in 40 years, our country’s life expectancy has stalled, attributed by Statistics Canada to the opioid crisis;The overdose crisis in Canada is a public health emergency, as has already been declared by British Columbia's Provincial Health Officer and several municipalities across Canada;Organizations such as the Canadian Public Health Association and the Police Chiefs of Canada as well as health officers including Dr. Theresa Tam, Dr. Bonnie Henry, and Dr. Eileen De Villa endorse full decriminalization. Further, the Global Commission on Drug Policy, the World Health Organization, and the United Nations have recommended drug decriminalization in a call for more progressive drug policy; and,In light of the COVID-19 pandemic with the implications of isolation, economic hardship, and worsening toxicity of drugs on the street due to a disrupted illicit drug supply chain, the opioid crisis is worsening with an accelerating death rate.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to create an evidence-based diversion framework to ensure that police and prosecutors only proceed with criminal charges if it is inadequate to issue a warning or to refer individuals in need to health care services;2. Reframe the overdose crisis in Canada as a health issue rather than a criminal issue; and,3. Remove barriers to seeking treatment.Criminal justice system diversionDrug use and abuse43rd Parliament229Not certifiedApril 7, 2021e-3025e-3025 (Taxation)RandyLootenArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABJanuary 7, 2021, at 4:51 p.m. (EDT)April 7, 2021, at 4:51 p.m. (EDT)April 7, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Seniors are the most vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic;Seniors on fixed incomes have incurred extra expenses due to COVID-19; andRetirement Savings Plan (RSP) valuations have decreased in many cases due to economic downturn.We, the undersigned, seniors and concerned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to allow seniors to withdraw RSP funds without any tax implications to help offset rising expenses due to COVID-19 without having to deplete savings such as tax free savings accounts and to help offset the reduction in the value of their RSP, especially if their holdings are in the stock market, such as mutual funds.COVID-19PandemicRegistered retirement savings plansSenior citizensTaxation43rd Parliament229Not certifiedApril 7, 2021e-3118e-3118 (Indigenous affairs)PaulDaigneaultGaryVidalDesnethé—Missinippi—Churchill RiverConservativeSKFebruary 1, 2021, at 3:48 p.m. (EDT)April 2, 2021, at 3:48 p.m. (EDT)April 7, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The federal government is responsible for all Aboriginal (Indians) peoples under section 91(24) of the Constitution Act, 1867 and must therefore act in the best interests of all Aboriginal peoples;The federal government has dealt with First Nations and Inuit peoples through the 2006 Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement, and excluded Métis residential schools; andThe Roman Catholic Church, under the authority of the federal government, established a residential/boarding school at Île-à-la Crosse, Saskatchewan in or around 1860.We, the undersigned, survivors of the Île-à-la-Crosse Residential/Boarding School, call upon the Government of Canada to accept its responsibility to deal with us according to its constitutional responsibility and enter into a settlement agreement with the former students of the Île-à-la Crosse Residential/Boarding School as it has for other Aboriginal peoples.Île-à-la-CrosseIndian Residential Schools Settlement AgreementIndigenous policyIndigenous residential schoolsSaskatchewan43rd Parliament229Not certifiedMarch 25, 2021e-2940e-2940 (Foreign affairs)TolulopeOlonadeGregFergusHull—AylmerLiberalQCNovember 24, 2020, at 3:03 p.m. (EDT)March 24, 2021, at 3:03 p.m. (EDT)March 25, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="6" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Prime Minister</Addressee>Whereas:There is police brutality in Nigeria; SARS stands for Special Anti-Robbery Squad, a wing of the police force in Nigeria (a country of 200 million people);This unit of police barely attend to robbery or violent crimes but frequently attack innocent civilians, especially young adults, torture, detain and kill without any repercussions or any due process to bring the perpetrators to book; This situation is currently trending worldwide as #EndSARS and is getting worse by the day; Government response to peoples demand was to rename SARS to SWAT and the killings continue unabated;There is corruption and looting of public funds; Although the country is rich in natural and human resources, unfortunately the politicians and pubic office holders never cease to steal billions of dollars in public funds;Most of these funds are typically stashed away in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada at the expense of neglected public infrastructure;It is definite that there are no hopes of effecting a change within such contraption of epic corrupt proportions; and Therefore we plead with the Government of Canada to assist to effect actions prescribed below.We, the undersigned, Canadian citizens and permanent residents from Africa, call upon the Prime Minister to: 1. Ban travel of active and current political and public office holders from Nigeria to Canada by revoking issued visas and permanent resident cards;2. Completely block and disallow medical tourism of current political office holders from Nigeria into Canada;3. Deny children and wards of political office holders admissions into Canadian schools until police brutality and corruption are addressed.Civil and human rightsForeign policyForeign public officialsForeign studentsNigeriaTravel restrictions43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00499432-00499 (Justice)AlexRuffBruce—Grey—Owen SoundConservativeONFebruary 5, 2021March 22, 2021February 25, 2019PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00498432-00498 (Foreign affairs)AlexRuffBruce—Grey—Owen SoundConservativeONFebruary 5, 2021March 22, 2021November 3, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021e-2920e-2920 (Health)JeremyMcInteeHon.DianeFinleyHaldimand—NorfolkConservativeONOctober 22, 2020, at 4:49 p.m. (EDT)January 20, 2021, at 4:49 p.m. (EDT)February 5, 2021March 22, 2021January 26, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="253395" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Health</Addressee>Whereas:The existing regime governing the production of medical marijuana, particularly the Part 2 or “designated growers” regime, is rife with abuse as a result of loopholes in the current legislation that impede local officials' and law enforcement’s investigations of growing operations that appear to be in violation of the law, of a lack of oversight from Health Canada of growing facilities, and of individuals obtaining extraordinarily large prescriptions to be grown by designated growers, and said prescriptions being magnitudes in excess of what a normal medical use prescription would be;Many Type 2/Designated growing operations have reached the scale of commercial operations, yet are not required to implement the types of controls in their facilities that safeguard the products they grow or minimize odour, or environmental impact of neighbouring areas; andIndications are that a growing number of designated growing facilities are linked to organized crime and are suppling the contraband market.We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Health to: 1. Take immediate action to address the aforementioned issues within Canada’s Medical Marijuana framework; 2. Eliminate the existing loopholes; and3. Provide law enforcement with the tools they need to swiftly and successfully investigate and prosecute unlawful designated grow operations, and implement safeguards to ensure that these facilities do not negatively impact the quality of life of Canadian residents.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency PreparednessSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JOËL LIGHTBOUND, M.P.In advance of the coming into force of the Cannabis Act (2018), the RCMP was allocated $67.8M over 5 years and $32.9M ongoing to conduct activities related to cannabis in the following areas: Enforcement, Intelligence, Training, Systems Modification and Data Management, Public Awareness, and Security Screening.This includes funding to increase the RCMP’s Federal Policing (FP) program’s capacity to: o          produce actionable intelligence products;o          conduct research into criminal responses to the legalized cannabis regime;o          develop and deliver training materials to FP personnel;o          provide subject matter expertise to police of jurisdiction and partners in select divisions;o          coordinate investigative responses with different divisions; ando          develop and deliver targeted prevention and outreach activities. The RCMP intelligence analysts generate actionable intelligence to counter the threat of organized crime in the licit and illicit markets. Intelligence analysts also coordinate with Health Canada, Canada Post, and police of jurisdiction to identify opportunities to collect, develop, disseminate, and action intelligence targeting organized crime.The RCMP continues to monitor intelligence trends concerning cannabis, including organized crime groups’ infiltration of the licit market, organized crime groups’ involvement in the illicit market, financial crime, international drug trafficking through air, sea, and land, and the exploitation of the personal registration regime by organized crime.To advise on the nature and extent of organized criminal involvement in the legitimate and illegitimate cannabis market, the RCMP also established cannabis coordinator positions. In keeping with its mandate to investigate the most severe threats to the safety and security of Canada, these resources continue to coordinate and advance transnational serious and organized crime investigations nationwide.    
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Patty HajduSuccessive court decisions established the right of individuals to have reasonable access to cannabis for medical purposes and have emphasized repeatedly that the government may only restrict an individual’s access to cannabis for medical purposes when such action is justified and consistent with the objective of protecting public health and safety. In response to these court decisions, a legal framework was established and under the Cannabis Regulations, individuals with a signed medical document from their health care practitioner can access cannabis for medical purposes by:
  • purchasing quality-controlled cannabis from a wide variety of federally licensed sellers inspected by Health Canada;
  • producing a limited amount of cannabis for their own medical purposes as authorized by their health care practitioner (“personal production”); or
  • designating someone to produce it for them (“designated production”).
The majority of individuals (approximately 375,000) who access cannabis for medical purposes obtain cannabis from a seller licensed and inspected by Health Canada. A smaller number of individuals (approximately 43,000) produce a limited amount of cannabis for their own medical purposes, or designate someone to produce it for them.Health Canada is committed to protecting patients’ rights to reasonable access to cannabis for medical purposes and recognizes that most patients are using the program for its intended purposes. Abuse of the medical framework undermines the integrity of the system that many patients rely on to access cannabis to address their medical needs.All persons authorized to produce cannabis for medical purposes must abide by the law and operate at all times within the limits set out when they were registered by Health Canada, including respecting their plant limits. Individuals are only authorized to produce and possess cannabis for their own medical purposes (or the individual they are designated to produce for), and it is illegal for them to distribute or sell cannabis to anyone else. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in revocation of their registration and/or criminal charges and prosecution.Health Canada actively works within the current regulatory framework to address risks associated with the personal and designated production of cannabis for medical purposes by:
  • conducting additional verifications when warranted (for example, contacting the health care practitioner to confirm the validity of the medical document and to confirm the daily dosage amount);
  • verifying that there are no more than four registrations at any given production site—the maximum allowed in the regulations—to reduce the risk of large-scale production sites;
  • refusing or revoking a registration, if it is determined that an applicant has submitted false or misleading information as part of their application, such as a forged medical document or where the registration is likely to create a risk to public health or public safety, including the risk of cannabis being diverted to an illicit market or activity; and,
  • conducting inspections of personal registration and designated production sites to further verify compliance with the regulations.
The Cannabis Regulations require patients to obtain an authorization from their health care practitioner to access cannabis for medical purposes. Health Canada does not play a role in determining whether cannabis is appropriate for a patient. The health care practitioner makes this decision through a discussion with their patient; the health care practitioner will also identify the daily amount needed for the patient’s medical condition. Health Canada expects health care practitioners to make these decisions based on the condition for which the patient is receiving treatment and supported by available evidence.Over the last years, Health Canada has increased engagement with the health care practitioner community and the provincial and territorial licensing bodies in order to encourage health care practitioners to authorize appropriate amounts of cannabis for medical purposes, in line with established standards of practice and the best available evidence.  Health Canada has published a document entitled Information for Health Care Professionals: Cannabis (marihuana, marijuana) and the cannabinoids to help patients and health care practitioners make informed decisions about the benefits and risks of using cannabis for medical purposes, including dosage amounts. The Department continues to review the latest developments in the peer-reviewed scientific literature on dosing and will continue to publish further updates to this document.The regulation of health care practitioners and the practice of medicine is the responsibility of provinces and territories and professional colleges. Most provincial and territorial licensing bodies have their own set of standards and guidelines for their members, which may include codes of practice on authorizing cannabis for medical purposes. In December 2020, Health Canada began publishing additional data on daily-authorized amounts by jurisdiction, increasing transparency of where the higher authorizations exist in an effort to support provincial or territorial medical regulatory (licensing) authorities in their oversight of authorizing practices in their jurisdiction. It is important to note that different levels of government and law enforcement have roles in maintaining public safety with respect to cannabis. It is the responsibility of municipalities to enforce their bylaws with respect to cannabis production, and law enforcement has the authority to take action against illegal cannabis activity under the Cannabis Act and against those who operate outside of the legal framework.With each registration issued, Health Canada reminds registered individuals and designated producers that they need to comply with all relevant provincial/territorial and municipal laws, including local by-laws about zoning, noise, odour, electrical and fire safety, as well as all related inspection and remediation requirements.Health Canada encourages all provinces, territories, and municipalities to use the tools at their disposal to confirm that individuals meet all standards and by-laws. This includes implementing any limitations on zoning, location and nuisances, such as odour, that they feel are appropriate in their jurisdictions. Municipalities could, for example, require building permits and inspections of electrical work at personal production sites.Health Canada supports law enforcement representatives by providing a dedicated service 24 hours a day and seven days a week to confirm, when necessary, that specific individuals are authorized to possess or produce a limited amount of cannabis for medical purposes.  The Cannabis Regulationsauthorize Health Canada to share information that is protected under the Privacy Act in the context of an active law enforcement investigation. In the context of an investigation, law enforcement also has the ability to enter residences and any production sites.The Cannabis Act requires that the Minister initiate a review of the Cannabis Act three years following the coming into force (i.e., by October 17, 2021), and that a report of the review’s findings be tabled before both Houses of Parliament within 18 months of the start of the review. This review must study the Act and its administration and operation, including a review of the impact of the Act on public health and, in particular, on the health and consumption habits of young persons with respect to cannabis use; the impact of cannabis on Indigenous persons and communities; and the impact of the cultivation of cannabis plants in a dwelling-house.The Government of Canada has also committed to actively monitoring and evaluating patients’ access to cannabis for medical purposes through the implementation of the Cannabis Act, and to undertake an evaluation of the existing medical access framework within five years (i.e., by October 17, 2023), as recommended by the expert Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation.
Law enforcementMarijuanaMarijuana grow operationPrescription drugs
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00496432-00496 (Justice)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservativeABFebruary 5, 2021March 22, 2021February 25, 2019PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00495432-00495 (Foreign affairs)LenWebberCalgary ConfederationConservativeABFebruary 5, 2021March 22, 2021December 8, 2020Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament AssembledWHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law), sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption;
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of "Truth, Compassion and Tolerance," including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, Qiang Wei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.To ensure the protection of all human rights, including freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), Canada addresses rights comprehensively through the Office of Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion (OHRFI), encouraging a climate of inclusion and respect for diversity to advance the rights of those too often marginalized in society. To this end, the OHRFI regularly engages with a diverse range of diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010. The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligation.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00494432-00494 (Environment)PaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCFebruary 5, 2021March 22, 2021February 1, 2021Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament AssembledWe, the undersigned residents of Canada draw the attention of the House to the following:That almost all of the community drinking watersheds on the east coast of Vancouver Island are privately owned, based on an agreement that was struck when BC joined confederation. The E&N land grant, which includes land from Campbell River to Jordan River, was partial payment to build the E&N Railway as part of the agreement for confederation.That all of the community drinking watersheds within the E&N land grant which are under private ownership have had water quality and contamination problems related to human activity including logging, mining, landfills and other industrial and recreational activities. Watersheds in Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Port Alberni, Parksville, Courtenay, Shawnigan Lake and other communities have been affected.That the E&N Land Grant violated treaty rights and aboriginal title.That public ownership of community drinking watersheds, as in the case of the Capital Regional District, has allowed water districts to control all activity in the watershed and allow for the natural forest to help filter and store water and reduce drinking water treatment costs.That clean safe drinking water is essential to life, is a human right and is fundamental to the economic wellbeing of communities and the region and the protection of community drinking water sources must supersede all other interests.Therefore, your petitioners call upon parliament to work with the Province of British Columbia, First Nations, Municipalities, Regional Districts, and land-owners to begin a process to bring community drinking watersheds on Vancouver Island under public ownership and control and ensure they are properly protected for community drinking water purposes now and for future generations, eliminating all industrial and other activity that is not essential to the maintenance of a pristine, secure source of drinking water.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSONWater quality management is a shared responsibility among different jurisdictions.  At the federal level, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) plays a role in the management of pollution.  ECCC takes water pollution very seriously and continues to work hard to protect and conserve Canada’s water resources. Much of this effort is to apply and enforce Canadian laws that control pollution such as the Fisheries Act.ECCC is the lead department responsible for the administration and enforcement of the pollution prevention provisions of the Fisheries Acthttps://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/F-14/index.html. These provisions serve to protect fish as a public resource by prohibiting pollution that could be deleterious to fish.  Subsection 36(3) is the key pollution prevention provision and prohibits the deposit of all deleterious substances into water frequented by fish, or to any place, under any conditions, where it may enter water frequented by fish.A deposit of a deleterious substance is only authorized under regulations that set strict requirements concerning the deposits.  There are Fisheries Act regulations related to a number of the sectors and deposits mentioned in the petition including the pulp and paper, metal and diamond mining, and wastewater sectors.  Deposits that are not subject to a regulation are subject to subsection 36(3) of the Fisheries Act.The management of drinking water is shared among federal, provincial and municipal governments. The federal responsibility lies with Health Canada, but its role is in protecting the health of all Canadians by developing the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality in partnership with the provinces and territories. These guidelines are used by every jurisdiction in Canada and are the basis for establishing drinking water quality requirements for all Canadians. Provinces and municipalities are typically responsible for the provision of safe drinking water.
British ColumbiaEnvironmental contaminationFederal-provincial-territorial relationsWatersheds
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021e-2912e-2912 (Natural resources and energy)RobertKetchesonElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCNovember 16, 2020, at 2:10 p.m. (EDT)January 15, 2021, at 2:10 p.m. (EDT)February 5, 2021March 22, 2021January 15, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="253376" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Environment and Climate Change</Addressee>Whereas:The proposed Grassy Mountain coal mine will destroy the upstream water quality and quantity of the Crowsnest River and upstream tributaries that flow through the proposed project;The project will remove millions of tons of overburden which will be dumped into adjacent valleys polluting watercourses including the Oldman watershed which is the source of water for hundreds of thousands of Albertans;The project will create impoundment ponds which will leach selenium in high concentrations into the surrounding environment destroying existing agricultural and recreational activities for decades;The project will destroy tourism development and quality of life in-migration; andRecent and ongoing developments of clean energy sources such as hydrogen, will soon replace thermal and metallurgical coal, negating the need for destructive coal mining projects.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to cancel the Grassy Mountain Coal Mine application.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSONThe proposed Grassy Mountain Coal Project (the Project) is currently undergoing a rigorous environmental assessment by an independent Joint Review Panel (the Panel), which was established with the Alberta Energy Regulator in 2018. The assessment is subject to the requirements of the federal Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, and the provincial Responsible Energy Development Act, the Coal Conservation Act, the Water Act, the Public Lands Act, and the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. The environmental assessment is ensuring a thorough and transparent review of the Project, based on science and traditional knowledge, meeting the high standards that Canadians have come to expect in a federal environmental assessment.As part of its review, the Panel is required to consider the potential environmental impacts of the Project, including effects on water quality and quantity, air quality, and human health. The Panel is also considering the socio-economic effects of the Project, as well as the contribution of greenhouse gas emissions that are directly attributable to the Project. The Panel’s Report will present its analysis of these and other effects. It will also provide recommendations for ways to mitigate potential adverse effects related to the Project.A public hearing for the Project began on October 27, 2020, and concluded on December 2, 2020. The public hearing provided an opportunity for the Panel to hear directly from numerous interested parties and Indigenous groups, which will help inform the environmental assessment. The public hearing provided a very transparent and open opportunity for the Panel to hear directly from numerous interested parties, including those with local and regional interests that could be affected by the Project. These views will help inform the environmental assessment and the decision on whether the Project is allowed to proceed.On January 15, 2021, the Panel closed the record of the review. The Panel is now preparing to submit its report by June 18, 2021. The report will contain the Panel’s conclusions and recommendations regarding the Project. After taking into consideration the Panel’s report, the Minister must determine whether the Project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. If the Project is likely to cause significant adverse effects, a decision regarding whether those effects can be justified in the circumstances will be required by the Governor in Council.The Government of Canada is committed to a federal assessment process that is robust, based on science and Indigenous knowledge, protects our rich natural environment, respects the rights of Indigenous peoples, and supports our natural resources sector. Any future coal development projects proposed in the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains that meet the thresholds described in the Physical Activities Regulations will be subject to the new impact assessment regime under the Impact Assessment Act (the IAA). Coal mining projects not subject to the IAA may still require assessment under provincial legislation.Any projects allowed to proceed would continue to be subject to all applicable provincial and federal regulations.  
CoalEnvironmental protectionGrassy Mountain Coal ProjectMining industry
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00492432-00492 (Foreign affairs)CoreyTochorSaskatoon—UniversityConservativeSKFebruary 5, 2021March 22, 2021October 21, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00491432-00491 (Foreign affairs)MarcDaltonPitt Meadows—Maple RidgeConservativeBCFebruary 5, 2021March 22, 2021October 13, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00490432-00490 (Foreign affairs)MartyMorantzCharleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—HeadingleyConservativeMBFebruary 5, 2021March 22, 2021November 12, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00489432-00489 (Foreign affairs)TakoVan PoptaLangley—AldergroveConservativeBCFebruary 5, 2021March 22, 2021September 16, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00488432-00488 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABFebruary 5, 2021March 22, 2021November 12, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021e-3024e-3024 (Justice)DonAshleyNikiAshtonChurchill—Keewatinook AskiNDPMBDecember 3, 2020, at 4:08 p.m. (EDT)February 1, 2021, at 4:08 p.m. (EDT)February 4, 2021March 22, 2021February 2, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The derailment of Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) Train 301, that cost the lives of Andy Dockrell, Dylan Paradis and Daniel Waldenberger-Bulmer on February 4, 2019, should and could have been avoided;The CP investigation has led to deeply concerning allegations and a call for an independent criminal investigation;The handling of the investigation has raised major concerns about the ongoing role of the railway police forces;The government of Canada through the department of Transport and the department of Public Safety have failed to ask the RCMP to launch a full and independent investigation on the accident; andThe safety of rail workers, who are essential workers, is at stake and the families of those who perished deserve answers.We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to launch a full and independent criminal investigation into the deadly derailment of CP Train 301.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraTransport Canada’s legislative framework, including the Railway Safety Act, does not include the mandate to launch a criminal investigation. Rather, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) or the relevant police service has the mandate to investigate any criminal conduct if they have jurisdiction over the area where the accident occurred or where an alleged criminal behavior has occurred. These police services have the discretion and independence to determine when an investigation is warranted, to conduct investigations into alleged criminal conduct, and, depending on the findings, to recommend that criminal prosecution be commenced.The RCMP has completed a preliminary review of this derailment, and an investigation is now underway.
CPKCCriminal investigations and hearingsFieldRailway accidents
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00486432-00486 (Health)Marie-FranceLalondeOrléansLiberalONFebruary 4, 2021March 22, 2021November 24, 2020Petition to the Government of CanadaWhereas opioid crisis is one of the most deadly public health emergencies of our lifetime, with a death taking place on average about every two hours and a death toll of almost 15,400 in the past four years alone (January 2016 to December 2019);Whereas the overdose crisis rages;We, the undersigned, call upon the Government of Canada to declare the overdose crisis a national public health emergency and:
  • Take steps to end overdose deaths and overdose injuries
  • Immediately collaborate with provinces and territories to develop a comprehensive, pan-Canadian overdose action plan
  • Ensure that any plan considers reforms that other countries have used, such as legal regulation of drugs to ensure safe, supply, decriminalization for personal use, and changes to flawed drug policy and policing.
