Debate on Bill C-3, Protections for Healthcare Workers and Paid Sick Leave
Mr. Speaker, Bill C-3 will protect healthcare workers, Canadians seeking health services, and Canadians deciding between their well-being and paying bills. Delivering protections for healthcare workers and 10 days paid sick leave were top priorities for us. It is why I stand here today, just weeks into the 44th parliament, speaking in favour of bill C-3 so we can ensure Canadians receive the protections their deserve as quickly as possible.
Throughout this pandemic we have commended our healthcare workers. They have been true heroes, working on the frontline tirelessly. Calling healthcare workers heroes and commending their bravery, well entirely deserved, is not enough. We need to provide real protections to them. The amendments to the criminal code in this bill will afford healthcare workers security against obstruction from accessing their workplaces safely.
Unfortunately, we have seen terrible incidents where doctors and nurses have been intimidated, threatened, and in some cases spit on. All because they are saving the lives of COVID-19 patients.
No one should feel unsafe at their workplace and this legislation will provide healthcare workers the confidence and legal protections to safely access their workplaces.
We also know that intimidation can also manifest through online forums, not only in person. We are protecting healthcare workers here as well. In the age of social media and digital technology we know that online threats can be just as real as those faced in front of a workplace. No individual should be able to use fear to stop a health care worker or those who assist them from performing their duties.
Our legislation will not only protect healthcare workers, but those accessing healthcare as well. In many cases, those accessing healthcare are the most vulnerable, particularly during this pandemic. This summer, an individual went to Toronto from Prince Edward Island to wait for a lung transplant, was leaving their hospital after a physiotherapy session. They had to be escorted by police to protect them from an unmasked group blocking access to and from the hospital. We cannot accept this behaviour, which is placing our most vulnerable at risk.
This behaviour is not new either, the pandemic has only magnified it. Those working at, and accessing, abortion services have had to deal with this for many years. Now, under this legislation, will protect these healthcare professionals and their patients from threats and violence.
Before my some of those in the opposition falsely begin calling foul by claiming charter violations or restrictions on labour action. This legislation clearly ensures Canadians have the freedom to voice their concerns and protest in a safe and peaceful manner. It also ensures workers’ freedom to take labour action including picketing. These will be respected by these proposed changes to Canada’s criminal law.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted a number of issues facing Canadians in their workplaces. Too many Canadians have been forced to choose between staying home when they are sick or being able to afford rent and groceries. Too many health care workers, those who assist them and Canadians seeking medical care have experienced or feared intimidation while attempting to provide or access health services.
This legislation’s other change, 10 days of paid sick leave, will protecting Canadian’s well-being, support them economically, and avoid pressures on our healthcare system. While this only applies to federally regulated workers that is almost 1 million workers and it will contribute to a wider discussion about paid sick leave across the country.
The pandemic has demonstrated the effect that illness can have on our economy and the cost for individuals and families. With isolations and quarantines lasting up to two weeks, workers need to know that if they contract COVID-19 that they can take the necessary time off work without risking losses to their income.
Not only will this ensure workers do not need to choose between their income and their well-being, but this will also avoid spreading COVID-19 or other contagious illnesses in the workplace. There have been too many stories of outbreaks in workplaces that happened because individuals felt they had to come into work because they could not afford to take unpaid time off