  • Ensure this emergency is taken seriously with adequately funded programming and supports.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Patty HajduThe Government of Canada is deeply concerned about problematic substance use in Canada, including the ongoing opioid overdose crisis and the devastating impact it is having on the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Tragically, there were more than 17,602 apparent opioid-related deaths between January 2016 and June 2020.The Government recognizes that the complexity of this crisis has only increased due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Public health guidance around physical distancing and self-isolation presents a unique challenge for people who use drugs. Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada have been working with provinces and territories and other partners, including researchers, advocates and people with lived and living experience, to help make sure that people who use drugs can continue to access treatment, harm reduction and other services during the pandemic.Since taking office, our government has taken strong action to address the opioid crisis. The comprehensive federal response has included legislative and regulatory enabling measures, new prescription guidelines, marketing restrictions, awareness campaigns, improvements to the knowledge base, and emergency funding to provinces and territories. We will continue this important work to help save lives and keep Canadians safe.The Government of Canada remains committed to taking a public health approach to substance use through the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy. The Strategy includes four pillars – prevention, treatment, harm reduction and enforcement – and is designed to be comprehensive, collaborative, compassionate and evidence-based. The Government is placing particular focus on:
  • ensuring that life-saving harm reduction measures are available to Canadians who need it;
  • working with stakeholders to reduce stigma directed at people who use drugs, which acts as a barrier to accessing critical health and social services and often leads to social isolation;
  • working with provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment options; and,
  • implementing additional surveillance and research activities that will further build the evidence base and allow us to pursue innovative solutions to this public health crisis.
The Government of Canada recognizes that the overwhelming majority of deaths caused by the opioid overdose crisis are due to a toxic illegal drug supply that is contaminated with highly toxic substances, such as fentanyl. The situation is now such that anyone who uses illegal drugs for any reason in Canada is at risk of a potentially fatal opioid-related overdose every time they use drugs due to the contaminated illegal supply.The Government of Canada has taken actions to reduce barriers to providing people who use drugs with a safer, pharmaceutical alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply. For example, Health Canada has issued class exemptions to pharmacists and eased restrictions on the transportation of controlled substances to make it easier for people to access the medications they need during the COVID-19 pandemic while following public health advice, such as physical distancing. In addition, through Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP), the Government of Canada is providing $44.2 million for projects providing a safer supply of pharmaceutical medications for people with substance use disorder in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. These investments will help provide pathways to care and treatment. Examples of funded projects include:
  • The Vancouver Island Health Authority was provided approximately $2 million over 48 months for an innovative project that will provide pharmaceutical medication as an alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply for people in Cowichan Valley who have not responded to other forms of treatment for opioid use disorder.
  • The London InterCommunity Health Centre (London, Ontario) was provided more than $6.5 million over 50 months to deliver a safer supply program that will help reduce harms related to the toxic illegal drug supply by providing prescribed opioids to patients with opioid use disorder during the pandemic and beyond.
Findings from these initiatives will contribute to the evidence base to support the scaling up of effective models. In addition, to bolster further these efforts, on August 24, 2020, the Minister of Health sent a letter to Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Health and regulatory colleges to encourage them to provide people who use drugs with a full spectrum of care options, including access to a safer supply of drugs.The Government of Canada has also taken a number of steps to provide options for those seeking treatment for severe substance use disorder. On April 25, 2019, the Minister of Health added diacetylmorphine to the List of Drugs for an Urgent Public Health Need. This makes it possible for provinces and territories to import this drug for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Amendments to federal regulations have also allowed health care practitioners to provide diacetylmorphine-assisted treatment outside of a hospital setting, if permitted by their province or territory. In addition, on May 1, 2019, Health Canada approved the use of injectable hydromorphone by qualified healthcare professionals as a treatment for adults with severe opioid use disorder. This is the first approval of injectable hydromorphone for this purpose in the world.The Government of Canada is also providing guidance and leadership on the prescribing, dispensing, and delivery of opioids and other narcotics during the pandemic. For instance, through funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse (CRISM) developed a series of national guidance documents related to substance use in the context of COVID-19. The guidance documents can be found here. Health Canada has also assembled a toolkit to provide clarity on prescribing for the treatment of substance use disorder and/or to provide a safer supply. The toolkit can be found here. Furthermore, the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health published a Rapid Review of clinical and cost-effectiveness of injectable opioid agonist treatment for patients with opioid dependence. The report can be found here.The Government of Canada continues to make substantial investments to address the overdose crisis. Recent examples of key federal investments in this area include:
  • investing an additional $66 million over two years to support community-based organizations responding to substance use issues, including to help them provide frontline services in a COVID-19 context;
  • investing $76.2 million to take action to protect Canadians and prevent overdose deaths. This investment will be used to scale-up key lifesaving measures and increase access to a safer drug supply as an alternative to the contaminated supply. These measures build on the Budget 2019 investment of $30.5 million over five years, with $1 million ongoing, to expand access to safer alternatives to the illegal drug supply and support better access to opioid overdose response training and naloxone in underserved communities;
  • providing $1.7 million to the University of Saskatchewan to increase access to chronic pain services, and providing Alberta Health Services $1.2 million to implement and evaluate pathways to care for people living with pain and opioid use disorder, both funded through the Substance Use and Addictions Program;
  • providing $231.4 million over five years through Budget 2018 for additional measures to help address the opioid overdose crisis, including a one-time $150 million emergency treatment fund for provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment services;
  • providing an additional $200 million, with $40 million per year ongoing, to enhance the delivery of culturally appropriate addictions treatment and prevention services in First Nations communities; and,
  • allocating $13 million over five years to launch a new national, multi-year public education campaign to help reshape Canadians’ attitudes and perceptions about people who use drugs.
In order to prevent and reduce the harms of problematic substance use, including to enable access to evidence-based treatment and support recovery, the Government has undertaken a broad range of policy, legislative and regulatory actions, such as:
  • approving supervised consumption sites (with 39 currently in operation across Canada), and providing class exemptions to facilitate the establishment of overdose prevention sites;
  • supporting the passage of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, which encourages people to call for emergency help at the scene of an overdose by providing protection against simple drug possession charges;
  • establishing effective Federal, Provincial and Territorial public health emergency governance, including the Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses and the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Assistant Deputy Minister Committee on Problematic Substance Use & Harms;
  • collaborating with provinces and territories to better understand the evolving crisis, and undertaking timely monitoring and reporting of opioid-related deaths and harms in Canada;
  • deploying public health officers from the Public Health Agency of Canada to support public health surveillance systems in provinces and territories; and,
  • supporting the development and dissemination of national clinical practice guidelines to treat opioid use disorder, as well as the injectable opioid agonist treatment clinical and operational guidelines through the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse. The guidelines can be found here.
The Government of Canada continues to encourage the use of diversion programs that create pathways away from the criminal justice system toward appropriate health services and social supports for people who use drugs. For example, on August 18, 2020, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada issued guidance to prosecutors stating that alternatives to prosecution should be considered for simple possession offences, except when there are serious aggravating circumstances. In addition, Health Canada is currently funding a three-year project in Peterborough, Ontario, to develop a multi-sector response to direct people who use drugs away from the justice system and into care. In addition, on February 18, 2021, the Department of Justice introduced Bill C-22 in Parliament to help address systemic racism and the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples as well as Black and marginalized Canadians in Canada’s criminal justice system. Among other measures, this Bill would repeal mandatory minimum penalties for drug related-offences, and would also require police and prosecutors to consider other responses to laying charges for simple possession of drugs, such as diversion to treatment programs.It is recognized that there are a growing number of calls for drug decriminalization, in acknowledgement that criminalizing personal drug possession results in stigma and discrimination, creates barriers to accessing health and social services, and increases the risks of overdose and other harms. The City of Vancouver and the Province of British Columbia have written to the Minister of Health requesting exemptions to decriminalize simple possession of small amounts of controlled substances for personal use in their jurisdictions. We will continue working with them on options to address the overdose crisis that respond to their local and regional needs.We will also continue to take a comprehensive and collaborative approach, working with all partners. No single organization or level of government alone can solve the opioid overdose crisis. All levels of government, a wide range of stakeholders and all Canadians who are impacted by opioid use must work together to reduce opioid-related overdoses and deaths, and improve the health and well-being of Canadians who use drugs.
Drug use and abuseHealth emergenciesOpiates and opioidsPublic health
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021e-3003e-3003 (Transportation)KarenMcKenzieJamesBezanSelkirk—Interlake—EastmanConservativeMBNovember 26, 2020, at 4:15 p.m. (EDT)January 25, 2021, at 4:15 p.m. (EDT)February 4, 2021March 22, 2021January 27, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:The Government of Canada transferred ownership of St. Andrews Airport to the Rural Municipality of St. Andrews, Manitoba, in 1999;The Airport is operated by St. Andrews Airport Inc., a not-for-profit corporation controlled by the Rural Municipality;In 2020, MPR Raceway (privately owned) constructed and operated a racetrack/dragstrip on a decommissioned runway under a five-year lease with St. Andrews Airport Inc.;A racetrack is neither a permitted nor a conditional use on airport lands under the Rural Municipality's Zoning By-Law No. 4066;St. Andrews Airport Inc. has stated that the Rural Municipality has no jurisdiction over land use on airport lands and By-Law No. 4066 does not apply;Transport Canada regulations govern airport operations integral to aeronautics;A racetrack is not integral to aeronautics;The racetrack is in close proximity to residential neighbourhoods and property owners have been negatively impacted by noise, vibrations and odours;There was no public consultation before the racetrack/dragstrip was constructed;St. Andrews citizens petitioned the Rural Municipality Council to stop the racetrack operation as it contravenes the Zoning By-Law; and,The Rural Municipality Council has taken no action.We, the undersigned, citizens or residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to request that the Minister of Transport provide clarification to the Rural Municipality of St. Andrews and St. Andrews Airport Inc. on what activities are allowable inside the airport's property, as it applies to operations of an aerodrome according to federal law, and whether activities falling outside federal jurisdiction are required to meet provincial regulations and municipal by-laws.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraThe Government of Canada has exclusive jurisdiction over aeronautics and has established a legal framework through the Aeronautics Act. This means that only the Government of Canada can directly regulate matters related to aeronautics.The Aeronautics Act establishes a legal framework for the regulation and supervision of all matters connected to aeronautics including the location, design, certification, registration, licensing and operation of aerodromes and airports, whether they are located on public lands (federal, provincial, or municipal) or privately owned lands.An otherwise valid provincial or municipal law of general application affecting an airport could be a valid exercise of provincial/municipal jurisdiction, provided that it is not concerned with aeronautics. However, such a law cannot be applied in a manner where it would “impair the core” of the federal power. For example, because the location of airports is an essential part of the federal aeronautics power, municipal laws cannot apply in a way that would restrict where airports can be built.Where there is a conflict between an otherwise valid provincial or municipal law and federal one, the federal law will prevail to the extent of the conflict. A conflict occurs if it is impossible to comply with both federal and provincial laws at once, for example where a province forbids something required by a federal law. A conflict will also be found to exist if the operation of the provincial law would frustrate the purpose of the federal law.In the case of the St. Andrews’ Airport, the runway in question is closed for aviation purposes and is marked as such. It is not uncommon for airport operators to lease their land for non-aviation-related purposes. The issue regarding racing at the airport is not an aviation activity that falls to the Minister of Transport to administer. As such, provided the racing activities are not being conducted in a manner that negatively impacts aviation safety or security, it could coexist with the aeronautical activities at the airport.Transport Canada developed Land Use Planning in the Vicinity of Aerodromes (TP 1247) to assist planners and legislators at all levels of government in becoming familiar with issues related to land use in the vicinity of aerodromes, which can be found at: https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/publications/aviation-land-use-vicinity-aerodromes-tp-1247. .
AirportsLand managementSt. Andrews
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021e-2846e-2846 (Taxation)SeanWoodGordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNDPBCOctober 26, 2020, at 10:05 a.m. (EDT)December 25, 2020, at 10:05 a.m. (EDT)February 4, 2021March 22, 2021December 29, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Volunteer firefighters account for 83% of Canada’s total firefighting essential first responders;In addition, approximately 8,000 essential search and rescue volunteers respond to thousands of incidents every year;The tax code of Canada currently allows volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers to claim a $3,000 tax credit if 200 hours of volunteer services were completed in a calendar year;This works out to a mere $450 per year, which we allow these essential volunteers to keep of their own income from their regular jobs, $2.25 an hour; If they volunteer more than 200 hours, which many do, this tax credit becomes even less;These essential volunteers not only put their lives on the line and give their time, training and efforts to Canadians, but they also allow cities and municipalities to keep property taxes lower than if paid services were required;Increasing this tax credit would allow these essential volunteers to keep more of their hard-earned money, likely to be spent in the communities in which they live; and It would also help retain these volunteers in a time when volunteerism is decreasing.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to increase the tax exemption from $3,000 to $10,000 for lines 31220 and 31240 to help our essential volunteer firefighters and volunteer search and rescue people across the country.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government recognizes the contributions of all volunteers and the important roles they play in their communities. In light of this, reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by volunteers in the course of their duties may generally be reimbursed on a non-taxable basis. Additionally, emergency services volunteers are eligible for an income exemption of up to $1,000 if they received an honorarium from a government, municipality, or other public authority. The Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit and the Search and Rescue Volunteer Tax Credit provide tax recognition for eligible volunteers who do not receive an honorarium or who do not claim the income exemption. Our Government is committed to a tax system that is fair, and that works for the middle class. The first action of our second mandate was to introduce a measure that would increase the amount of money Canadians can earn before paying federal income tax to $15,000 by 2023.  To ensure that this tax relief goes to the people who need it most, the benefits would be phased out for the wealthiest Canadians.At this time, our Government is focused on helping Canadians get through the challenges they face as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Government will continue to support Canadians through this challenge while ensuring that our economy is ready to bounce back quickly. 
Tax creditsVolunteer firefightersVolunteering and volunteers
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021e-2892e-2892 (Foreign affairs)StéphaneHandfieldAlexandreBoulericeRosemont—La Petite-PatrieNDPQCOctober 22, 2020, at 3:29 p.m. (EDT)November 21, 2020, at 3:29 p.m. (EDT)February 4, 2021March 22, 2021November 23, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:26 Canadian children born in the Islamic State are currently being detained in Kurdish camps in northeast Syria; Most are under the age of six; Canadian families have urged the Government of Canada to recognize their citizenship and repatriate them, but nothing has been done;For close to two years, these Canadian children have been living in overcrowded camps and facing inhumane conditions such as unsafe water, malnutrition and violence;This is an emergency;The Government of Canada claims that the situation in Syria is too dangerous to go there;The documentary film team behind "Les poussières de Daech" entered Syria and visited the camps;They met with the Kurdish administration in Syria, who offered to help the Government of Canada;On October 5, 2020, a young girl who had been detained in the camps was repatriated; This precedent shows that, contrary to what it says, the Government of Canada can take action in Syria; andIn failing to act, the Government of Canada (i) reneges on its promise to citizens to provide effective consular services and emergency assistance at all times, (ii) violates the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, which it ratified in 1961, (iii) violates the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which it ratified in 1989, (iv) does not properly represent the progressive country that Canada is.We, the undersigned citizens of Canada , call upon the Government of Canada to immediately repatriate the 25 innocent Canadian children living in inhumane conditions in the camps of northeast Syria.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe Government of Canada is aware of Canadian citizens being detained by Kurdish authorities in northeastern Syria and is particularly concerned with cases of Canadian children.Global Affairs Canada actively engages Syrian Kurdish authorities to seek information on Canadians in their custody and continues to monitor the situation very closely. Consular officials communicate with Syrian Kurdish authorities to advocate, on an ongoing basis, for the well-being of Canadians in their custody The department also maintains contact with extended family members. When issues regarding the well-being of Canadians are brought to the attention of consular officials, the Government of Canada raises these with the Syrian Kurdish authorities and requests appropriate intervention. Global Affairs Canada is cognizant of the sensitivities surrounding consular cases involving children and is providing consular assistance to the extent possible. However, given the security situation on the ground, the Government of Canada's ability to provide consular assistance in Syria is extremely limited. Canada's embassy in Syria closed in 2012 and Canada has no diplomatic representation in the country at this time.The security environment in northeastern Syria is highly complex and unpredictable. Intermittent combat operations between various armed actors remain ongoing. There is also an active terrorist threat from several violent extremist organizations. In the absence of diplomatic presence, and given the important security risks, Government of Canada officials do not travel to northeastern Syria and are limited in the assistance they can provide to Canadians. In October 2020, the Government of Canada did provide assistance to a Canadian orphan living in northeastern Syria to bring the child safely to Canada to be united with their extended family. This case involved a unique set of circumstances which called for an exceptional response.The Canadian Consular Services Charter outlines the consular services the Government of Canada may provide to Canadians. Each consular case has unique facts and circumstances. There will be circumstances in which Canada’s ability to provide consular support may be limited. In certain locations, such as countries without permanent consular staff, Canada’s ability to provide even basic consular services could be severely limited. This is currently the case in Syria.Canada remains committed to helping partners address humanitarian needs in Syria. As part of Canada’s strategy in the Middle East, Canada has committed over $497 million in humanitarian assistance funding in Syria since 2016. This includes support to partners delivering assistance to displaced persons in northeast Syria, including through international NGOs and UN partners.
Canadians in foreign countriesChildrenCOVID-19PandemicRepatriationSyria
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00482432-00482 (Foreign affairs)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCFebruary 4, 2021March 22, 2021December 18, 2020Petition to the Government of Canada We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to apply pressure on its allies to end the export of all military equipment to Cameroon, as such exports facilitate violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. As Canada approaches its one-year anniversary of being a state party to the ATT, this is an opportunity for Ottawa to be a principled voice on arms control.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe Government of Canada is deeply concerned by the continuing violence in Cameroon, including in the Northwest and Southwest regions. Canada has consistently and publicly condemned violence and human rights violations in Cameroon and continues to encourage all parties to the conflict in the Northwest and Southwest regions to seek a negotiated solution. Canada fully supports the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly in Cameroon.In addition to public statements, and direct engagement with Cameroonian officials, Canada continues to raise its concerns about the situation in Cameroon in international fora, such as during Cameroon’s Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council.Canada has one of the strongest export controls systems in the world, and respect for human rights is enshrined in our export controls legislation. When Canada became a State Party to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) on September 17, 2019, the ATT assessment criteria were enshrined in Canada’s Export and Import Permits Act (EIPA). As a result, the Minister of Foreign Affairs shall not issue a permit in respect of arms, ammunition, implements or munitions of war if, after considering available mitigating measures, it is determined that there is a substantial risk that the export of the goods or technology could be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law or international human rights law, acts of terrorism or transnational organized crime, or serious acts of gender-based violence or violence against women and children. The Government of Canada will continue to carefully scrutinize all export permits and export permit applications for the export of controlled goods and technology, including to Cameroon, to ensure that they are consistent with our legal obligations and the protection of human rights and international humanitarian laws.Canada sees ATT membership as an important element of our export control system and ongoing commitment to the responsible trade of conventional arms. As a newer State Party to the Treaty, Canada has been increasingly engaged, on a collaborative basis, in the work of the Treaty.  This includes offering Canadian perspectives to the Treaty’s Working Groups; participating actively in the Sixth Conference of States Parties (CSP6); making a financial contribution to the Sponsorship Program, which provides funding so that representatives of States Parties with less capacity can attend ATT meetings in person, and to the Voluntary Trust Fund, an ATT basket fund that supports the national implementation of the Treaty. Canada notes that Cameroon was the beneficiary of such assistance in 2017-18. At CSP6, Canada was appointed to the Voluntary Trust Fund Selection Committee and looks forward to taking on this role to support projects that will strengthen Treaty compliance by States Parties. Canada is committed to working productively with the ATT Community, including other States Parties such as Cameroon, the private sector, civil society, and international organizations, in support of the Treaty’s objectives and its effective implementation.
Arms controlCameroonExportsMilitary weapons
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00481432-00481 (Natural resources and energy)LaurelCollinsVictoriaNDPBCFebruary 4, 2021March 22, 2021January 28, 2021Petition to the Government of Canada WHEREAS:
  • COVID-19 has caused a prolonged downturn in oil markets. Forecasting agencies are predicting the end of growth in oil demand as countriesshift to clean energy, and major global oil complies are writing off their oil sands investments.
  • The cost of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMX) has more than doubled to $12.6 billion. Given construction delays, the overall price tag could be much higher, and Canadian taxpayers are on the hook.
  • More than 100 Canadian economists and energy policy experts have written a letter to the federal government questioning the economic viability of TMX, and calling on the Finance Minister to delay further spending that puts additional Canadian tax dollars at risk.
  • The federal government bought the Trans Mountain pipeline after the private sector walked away from the project due to financial risk.
  • As of September 2020, only 5.25 per cent of pipe has been laid on the TMX rout, while billions of dollars have yet to be spend and could be reallocated. Other pipeline projects already under development in Canada will meet the future need for the federally subsidized TMX.
  • Ambitious investments in the clean economy is required to meet Canada's Paris climate commitments and will create much needed jobs in sectors hard hit by the pandemic and by the downturn in the oil industry.
  • There is no place for Trans Mountain in the green recovery from COVID-19 that the government has espoused. Instead, public investments must build a resilient low-carbon economy, to address the twin economic and climate crises.
THEREFORE, we the undersigned residents of Canada, call on the Government of Canada to delay further spending on Trans Mountain until an independent cost-benefit analysis that considers economic and market changes since COVID-19 has been completed and to prioritize investments in clean energy now.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about Canada making additional investments in the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP).The environment and the economy go hand-in-hand. When we create prosperity today, we can invest in the clean jobs, technologies, and infrastructure of the future — and help Canadians benefit from opportunities presented by a rapidly changing economy.The key to creating prosperity is finding new markets for our businesses to sell their products and services. Nowhere is the need to diversify greater than for our energy sector, where 99 per cent of our conventional resources are sold to one market — and often at large discounts.Canadians understand that we need to open up new international markets, in order to get a full and fair price, support workers and their families, and foster competitiveness.The Government’s approval of TMEP was based on the confidence that:
  • strong environmental protections have been and continue to be put in place, and that the effects of TMEP can be mitigated through conditions and recommendations outlined by the National Energy Board, as well as measures including the historic $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan and the national climate plan.
  • consultations with Indigenous peoples involved meaningful, two-way dialogue, which fulfilled the legal duty to consult and helped identify new accommodation measures and conditions to appropriately address potential impacts on Indigenous rights and concerns expressed by Indigenous communities.
On February 7, 2020, TMC announced that its Board of Directors had approved a total cost estimate of $12.6 billion to bring TMEP into service by the end of 2022.Once TMEP enters into service, TMC expects to earn tolls that more than cover the cost of constructing the TMEP. These tolls are underwritten by long-term agreements with shippers for 80 per cent of TMEP’s capacity for 15 and 20 years. The final toll charged to shippers will be determined only after the TMEP enters into service based on the final construction cost.Trans Mountain’s experience with the current pipeline system also demonstrates the robust demand for export capacity to tidewater. Since the onset of the global pandemic in March 2020 and a corresponding collapse in oil demand, the Trans Mountain pipeline continued to be fully utilized while other pipelines struggle with demand.In addition, the Government launched the second step of its engagement process with Indigenous groups on June 9, 2020, to explore the possibility of Indigenous economic participation in the Project. In this step of the engagement process, the Government is focused on building consensus on the form of economic participation in the Project preferred by participating Indigenous groups: equity and/or revenue sharing; and identifying or supporting the formation of one or more entities to represent participating Indigenous groups in negotiations with Canada.By moving forward with TMEP, the Government is creating jobs, diversifying markets, accelerating Canada’s clean energy transition, and opening up new avenues for Indigenous economic prosperity.
COVID-19Government expendituresOil and gasPandemicTrans Mountain pipeline
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00479432-00479 (Foreign affairs)TedFalkProvencherConservativeMBFebruary 4, 2021March 22, 2021September 30, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021e-3029e-3029 (Business and trade)JudithCoatesMarcDaltonPitt Meadows—Maple RidgeConservativeBCDecember 30, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. (EDT)January 29, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. (EDT)February 4, 2021March 22, 2021February 1, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="214333" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Transport</Addressee>Whereas:Canadian travel advisors render services to Airlines and Tour operators to benefit their mutual customers;Airlines in Canada need funding to survive;The Minister of Transport has announced that bailout agreements will be conditional on consumers receiving refunds for trips cancelled due to COVID-19, and Canadian travel advisors support consumer refunds;Canadian travel advisors support the option of Consumer refunds;Canadian travel agencies and advisors operate as small businesses and rely on commissions paid by Airline and Tour operators for services rendered, as their main source of revenue;While occurring very rarely, the standing policy of Airlines and their Tour company subsidiaries in Canada has been, to date, to claw back commissions paid for services previously rendered by Travel Advisors, if the Client chooses to cancel;Refunds to consumers are estimated by the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies to be $8 billion, which will translate to $200 Million in commission recalls; andThe travel advisor community has been working on behalf of their clients since mid-March, but with zero revenue. Many Travel advisors will personally be required to repay in excess of $10,000 in commissions for trips cancelled due to COVID-19, and will find this impossible, due to zero income since March, 2020, forcing many Travel agencies and Independent travel advisors into bankruptcy.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Transport to ensure that bailout subsidies and loans to Airlines will be conditional upon the protection of Travel advisor commissions paid for services rendered to Airlines and their subsidiary Tour companies.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraThe Government of Canada is working to support Canada’s air transportation network. Air transport has faced difficulty during the pandemic.  The government has encouraged Canadians to avoid non-essential international travel and has also implemented strong measures including travel restrictions and quarantine policies, in order to protect Canadians from COVID-19 and the spread of the virus.Transport Canada’s objective is to ensure Canadians continue to have access to air services that connect them to other parts of Canada and the rest of the world, and obtain refunds for flights cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On November 8, 2020, the Government of Canada announced it would develop a package of assistance to Canadian airlines. This was further reiterated in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, which also included details regarding support for airports. Strict conditions will be applied to any federal assistance to ensure that public policy objectives are met, including requiring air carriers to offer refunds to passengers whose tickets were cancelled due to the pandemic.On December 21, 2020, a Ministerial Direction was issued to provide the Canadian Transportation Agency with the authority to develop a new regulation on the issue of refunds to passengers.  This new regulation will apply to future flights that are cancelled for reasons outside an air carrier’s control, such as a pandemic, and where it is not possible for the carrier to complete the passenger’s itinerary within a reasonable timeframe. The new regulation will also ensure that a similar situation does not occur again in the future.Travel agencies and their agents play a vital role in the air travel system, both in terms of assisting Canadians wanting to explore the world beyond Canada’s borders and welcoming tourists to Canada, and by virtue of the latter, they also play an important part in supporting jobs and businesses dependent on tourism.The approximately 24,000 travel agents across the country showcase the entrepreneurial spirit of women and small business in Canada. The Government recognizes the work undertaken by many to repatriate Canadians during the onset of the pandemic. The Government also understands the unique business model of travel agents, the impact of COVID-19, and the importance of commissions as a means of fair compensation for services rendered.Currently, the Government is engaged in active discussions with air carriers and related conditions as they pertain to a sectorial recovery package. Transport Canada recognizes that travel agencies may be affected by these measures, and the Government will give close consideration to this situation as the department finalizes any potential financial assistance to air carriers.      
AirlinesCOVID-19PandemicReimbursementTravel agencies
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00477432-00477 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABFebruary 4, 2021March 22, 2021November 12, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00476432-00476 (Health)MichaelBarrettLeeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau LakesConservativeONFebruary 4, 2021March 22, 2021November 16, 2020Petition to the Government of CanadaWhereas opioid crisis is one of the most deadly public health emergencies of our lifetime, with a death taking place on average about every two hours and a death toll of almost 15,400 in the past four years alone (January 2016 to December 2019);Whereas the overdose crisis rages;We, the undersigned, call upon the Government of Canada to declare the overdose crisis a national public health emergency and:
  • Take steps to end overdose deaths and overdose injuries
  • Immediately collaborate with provinces and territories to develop a comprehensive, pan-Canadian overdose action plan
  • Ensure that any plan considers reforms that other countries have used, such as legal regulation of drugs to ensure safe, supply, decriminalization for personal use, and changes to flawed drug policy and policing.
  • Ensure this emergency is taken seriously with adequately funded programming and supports.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Patty HajduThe Government of Canada is deeply concerned about problematic substance use in Canada, including the ongoing opioid overdose crisis and the devastating impact it is having on the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Tragically, there were more than 17,602 apparent opioid-related deaths between January 2016 and June 2020.The Government recognizes that the complexity of this crisis has only increased due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Public health guidance around physical distancing and self-isolation presents a unique challenge for people who use drugs. Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada have been working with provinces and territories and other partners, including researchers, advocates and people with lived and living experience, to help make sure that people who use drugs can continue to access treatment, harm reduction and other services during the pandemic.Since taking office, our government has taken strong action to address the opioid crisis. The comprehensive federal response has included legislative and regulatory enabling measures, new prescription guidelines, marketing restrictions, awareness campaigns, improvements to the knowledge base, and emergency funding to provinces and territories. We will continue this important work to help save lives and keep Canadians safe.The Government of Canada remains committed to taking a public health approach to substance use through the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy. The Strategy includes four pillars – prevention, treatment, harm reduction and enforcement – and is designed to be comprehensive, collaborative, compassionate and evidence-based. The Government is placing particular focus on:
  • ensuring that life-saving harm reduction measures are available to Canadians who need it;
  • working with stakeholders to reduce stigma directed at people who use drugs, which acts as a barrier to accessing critical health and social services and often leads to social isolation;
  • working with provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment options; and,
  • implementing additional surveillance and research activities that will further build the evidence base and allow us to pursue innovative solutions to this public health crisis.
The Government of Canada recognizes that the overwhelming majority of deaths caused by the opioid overdose crisis are due to a toxic illegal drug supply that is contaminated with highly toxic substances, such as fentanyl. The situation is now such that anyone who uses illegal drugs for any reason in Canada is at risk of a potentially fatal opioid-related overdose every time they use drugs due to the contaminated illegal supply.The Government of Canada has taken actions to reduce barriers to providing people who use drugs with a safer, pharmaceutical alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply. For example, Health Canada has issued class exemptions to pharmacists and eased restrictions on the transportation of controlled substances to make it easier for people to access the medications they need during the COVID-19 pandemic while following public health advice, such as physical distancing. In addition, through Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP), the Government of Canada is providing $44.2 million for projects providing a safer supply of pharmaceutical medications for people with substance use disorder in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. These investments will help provide pathways to care and treatment. Examples of funded projects include:
  • The Vancouver Island Health Authority was provided approximately $2 million over 48 months for an innovative project that will provide pharmaceutical medication as an alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply for people in Cowichan Valley who have not responded to other forms of treatment for opioid use disorder.
  • The London InterCommunity Health Centre (London, Ontario) was provided more than $6.5 million over 50 months to deliver a safer supply program that will help reduce harms related to the toxic illegal drug supply by providing prescribed opioids to patients with opioid use disorder during the pandemic and beyond.
Findings from these initiatives will contribute to the evidence base to support the scaling up of effective models. In addition, to bolster further these efforts, on August 24, 2020, the Minister of Health sent a letter to Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Health and regulatory colleges to encourage them to provide people who use drugs with a full spectrum of care options, including access to a safer supply of drugs.The Government of Canada has also taken a number of steps to provide options for those seeking treatment for severe substance use disorder. On April 25, 2019, the Minister of Health added diacetylmorphine to the List of Drugs for an Urgent Public Health Need. This makes it possible for provinces and territories to import this drug for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Amendments to federal regulations have also allowed health care practitioners to provide diacetylmorphine-assisted treatment outside of a hospital setting, if permitted by their province or territory. In addition, on May 1, 2019, Health Canada approved the use of injectable hydromorphone by qualified healthcare professionals as a treatment for adults with severe opioid use disorder. This is the first approval of injectable hydromorphone for this purpose in the world.The Government of Canada is also providing guidance and leadership on the prescribing, dispensing, and delivery of opioids and other narcotics during the pandemic. For instance, through funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse (CRISM) developed a series of national guidance documents related to substance use in the context of COVID-19. The guidance documents can be found here. Health Canada has also assembled a toolkit to provide clarity on prescribing for the treatment of substance use disorder and/or to provide a safer supply. The toolkit can be found here. Furthermore, the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health published a Rapid Review of clinical and cost-effectiveness of injectable opioid agonist treatment for patients with opioid dependence. The report can be found here.The Government of Canada continues to make substantial investments to address the overdose crisis. Recent examples of key federal investments in this area include:
  • investing an additional $66 million over two years to support community-based organizations responding to substance use issues, including to help them provide frontline services in a COVID-19 context;
  • investing $76.2 million to take action to protect Canadians and prevent overdose deaths. This investment will be used to scale-up key lifesaving measures and increase access to a safer drug supply as an alternative to the contaminated supply. These measures build on the Budget 2019 investment of $30.5 million over five years, with $1 million ongoing, to expand access to safer alternatives to the illegal drug supply and support better access to opioid overdose response training and naloxone in underserved communities;
  • providing $1.7 million to the University of Saskatchewan to increase access to chronic pain services, and providing Alberta Health Services $1.2 million to implement and evaluate pathways to care for people living with pain and opioid use disorder, both funded through the Substance Use and Addictions Program;
  • providing $231.4 million over five years through Budget 2018 for additional measures to help address the opioid overdose crisis, including a one-time $150 million emergency treatment fund for provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment services;
  • providing an additional $200 million, with $40 million per year ongoing, to enhance the delivery of culturally appropriate addictions treatment and prevention services in First Nations communities; and,
  • allocating $13 million over five years to launch a new national, multi-year public education campaign to help reshape Canadians’ attitudes and perceptions about people who use drugs.
In order to prevent and reduce the harms of problematic substance use, including to enable access to evidence-based treatment and support recovery, the Government has undertaken a broad range of policy, legislative and regulatory actions, such as:
  • approving supervised consumption sites (with 39 currently in operation across Canada), and providing class exemptions to facilitate the establishment of overdose prevention sites;
  • supporting the passage of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, which encourages people to call for emergency help at the scene of an overdose by providing protection against simple drug possession charges;
  • establishing effective Federal, Provincial and Territorial public health emergency governance, including the Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses and the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Assistant Deputy Minister Committee on Problematic Substance Use & Harms;
  • collaborating with provinces and territories to better understand the evolving crisis, and undertaking timely monitoring and reporting of opioid-related deaths and harms in Canada;
  • deploying public health officers from the Public Health Agency of Canada to support public health surveillance systems in provinces and territories; and,
  • supporting the development and dissemination of national clinical practice guidelines to treat opioid use disorder, as well as the injectable opioid agonist treatment clinical and operational guidelines through the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse. The guidelines can be found here.
The Government of Canada continues to encourage the use of diversion programs that create pathways away from the criminal justice system toward appropriate health services and social supports for people who use drugs. For example, on August 18, 2020, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada issued guidance to prosecutors stating that alternatives to prosecution should be considered for simple possession offences, except when there are serious aggravating circumstances. In addition, Health Canada is currently funding a three-year project in Peterborough, Ontario, to develop a multi-sector response to direct people who use drugs away from the justice system and into care. In addition, on February 18, 2021, the Department of Justice introduced Bill C-22 in Parliament to help address systemic racism and the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples as well as Black and marginalized Canadians in Canada’s criminal justice system. Among other measures, this Bill would repeal mandatory minimum penalties for drug related-offences, and would also require police and prosecutors to consider other responses to laying charges for simple possession of drugs, such as diversion to treatment programs.It is recognized that there are a growing number of calls for drug decriminalization, in acknowledgement that criminalizing personal drug possession results in stigma and discrimination, creates barriers to accessing health and social services, and increases the risks of overdose and other harms. The City of Vancouver and the Province of British Columbia have written to the Minister of Health requesting exemptions to decriminalize simple possession of small amounts of controlled substances for personal use in their jurisdictions. We will continue working with them on options to address the overdose crisis that respond to their local and regional needs.We will also continue to take a comprehensive and collaborative approach, working with all partners. No single organization or level of government alone can solve the opioid overdose crisis. All levels of government, a wide range of stakeholders and all Canadians who are impacted by opioid use must work together to reduce opioid-related overdoses and deaths, and improve the health and well-being of Canadians who use drugs.
Drug use and abuseHealth emergenciesOpiates and opioidsPublic health
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021e-2877e-2877 (Environment)ThibaultRehnMoniquePauzéRepentignyBloc QuébécoisQCOctober 15, 2020, at 6:34 p.m. (EDT)January 13, 2021, at 6:34 p.m. (EDT)February 4, 2021March 22, 2021January 14, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas: Part 6 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 on “animate products of biotechnology” is the main legislation to prevent genetic pollution of our ecosystems; Canada was the first country in the world to allow the commercial production of a genetically modified (GM) animal and Canadians were the first consumers without their knowledge; The rights of Indigenous peoples must be respected as genetic contamination can have serious consequences on their self-determination; and Transparency in the approval of new genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is still lacking in Canada as the science the government relies on is not accessible and mandatory labelling of GMOs is not in place.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to modernize Part 6 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, including:1. Reform of the CEPA to harmonize it with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples;2. Reverse onus: prohibit the development, manufacture, import or use of a living organism until it has been demonstrated that it can be used safely; 3. Mandatory labelling of food and consumer products that contain GM organisms; and4. Transparent processes: meaningful public participation and full disclosure of the scientific studies on which assessments are based.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSONThe Government would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their concerns regarding modernizing Part 6 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA). CEPA is an important federal law aimed at preventing pollution and protecting the environment and human health. Canada’s strong environmental protection framework is vital to protecting nature and keeping Canadians safe.In the September 2020 Speech from the Throne, the Government committed to modernizing CEPA.  The Government is considering amendments to CEPA to address issues raised by stakeholders, and during the most recent review of CEPA by the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (ENVI). The Committee offered 87 recommendations in its 2017 report, “Healthy Environment, Healthy Canadians, Healthy Economy: Strengthening the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999”, to improve and modernize the Act. The Committee’s report included recommendations to amend Part 6 of the Act, which applies to “animate products of biotechnology”, as well as recommendations relating to other issues raised in the petition such as recognizing the principles put forward in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, reverse onus for substance assessment, mandatory labelling and increasing transparency under the Act. In its June 2018 Follow-Up Report, the Government responded to all of ENVI’s recommendations and committed to working towards legislative amendments in future parliamentary sessions.Please refer to the Government of Canada’s June 29, 2018, “Follow-Up Report to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development on the review of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA)” for more information: https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/eccc/documents/pdf/cepa/FollowUpCepaReport-eng.pdf.The Department under the current Act has been addressing issues raised by the petitioners, for example:
  • CEPA provides for a pre-market notification process for New Substances, including Living Organisms not on the Domestic Substances List. All new substances undergo a pre-market assessment of their potential to harm human health or the environment before their entry into the Canadian marketplace.
  • CEPA includes authorities to require the labelling of products. This authority has been used in various cases such as the Products Containing Mercury Regulations.
  • The Voluntary Public Engagement Initiative (VPEI) on the risk assessment of higher organisms (for example, genetically modified plants and animals) was launched in 2018. This initiative promotes greater public engagement in the risk assessment of higher organisms. The New Substance program publishes voluntary summaries of higher organism notifications and invites stakeholders to share scientific information and test data related to potential risks to the environment or human health from the new living organisms. Since its launch, there has been 100 per cent uptake of the VPEI from companies asked to participate.
Moreover, the Department is closely watching the progress of Bill C-15 currently before Parliament. The enactment would provide that the Government of Canada must take all measures necessary to ensure that the laws of Canada are consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.The Government has an important responsibility to protect the environment for current and future generations, and is committed to ensuring that federal environmental legislation remains a strong and robust tool for the protection of human health and the environment.  
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Patty HajduThe Government of Canada considers issues of food safety to be of the utmost importance.Under the Food and Drugs Act, Health Canada is responsible for the establishment of science-based policies and standards so that all foods, including those that are genetically modified or genetically engineered, are safe and nutritious. As part of this mandate, Health Canada conducts a rigorous, science-based assessment of all novel food products using internationally agreed-upon guidelines, before they can enter the Canadian marketplace.Foods that have been genetically modified to introduce a new trait, to remove an existing trait, or that result in a significant change to an existing trait are regulated as novel foods in Canada. Assessments of novel foods are conducted under the Food and Drug Regulations (Division 28 – Novel Foods), which prohibit the sale of these products until Health Canada has completed a full assessment to confirm their safety.The novel food safety assessment conducted by Health Canada involves a scientific review of how the food was developed, a comparison of its compositional and nutritional profile with conventional counterparts, and the potential for the food to be toxic or to contain a toxin or allergen. Scientists with expertise in molecular biology, microbiology, toxicology, chemistry and nutrition conduct a thorough analysis of the data and of the protocols used to ensure the validity of the results. Only when there are no safety concerns is the novel food permitted in the Canadian marketplace.Even after a product has been assessed and found to be safe, Health Canada takes any new information related to such products very seriously. Scientists in the Department routinely review new information including both independent and peer-reviewed published studies when these become available. Furthermore, the conclusions of Health Canada are consistent with similar findings and methodologies used by regulatory scientists internationally, including those adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, as well as through independent scientific reviews. Should any risks or concerns be identified from the consumption of any genetically modified food authorized in Canada, Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency would take immediate and appropriate action to protect the health and safety of Canadians.Mandatory labelling for food products, including genetically modified foods, is required by Health Canada where clear, scientifically established health risks or significant nutritional changes have been identified that can be mitigated through labelling. For example, the presence of a priority allergen (e.g., eggs, peanuts, fish) in a food must be declared to alert consumers. The Government of Canada’s approach to the labelling of genetically modified food is supported by positions expressed previously by the Royal Society of Canada Expert Panel on the Future of Food Biotechnology; the Canadian Biotechnology Advisory Committee; and, most recently, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food. This approach is also consistent with guidance adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the international food standards setting body.Health Canada has worked with the Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors and the Canadian General Standards Board to develop the “Voluntary Labelling and Advertising of Foods That Are and Are Not Products of Genetic Engineering,” which was adopted in 2004 and reaffirmed in 2016. Companies can voluntarily label genetically modified or non-genetically modified foods using the National Standard designed to ensure label information is clear and not misleading.
Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999Environmental protectionGenetically modified organismsIndigenous rightsPackaging and labellingUnited Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00474432-00474 (Foreign affairs)CathyMcLeodKamloops—Thompson—CaribooConservativeBCFebruary 1, 2021March 22, 2021September 30, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00473432-00473 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABFebruary 1, 2021March 22, 2021November 16, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00472432-00472 (Foreign affairs)LarryMaguireBrandon—SourisConservativeMBFebruary 1, 2021March 22, 2021November 3, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00471432-00471 (Foreign affairs)KellyBlockCarlton Trail—Eagle CreekConservativeSKFebruary 1, 2021March 22, 2021September 16, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00470432-00470 (Infrastructure)ScotDavidsonYork—SimcoeConservativeONJanuary 29, 2021March 22, 2021January 27, 2021Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS
  • The Pefferlaw Dam in Pefferlaw, Ontario was constructed across the Pefferlaw River in the 1820s and has become a local landmark, contributing to the distinct charm and character of the area;
  • The Dam's structure has deteriorated and been deemed “unsafe' by the Lake Simcoe Regional Conservation Authority, and requires significant rehabilitation and repair;
  • The local ecosystem will be drastically affected by changes to the water flow and other impacts related to the Dam's deterioration; and
  • The Pefferlaw Dam has cultural, historical, environmental, economic and recreational significance to the residents and visitors of Pefferlaw, Ontario.
We, the undersigned, residents of Pefferlaw and other concerned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to partner with the Government of Ontario and provide the federal funding required to rehabilitate the Pefferlaw Dam.
Response by the Minister of Infrastructure and CommunitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Andy Fillmore The Government of Canada is providing over $11.8 billion in federal funding for  infrastructure projects in Ontario under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). This funding will see the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario make unprecedented investments in public transit, green infrastructure, communities, recreational and cultural infrastructure, and in rural and northern communities. Under the Integrated Bilateral Agreement struck to implement ICIP, proposed projects must first be prioritized by the Province of Ontario before they are submitted to Infrastructure Canada for funding consideration. Infrastructure Canada has not received an application from the Ontario for the rehabilitation of the Pefferlaw Dam, which may be eligible under the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of ICIP. The rehabilitation of the Pefferlaw Dam may also be eligible under the federal Gas Tax Fund if the Town of Georgina, as the Ultimate Recipient under the program, chooses to apply its allocation to this project.
Maintenance, repair and renovation servicesPefferlaw Dam
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021e-3007e-3007 (Business and trade)HeidiHurstJagSahotaCalgary SkyviewConservativeABNovember 30, 2020, at 10:57 a.m. (EDT)December 30, 2020, at 10:57 a.m. (EDT)January 29, 2021March 22, 2021January 4, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Travel agents have worked tirelessly through the pandemic to protect and care for Canadian travelers at home and abroad;Travel Suppliers (Airlines, Cruise and Tour operators) are clawing back the duly earned agent commissions (wages) from this work, to offset impact of consumer refunds;This means agents are expected to pay suppliers the equivalent of the majority of their income earned this year; This money will come from the other government COVID-19 programs (i.e. CERB and CRB) since most travel agents haven’t generated any income in the past 9 months;This could also cause many to claim personal bankruptcy;Government bailouts for the airline and travel industries as currently proposed will have a crushing financial impact on travel agents and agencies, a workforce that is largely female (over 80%) and commission based;Travel suppliers are not recalling the wages of their in-house staffing when a file is refunded;Travel agents support consumer refunds, and will continue to manage these files for suppliers; andAdditional support, retroactive to the pandemic declaration or non-essential travel advisory issued on March 13, 2020, for those agents already required to pay back tens of thousands of dollars, should be made available to prevent hard-working Canadians from having to declare bankruptcy to prop up large corporations.We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to consider travel agents as external staffing for travel suppliers and include this caveat on any supplier bailout terms, provided that previously paid travel agent commissions not be subject to clawbacks, but rather be considered a sunk business (staffing) cost.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandWe remain committed to supporting airlines and air sector workers during this unprecedented and difficult time for the industry.Since the beginning of the pandemic, the air sector has already received over $1.8 billion in support through the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy.In the Fall Economic Statement we announced over $1 billion in support for airports and smaller airlines. This includes supporting regional air transportation; investments in health and safety infrastructure; and rent relief.Any further taxpayer support will prioritize:
  • Refunding Canadians for cancelled flights;
  • Retaining and reinstating regional routes in Canada; and
  • Protecting jobs across the air sector.
We continue to emphasize this in our ongoing conversations with the airlines.
AirlinesCOVID-19PandemicReimbursementTravel agencies
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021e-2972e-2972 (Social affairs and equality)HeidiBergstromDamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservativeABNovember 5, 2020, at 4:52 p.m. (EDT)January 4, 2021, at 4:52 p.m. (EDT)January 29, 2021March 22, 2021January 5, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Early childhood education is a public good that creates a foundation for lifelong learning with positive, long-term implications;Child care providers and early learning educators deserve appropriate remuneration, training and career opportunities more in line with their professional education;Canada falls short of the international benchmark of 1% of GDP for children aged 0-5 in order to provide adequate funding for affordable child care and early childhood education;Studies show that for every $1 invested in early childhood education, the return is $3-$6; andThe current pandemic is putting gains towards gender equality at risk when there was already a need for improvement.We, the undersigned, residents and citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to implement a committee to study the feasibility of a federally funded early learning education and child care system that is universally accessible.
Response by the Minister of Families, Children and Social DevelopmentSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): ADAM VAUGHANThe Government of Canada believes in supporting families to help their children get the best start in life. For Canadian families, high quality, affordable childcare is not a luxury it’s a necessity. Accordingly, the Government of Canada recognizes Canadians need accessible, affordable, inclusive and high quality childcare.Budgets 2016 and 2017 committed an investment of $7.5 billion over 11 years to support and create more high quality, affordable and culturally appropriate childcare across the country.Through bilateral agreements, the Government of Canada has provided funding to each province and territory to support their unique Early Learning and Child Care needs. Since 2017–2018, the Government of Canada has provided $1.2 billion for early learning and child are programs, and an additional $400 million is being provided to provinces and territories this year.This investment includes no less than $130 million per year beginning in 2018–2019 for Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care, in addition to $132 million in funding provided annually through Aboriginal Head Start and First Nation and Inuit Childcare programs.            As part of the $7.5 billion investment, the Government of Canada is also supporting innovative practices in Early Learning and Child Care and addressing data gaps.In addition, the Government of Canada recently provided $625 million to provinces and territories through the Safe Restart Initiative and $120 million to help Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care facilities safely operate during the pandemic.The federal government is aware of the extraordinary toll this pandemic has taken on women. To combat the “she-cession” caused by COVID-19, the Government of Canada is moving forward with a plan to create a Canada wide Early Learning and Child Care system in partnership with provinces, territories and Indigenous peoples.As a first step, as announced in the Fall Economic Statement, the Government of Canada is proposing key early investments to lay the groundwork for a Canada wide childcare system.To help bring governments, experts and stakeholders together to collaborate in designing and implementing this new childcare vision for Canada, the Government of Canada will establish a Federal Secretariat on Early Learning and Child Care. The Government of Canada has also committed to supporting the existing federal Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Secretariat. In order to sustain the progress made in partnership with provinces, territories and Indigenous partners to date, our government is proposing to make the Early Learning and Child Care funding announced in Budget 2017 permanent at 2027-2028 levels. This represents an investment of $870 million per year and ongoing, starting in 2028-2029.The government is also proposing to provide $420 million in 2021–2022 for provinces and territories to support the attraction and retention of early childhood educators. Supporting the valuable work of early childhood educators is key to the success of a high-quality childcare system, especially one which will expand the number of spaces across the country. In addition to the investments announced in the Fall Economic Statement for the early Childhood education workforce, the Government of Canada will also engage provinces and territories on future sustained investments in support of an Early Childhood Educator Workforce Strategy as a key enabling feature of Canada-wide childcare system.In addition, the government is proposing to invest an additional $75 million in 2021–2022 to improve the quality and accessibility of Indigenous childcare programs. This would enable providers to take steps to improve the retention of Indigenous early childhood educators and to offer more flexible and extended hours of care.The Fall Economic Statement also noted that Budget 2021 will outline a plan to provide affordable, accessible, inclusive and high quality childcare across the country. The Government of Canada also remains committed to subsidizing before and after school program costs as flexible care options for primary school children are more important than ever. Through the federal government’s continued support to increase access to high quality, affordable Early learning and Child Care programs, Canadian parents will have access to new opportunities to build a better future for themselves and their children.Implementing a Canada-wide childcare system will support families across Canada who cannot access affordable and quality childcare, support women in entering or re-entering the workforce after having a child, and support those working as ELCC providers, including early childhood education.
Care for childrenNational child care programPreschool education
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00467432-00467 (Foreign affairs)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservativeABJanuary 29, 2021March 22, 2021September 16, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00466432-00466 (Foreign affairs)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg NorthLiberalMBJanuary 29, 2021March 22, 2021January 27, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWhereas:1. India is the worlds largest Democracy and hundreds of thousands of people of Indian decent now call Canada home. 2. Tens of thousands of Canadians of which many have a direct connection to farmers in India are concerned about the safety of farmers in particular from the Punjab who are protesting domestic legislative changes affecting their livelihoods. 3. Canada will respect the legislative independence of sovereign nations, but Canada must always stand for the protection of fundamental freedoms both at home and around the world as peacefully protesting is a fundamental right in a democracy.We, the undersigned residents of the Province of Manitoba call upon Canadian parliamentarians to stand in support of Indian farmers who choose to have peaceful protests on the issues of farming and more.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada is committed to the growth and diversification of our strategic partnership with India through constructive and forward-looking bilateral dialogue. Canada attaches great importance to protecting and advancing human rights, and the values of democracy, diversity, pluralism, and rule of law. These values are reflected in our engagement with all international partners, including the Government of India.The Government of Canada has continued to monitor protests by farmers in India, including the multiple dialogues between the government and farmers union representatives and the intervention of the Supreme Court of India in January 2021. Canada welcomes the Government of India’s commitment to ongoing dialogue to discuss issues of concern.
Civil and human rightsFarming and farmersForeign policyIndiaProtests
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00465432-00465 (Foreign affairs)TamaraJansenCloverdale—Langley CityConservativeBCJanuary 29, 2021March 22, 2021September 16, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00464432-00464 (Environment)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCJanuary 29, 2021March 22, 2021February 5, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsTHEREFORE, YOUR PETITIONERS call on the House of Commons to work with the Government of British Columbia to protect Saanich Inlet by immediately adding it to the list of designated zones where the discharge of raw sewage is not allowed.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar Alghabra Transport Canada has received the completed application titled “Application for Establishment of a Designated Sewage Area under the Vessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemicals Regulations” submitted by The Corporation of the District of Central Saanich. The application has been reviewed and accepted for addition to Schedule 2 to of the Vessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemicals Regulations (VPDCR) as a Designated Sewage Area.The Department is currently working on amendments to the VPDCR and will be engaging with stakeholders within the coming fiscal year to seek input on areas where the regulations could be improved. As part of this regulatory process, Transport Canada officials will also look at the application process for Designated Sewage Areas, including whether and how applications and approvals can be expedited in future.   
Saanich InletSewage treatment and disposal
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00463432-00463 (Indigenous affairs)PaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCJanuary 29, 2021March 22, 2021May 26, 2020PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • Canadian constitutional law is accountable to the human rights obligations outlined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP);
  • Provincial and federal governments must follow the legal principles established by the Supreme Court and the constitution, which requires them to engage in good faith negotiations with the Wet'suwet'en Hereditary Chiefs;
  • Canada has also committed to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's report "Calls to Action";
  • The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has called on Canada to: immediately suspend work on the Coastal GasLink pipeline until free, prior, and informed consent is obtained from Indigenous Peoples; immediately cease the forced eviction of Wet'suwet'en Peoples; prohibit the use of lethal weapons against Indigenous peoples and guarantee no force will be used against them; withdraw the RCMP and associated security and policing services from traditional lands;
  • Hereditary Chiefs have the right to grant consent, or not, for activities on their territories; and
  • The Coastal GasLink project has the potential to release massive amounts of methane through the extraction, transport, liquefaction and regasification processes.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to commit to upholding the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action by immediately:
  • Halt all existing and planned construction of the Coastal GasLink project on Wet'suwet'en territory;
  • Order the RCMP to dismantle their exclusion zone and stand down;
  • Schedule nation-to-nation talks between the Wet'suwet'en Nation and federal and provincial governments; and
  • Prioritize the real implementation of the UNDRIP.
Response by the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): GARY ANANDASANGAREEThe Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations (CIR) would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their interest in the Wet’suwet’en Nation and the Coastal GasLink pipeline project.The Government is committed to reconciliation with all Indigenous peoples, including the hereditary leadership of the Wet’suwet’en Nation. Since 2015, our focus has been on the renewal and rebuilding of relationships based on the affirmation of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. The Government also endorsed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) without qualification in 2016, and is committed to its full implementation in partnership with Indigenous peoples and in accordance with the Canadian constitution. On December 3, 2020, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations introduced to Parliament Bill C-15 – An Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.The federal Minister of CIR and the British Columbia Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation met in Smithers with the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs between February 27 and 29, 2020  and had frank and substantive discussions, guided by respect, on issues around Wet’suwet’en rights and title. These talks focused on two separate topics: the recognition of Wet’suwet’en Aboriginal rights and title throughout their territory, and the issues arising out of the Coastal GasLink project. These topics were discussed separately. The Coastal GasLink pipeline remains entirely within provincial jurisdiction and Canada would refer the petitioners to comments made by the British Columbia Government with respect to that project.With respect to rights and title, Canada, British Columbia, and the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on May 14, 2020 which launched a process to implement Wet’suwet’en rights and title. This MOU establishes a path forward for discussions toward substantive agreements that would describe future governance and the implementation of Wet’suwet’en rights and title. The MOU does not create, modify or implement rights and title, but does reflect a shared commitment to negotiate substantive agreements. Once reached, these agreements would be taken back to all Wet’suwet’en people for approval through a process that must clearly demonstrate the consent of the members of the nation. The three parties are currently continuing negotiations contemplated under the MOU.The Government is also working more broadly with Indigenous partners to explore new ways of advancing their visions of self-determination, consistent with UNDRIP. This can take place through the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self Determination process, which is an alternative to the treaty process, for addressing the interests of Indigenous groups. It encourages exploratory discussions and the co-development of measures, thereby renewing and strengthening nation-to-nation relationships between Canada and Indigenous peoples. It can also take place under the new Recognition and Reconciliation of Rights Policy for Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia, which were endorsed by the Principals to the BC Treaty Process on September 4, 2019. The new policy establishes a foundation for negotiations based on: 1) the recognition that Indigenous groups have pre-existing rights, including title and self-government and 2) federal and provincial commitments to implement UNDRIP. The goal of the policy is to fashion a reconciliation of pre-existing Indigenous and Crown sovereignties through co-developed agreements.Renewing the nation-to-nation, government-to-government and Inuit-Crown relationship between Canada and Indigenous peoples, towards self-determination, is a priority for this Government.
Coastal GasLink Pipeline ProjectIndigenous rightsWet'suwet'en First Nation
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00462432-00462 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJanuary 29, 2021March 22, 2021November 4, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00461432-00461 (Foreign affairs)BradRedekoppSaskatoon WestConservativeSKJanuary 29, 2021March 22, 2021September 16, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00460432-00460 (Foreign affairs)ZiadAboultaifEdmonton ManningConservativeABJanuary 29, 2021March 22, 2021October 13, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00459432-00459 (Foreign affairs)DanAlbasCentral Okanagan—Similkameen—NicolaConservativeBCJanuary 29, 2021March 22, 2021September 16, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021e-2849e-2849 (Natural resources and energy)LynnJonesHon.DavidMcGuintyOttawa SouthLiberalONSeptember 17, 2020, at 4:31 p.m. (EDT)January 15, 2021, at 4:31 p.m. (EDT)January 28, 2021March 22, 2021January 18, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Radioactive waste is dangerous, poses risks to all living things and must be kept out of the biosphere for as long as it poses a radioactive hazard (many thousands of years);Canada is a party to the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, and as such, is obligated by Article 11 of the treaty to "ensure that the generation of radioactive waste is kept to the minimum practicable";Small modular nuclear reactors, currently under consideration for taxpayer-funded development in Canada would produce long-lived hazardous nuclear waste as part of normal operations;Production of plutonium and other fuels for small modular nuclear reactors would also create long-lived hazardous nuclear waste;Small modular nuclear reactors would themselves become hazardous, long-lived nuclear waste;Too hot to handle after their short lifespan of a few decades, and too costly to transport, they would likely be abandoned in place leaving permanently contaminated, radioactive exclusion zones (a few hectares in size) everywhere they were deployed;Low-carbon alternatives to nuclear technology for electricity generation are readily available, faster to deploy and do not generate radioactive waste; andFederal support and funding for development of small modular nuclear reactors would constitute an abnegation of Canada’s international commitment to minimize generation of radioactive waste.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Uphold its commitment as a signatory to the Joint Convention to minimize the generation of radioactive waste; and2. Cease all support and taxpayer funding for small modular nuclear reactors.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., PC, MPThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views regarding safety and radioactive waste, particularly with regard to small nuclear reactors (SMRs). Protecting the health, safety, and security of Canadians and the environment is the government’s top priority. This is especially important when it comes to regulating nuclear energy and materials.Currently, all radioactive waste in Canada is safely managed in facilities licensed by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), Canada’s independent nuclear regulator. The commission is recognized as a world-class regulatory body. The CNSC will not authorize any activities involving radioactive waste management if a licensee or applicant does not meet its requirements or expectations.As a contracting party to the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, the Government of Canada is fully committed to making sure its provisions are implemented. Participating countries are dedicated to achieving and maintaining a consistently high level of safety in the management of spent fuel and radioactive waste. This is part of the global safety regime that ensures the protection of people and the environment. Canada actively participates in the Joint Convention process, which includes the publication of national reports on the CNSC’s website. The Government of Canada’s Radioactive Waste Policy Framework is another component of the safety regime. Established through Natural Resources Canada, the framework sets the stage for institutional and financial arrangements to manage radioactive waste in a safe, comprehensive, environmentally sound, integrated and cost-effective manner.  In accordance with the "polluter pays" principle, waste owners are responsible for the funding, organization, management and operation of the facilities required to safely manage their waste. Moreover, they are required to manage waste in a safe and secure manner for both the short- and long-term.Canada has adopted waste minimization practices to ensure the generation of radioactive waste is minimized to the extent practicable by the implementation of design measures, operating procedures and decommissioning practices. The priority is to reduce waste production or recycle waste that is produced before moving to disposal. The CNSC requires licensees to implement and maintain a waste management program that considers this waste hierarchy and includes strategies to meet this challenge. These efforts must be undertaken while ensuring the health and safety of workers and the environment.Nevertheless, the government recognizes the importance of constant monitoring and improvement, when necessary. Which is why, in September of 2019 and at Canada’s request, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) undertook an Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) mission. The agency evaluated the safety of the country’s regulatory infrastructure against IAEA safety standards. The scope of the 2019 mission included all activities and facilities licensed by the CNSC, including the regulation of waste management activities. The results of the 2019 IRRS mission confirmed that the commission has a strong regulatory framework and continues to ensure the safe operation of nuclear facilities in Canada. The review included a recommendation that the Canada enhance its existing waste management policy to ensure adherence to the principles stated in the Radioactive Waste Policy Framework.The government is acting on this recommendation. Natural Resources Canada is reviewing its Radioactive Waste Policy to ensure it still aligns with international standards and reflects Canadian values. The government values the views of Canadians and invites them to get involved by visiting Canada’s virtual hub. A wide range of experts and stakeholders are also weighing in.The government is also developing a strategy to ensure proper management of all types of waste, including SMR waste if this technology becomes operational. Other federal government departments are part of the working group examining the existing policy. They are identifying areas where changes would improve clarity and enhance protection for Canadians and the environment. The objective is clear: to ensure the radioactive waste management regime will meet or exceed international standards. The government is also committed to building trust with Canadians, including Indigenous Peoples, and ensure a long-term plan is in place for all types of waste. Waste minimization is an important part of the conversation during this policy review and is considered further in discussion papers.These actions are being taken within the context of a government-wide drive to beat Canada’s 2030 Paris target and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The government’s climate plan, announced on December 11, 2020, includes 64 new measures and $15 billion in spending. The government wants to support renewable and next-generation clean energy, to encourage the retrofitting of homes and buildings, which will create thousands of jobs, and to make zero-emission vehicles more affordable while investing in more charging stations across the country.Nuclear energy is one part of the toolbox needed to reach Canada’s climate goals. It makes an important contribution to Canada’s current energy mix and it will continue to play a key role in achieving Canada’s low-carbon future. It is the second largest source of non-emitting electricity in Canada after hydro, providing approximately 15 percent of national electricity generation, including 38 percent of electricity generated in New Brunswick and almost 60 percent in Ontario. The sector also delivers a wide array of benefits to Canadians. It contributes $17 billion per year to Canada’s gross domestic product and accounts for approximately 76,000 jobs. More than 200 small- and medium-sized enterprises make up Canada’s nuclear energy supply chain.The pathway to net-zero by 2050 is the challenge of this generation. To be successful, the government has to consider all options. The International Energy Agency, in its 2019 report Nuclear Power in a Clean Energy System, found that taking nuclear energy out of the equation would not only increase the risk of failure to meet climate targets, it would also result in higher electricity prices for consumers. According to the report, it would cost an estimated US$1.6 trillion more to achieve global climate targets without investments in nuclear energy. The government takes these recommendations seriously and believes all low-carbon technologies should be evaluated and allowed to compete on their merits. This is why the government convened the SMR Roadmap in 2018, and launched Canada’s SMR Action Plan in December 2020. The government recognizes that SMRs, while still at the development phase, have potential applications in electricity generation, resource extraction, desalination, and can offer a clean energy alternative in rural and remote communities. Canada has a long history in nuclear energy, and SMRs represent an opportunity to demonstrate the country’s leadership in next generation clean technologies.
Nuclear reactorsNuclear waste
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00457432-00457 (Foreign affairs)TracyGrayKelowna—Lake CountryConservativeBCJanuary 28, 2021March 22, 2021December 18, 2020PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWHEREAS:
  • The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (the Magnitsky Law), sanctions foreign officials responsible for gross human rights violations or acts of corruption;
  • For over 21 years, China's communist party officials have orchestrated the torture and killing of large numbers of people who practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline promoting the principles of "Truth, Compassion and Tolerance," including the killing of practitioners on a mass scale for their vital organs to fuel the communist regime's organ transplant trade.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deploy all legal sanctions, including the freezing of assets, and barring of entry to Canada, against, but not limited to these perpetrators: Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, Liu Jing, Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Li lanqing, Wu Guanzheng, Li Dongsheng, Qiang Wei, Huang Jiefu, Zheng Shusen, Wang lijun, Zhang Chaoying, and Jia Chunwang.We also call upon the Government of Canada to refuse immigration/visitor visa to those who persecuted Falun Gong practitioners in China.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, as well as Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits; public statements; representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums; interventions and advocacy by the Embassy of Canada; as well as outreach to civil society.To ensure the protection of all human rights, including freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), Canada addresses rights comprehensively through the Office of Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion (OHRFI), encouraging a climate of inclusion and respect for diversity to advance the rights of those too often marginalized in society. To this end, the OHRFI regularly engages with a diverse range of diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.The Government of Canada has presented concerns regarding human rights practices directly to Chinese authorities on numerous occasions. These concerns are raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Canada in September 2016, the Prime Minister’s visits to China in August 2016 and in December 2017, the Governor General’s visit to China in July 2017, and during a visit of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister to China in August 2017. The Prime Minister and Premier Li also had a frank and open discussion on human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion as part of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in November 2018. At the G20 Foreign Minister’s meeting in Japan in November 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting. And most recently in August 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Rome.On November 6, 2018, Canada made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of its Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. At that time, Canada called on China to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Falun Gong practitioners. Most recently, at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.In July 2019, Canada signed a joint statement, at the U.S. Ministerial Meeting to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington. This meeting is U.S.-led initiative where issues of religious freedom violations worldwide are addressed and that brings together foreign ministers and government representatives, civil society, as well as victims of religious persecution and discrimination. The joint statement emphasized concern about the significant restrictions on religious freedom in China and called on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of all individuals. The text stated that many members of religious minority groups in China face severe repression and discrimination because of their beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. On October 27, 2020, in a statement on International Religious Freedom Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated concerns over the ongoing persecution of faith and belief communities in China, including Falun Gong practitioners.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children which promotes cooperation to more effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of organ removal. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010. The promotion, protection and respect of human rights are core priorities in our foreign policy. Canada will continue to raise its concerns about the human rights situation in China and we will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligation.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoAs part of the immigration application process, all visa applications are carefully assessed for eligibility and admissibility under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. For example, a foreign national may be inadmissible to Canada if they have engaged in criminality or human or international rights violations (including being subject to sanctions), or are a family member of an inadmissible person.In 2017, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law) came into force. It added two new inadmissibility provisions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act concerning sanctioned government officials or individuals acting on behalf of a foreign state who are responsible for corruption, extrajudicial killings, torture or other gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. A foreign national listed in an order or regulation made by the Governor in Council under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act would be inadmissible.If an applicant is determined to be inadmissible on any ground, they may be refused a visa, electronic travel authorization or entry to Canada. Inadmissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by Immigration Officers and are based on evidence, which may consist of police or intelligence reports, statutory declarations or other documents—such as media articles, scholarly journals or publicly-available information.In addition, if a foreign national who is at the border, or is in Canada, is found to be inadmissible, they may be denied entry or ordered to leave Canada. The Canada Border Services Agency is responsible for immigration enforcement at the border and in Canada.For privacy reasons, individual cases cannot be discussed.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00456432-00456 (Foreign affairs)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservativeONJanuary 28, 2021March 22, 2021November 12, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00455432-00455 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJanuary 28, 2021March 22, 2021September 16, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00454432-00454 (Foreign affairs)MelArnoldNorth Okanagan—ShuswapConservativeBCJanuary 28, 2021March 22, 2021October 13, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00453432-00453 (Indigenous affairs)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCJanuary 28, 2021March 22, 2021October 6, 2020 PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to:
  • Commit to upholding the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action by immediately:
    • Halting all existing and planned construction of the Coastal GasLink project on Wet'suwet'en territory;
    • Ordering the RCMP to dismantle their exclusion zone and stand down;
    • Schedule nation-to-nation talks between the Wet'suwet'en Nation and federal and provincial governments; and,
    • Prioritize the real implementation of UNDRIP.
Response by the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): GARY ANANDASANGAREEThe Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations (CIR) would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their interest in the Wet’suwet’en Nation and the Coastal GasLink pipeline project.The Government is committed to reconciliation with all Indigenous peoples, including the hereditary leadership of the Wet’suwet’en Nation. Since 2015, our focus has been on the renewal and rebuilding of relationships based on the affirmation of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. The Government also endorsed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) without qualification in 2016, and is committed to its full implementation in partnership with Indigenous peoples and in accordance with the Canadian constitution. On December 3, 2020, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations introduced to Parliament Bill C-15 – An Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.The federal Minister of CIR and the British Columbia Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation met in Smithers with the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs between February 27 and 29, 2020  and had frank and substantive discussions, guided by respect, on issues around Wet’suwet’en rights and title. These talksfocused on two separate topics: the recognition of Wet’suwet’en Aboriginal rights and title throughout their territory, and the issues arising out of the Coastal GasLink project. These topics were discussed separately. The Coastal GasLink pipeline remains entirely within provincial jurisdiction and Canada would refer the petitioners to comments made by the British Columbia Government with respect to that project.With respect to rights and title, Canada, British Columbia, and the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on May 14, 2020 which launched a process to implement Wet’suwet’en rights and title. This MOU establishes a path forward for discussions toward substantive agreements that would describe future governance and the implementation of Wet’suwet’en rights and title. The MOU does not create, modify or implement rights and title, but does reflect a shared commitment to negotiate substantive agreements. Once reached, these agreements would be taken back to all Wet’suwet’en people for approval through a process that must clearly demonstrate the consent of the members of the nation. The three parties are currently continuing negotiations contemplated under the MOU.The Government is also working more broadly with Indigenous partners to explore new ways of advancing their visions of self-determination, consistent with UNDRIP. This can take place through the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self Determination process, which is an alternative to the treaty process, for addressing the interests of Indigenous groups. It encourages exploratory discussions and the co-development of measures, thereby renewing and strengthening nation-to-nation relationships between Canada and Indigenous peoples. It can also take place under the new Recognition and Reconciliation of Rights Policy for Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia, which were endorsed by the Principals to the BC Treaty Process on September 4, 2019. The new policy establishes a foundation for negotiations based on: 1) the recognition that Indigenous groups have pre-existing rights, including title and self-government and 2) federal and provincial commitments to implement UNDRIP. The goal of the policy is to fashion a reconciliation of pre-existing Indigenous and Crown sovereignties through co-developed agreements.Renewing the nation-to-nation, government-to-government and Inuit-Crown relationship between Canada and Indigenous peoples, towards self-determination, is a priority for this Government.
Coastal GasLink Pipeline ProjectIndigenous rightsWet'suwet'en First Nation
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021e-3005e-3005 (Culture and heritage)TonyGabrielPamDamoffOakville North—BurlingtonLiberalONDecember 3, 2020, at 4:06 p.m. (EDT)January 2, 2021, at 4:06 p.m. (EDT)January 28, 2021March 22, 2021January 4, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Terry Fox has become a national symbol and is a true hero, universally admired for his ability to remind us of the power of hope and the possibility of dreams;His example of grit, determination and selflessness have formed the embodiment of the modern Canadian identity;After following extensive consultation, the Bank of Canada has submitted an eight-person short list to the Minister of Finance to select the next Canadian to be featured on the five dollars bank note; andTerry Fox is one of the eight on the shortlist.We, the undersigned, Citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to select Terry Fox as the finalist for the next great Canadian to be honoured and featured on the back of the newly proposed five dollars bank note.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe accomplishments of distinguished Canadians are an integral part of our history and culture.  Their representation on our bank notes is an important means to reflect our shared character and values.  The Bank of Canada, on behalf of the Government, has taken an open and transparent approach on the selection of the portrait for the new $5 bank note. The Bank launched official public consultations in 2020, receiving about 53,000 submissions from about        45, 000 Canadians which resulted in over 600 qualifying nominees. All eligible nominations were reviewed by an independent Advisory Council composed of eminent individuals from the academia, cultural sector, and civil society.With the help of public opinion research and additional historical research, the Advisory Council established a short list of eight candidates from which the Government will select the iconic Canadian who will be the portrait subject of the $5 bank note. As mentioned in your petition, Terry Fox is one of the eight iconic Canadians on the shortlist. Each of these people deserve recognition for their remarkable contributions to Canada. They all overcame barriers, fought for their ideals, and have inspired generations.The Government is pleased that thousands of Canadians engaged in this process and took time to reflect on the many remarkable Canadians worth celebrating.  The Government will take this petition under careful consideration as we deliberate on the overall design of the $5 bank note. The Government will continue to invite all Canadians to learn about the stories of these incredible people, regardless of which candidate is selected.
Five dollar billFox, Terry
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021e-2830e-2830 (Indigenous affairs)ColleenHele CardinalGordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNDPBCSeptember 16, 2020, at 5:22 p.m. (EDT)December 15, 2020, at 5:22 p.m. (EDT)January 28, 2021March 22, 2021December 16, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="6" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Prime Minister</Addressee>Whereas: The Sixties Scoop refers to a practice that occurred in Canada of taking or "scooping up" Indigenous children from their families and communities for placement in foster homes or adoption;The Sixties Scoop began in the late 1950s and persisted into the 1980s; It is estimated that over 20,000 Indigenous children were taken from their families; andIn 2018, the Government of Canada announced a settlement agreement with the survivors of the Sixties Scoop.We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the Prime Minister to work with the Sixties Scoop Network and survivors on a ceremony with the intent of asking forgiveness and issuing a national apology in the House of Commons.
Response by the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): GARY ANANDASANGAREEThe Sixties Scoop is a dark and terrible chapter in Canada’s history. Working together to bring a meaningful resolution to its painful legacy is an important step in our journey of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.The current settlement represents the first step in resolving the Sixties Scoop litigation. The Government of Canada is committed to working with plaintiffs, their counsel, provinces, territories and leadership to resolve outstanding claims with other Indigenous people affected by the Sixties Scoop, including Métis and non-Status Indians.The Government of Canada remains committed to righting the wrongs of the past and will consider the important request for a national apology as work toward reconciliation with all Sixties Scoop survivors continues.
AdoptionChildrenIndigenous peoplesOfficial apology
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00450432-00450 (Foreign affairs)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKJanuary 28, 2021March 22, 2021November 12, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00449432-00449 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKJanuary 28, 2021March 22, 2021October 21, 2020PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • Sex selection abortion is legal as Canada has no legal restrictions on abortion;
  • Sex selective abortion is antithetical to our commitment to equality between men and women;
  • A 2019 DART & Maru/Blue poll, conducted for the National Post, showed that 84% of Canadians believe it should be illegal to have an abortion if the family does not want the child to be a certain sex;
  • International organizations including the World Health Organization, United Nations Women, and United Nations Children's Fund have identified unequal sex ratios at birth as a growing problem internationally;
  • Canada's health care profession recognizes sex selection as a problem.
Therefore, we the undersigned citizens of Canada call upon the House of Commons to pass a Criminal Code prohibition of sex selective abortion.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government of Canada condemns all practices that are motivated by discriminatory views of women and girls, including sex selective practices.In Canada, the administration and funding of health care services is a provincial responsibility that falls under the purview of the provincial governments. As is the case for other medical procedures, the delivery of abortion services is determined by the policies of the provincial governments and the standards set by the medical profession itself.
AbortionSexual discrimination
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00448432-00448 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKJanuary 28, 2021March 22, 2021December 18, 2020PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWhereas:
  • Sex selection abortion is legal as Canada has no legal restrictions on abortion;
  • Sex selective abortion is antithetical to our commitment to equality between men and women;
  • A 2019 DART & Maru/Blue poll, conducted for the National Post, showed that 84% of Canadians believe it should be illegal to have an abortion if the family does not want the child to be a certain sex;
  • International organizations including the World Health Organization, United Nations Women, and United Nations Children's Fund have identified unequal sex ratios at birth as a growing problem internationally;
  • Canada's health care profession recognizes sex selection as a problem.
Therefore, we the undersigned citizens of Canada call upon the House of Commons to pass a Criminal Code prohibition of sex selective abortion.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiThe Government of Canada condemns all practices that are motivated by discriminatory views of women and girls, including sex selective practices.In Canada, the administration and funding of health care services is a provincial responsibility that falls under the purview of the provincial governments. As is the case for other medical procedures, the delivery of abortion services is determined by the policies of the provincial governments and the standards set by the medical profession itself.
AbortionSexual discrimination
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021432-00447432-00447 (Health)FrancisScarpaleggiaLac-Saint-LouisLiberalQCJanuary 28, 2021March 22, 2021December 18, 2020Petition to the Government of CanadaWhereas opioid crisis is one of the most deadly public health emergencies of our lifetime, with a death taking place on average about every two hours and a death toll of almost 15,400 in the past four years alone (January 2016 to December 2019);Whereas the overdose crisis rages;We, the undersigned, call upon the Government of Canada to declare the overdose crisis a national public health emergency and:
  • Take steps to end overdose deaths and overdose injuries
  • Immediately collaborate with provinces and territories to develop a comprehensive, pan-Canadian overdose action plan
  • Ensure that any plan considers reforms that other countries have used, such as legal regulation of drugs to ensure safe, supply, decriminalization for personal use, and changes to flawed drug policy and policing.
  • Ensure this emergency is taken seriously with adequately funded programming and supports.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Patty HajduThe Government of Canada is deeply concerned about problematic substance use in Canada, including the ongoing opioid overdose crisis and the devastating impact it is having on the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Tragically, there were more than 17,602 apparent opioid-related deaths between January 2016 and June 2020.The Government recognizes that the complexity of this crisis has only increased due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Public health guidance around physical distancing and self-isolation presents a unique challenge for people who use drugs. Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada have been working with provinces and territories and other partners, including researchers, advocates and people with lived and living experience, to help make sure that people who use drugs can continue to access treatment, harm reduction and other services during the pandemic.Since taking office, our government has taken strong action to address the opioid crisis. The comprehensive federal response has included legislative and regulatory enabling measures, new prescription guidelines, marketing restrictions, awareness campaigns, improvements to the knowledge base, and emergency funding to provinces and territories. We will continue this important work to help save lives and keep Canadians safe.The Government of Canada remains committed to taking a public health approach to substance use through the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy. The Strategy includes four pillars – prevention, treatment, harm reduction and enforcement – and is designed to be comprehensive, collaborative, compassionate and evidence-based. The Government is placing particular focus on:
  • ensuring that life-saving harm reduction measures are available to Canadians who need it;
  • working with stakeholders to reduce stigma directed at people who use drugs, which acts as a barrier to accessing critical health and social services and often leads to social isolation;
  • working with provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment options; and,
  • implementing additional surveillance and research activities that will further build the evidence base and allow us to pursue innovative solutions to this public health crisis.
The Government of Canada recognizes that the overwhelming majority of deaths caused by the opioid overdose crisis are due to a toxic illegal drug supply that is contaminated with highly toxic substances, such as fentanyl. The situation is now such that anyone who uses illegal drugs for any reason in Canada is at risk of a potentially fatal opioid-related overdose every time they use drugs due to the contaminated illegal supply.The Government of Canada has taken actions to reduce barriers to providing people who use drugs with a safer, pharmaceutical alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply. For example, Health Canada has issued class exemptions to pharmacists and eased restrictions on the transportation of controlled substances to make it easier for people to access the medications they need during the COVID-19 pandemic while following public health advice, such as physical distancing. In addition, through Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP), the Government of Canada is providing $44.2 million for projects providing a safer supply of pharmaceutical medications for people with substance use disorder in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. These investments will help provide pathways to care and treatment. Examples of funded projects include:
  • The Vancouver Island Health Authority was provided approximately $2 million over 48 months for an innovative project that will provide pharmaceutical medication as an alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply for people in Cowichan Valley who have not responded to other forms of treatment for opioid use disorder.
  • The London InterCommunity Health Centre (London, Ontario) was provided more than $6.5 million over 50 months to deliver a safer supply program that will help reduce harms related to the toxic illegal drug supply by providing prescribed opioids to patients with opioid use disorder during the pandemic and beyond.
Findings from these initiatives will contribute to the evidence base to support the scaling up of effective models. In addition, to bolster further these efforts, on August 24, 2020, the Minister of Health sent a letter to Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Health and regulatory colleges to encourage them to provide people who use drugs with a full spectrum of care options, including access to a safer supply of drugs.The Government of Canada has also taken a number of steps to provide options for those seeking treatment for severe substance use disorder. On April 25, 2019, the Minister of Health added diacetylmorphine to the List of Drugs for an Urgent Public Health Need. This makes it possible for provinces and territories to import this drug for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Amendments to federal regulations have also allowed health care practitioners to provide diacetylmorphine-assisted treatment outside of a hospital setting, if permitted by their province or territory. In addition, on May 1, 2019, Health Canada approved the use of injectable hydromorphone by qualified healthcare professionals as a treatment for adults with severe opioid use disorder. This is the first approval of injectable hydromorphone for this purpose in the world.The Government of Canada is also providing guidance and leadership on the prescribing, dispensing, and delivery of opioids and other narcotics during the pandemic. For instance, through funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse (CRISM) developed a series of national guidance documents related to substance use in the context of COVID-19. The guidance documents can be found here. Health Canada has also assembled a toolkit to provide clarity on prescribing for the treatment of substance use disorder and/or to provide a safer supply. The toolkit can be found here. Furthermore, the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health published a Rapid Review of clinical and cost-effectiveness of injectable opioid agonist treatment for patients with opioid dependence. The report can be found here.The Government of Canada continues to make substantial investments to address the overdose crisis. Recent examples of key federal investments in this area include:
  • investing an additional $66 million over two years to support community-based organizations responding to substance use issues, including to help them provide frontline services in a COVID-19 context;
  • investing $76.2 million to take action to protect Canadians and prevent overdose deaths. This investment will be used to scale-up key lifesaving measures and increase access to a safer drug supply as an alternative to the contaminated supply. These measures build on the Budget 2019 investment of $30.5 million over five years, with $1 million ongoing, to expand access to safer alternatives to the illegal drug supply and support better access to opioid overdose response training and naloxone in underserved communities;
  • providing $1.7 million to the University of Saskatchewan to increase access to chronic pain services, and providing Alberta Health Services $1.2 million to implement and evaluate pathways to care for people living with pain and opioid use disorder, both funded through the Substance Use and Addictions Program;
  • providing $231.4 million over five years through Budget 2018 for additional measures to help address the opioid overdose crisis, including a one-time $150 million emergency treatment fund for provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment services;
  • providing an additional $200 million, with $40 million per year ongoing, to enhance the delivery of culturally appropriate addictions treatment and prevention services in First Nations communities; and,
  • allocating $13 million over five years to launch a new national, multi-year public education campaign to help reshape Canadians’ attitudes and perceptions about people who use drugs.
In order to prevent and reduce the harms of problematic substance use, including to enable access to evidence-based treatment and support recovery, the Government has undertaken a broad range of policy, legislative and regulatory actions, such as:
  • approving supervised consumption sites (with 39 currently in operation across Canada), and providing class exemptions to facilitate the establishment of overdose prevention sites;
  • supporting the passage of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, which encourages people to call for emergency help at the scene of an overdose by providing protection against simple drug possession charges;
  • establishing effective Federal, Provincial and Territorial public health emergency governance, including the Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses and the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Assistant Deputy Minister Committee on Problematic Substance Use & Harms;
  • collaborating with provinces and territories to better understand the evolving crisis, and undertaking timely monitoring and reporting of opioid-related deaths and harms in Canada;
  • deploying public health officers from the Public Health Agency of Canada to support public health surveillance systems in provinces and territories; and,
  • supporting the development and dissemination of national clinical practice guidelines to treat opioid use disorder, as well as the injectable opioid agonist treatment clinical and operational guidelines through the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse. The guidelines can be found here.
The Government of Canada continues to encourage the use of diversion programs that create pathways away from the criminal justice system toward appropriate health services and social supports for people who use drugs. For example, on August 18, 2020, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada issued guidance to prosecutors stating that alternatives to prosecution should be considered for simple possession offences, except when there are serious aggravating circumstances. In addition, Health Canada is currently funding a three-year project in Peterborough, Ontario, to develop a multi-sector response to direct people who use drugs away from the justice system and into care. In addition, on February 18, 2021, the Department of Justice introduced Bill C-22 in Parliament to help address systemic racism and the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples as well as Black and marginalized Canadians in Canada’s criminal justice system. Among other measures, this Bill would repeal mandatory minimum penalties for drug related-offences, and would also require police and prosecutors to consider other responses to laying charges for simple possession of drugs, such as diversion to treatment programs.It is recognized that there are a growing number of calls for drug decriminalization, in acknowledgement that criminalizing personal drug possession results in stigma and discrimination, creates barriers to accessing health and social services, and increases the risks of overdose and other harms. The City of Vancouver and the Province of British Columbia have written to the Minister of Health requesting exemptions to decriminalize simple possession of small amounts of controlled substances for personal use in their jurisdictions. We will continue working with them on options to address the overdose crisis that respond to their local and regional needs.We will also continue to take a comprehensive and collaborative approach, working with all partners. No single organization or level of government alone can solve the opioid overdose crisis. All levels of government, a wide range of stakeholders and all Canadians who are impacted by opioid use must work together to reduce opioid-related overdoses and deaths, and improve the health and well-being of Canadians who use drugs.
Drug use and abuseHealth emergenciesOpiates and opioidsPublic health
43rd Parliament229Not certifiedMarch 22, 2021e-2944e-2944 (Foreign affairs)OladimejiOlatunbosunSvenSpengemannMississauga—LakeshoreLiberalONNovember 20, 2020, at 10:28 a.m. (EDT)March 20, 2021, at 10:28 a.m. (EDT)March 22, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="253367" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Foreign Affairs</Addressee>Whereas:The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), created in 1992 by the Nigerian government has abused its anonymity to encroach upon the liberties of Nigerian individuals;SARS targets Nigerian youth on a plethora of arbitrary grounds, including clothing and hairstyle;Between January 2017 and May 2020, Amnesty International has recorded 82 cases of abuse and extrajudicial killings at the hands of SARS;On October 20, 2020, at the Lekki Toll Gate, #EndSARS protestors were shot by Nigerian soldiers;The death toll continues to rise;Canada is involved in the training of Nigerian security forces, through its Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Program;The Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act and the Special Economic Measures Act condemn "violation[s] of the principles of fundamental justice and the rule of law";The rule of law calls for certainty, predictability, and lack of arbitrariness of the law; andCanada has the opportunity to reassert these principles, and Nigerian-Canadian citizens and residents pleading for them to take advantage of it.We, the undersigned, Nigerian-Canadian citizens and residents, call upon the Minister of Foreign Affairs to explore employment of the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, the Special Economic Measures Act, or any of the appropriate sanction measures to call to order the Government of Nigeria.Civil and human rightsEconomic sanctionsForeign policyNigeria43rd Parliament229Not certifiedMarch 16, 2021e-2956e-2956 (Social affairs and equality)meserethaileyesusAnitaVandenbeldOttawa West—NepeanLiberalONNovember 12, 2020, at 5:09 p.m. (EDT)March 12, 2021, at 5:09 p.m. (EDT)March 16, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Economic abuse is a deliberate pattern of control in which individuals interfere with their partner’s ability to acquire, use, and maintain economic resources, being excluded from financial decision making, taking on debt unaware of the consequences or not being allowed to work/study;The lack of access to economic resources creates barriers to escaping violent relationships by preventing survivors from securing housing, makes it more difficult to get a credit card, student loan, line of credit, car loan, and potentially a job due to screening by some employers;In Canada, 95% of women who experience domestic violence also experience economic abuse;Women from marginalized groups including newcomers, refugees, racialized and Indigenous women are at a higher risk of economic abuse due to other systemic factors;Economic abuse often continues long after a woman has left the abusive relationship because abusers can maintain control through spousal or child support as well as through other financial activities; andThe Government of Canada has failed to adequately address financial abuse and other forms of economic injustices that occur in abusive relationships.We, the undersigned, Citizens and Residents, call upon the Government of Canada to1) Expand the Federal Strategy to end Gender-Based Violence to include economic abuse;2) create a statutory definition of family and gender-based violence that is inclusive of economic abuse;3) Mandate Statistics Canada to begin collecting data and conduct studies on economic abuse.4) Expanding funding for services for survivors of domestic violence and economic abuse;5) Recognize November 26 as the National Day of Awareness for Economic Abuse and Survivors of Economic Injustice.Domestic violencePersonal financeSocial marginalityViolence against women43rd Parliament229Not certifiedMarch 16, 2021e-2882e-2882 (Indigenous affairs)LeoHebertArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABNovember 13, 2020, at 4:43 p.m. (EDT)March 13, 2021, at 4:43 p.m. (EDT)March 16, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:In 1899 several First Nations situated in present-day northern Alberta entered into Treaty No. 8 with Canada and Treaty No. 8 was ratified by the Governor-in-Council on February 20, 1900, by Order in Council 363;Some First Nations in Treaties 6 and 8 have settled through litigation and negotiation, compensation for a long outstanding treaty commitment referred to as ‘Cows and Ploughs’ and 'Bullets and Twine' for members of their First Nation;First Nation individuals who are not accepted as members of their Bands are not included in the settlements but are recognized by the Federal Government as status Indians who are citizens of a treaty nation; andIndividual First Nations recognized by the Federal Government as status Indians, and who are not recognized by First Nations as members of their Bands should be entitled to the same benefits and entitlements as individuals who have equal rights.We, the undersigned, First Nation individuals who are not accepted as members of their First Nation Bands, but are citizens of a nation under a treaty, call upon the Government of Canada to ensure that all First Nation individuals recognized as status Indians, and who are recognized as citizens of a treaty nation by the Federal Government, regardless of their acceptance as a member of a band, be entitled to all treaty compensations and entitlements including "Cows and Ploughs" and "Bullets and Twine" as descendants and citizens of a treaty nation.Government compensationHistoric treatiesStatus Indians43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 12, 2021e-2740e-2740 (Education and training)ArthurLeaderAnitaVandenbeldOttawa West—NepeanLiberalONJuly 23, 2020, at 10:37 a.m. (EDT)November 20, 2020, at 10:37 a.m. (EDT)January 27, 2021March 12, 2021November 20, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:The number of anti-Semitic incidents in Canada rose in 2019 to more than six incidents each day;Canada has demonstrated a commitment to remembrance and Holocaust education through bilateral relationships and engagement in international organizations;Holocaust education sensitizes Canadians to the role racist ideology and government propaganda played in the systematic murder of millions of Jews and other persecuted groups;Holocaust education will help young Canadians understand the dangers of indifference to the oppression of others and to those sowing destructive messages of hate and racism;Holocaust deniers and those who distort the true nature of the Holocaust use the Internet and online forums to spread hate and dishonour those who were persecuted and murdered by the Nazis; andFewer Holocaust survivors are able to share their knowledge and individual experience, while fewer youths are aware of the atrocities survivors witnessed and endured.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to address this national challenge that threatens and erodes the multicultural, pluralistic nature of Canadian society, and: 1. Build upon its previous investments in Holocaust education, research and remembrance initiatives;2. Determine the current availability of Holocaust education, including content and best pedagogical practices identified by Holocaust educators across Canada;3. Identify strategies to reach youth, especially those not in the education system, who are targeted by racist and hate propaganda online; and4. Urgently provide funds to Canadian community organizations to preserve the testimonies of Holocaust survivors thereby educating Canadians about the destructive impact of hate and intolerance on the Charter freedoms of current and future generations.
Response by the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): ADAM VAN KOEVERDENThe Government would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their concern regarding the rise in antisemitism and their support for Holocaust education in Canada as a means of educating Canadians about the dangers of all kinds of discrimination, including antisemitism.Antisemitism and Holocaust denial is a truly global phenomenon, and Canada is not immune. The Holocaust was a crime against humanity unlike any other in human history and fundamentally altered how the world views and treats acts of genocide and hate.With regard to Holocaust education, research and remembrance initiatives:Canada has demonstrated and continues to demonstrate strong and consistent support for Holocaust education, research and remembrance. Several federal grants and contributions programs continue to make funding available in these areas. For example:
  • Over the last two years (2019-2020 and 2020-2021), the Department of Canadian Heritage has funded a number of projects through its grants and contributions programs:
  • The Multiculturalism Programs have supported nine projects with a focus on Holocaust Education and combating antisemitism for a total value of approximately $650,000;
  • Under the Anti-racism Action Program, two projects were funded: one with Concordia University’s Montreal Institute for Genocide Studies, and the other with The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA);
  • The Digital Citizen Contribution Program funded The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs’ project Spreading the Virus: Combating the Dissemination of Antisemitism through Online Disinformation; and
  • The Museum Assistance Program, under the Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations, part of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, provided emergency support to both the Montreal Holocaust Museum and the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre.
As well, the Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat, which coordinates federal action and drives Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy, is using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism to ground its engagement with Jewish communities and its work to tackle antisemitism.On November 25, 2020, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau named the Honourable Irwin Cotler as Canada’s Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism. Mr. Cotler’s mandate includes working to strengthen and promote Holocaust education, remembrance, and research in Canada and around the world as well as support advocacy and outreach efforts with Canadians, civil society, and academia to advance the implementation of the IHRA’s working definition of antisemitism across the country and its adoption internationally.In relation to the current availability of Holocaust education, including content and best pedagogical practices identified by Holocaust educators across Canada:Our Canadian multiculturalism policy, first established in 1971, acknowledges the freedom of all members of society to preserve, enhance and share their cultural heritage, has created an environment that is receptive to Holocaust education, not only as an historic event, but as a means of combating discrimination and promoting respect for cultural diversity. Through the Museums and Heritage sites, the Government of Canada is able to provide resources to educators to teach about the Holocaust.Concerning the identification of strategies to reach youth, especially those not in the education system, who are targeted by racist and hate propaganda online:In Canada, diversity has always been one of our greatest strengths, yet we know that a multicultural society – one that is truly open and inclusive – is always a work in progress. It demands our effort, our attention, and our care. Our Government is deeply troubled by the rise of new and resurgent forms of antisemitism and other forms of hatred and discrimination directed at minorities worldwide, rooted in a misguided belief that diversity is a threat.While Canada recognizes the revolutionary and often positive impact of the internet and connective technologies on multiple aspects of human existence, we also acknowledge the negative impact of online hate and abuse on individuals and communities at home and around the world.Through Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy, introduced in 2019, the Government of Canada created a new Anti-Racism Action Program (ARAP), to prioritize the funding of projects that target online hate and promote digital literacy. Twenty-one of the eighty-five projects funded under ARAP focus on addressing online hate and/or improving digital literacy, for a total amount of approximately $3.64 million in funding. The following are two examples of projects that are being funded under ARAP:
    • The Montreal Institute for Genocide Studies (Concordia University) project Canada Task Force on Online Anti-Semitism will produce recommendations to help major social media and tech companies make changes to their policies and develop new tech solutions to combat antisemitism, Holocaust denial and distortion online.
    • The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) project United Against Online Hate will develop a national coalition with numerous targeted communities to actively combat online hate, following recommendations from the study conducted by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
The Building Awareness and Changing Attitudes component of the Anti-Racism Strategy includes almost a million dollars to support Public Safety Canada, to address hate crimes and hate speech, in areas such as reporting, training and education, public awareness, media reporting, online policy research, building and synthesizing an evidence base and supporting new pilots/programs.Through Budget 2019, the Government of Canada also invested $19.4 million in the Digital Citizen Initiative. This four-year initiative focuses on countering online disinformation, understanding the origin and spread of online disinformation, and building capacity for response to it. Funding has gone to projects focused on understanding the origins and spread of racist ideas, or online disinformation targeting of specific communities.Further, the Digital Citizen Initiative is working to deliver on the mandate letter commitment of the Minister of Canadian Heritage to create new regulations for social media platforms to confront, manage and remove harmful content from their platforms, including hate speech. Other harmful content in scope for the regulations in development includes incitement to violence, the sexual exploitation of children, the creation or distribution of terrorist propaganda, and the sharing of non-consensual intimate images.On the issue of the provision of funds to Canadian community organizations to preserve the testimonies of Holocaust survivors:The Government of Canada recognizes that the ability to educate through first person Holocaust testimonies has become an increasingly rare experience. This is why in 2013, the Government provided support of approximately $800,000 for four organizations, the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre, the Montreal Holocaust Museum, the Sarah and Chaim Neuberger Holocaust Education Centre, and the March of the Living, to preserve Holocaust survivors’ testimonials. The preservation of these testimonies in conjunction with the supporting pedagogical materials that were developed represents an important contribution and component for the future of Holocaust education and remembrance.This funding for the preservation of Holocaust survivor testimony has moved Canada forward significantly in assuring the legacy of survivors who painfully recorded their stories, in developing of alternatives to in-person survivor testimony, and in accessing Holocaust history and human stories across the country.When we look around today, as long as there is racism, antisemitism, and genocide in the world, then clearly the history of the Holocaust remains relevant and real. The Government of Canada will continue to contribute, as it always has, to efforts to remember the Holocaust, history’s most extreme example of antisemitism.
Education and trainingHate propagandaHolocaustJudaism and Jews
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 12, 2021432-00443432-00443 (Foreign affairs)KerryDiotteEdmonton GriesbachConservativeABJanuary 27, 2021March 12, 2021September 16, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 12, 2021432-00444432-00444 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJanuary 27, 2021March 12, 2021November 4, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 12, 2021432-00445432-00445 (Foreign affairs)Hon.Kerry-LynneFindlaySouth Surrey—White RockConservativeBCJanuary 27, 2021March 12, 2021October 13, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 12, 2021e-3066e-3066 (Social affairs and equality)SabrinaZimmermannPaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCDecember 24, 2020, at 10:56 a.m. (EDT)January 23, 2021, at 10:56 a.m. (EDT)January 27, 2021March 12, 2021January 26, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) was created to provide financial support to employed and self-employed Canadians who were directly affected by COVID-19;After the CERB’s end date of September 26, 2020, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) sent out letters to 441,000 Canadians who had received the CERB, warning that they may need to repay up to $14,000 due to ineligibility;When the CERB was open for applications, the government did not appropriately specify whether Canadians should determine their eligibility using their gross or net self-employment income;Some CRA agents provided incorrect information about whether eligibility was based on gross or net self-employment income; andCanadians who applied for the CERB in good faith should not be penalized for eligibility errors or misguidance that occurred on the part of the government.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to retroactively allow self-employed Canadians to use their gross pre-tax income before business expenses when determining their CERB eligibility.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability InclusionSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): IREK KUSMIERCZYKThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their views on the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). The Government acknowledges the challenges self-employed Canadians have faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic.The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) provided temporary income support to workers who stopped working for reasons related to COVID-19. The CERB provided $500 per week for a maximum of 28 weeks. It was available from March 15, 2020, to October 3, 2020.On February 9, 2021, the Government of Canada announced that self-employed individuals who applied for the CERB and would have qualified based on their gross income will not be required to repay the benefit, provided they also met all other eligibility requirements. The same approach will apply whether the individual applied through the Canada Revenue Agency or Service Canada.This means that self-employed individuals whose net self-employment income was less than $5,000 and who applied for the CERB will not be required to repay the CERB, as long as their gross self-employment income was at least $5,000 and they met all other eligibility criteria.Some self-employed individuals whose net self-employment income was less than $5,000 may have already voluntarily repaid the CERB. Additional details will be available in the coming weeks.Once again, the Government of Canada wishes to thank the petitioners. Their views have helped inform the Government’s ongoing efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Application processCanada Emergency Response BenefitCOVID-19Income and wagesPandemicSelf-employed workers
43rd Parliament229Not certifiedMarch 12, 2021e-3093e-3093 (Fisheries)juniorDowneyScottSimmsCoast of Bays—Central—Notre DameLiberalNLJanuary 7, 2021, at 4:54 p.m. (EDT)March 8, 2021, at 4:54 p.m. (EDT)March 12, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="253373" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard</Addressee>Whereas:The Salmon Watchers Assistance Group is very concerned about reproduction and damage to the wild Atlantic salmon because of catch and release;Parks Canada have banned catch and release in their national parks because it has proved not to be a conservation tool;Catch and release has been banned in 3 other countries and the union of BC Indigenous people have called for a ban since 2019;Catch and release fishing is cruelty disguised as sport;Studies show that fish that are caught and then returned to the water suffer such physiological stress and often die of shock, that hooked fish struggle out of fear and physical pain desperate to breathe;Catch and release is nothing more than a recreation pleasure for humans only;In 2003, efforts by a group called The Bay St. George Stewardship Group led to the reestablishment of retention angling; Salmon populations began to increase and continued to do so, with numbers that had not been seen since the early 50's; andFish is a food industry not a pleasure industry.We, the undersigned, the Salmon Watchers Assistance Group (SWAG), call upon the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard to ban the selfish practice of catch and release in Canada and pressure other countries to do the same.Fisheries policyHunting and sport fishing43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 11, 2021432-00435432-00435 (Foreign affairs)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservativeBCJanuary 26, 2021March 11, 2021December 18, 2020PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWHEREAS:
  • Canada and India share a longstanding and peaceful bilateral relationship;
  • Canadians uphold basic human rights, such as the freedom of expression and the freedom of peaceful assembly, as the hallmarks of a just, democratic, and pluralistic society;
  • Farmers from the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana have, for several months, been peacefully protesting a domestic legislative change that affects their agricultural enterprises;
  • Recent footage and images from India show violent aggressions carried out on protesting farmers that appear to be perpetrated by state police and security forces.
THEREFORE: We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to express condemnation of the violence perpetrated against peacefully protesting Indian farmers, and to convey our sincere belief in the rights of individuals to freedom of expression and to peaceful assembly.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada is committed to the growth and diversification of our strategic partnership with India through constructive and forward-looking bilateral dialogue. Canada attaches great importance to protecting and advancing human rights, and the values of democracy, diversity, pluralism, and rule of law. These values are reflected in our engagement with all international partners, including the Government of India.The Government of Canada has continued to monitor protests by farmers in India, including the multiple dialogues between the government and farmers union representatives and the intervention of the Supreme Court of India in January 2021. Canada welcomes the Government of India’s commitment to ongoing dialogue to discuss issues of concern.
Civil and human rightsFarming and farmersForeign policyIndiaProtests
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 11, 2021432-00441432-00441 (Foreign affairs)BlakeRichardsBanff—AirdrieConservativeABJanuary 26, 2021March 11, 2021November 12, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 11, 2021432-00440432-00440 (Natural resources and energy)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCJanuary 26, 2021March 11, 2021February 3, 2020PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWe, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:THAT, WHEREAS the Trudeau administration has announced it will spend $4.5 billion of public funds on acquiring the existing Trans Mountain pipeline from Kinder Morgan;WHEREAS this $4.5 billion is not inclusive of construction costs for the expansion, projected to increase the cost of the deal to over $11 billion; WHEREAS the pipeline was valued at $550 million by Kinder Morgan in 2007; WHEREAS the expansion still has to pass the National Energy Board's 157 conditions and over a dozen court challenges before it can be built; WHEREAS during the election, Trudeau promised to overhaul the Harper administration's deeply flawed pipeline approval process, respect Indigenous rights, and end fossil fuel subsidies; WHEREAS a diluted bitumen spill would devastate local ecosystems and economies on the West Coast, or any area surrounding the 800 bodies of water its path crosses; WHEREAS there is no proven way to clean up a diluted bitumen spill in a marine environment; WHEREAS shipping out unprocessed diluted bitumen to refineries in other countries ships out Canadian jobs; and WHEREAS the Trans Mountain expansion will; lock in oil-sands production growth that cannot be reconciled with Canada's greenhouse gas emissions reduction commitments, increase the risk of a diluted bitumen spill, violate the rights of Indigenous communities along the pipeline route, threaten Indigenous communities reliant on the marine environment for their livelihood and cultural practices THEREFORE, we, the undersigned, RESIDENTS OF CANADA, call upon the GOVERNMENT OF CANADA to immediately halt any plans to purchase the Trans Mountain pipeline or otherwise support its expansion.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about Canada’s purchase of the Trans Mountain Corporation (TMC) as well as views on TMC’s Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP).On June 18, 2019, the Government of Canada approved TMEP by directing the Canada Energy Regulator to issue a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity and Environmental Assessment Decision Statement related to TMEP.The environment and the economy go hand-in-hand. When we create prosperity today, we can invest in the clean jobs, technologies, and infrastructure of the future — and help Canadians benefit from opportunities presented by a rapidly changing economy.The key to creating prosperity is finding new markets for our businesses to sell their products and services. Nowhere is the need to diversify greater than for our energy sector, where 99 per cent of our conventional resources are sold to one market — and often at large discounts. Canadians understand that we need to open up new international markets, in order to get a full and fair price, support workers and their families, and foster competitiveness.The Government’s approval of TMEP was based on the confidence that:
  • strong environmental protections have been and continue to be put in place, and that the effects of TMEP can be mitigated through conditions and recommendations outlined by the National Energy Board, as well as measures including the historic $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan and the national climate plan.
  • consultations with Indigenous peoples involved meaningful, two-way dialogue, which fulfilled the legal duty to consult and helped identify new accommodation measures and conditions to appropriately address potential impacts on Indigenous rights and concerns expressed by Indigenous communities.
On February 7, 2020, TMC announced that its Board of Directors had approved a total cost estimate of $12.6 billion to bring TMEP into service by the end of 2022. The Government is confident that the TMEP will generate a positive return for Canadians.TMEP as it stands today is very different from the project that Kinder Morgan proposed in 2017. It has been designed to a higher standard for environmental protection, undergone rigorous consultation with Indigenous groups and will support union jobs in B.C. and Alberta. These enhancements have improved TMEP, ensured that construction proceeds in the right way, and that it will support the Canadian economy today and into the future.The Government also announced that every dollar the federal government earns from TMEP will be invested in Canada’s clean energy transition. It is estimated that additional tax revenues from TMEP alone could generate $500 million per year once the project has been completed. This money will be invested in clean energy projects that will power our homes, businesses, and communities for generations to come.In addition, the Government launched the second step of its engagement process with Indigenous groups on June 9, 2020, to explore the possibility of Indigenous economic participation in the Project. In this step of the engagement process, the Government is focused on building consensus on the form of economic participation in the Project preferred by participating Indigenous groups: equity and/or revenue sharing; and identifying or supporting the formation of one or more entities to represent participating Indigenous groups in negotiations with Canada.By moving forward with TMEP, the Government is creating jobs, diversifying markets, accelerating Canada’s clean energy transition, and opening up new avenues for Indigenous economic prosperity.
NationalizationOil and gasTrans Mountain pipeline
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 11, 2021432-00439432-00439 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJanuary 26, 2021March 11, 2021November 3, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 11, 2021432-00438432-00438 (Foreign affairs)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservativeSKJanuary 26, 2021March 11, 2021September 16, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 11, 2021e-2378e-2378 (Justice)JackHopkinsAnitaVandenbeldOttawa West—NepeanLiberalONJanuary 28, 2020, at 1:42 p.m. (EDT)February 27, 2020, at 1:42 p.m. (EDT)January 26, 2021March 11, 2021March 9, 2020Petition to <Addressee type="5" affiliationId="252655" mp-riding-display="1"> the Minister of Justice</Addressee>Whereas:The Federal Government has called for consultations on medical assistance in dying (MAID) eligibility criteria and a request process to be submitted by January 27, 2020.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Minister of Justice to make changes to the law, specifically Bill C-14, that would permit individuals, who have already been assessed and approved for MAID, to create an advance request, in writing or on video recording, to be used in lieu of giving personal consent at the appropriate time of their procedure, to complete the MAID process, even if they have lost cognizance and are no longer able to give that personal consent as is currently required by law.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOn October 5, 2020, the Government re-introduced Bill C-7, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying), to amend the provisions related to medical assistance in dying (MAID) in response to the Superior Court of Québec’s September 2019 Truchon decision.Bill C-7 proposes to remove “reasonable foreseeability of natural death” (RFND) as an eligibility criterion in the Criminal Code. RFND would no longer apply as an eligibility criterion that could exclude persons from obtaining MAID, and would instead be used to determine which of two different sets of safeguards to apply to a particular MAID request.Along with other amendments, consistent with the objectives of the petition, Bill C-7 would permit waiver of final consent for persons who are assessed and approved for MAID, whose natural death is reasonably foreseeable and who risk losing decision-making capacity, to make arrangements with their practitioner to receive MAID on a chosen date even if they lose decision-making capacity before that date. This amendment is intended to prevent eligible Canadians from deciding to end their life prematurely if they fear becoming unable to provide consent on their chosen day to receive MAID. Due to the complexity of issues such as advanced requests, we will be studying them during the comprehensive parliamentary review to look at all aspects, including safeguards, and engage in further discussion.
ConsentLiving willsMedical assistance in dying
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 11, 2021e-2868e-2868 (Health)J. AlexCornettAnitaVandenbeldOttawa West—NepeanLiberalONOctober 7, 2020, at 12:31 p.m. (EDT)November 6, 2020, at 12:31 p.m. (EDT)January 26, 2021March 11, 2021November 6, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="253395" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Health</Addressee>Whereas:Spinal muscular atrophy is a rare disease impacting 1 in 6,000-10,000 people (majority children) that progressively reduces their ability to move, breathe, and swallow;The existing treatment, Spinraza, slows but does not prevent serious declines in functioning, is an invasive treatment administered via spinal injection three times per year for life (which carries its own risks), and costs over $6.7 million by age 18;Zolgensma, a gene therapy that is almost a cure when provided early (replacing the missing gene), is approved in Europe, Japan, USA, and is currently undergoing Health Canada, INESSS, and CADTH review with an anticipated decision on December 2, 2020, after which the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance will begin pricing negotiations, which takes up to 12 months;Zolgensma is a one-time treatment that currently costs $2.8 million, making it unaffordable for everyday Canadians;Zolgensma must be administered before the age of two for safety;As of September 2020, there are eight children across Canada who must receive Zolgensma within the next 1-11 months (before they turn two) or they will no longer be eligible for the treatment;Many of these infants have permission to administer Zolgensma through Health Canada’s Special Access Programme but simply cannot afford to purchase it; andThe federal government has committed to work with provinces and territories to support high-cost treatments for rare diseases.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Health to immediately approve Zolgensma and financially and otherwise support all health jurisdictions to make this treatment affordable immediately for all children who need it.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Darren FisherThe Government of Canada recognizes the importance of patients having access to drugs that may help treat their serious or life-threatening conditions, and is committed to supporting Canadians’ access to safe and effective health products.In Canada, the management of pharmaceuticals is a shared responsibility among the federal, provincial and territorial governments. The federal government is responsible for assessing the safety, efficacy and quality of drugs before authorizing them for sale in Canada. The provincial and territorial governments are responsible for the delivery of health care for their residents, including determining which drugs are reimbursed and under what conditions for their eligible populations.On December 16, 2020, Health Canada approved Zolgensma for sale in Canada. Once approval has been issued, provincial and territorial drugs plans then decide if the drug will be eligible for public reimbursement. To help inform this decision, public drug plans use the recommendations and advice of the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health’s (CADTH) Common Drug Review and, in Quebec, the Institut national d’excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS). Health Canada, along with CADTH and INESSS, have introduced an option for sponsors to seek aligned reviews for submissions. This aligned review process reduces time lags between the market authorization of a drug and the Health Technology Assessments (HTAs) performed by CADTH and INESSS which support its listing on a public plan. Through this process Zolgensma qualified for an earlier HTA review by CADTH and INESSS, up to 180 days before Health Canada made its regulatory decision about the drug’s market authorization.CADTH is still in the process of evaluating the HTA submission; whereas, INESSS has completed its review and has recommended that Zolgensma be reimbursed with conditions. For more information on the reviews and their outcomes, Canadians may visit the following links:     CADTH: https://cadth.ca/onasemnogene-abeparvovec       INESSS: https://www.inesss.qc.ca/fileadmin/doc/INESSS/Inscription_medicaments/Avis_au_ministre/Janvier_2021/Zolgensma_2020_12.pdfEven if a drug is not listed on their formulary, individual provincial and territorial drug plans may review certain claims for reimbursement on a case-by-case basis and inquiries may be made specifically to the respective province or territory.We know that for many Canadians who require high-cost prescription drugs to treat rare diseases, the cost of these necessary medications can be astronomically high. That is why Budget 2019 proposed to invest up to $1 billion over two years, starting in 2022-23, with up to $500 million per year ongoing to help Canadians with rare diseases access the effective drugs they need. As reaffirmed in the 2020 Speech from the Throne and Fall Economic Statement, this includes working with willing provinces, territories and stakeholders to establish a national strategy for high-cost drugs for rare diseases.To support the development of a national strategy for high-cost drugs for rare diseases, engagement efforts are underway with the provinces and territories, patients along with other key stakeholders, and the public. The government has released a discussion paper and welcomes input from Canadians through public town halls and/or responses to an online questionnaire. All Canadians are invited to share their ideas before the engagement closes on March 26, 2021.The engagement webpage can be accessed here: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/programs/consultation-national-strategy-high-cost-drugs-rare-diseases-online-engagement.html.The Government of Canada will continue working with provinces, territories and other partners to lower the costs of medications and improve access. 
InfantsPharmaceuticalsRare and orphan diseasesSpinal muscular atrophy
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 10, 2021432-00434432-00434 (Foreign affairs)PatKellyCalgary Rocky RidgeConservativeABJanuary 25, 2021March 10, 2021November 3, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 10, 2021432-00433432-00433 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJanuary 25, 2021March 10, 2021October 13, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 10, 2021432-00432432-00432 (Foreign affairs)KevinWaughSaskatoon—GrasswoodConservativeSKJanuary 25, 2021March 10, 2021October 13, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 10, 2021432-00431432-00431 (Foreign affairs)JohnWilliamsonNew Brunswick SouthwestConservativeNBJanuary 25, 2021March 10, 2021October 13, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament229Not certifiedMarch 5, 2021e-2954e-2954 (Foreign affairs)AdeOlumideGregFergusHull—AylmerLiberalQCNovember 4, 2020, at 3:54 p.m. (EDT)March 4, 2021, at 3:54 p.m. (EDT)March 5, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="6" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Canada “Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act [...] to implement the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court [...] 3 [...] crime against humanity means murder, extermination, enslavement, deportation, imprisonment, torture, sexual violence, persecution or any other inhumane act or omission that is committed against any civilian population or any identifiable group [...] genocide means an act or omission committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, an identifiable group of persons [...] ”; andG7 countries subscribe to the rule of law, therefore, we can do more to deter crimes against humanity;For example, the international community "bring back our girls" campaign against Boko Haram was helpful, however the ongoing and regular killing of unarmed civilians by Boko Haram has continued; andAnother example of crimes against humanity are the Lekki massacre of "SARS protesters" in Nigeria.We, the undersigned, Persons Against Crimes Against Humanity, call upon the Government of Canada to lead an initiative for a G7 Office Of Crimes Against Humanity which will advocate for sanctions against individuals who facilitate crimes against humanity by acts of commission or omission and advocate for investigations to gather evidence that can be used for International Criminal Court prosecutions.Crimes against humanityCriminal investigations and hearingsEconomic sanctionsInternational cooperationInternational organizations43rd Parliament229Not certifiedMarch 2, 2021e-2924e-2924 (Holidays and observances)WinstonChowJennyKwanVancouver EastNDPBCOctober 29, 2020, at 11:11 a.m. (EDT)February 26, 2021, at 11:11 a.m. (EDT)March 2, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Emancipation Day recognizes the day that slavery was officially ended in the British Empire in 1834 before Canada was a separate country from Britain;On August 1, 1834, only enslaved children were freed, full release from slavery happened just about four years later;Making Emancipation Day a federal holiday would help confront the legacy of slavery and white supremacy;Recognizing Emancipation Day helps teach the next generations about the shameful parts of the past that must not be repeated;Canadian history is taught in schools from a eurocentric viewpoint that overlooks or minimizes the human rights infringements against Black and Indigenous people;Emancipation Day is also about reflecting on our present, taking the time to examine the current circumstances, questioning slavery, fighting to end systemic racism for future generations, and remembering why black lives matter;Emancipation Day is about learning and discussing Canada’s complete history that includes the history of slavery and systemic discrimination;Slavery and segregation created circumstances of marginalization, a cycle of unequal access, lost opportunities and systemic poverty even after emancipation, Black people were and are targeted with discrimination, prejudice, and murder; andRecognizing Emancipation Day on the federal level would be a major step toward accepting the sins of our history and working toward building a multiracial democracy where all of us are finally, truly free.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to officially recognize August 1, as the Emancipation Day holiday, to celebrate it on that day every year, and to incorporate the history behind Emancipation Day into our corrupted education system.Emancipation DaySlavery43rd Parliament229Not certifiedFebruary 24, 2021e-2939e-2939 (Foreign affairs)SuliyaMazouMatthewGreenHamilton CentreNDPONOctober 22, 2020, at 4:45 p.m. (EDT)February 19, 2021, at 4:45 p.m. (EDT)February 24, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons in Parliament assembled</Addressee>Whereas:The brave citizens of Nigeria have been protesting the historically corrupt and unaccountable Nigerian law enforcement units known as SARS and SWAT that have been terrorizing their communities for decades;The government of Nigeria and particular officials have responded to peaceful protests by sending in military death squads and hiring local thugs to attack, threaten and disrupt these protests; andCanadians of Nigerian descent are especially concerned with the unfolding and tragic human rights violations and killings that are currently occurring and that have been independently verified on social media and through other sources.We, the undersigned, Canadian citizens and Canadians of Nigerian and African descent, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to: 1. Pass a motion in Parliament and for the Government of Canada to issue a statement condemning the October 20th Lekki toll gate massacre in Lagos State and to voice its support for the rights of Nigerian citizens to peacefully protest for the purposes of demanding accountability, the end of corruption and extrajudicial killings of its people;2. Request the UN or AU to organize an independent fact-finding mission, the purpose of which will inform the implementation of targeted sanctions under the Magnitsky Act against government officials involved in directing these or other human rights abuses; and3. Utilize all levers of political influence and work alongside other state, civil society and international partners to ensure that perpetrators of past or any future violations are held accountable and that the units known as SARS or SWAT are immediately abolished.Civil and human rightsEconomic sanctionsForeign policyNigeria43rd Parliament229Not certifiedFebruary 19, 2021e-2930e-2930 (Health)JohnWhelanHon.BernadetteJordanSouth Shore—St. MargaretsLiberalNSNovember 20, 2020, at 10:26 a.m. (EDT)February 18, 2021, at 10:26 a.m. (EDT)February 19, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The Government of Canada oversees healthcare for the Canadian Armed Forces, the RCMP, and veterans;Psychiatric medications are the first-line treatment for mental health problems among members;Mounting evidence raises concerns over long-term medication usage (e.g., neurocognitive impairment);The neurotoxic side effects of psychiatric medications are well-established (e.g., gastrointestinal problems, irritability, emotional blunting/numbing, and cognitive fogging) but these are generally regarded as transient, non-serious events among prescribers;This petition argues for the selection of non-medical research teams;Ideally, a prospective multi-year study is warranted;Given the importance of this issue, collaborative researchers skilled in multimodal (i.e., quantitative and qualitative) investigations are requested;This time-sensitive strategy should prioritize and catalogue the experiences of members and their immediate families (e.g., emotional and mental status, interpersonal relationships, work capacity) for drug-prescribed groups and diagnostically matched non-prescribed groups;Findings from neuropsychological evaluations, blood analysis, and prescription records for randomly selected members would form a quantitative research component; andIn the absence of Canadian research on the long-term effects of psychiatric medications.We, the undersigned, members, former members, and families of the Canadian Armed Forces and the RCMP, call upon the Government of Canada to initiate a third-party investigation into the long-term (greater than 1-year) effects of psychiatric medications, delineating the (i) relationships between psychiatric drugs and medical releases, (ii) beneficial and deleterious physical, neurocognitive, emotional, and quality of life outcomes for members and their families, (iii) ability of prescribed members to benefit from non-medical interventions, (iv) relationships between medication usage and transitions to civilian life. The findings should be made available for public review.Canadian ForcesInquiries and public inquiriesMental healthPrescription drugsRoyal Canadian Mounted Police43rd Parliament229Not certifiedFebruary 15, 2021e-2866e-2866 (Citizenship and immigration)GuyRoyChristineNormandinSaint-JeanBloc QuébécoisQCOctober 15, 2020, at 6:32 p.m. (EDT)February 12, 2021, at 6:32 p.m. (EDT)February 15, 2021Petition to the<Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1"> Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:In our opinion, the Safe Third Country Agreement violates Canada’s international obligations to refugees under the 1951 Refugee Convention; andThe Safe Third Country Agreement forces asylum seekers to make dehumanizing, irregular crossings.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada and Quebec, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. End the Safe Third Country Agreement; and2. Accept and process refugee claims made at regular crossings along the Canada-US border.Agreements and contractsBordersCanada–U.S. Safe Third Country AgreementCanada-United States relationsRefugee claims processingThird country43rd Parliament229Not certifiedFebruary 8, 2021e-3087e-3087 (Taxation)LouisCoutureXavierBarsalou-DuvalPierre-Boucher—Les Patriotes—VerchèresBloc QuébécoisQCJanuary 7, 2021, at 4:57 p.m. (EDT)February 6, 2021, at 4:57 p.m. (EDT)February 8, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The Government of Canada has asked Canadians not to travel outside the country;The COVID-19 pandemic continues to put an enormous burden on our hospitals and health workers; andA few people have decided to ignore the emphatic and repeated calls of the federal government to avoid travel outside the country.We, the undersigned, citizens of Quebec and Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to deny payments to those who travelled outside the country for pleasure and require them to quarantine at their expense.Canada Recovery Sickness BenefitCOVID-19PandemicQuarantine of personsTravel restrictions43rd Parliament229Not certifiedJanuary 27, 2021e-2856e-2856 (Education and training)genevievegagnonSorayaMartinez FerradaHochelagaLiberalQCSeptember 25, 2020, at 10:41 a.m. (EDT)January 23, 2021, at 10:41 a.m. (EDT)January 27, 2021Petition to <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="253406" mp-riding-display="1">the Minister of Canadian Heritage</Addressee>Whereas:Students of all ages should be able to develop their employment skills through enriching work experiences;The cultural industry needs skilled employees and often uses the wage subsidy component of Young Canada Works program;The percentage of mature students at post-secondary institutions is increasing constantly; andThe decision to change career should be encouraged and not penalized.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Minister of Canadian Heritage to eliminate the age limit for access to the wage subsidy component of Young Canada Works and Young Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage.Income and wagesInternshipsYoung Canada WorksYoung Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage43rd Parliament229Not certifiedJanuary 27, 2021e-2858e-2858 (Health)MandyStapleyDerekSloanHastings—Lennox and AddingtonConservativeONSeptember 25, 2020, at 10:44 a.m. (EDT)January 23, 2021, at 10:44 a.m. (EDT)January 27, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects 500,000 Canadians;Supporting an individual with autism is beyond the financial means of most Canadians;Intensive, early intervention is proven effective in the treatment of ASD;Federal and provincial programs fail to adequately support people with ASD;Transitions pose severe challenges for ASD families (i.e. high school to minimum programming), transitions between supports are insufficient;Canadians with ASD are vulnerable; andSchools rarely allow specialized health care professionals on-site to support children with ASD and schools are not obligated to implement clinical recommendations to improve quality of life.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to: 1. Create a national autism strategy developed in partnership with provinces, territories, and the autistic community, taking into account individual needs to deliver timely services to Canadians; 2. Seek multi-partisan support;3. Collaborate with provinces and territories to create an act to include evidence-based therapies for autistic Canadians as accepted treatments as well as to create programs for major life transitions and expand housing programs for vulnerable groups; and 4. Collaborate with provinces and territories to encourage consistent service delivery of autism therapy services.AutismTherapy43rd Parliament229Not certifiedJanuary 27, 2021e-2864e-2864 (Infrastructure)StephanieDonaghyScotDavidsonYork—SimcoeConservativeONSeptember 25, 2020, at 10:46 a.m. (EDT)January 23, 2021, at 10:46 a.m. (EDT)January 27, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The Pefferlaw Dam in Pefferlaw, Ontario was constructed across the Pefferlaw River in the 1820s and has become a local landmark, contributing to the distinct charm and character of the area;The Dam’s structure has deteriorated and been deemed ‘unsafe’ by the Lake Simcoe Regional Conservation Authority, and requires significant rehabilitation and repair;The local ecosystem will be drastically affected by changes to the water flow and other impacts related to the Dam’s deterioration; andThe Pefferlaw Dam has cultural, historical, environmental, economic and recreational significance to the residents and visitors of Pefferlaw, Ontario.We, the undersigned, residents of Pefferlaw and other concerned citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to partner with the Government of Ontario and provide the federal funding required to rehabilitate the Pefferlaw Dam.Maintenance, repair and renovation servicesPefferlaw Dam43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 25, 2021432-00371432-00371 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABDecember 7, 2020January 25, 2021October 21, 2020Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, a new report published by the Associated Press has revealed that there has been an ongoing campaign of Uyghur birth suppression by the Chinese Communist Party which includes methods such as forced sterilization and abortion; and, Whereas, in addition to the recent news of coordinated Uyghur birth suppression, there is also a body of mounting evidence showing that Uyghurs are being subject to political and anti-religious indoctrination, arbitrary detention, separation of children from families, invasive surveillance, destruction of cultural sites, forced labor, and even forced organ harvesting; moreover, it is estimated that up to three million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in what have been described as concentration camps; and, Whereas, evidence now makes clear that the Chinese Government's treatment of the Uyghurs meets most, if not all, of the criteria for genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and, Whereas, Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Formally recognize that Uyghurs in China have been and are being subject to genocide. 2. Use the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act ("Magnitsky Act") and sanction those that are responsible for the heinous crimes being committed against the Uyghur people.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and is a priority in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China. The nature and scale of the violations by Chinese authorities, under the pretext of countering extremism, are deeply disturbing. The Government is gravely concerned about the existence of a large network of ‘political re-education’ camps where credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained. There are severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control, including sterilization. The actions by the Chinese government are contrary to its own constitution, are in violation of international human rights obligations and are inconsistent with the United Nations’ Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.These concerns were raised with the Government of China at the highest levels, including at the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Japan in November 2019, at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020, and in Italy in August 2020, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada raised the human rights situation in China directly with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral meetings.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada also raised this issue directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet in August 2020.Canada has made several statements on the human rights situation in China at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, including specific statements regarding Uyghurs in Xinjiang (March 2018, September 2018, March 2019; September 2020). Canada also made public recommendations to China on human rights as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review at the HRC in November 2018. Canada called on China to release Uyghurs and other Muslims who have been detained arbitrarily and without due process because of their ethnicity or religions, and to end the prosecution and persecution on the basis of religion or belief, including for Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong. Canada also co-sponsored side events addressing human rights in Xinjiang on the margins of the HRC’s 40th session in Geneva (March 2019) and on the margins of the UN General Assembly 74th session in New York (September 2019). Canada co-signed, along with 22 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang during the Third Committee dialogue of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York in October 2019. In June 2020, during the 44th session of the HRC, Canada and 27 other countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. At the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (October 6, 2020), Canada co-signed, along with 38 other countries, a joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. As part of joint communications, Canada and other countries have called on China to allow unfettered access to Xinjiang to the UN and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights.The Trade Commissioner Service has updated its guidance for businesses on the risks of doing business in China, including risks related to human rights abuses.  Ensuring companies adhere to responsible business practices is essential to manage social, reputational, legal and economic risks. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully and conduct their activities in a responsible manner consistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Among other things, the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies to adopt global best practices with respect to supply chain due diligence in order to eliminate the direct or indirect risk of involvement in any forced labour or other human rights abuses.Canada takes allegations of genocide very seriously. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our allies to push for these to be investigated through an international independent body and for impartial experts to access the region so that they can see the situation firsthand and report back. Regardless of the legal term applied, it is clear that egregious human rights violations and abuses targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region continue to be led by the Chinese Communist Party.When it comes to sanctions, Canada has always been clear that the promotion and protection of human rights are integral parts of our foreign policy. A rigorous due diligence process has been established to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations or corruption anywhere in the world against the criteria set out in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, within the context of other ongoing efforts to promote human rights and combat corruption. We believe the smart way to impose sanctions is to go with a core group of countries to have the maximum impact, not alone.Please be assured that the promotion and protection of human rights are core priorities of Canada’s foreign policy. The Government of Canada will continue to raise its concerns regarding the human rights situation in Xinjiang and all of China, and will continue to call on China to live up to its international obligations.
ChinaEconomic sanctionsForeign policyGenocideUyghur
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 25, 2021432-00370432-00370 (Environment)RichardCanningsSouth Okanagan—West KootenayNDPBCDecember 7, 2020January 25, 2021July 9, 2020PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe the undersigned Canadian youth respectfully request that the House of Commons give serious consideration to the following: WHEREAS, the impacts of climate change are accelerating in Canada and around the world, leading to Canada declaring a Climate Emergency, Canadian youth are anxious that they are being left with an uncertain future in which we can grow, survive, and thrive. THAT, Canada has endorsed the Paris Agreement to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 °C in order to avoid the most disastrous effects of climate change, yet greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have failed to decline in Canada; THAT, Canada's current GHG reduction targets are not consistent with doing our fair share to meet the global goals agreed upon in Paris to mitigate climate change; THAT, subsidizing fossil fuel production, export and expansion, including new pipelines, are NOT compatible with the stated goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions; THAT, the government's continued support of the fossil fuel industry, in spite of scientific evidence of the cumulative damage of emissions, puts our future in danger; THAT, youth want jobs that are sustainable and not for short-term gain at the expense of future generations. THEREFORE, your youth petitioners, and those who care deeply about youth, call upon the House of Commons to take meaningful steps to support the future of young Canadians and fulfill Canada's obligations under the Paris Agreement by adopting a detailed climate action strategy that includes legislated science-based targets for greenhouse gas reduction with a plan to meet them, including but not limited to: implementing a comprehensive and steadily rising national carbon price beyond 2022 that rises to at least $150/t by 2030; eliminating fossil fuel subsidies and redirecting those investments into renewable energy systems, energy efficiency, low-carbon transportation, and job training.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSONCanadians are already feeling the impacts of climate change and extreme weather such as the changing intensity and frequency of flooding, storms, wildfires, coastal erosion, extreme heat events, thawing permafrost, and sea level rise. These impacts pose significant risks to the safety, security, health, and well­being of all Canadians, our communities, the economy, and the natural environment.Following adoption of the Paris Agreement in December 2015, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) invited the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to prepare a Special Report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5 degrees and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways. Released in October 2018, the report found that globally, net anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions need to reach 'net zero' by around 2050 to meet this goal.To contribute to the achievement of the Paris Agreement, and in pursuit of efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, the Government of Canada is committed to exceed Canada's 2030 emissions reduction goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30% below 2005 levels and working to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 also responds to the IPCC's latest scientific assessment.Canada's climate plan, the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (PCF), adopted on December 9, 2016, is a comprehensive plan which includes both individual and joint federal, provincial, and territorial climate actions to reduce emissions, accelerate clean economic growth, and build resilience to the impacts of climate change. This plan was developed in collaboration with provinces and territories, and with input from Indigenous Peoples, businesses, civil society, and Canadians across the country.The PCF outlines over 50 concrete measures to reduce carbon pollution, help us adapt and become more resilient to the impacts of a changing climate, foster clean technology solutions, and create good jobs that contribute to a stronger economy. Key measures include:
  • regulating methane emissions in the oil and gas sector, which will reduce carbon pollution by about 16.5 million tonnes in 2030;
  • accelerating the phase-out of coal-fired electricity generation by 2030 as part of our efforts to have 90% of electricity from non-emitting sources, and supporting workers and communities transition to a low-carbon economy;
  • developing "net-zero energy ready" building codes to be adopted by 2030 for new buildings;
  • establishing mandatory labeling of building energy use to provide businesses and consumers with information on energy performance, and setting new standards to improve the energy efficiency of appliances and equipment;
  • increasing the stringency of emissions standards for light- and heavy-duty vehicles, and taking steps to improve efficiency and support fuel switching in the rail, aviation, marine, and off-road sectors;
  • adopting a Climate Lens to ensure that future climate impacts are considered and addressed in all federally funded infrastructure projects; and
  • establishing a new Canadian Centre for Climate Services giving Canadians better access to climate science and information.
The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of tackling climate change while growing the economy as a means of creating jobs and ensuring competitiveness. Since 2015, the Government of Canada has committed about $60 billion to reduce emissions, adapt to a changing climate, and support clean technology innovation and the transition to a clean growth economy. Commitments include:
  • more than $28 billion to support public transit, including over 1,211 transit projects approved;
  • $26.9 billion to support green infrastructure, including support for renewable energy, electric vehicle charging, natural gas and hydrogen refuelling stations, clean energy in rural and remote communities, and climate adaptation and resiliency initiatives (e.g., flood mitigation under the $2-billion Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund);
  • $3 billion to support the development, adoption, and scale-up of clean technologies;
  • over $2 billion to help cities and towns adapt to and manage the impacts of climate change, delivered through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (e.g., $75 million for the Municipal Climate Innovation Program, $50 million for the Municipal Asset Management Program, and over $1 billion in support for building energy efficiency investments);
  • $2 billion to generate clean growth and reduce carbon pollution from buildings, industries, forestry, and agriculture by leveraging investment in projects through the Low Carbon Economy Fund;
  • the $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan to improve marine safety and responsible shipping;
  • $1.3 billion for nature conservation;
  • $300 million to provide Canadian drivers and businesses with purchase incentives for zero-emission vehicles;
  • over $64 million to help rural, remote, and Indigenous communities transition off diesel fuel;
  • $108 million to establish the Canadian Centre for Climate Services, which is improving access to trusted, useful, and timely climate information and data to support adaptation decision-making; and
  • over $100 million in targeted federal funding to support specific economic sectors such as transportation, agriculture, and health and communities, including Indigenous and Northern communities (e.g., $52 million for the First Nations Adapt Program and $47 million for Climate Change Preparedness in the North).
The PCF identified carbon pollution pricing as an important and cross-cutting mitigation measure. It is an area that has benefited from substantial leadership from several provinces. In October 2016, Prime Minister announced the Pan-Canadian Approach to Pricing Carbon Pollution (federal stringency requirements).This pan-Canadian approach to carbon pricing is a practical and cost-effective way to address climate change and will contribute to substantial emissions reductions, stimulate innovation, clean growth, and jobs for the middle class. By putting a price on carbon pollution, the Government of Canada is fulfilling our commitment to address climate change in the most effective and economical way possible. The stringency of the carbon pricing system needs to increase over time and this should be based in legislation — to provide certainty to businesses and consumers and contribute to our national GHG emission reduction target.
  • For jurisdictions implementing an explicit price-based system, the carbon price started at $20 per tonne in 2019, and will rise by $10 per year to $50 per tonne in 2022.
  • Provinces with a cap-and-trade system need to have (i) a 2030 emissions reduction target equal to or greater than Canada's 30% reduction target; and (ii) a cap-and-trade system with declining (more stringent) emission caps (to at least 2022) that correspond, at a minimum, to the projected emissions reductions that would have resulted from applying the direct carbon price that year.
The Framework also committed to the federal, provincial, and territorial governments to complete a series of reviews by 2022 in order to provide certainty on the path forward after 2022.Canada's climate plan is working. Canada's most recent GHG emissions projections estimate that Canada's GHG emissions in 2030 will be 227 million tonnes lower than projected prior to the Pan-Canadian Framework or 19% below 2005 levels. This improvement, equivalent to approximately a third of Canada's emissionsin 2005, is widespread across all economic sectors reflecting the breadth and depth of the Pan-Canadian Framework.However, the Government of Canada recognizes that more action is needed. This is why the Government continues to work with partners and stakeholders in continuing to implement the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change and has also introduced new federal climate measures including:
  • A strengthened climate plan, launched on December 11, 2020. This plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, outlines federal policies, programs, and billions in investments to build a stronger, cleaner, more resilient, and inclusive economy. It is based on five strategic priorities:o   making the places we live and gather more affordable by cutting energy waste;o   making clean, affordable transportation and power available in every community;o   continuing to ensure pollution isn’t free and households can get more money back;o   building Canada’s clean industrial advantage; ando   embracing the power of nature to support healthier families and more resilient communities. 
  • Once fully implemented, this plan would enable Canada to exceed its current 2030 greenhouse gas reduction target under the Paris Agreement.
  • This plan builds on key climate action measures announced in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement (November 30, 2020), including investments in home energy retrofits, zero emission vehicle infrastructure, nature-based climate solutions (e.g. planting 2 billion trees, climate smart ecosystems, support for commercial tree planting), and strategic interties.
In addition, the Government of Canada also recently tabled the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, which delivers on the Government’s commitment to legislate Canada’s target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Once the bill becomes law, it will establish a legally binding process for the Government of Canada to set five-year emissions reduction targets based on the advice of experts and Canadians to ensure transparency and accountability as Canada charts a path to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. The Act also requires emissions reduction plans for each target and the publication of interim and final reports on implementation of the plans and the emissions reductions they achieve, as well as periodic examination and reporting by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development on the implementation of these mitigation measures. The Act will also establish a Net-Zero Advisory Body to provide independent advice to the Government of Canada on the best pathways to reach its targets, and also enshrine greater accountability and public transparency into Canada’s plan for meeting net-zero emissions by 2050.At the same time, we also recognize that oil and gas will remain important global commodities and that we cannot make a transition to a low-carbon economy overnight. Canada is committed to supporting the responsible development of Canada's oil and gas sector as a source of good jobs. Pipelines are an efficient mode of transportation for oil and gas products and are required to undergo a robust and rigorous environmental assessment. Officials from my department participate in these assessments by providing scientific and regulatory expertise to determine the project's potential effects on air quality and GHG emissions, water quality, species at risk, and migratory birds. The assessment process also allows decisions to be informed by consultation with, and input from, the public and Indigenous Peoples.With respect to concerns about subsidies for oil companies, Canada is committed to fulfilling the G20 commitment to rationalize and phase-out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies over the medium-term. The Government of Canada has already made significant progress in the last couple of years including:
  • modifying the tax treatment of successful oil and gas exploratory drilling. Consistent with the usual treatment of enduring assets, expenses associated with oil and gas discovery wells will be treated as Canadian development expenses, which are deducted gradually over time, rather than as immediately deductible Canadian exploration expenses, unless and until they are deemed unsuccessful.
  • removing the tax preference that allows small oil and gas companies to reclassify Canadian development expenses as immediately deductible Canadian exploration expenses when they are renounced to flow-through share investors. This will ensure that these development expenses, which create an asset of enduring value, are deducted gradually over time.
The Government of Canada understands that in these extraordinary times it must take the lessons learned from 2020 and invest in efforts that will address the country’s immediate challenges of jobs, economic growth, and inequality. These actions will help set the foundation for longer-term economic and environmental sustainability. Taking climate action now means seizing an opportunity that will help create new jobs in Canada, make the economy stronger and more competitive in the emerging clean global marketplace, and prepare Canada for the climate change risks ahead. 
Environmental protectionParis Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 25, 2021e-2957e-2957 (Foreign affairs)ReykiaFikPaulManlyNanaimo—LadysmithGreen PartyBCOctober 29, 2020, at 11:21 a.m. (EDT)November 28, 2020, at 11:21 a.m. (EDT)December 7, 2020January 25, 2021November 30, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="253367" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Foreign Affairs</Addressee>Whereas:Fires in the Amazon rainforest reached the highest level in a decade this year;The adjacent Pantanal wetlands and Cerrado savanna have also had devastating fires and ecosystem destruction;These fires are almost all deliberately set, mainly by land-grabbers and ranchers to clear land for cattle grazing and industrial agriculture;Deforestation and fires have dramatically increased since Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro came to power; His government has actively dismantled environmental regulations, enforcement, and Indigenous rights protections;Indigenous Peoples in Brazil are experiencing especially high levels of violence, land appropriation and other human rights violations;Deforestation in the Amazon is approaching a tipping point beyond which the rainforest may not recover;The loss of this rainforest would adversely affect the security of all humankind; andCanada is negotiating a trade deal that is projected to increase meat and soy imports from Brazil, and would legitimize the environmental and human rights violations of the Bolsonaro government.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Foreign Affairs to :1) Immediately terminate the Canada-Mercosur free trade deal negotiations; and2) Make a public statement that the Bolsonaro government’s assault on the environment and human rights is unacceptable to Canada.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe Government of Canada has observed with deep concern the wildfires taking place in South America, the Amazon and the Pantanal, recognizing that the health of forests in the region is of great importance to the well-being of the planet. The conversion of forests for the production of agricultural commodities remains the biggest driver of deforestation globally, including in the Amazon. The Brazilian forest fires in the context of agricultural development are deeply concerning to Canada.Canadian officials maintain a sustained dialogue on climate change and the environment in their interactions with Brazilian authorities at all levels, as well as with civil society, the private sector and Indigenous peoples’ representatives in Brazil. The Government of Canada has expressed its concerns to the federal and state governments of Brazil on the wildfires and deforestation, including with Brazil`s Vice President, the Minister of the Environment, and the Foreign Ministry, and have communicated the Government of Canada and the international community’s expectations with regards to protecting and preserving the Amazon region.Canada engages with Brazilian civil society to support initiatives aimed at raising awareness on the impact of climate change on Indigenous peoples and biodiversity in the Amazon Basin, and promoting the sustainable development of populations living in that area. In early November, a small group of ambassadors, including the Ambassador of Canada to Brazil, took part in a mission to the Amazon organized by the Brazilian government to see firsthand the effects of deforestation in the Amazon and Brazilian efforts to combat it. The visit included discussions on the enforcement of environmental protection measures and the impacts of illegal deforestation and mining. Canada’s Ambassador also met with civil society organizations active in the Amazon, as well as local Indigenous peoples, to hear their perspectives on the environmental and human rights situation, in order to give us a more objective understanding of current realities on the ground.  These views, independent of government, allow us to better advance and promote human rights in Brazil, particularly through local initiatives advancing the rights of women and girls, LGBTQ2, Indigenous peoples, refugees and migrants and impoverished communities. This includes emergency assistance to the Munduruku Indigenous peoples and Indigenous migrants from Venezuela in the Amazon region, and the provision of clean technology and the development of sanitary systems in Indigenous villages in the state of Mato Grosso.The Government of Canada recognizes that Brazil is one of the main custodians of the Amazon rainforest and one of the world’s largest agricultural producers, making it a key player in cooperation on environmental protection and climate change. That is why Canada is also working closely with Brazil in regional and multilateral fora to promote sustainable development and implement international agreements that both countries have signed and ratified. These include the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, and the Convention on Biological Diversity.The Government of Canada is committed to creating economic opportunities through initiatives such as free trade agreements (FTAs), so that more Canadians can engage in and benefit from trade, while at the same time advancing broader social, labour and environmental priorities both in Canada, and abroad. The Government of Canada is firmly committed to the principle that trade and environmental protection, and respect for the rights of Indigenous peoples, should be mutually supportive and therefore seeks to foster strong environmental governance in our trade relationships to contribute to the objective of worldwide sustainable development in all sectors.In its negotiations toward a possible FTA with Mercosur, the Government of Canada is taking into account the views and concerns of Canadian stakeholders and partners, including Indigenous peoples, with respect to exports of agricultural products from Mercosur countries, in line with Canada’s inclusive approach to trade. While there have been no formal negotiations since July 2019, any future negotiations would continue to be guided by Canada’s commitment to seek an ambitious, comprehensive and enforceable environment chapter, including commitments relating to sustainable agriculture, to address Canada’s interests in this regard. This includes core commitments to maintain high levels of environmental protection and robust environmental governance as trade is liberalized, by ensuring that environmental laws are effectively enforced and that such laws are not weakened to attract trade and investment.Enforceable and ambitious commitments on environmental issues could complement provisions that Canada would seek in the form of a dedicated chapter on Trade and Indigenous Peoples, the goal of which would be to enhance the ability of Indigenous peoples and businesses to benefit from the opportunities created by any future Canada-Mercosur FTA. Canada would also seek other provisions that are specific to Indigenous peoples in other chapters of the FTA, consistent with our inclusive approach to trade.
BrazilCivil and human rightsEnvironmental protectionForeign policyMERCOSURTrade agreements
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 25, 2021e-2443e-2443 (Health)JENN RICKYSMITHDerekSloanHastings—Lennox and AddingtonConservativeONJuly 8, 2020, at 5:39 p.m. (EDT)November 5, 2020, at 5:39 p.m. (EDT)December 4, 2020January 25, 2021November 6, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:There is enormous evidence suggesting psychologically and emotionally vulnerable children are identifying as transgender at enormously disproportionate rates; Recent information suggests that Foster children are identifying as transgender at rates 15 to 20 times higher than children not in government care;These kids are being victimized by a predatory medical pharmaceutical complex that stands to make billions of dollars off of these kids;There is evidence to suggest transgender science is tainted with pharmaceutical industry conflicts of interest;An inquiry can be carefully screened to make sure there are no, even minor, conflicts of interest with the pharmaceutical complex or any other pecuniary or non-pecuniary conflicts exist; The medical transitioning of these vulnerable youths could be regarded as a crime against humanity that preys on the weakest children and can permanently sterilize them and cause irreversible changes to their bodies and lives; andAt a bare minimum a national inquiry should be conducted.We, the undersigned, residents of Abbotsford, call upon the Government of Canada to immediately order a moratorium on the medical transitioning of minors under the age of 18 and launch a carefully screened national inquiry into why so many vulnerable children (including high numbers of autistic children) are going on to medically transition.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Darren FisherThe Government of Canada is committed to working towards a more equitable, diverse and inclusive country, where everyone is free to be themselves and participate fully in society. As part of this work, the Honourable Bardish Chagger was appointed as Minister to the newly created Diversity and Inclusion and Youth portfolio in November 2019. In addition to other areas, the Minister’s mandate letter includes five LGBTQ2-specific commitments, namely: 
  • Continuing the work of the LGBTQ2 Secretariat in promoting equality, protecting rights and addressing discrimination;
  • Additional investments for LGBTQ2 organizations;
  • Working with the Minister of Health to end the blood ban for men who have sex with other men;
  • Consulting LGBTQ2 civil society representatives to lay the groundwork for an LGBTQ2 Action Plan; and,
  • Supporting the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy.
 The Minister’s updated mandate letter asks for the acceleration of an LGBTQ2 action plan that will “guide the work of the federal government on the priorities of LGBTQ2 Canadians.” As part of its commitment to promoting equality and protecting LGBTQ2 rights, the Government of Canada has taken concrete measures in recent years that protect trans youth from discrimination. LGBTQ2 rights are human rights. Everyone in Canada deserves access to quality and compassionate healthcare – and that includes access to gender affirming surgery. Canada has in place robust laws to protect children from all forms of abuse, including the criminal law at the federal level and child protection laws at the provincial and territorial level. In 2020, it introduced Bill C-6: An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), with work continuing to progress on the proposed legislation. Amongst other offenses related to the practice, this amendment will protect trans youth from undergoing coercive efforts to change their gender identity to cisgender.  Launched on November 27, 2020 with a national online survey, the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth is also currently undertaking a comprehensive engagement process with LGBTQ2 communities across Canada to inform a federal LGBTQ2 Action Plan. There is the potential that this engagement will help to identify further ways through which the federal government can address discrimination against trans communities, including youth. This builds on Bill C-16: An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code, which received royal assent in 2017. This amendment added gender identity and expression to the Canadian Human Rights Act as prohibited grounds for discrimination. Treatment for children and youth who experience distress as a result of their gender identity not matching their sex assigned at birth is a matter that falls within provincial and territorial responsibility for health care (with the exception of eligible First Nations and Inuit peoples, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, veterans, resettled refugees and some refugee claimants, and inmates in federal penitentiaries). However, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has integrated components specifically designed to address needs of LGBTQ2 populations within a number of its community-based grants and contribution programs. In this context, the following is relevant research and evidence, as well as some of the measures the Government of Canada has taken to advance gender equality, which is an important determinant of health. It is well established that many obstacles faced by gender diverse individuals can lead to distress, including a lack of acceptance within society, direct or indirect experiences with discrimination, or assault. These experiences may in turn cause gender diverse people to suffer with anxiety, depression or related disorders at higher rates than non-transgender persons, leading to higher rates of suicide among transgender Canadians.[1] Creating conditions where transgender and gender diverse people are recognized, feel valued, and are free from discrimination is an important step towards supporting their health and wellbeing. Research has shown that transgender youth are over-represented in the foster care system, at a rate approximately twice that of cisgender youth.[2],[3] While transgender youth enter the child welfare system for reasons similar to those of other children and youth, conditions are exacerbated for transgender youth when their families reject, neglect, or abuse them because of their gender identity. It is estimated that 43% of LGBTQ2 youth experiencing homelessness are forced from their homes because of conflicts with their families about their sexual orientation or gender identity; 32% of homeless LGBTQ2 youth have experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse at home over their sexual orientation or gender identity.[4] To promote the health and welfare of transgender and gender diverse persons in all cultural settings, evidence-informed protocols and guidelines in the care of transgender, gender dysphoric and gender non-conforming people have been developed by individual clinics, and national and international professional associations alike. These guidelines include providing psychoeducational and social support to young people and their parents, as well as appropriate psychological evaluation. Treatments available to youth who meet criteria for gender dysphoria and who are determined to be appropriate for physical interventions include puberty suppression, cross-sex hormones in later adolescence, and gender-affirming surgical procedures (which are generally available when a person reaches the legal age of majority to give consent).[5] Standards of care are updated and revised as new scientific information becomes available.[6] PHAC’s commitment to address the health needs of transgender populations is also supported by the Government of Canada-wide mandatory use of sex and gender-based analysis plus (SGBA+) in all research, program and policy development. SGBA+ is a tool to assess the potential impacts of policies, programs, and initiatives on diverse groups of men and women, boys and girls, and to mitigate those impacts. Using SGBA+ while considering other identity factors, such as gender identity, supports PHAC’s commitment to health equity, and allows for coordinated action to address health inequalities of LGBTQ2 populations. These important steps will benefit all Canadians by creating a more gender equitable and inclusive society that supports mental, physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing throughout the life course. Our government will continue to work closely with LGBTQ2 communities and all our partners to achieve greater equality, inclusion, and safety for LGBTQ2 Canadians.   [1] Veale, J. F., Watson, R. J., Peter, T., & Saewyc, E. M. (2017). Mental health disparities among Canadian transgender youth. Journal of Adolescent Health, 60(1), 44-49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2016.09.014[2] Fish, J. N., Baams, L., Wojciak, A. S., & Russell, S. T. (2019). Are sexual minority youth overrepresented in foster care, child welfare, and out-of-home placement? Findings from nationally representative data. Child abuse & neglect, 89, 203-211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.01.005[3] Wilson, B. D., Cooper, K., Kastanis, A., & Nezhad, S. (2014). Sexual and gender minority youth in foster care: Assessing disproportionality and disparities in Los Angeles. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6mg3n153[4] Durso, L. E., & Gates, G. J. (2012). Serving our youth: Findings from a national survey of services providers working with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/80x75033[5] Strang, J. F., Powers, M. D., Knauss, M., Sibarium, E., Leibowitz, S. F., Kenworthy, L., & Pervez, N. (2018). “They thought it was an obsession”: Trajectories and perspectives of autistic transgender and gender-diverse adolescents. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 48(12), 4039-4055. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-3723-6[6]https://www.wpath.org/about/ethics-and-standards
ChildrenGender identity and gender expressionInquiries and public inquiriesMoratoriumTransgender persons
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 25, 2021e-2758e-2758 (Environment)FrannyLadell YakelashekLaurelCollinsVictoriaNDPBCJuly 23, 2020, at 10:49 a.m. (EDT)November 20, 2020, at 10:49 a.m. (EDT)December 4, 2020January 25, 2021November 20, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:The Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) is Canada’s main law governing pollution prevention and the management of toxic chemicals;Scientific understanding of environmental and health risks of exposure to toxics and pollution has evolved over the past two decades and CEPA 1999 needs to be updated to address today’s sources of toxic exposure;Too often, vulnerable and marginalized populations bear a disproportionate burden of environmental harm, yet CEPA 1999 lacks provisions to protect vulnerable populations and safeguard against environmental injustice;The House of Commons Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development reviewed CEPA 1999 and made 87 recommendations to strengthen and modernize the act; andThe Minister of Environment and Climate Change and the Minister of Health are jointly mandated to “better protect people and the environment from toxins and other pollution, including by strengthening the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.”We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to pass legislation to modernize the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 without delay, to ensure (i) better control of toxic substances — notably, banning highly hazardous substances like carcinogens and reproductive toxicants, addressing cumulative effects and requiring substitution with safer alternatives, and disclosure of chemicals in products through better labelling, (ii) enforceable national air and water quality standards, (iii) protection for vulnerable populations, and (iv) recognition of the human right to a healthy environment.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSONThe Government of Canada is committed to modernizing the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) as set out in the December 2019 mandate letters from the Prime Minister to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and the Minister of Health. This commitment was reaffirmed in theSeptember 2020 Speech from the Throne.The Government is considering amendments to CEPA to address issues raised by stakeholders, and during the most recent review of CEPA by the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (ENVI). The Committee offered 87 recommendations in its 2017 report, “Healthy Environment, Healthy Canadians, Healthy Economy: Strengthening the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999”, to improve and modernize the Act.  In its June 2018 Follow-Up Report, the Government responded to all of the ENVI’s recommendations and committed to working towards legislative amendments in future parliamentary sessions.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Darren FisherThe Government of Canada is committed to modernize the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) as set out in the December 2019 mandate letters from the Prime Minister to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and the Minister of Health. This commitment was reaffirmed in the September 2020 Speech from the Throne.The Government is considering amendments to CEPA to address issues raised by stakeholders and during the most recent review of CEPA by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Environment and Sustainable Development (ENVI). The Committee offered 87 recommendations in its 2017 report, “Healthy Environment, Healthy Canadians, Healthy Economy: Strengthening the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999”, to improve and modernize the Act. In its June 2018 Follow-Up Report, the Government responded to all of the ENVI Committee’s recommendations and committed to working towards legislative amendments in future parliamentary sessions.
Air qualityCivil and human rightsEnvironmental protectionPublic healthToxic substances
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 25, 2021e-2725e-2725 (Fisheries)WilliamBraidwoodMelArnoldNorth Okanagan—ShuswapConservativeBCJuly 7, 2020, at 3:04 p.m. (EDT)November 4, 2020, at 3:04 p.m. (EDT)December 4, 2020January 25, 2021November 4, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="253373" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard</Addressee>Whereas:The public fishery in British Columbia depends on predictable access to marine and aquatic resources;The public fishery in British Columbia is a source of benefits, including food security, cultural traditions, recreation, mental health, employment and economic opportunity for hundreds of thousands of British Columbians;The Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard and the Government of Canada have chosen to ignore viable and sustainable proposals from British Columbians for managing fisheries that may encounter Fraser River Chinook;The Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard and the Government of Canada have failed to implement a coordinated, properly funded, comprehensive, ecosystem-based recovery plan and strategy to rebuild stocks and habitat for Fraser River Chinook; andThe Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard and the Government of Canada have failed to acknowledge the presence of other abundant Chinook stocks.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard to amend the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ 2020 Fraser River Chinook salmon management measures to acknowledge the existence of abundant Chinook stocks elsewhere on the coast and allow avoidance zones and mark selective fisheries that have been proposed for times and places where endangered Fraser River Chinook are absent or unlikely to be present, and provide details to Canadians for the immediate development of a comprehensive recovery strategy and plan for Fraser River stocks of concern to be implemented as soon as possible.
Response by the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast GuardSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Bernadette JordanA broad pattern of decline has affected many Chinook populations in southern British Columbia (BC). Many southern BC Chinook populations, particularly in the Fraser River face a number of challenges, including declining numbers returning to spawn, reduced survival and productivity, habitat pressures and a changing climate. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has been increasing measures to conserve southern BC Chinook stocks for many years, with harvest restrictions increasing over time.In November 2018, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) assessed seven Fraser Chinook populations as endangered, four as threatened and one as special concern. We urgently need to address these declines, as well as the changes to marine life and ecosystems that are directly affecting salmon and our coastal communities.In 2019 and 2020 DFO implemented significant new management measures designed to support the recovery of at-risk Fraser River Chinook populations, provide access for culturally important First Nations fisheries consistent with allocation priorities, and provide access for commercial and recreational fisheries to harvest healthy Chinook populations in times and areas where stocks of concern can be avoided. These measures were developed following consultation with Indigenous communities, recreational and commercial fishing organizations, and environmental organizations.DFO recognizes the challenges faced by all who depend on Pacific salmon for their sustenance, livelihood and recreation. While conservation is the highest priority in management of these populations, the Department is continuing to consider pilot recreational fishery opportunities to selectively target hatchery origin Chinook (i.e. using mark selective fisheries) or other healthy Chinook stocks in areas where at-risk Fraser Chinook can be avoided and where other conservation issues are not expected. In 2020, a limited number of these proposals were approved as pilots subject to requirements for catch monitoring/sampling to address effects of regulations and consultation with First Nations. DFO is currently compiling information to support a post-season review of all salmon fisheries and work is in progress to consider potential additional marked selective fishery opportunities in Spring 2021.It is important that we make decisions that will ultimately lead to strengthened salmon populations, so that we have healthy and abundant salmon runs in the future that will support Indigenous, commercial and recreational fisheries. Fishery management measures are only one component of a larger strategy intended to place at-risk Pacific salmon populations on a path towards sustainability. One element of this work is to evaluate the utility of mass marking (adipose fin clipping) of Canadian hatchery Chinook production and mark selective fisheries as conservation tools to enable harvest opportunities for identifiable marked hatchery fish while minimizing fishing mortality on wild stocks and maintaining reliable stock assessment information. Though mark selective fisheries are meant to allow harvest of relatively abundance hatchery fish, all selective fisheries have an associated mortality on unmarked (wild) fish and in cases where a mark selective fishery is not properly designed, implemented and monitored, this mortality can exceed that of a non-selective fishery. The Department is also conducting a pilot project to mass mark (adipose fin clip) Conuma Hatchery Chinook in conjunction with genetic-based tagging to establish whether genetic techniques, combined with enhanced catch monitoring, will provide the assessment information currently derived from the coded wire tag indicator stock program and determine whether this approach mitigates the impacts of mark selective fisheries.In addition, the Government of Canada is  devoting significant resources to broadly support recovery of Pacific salmon, including Chinook, through a variety of initiatives to address threats facing Chinook populations, including:
  • Habitat protection: Bringing in a new Fisheries Act to restore protections for fish habitat, and working closely with the BC government on land and water use policies that can impact critical habitat.
  • Habitat restoration: In partnership with the Province of BC, DFO created a BC Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund, contributing more than $142 million over five years, enabling salmon and habitat restoration projects in communities across the province.
  • Climate adaptation: DFO is researching how warming waters affect salmon through all life stages, and the implications for ecosystems and released our first State of Pacific Salmon report in 2019.
  • Improved stock assessment: In the 2018 Economic Statement DFO committed an additional $107 million to support the implementation of the Fish Stocks provisions of the renewed Fisheries Act. These resources will help improve Pacific salmon stock assessments and contribute to a better managed fishery.
  • Enhanced science and collaboration: To gain a better understanding of what is happening in the North Pacific and how salmon returns are being affected, DFO recently co-sponsored a second research expedition to the North Pacific with scientists drawn from five countries (Russia, United States, Japan, South Korea and Canada).
  • Big Bar landslide:  an investment of $176 million to install a permanent fishway through the site of the Big Bar landslide on the Fraser River
The Department is developing science advice on threats and limiting factors for at-risk Chinook populations and this information and science advice will inform the development of rebuilding plans for Chinook stocks of concern. The Department has also engaged with First Nations, the Province of BC, and stakeholders to support planning the development of these plans.
Chinook salmonFisheries and fishersFraser River
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 25, 2021432-00365432-00365 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABDecember 4, 2020January 25, 2021February 25, 2019PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas increasing concerns about international trafficking in human organs removed from victims without consent have not yet led to a legal prohibition on Canadians travelling abroad to acquire or receive such organs; andWhereas there are currently two bills before Parliament proposing to impede the trafficking of human organs obtained without consent or as a result of a financial transaction: Bill C-350 in the House of Commons and Bill S-240 in the Senate;Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge the Parliament of Canada to move quickly on the proposed legislation so as to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to prohibit Canadians from travelling abroad to acquire human organs removed without consent or as a result of a financial transaction and to render inadmissible to Canada any and all permanent residents or foreign nationals who have participated in this abhorrent trade in human organs.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David LamettiOur government was proud to support former Private Member’s Bill C-350, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking and transplanting human organs and other body parts), and former Senate Public Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the previous Parliament. We look forward to working with all parties on similar legislative proposals, including Senate Public Bill S-204, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), which was introduced in the Senate on September 30, 2020.Combatting human organ trafficking is a complex issue that involves both legislative and policy responses. In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law.
Human organs and other body parts traffickingMedical tourismMedical transplantationOrgans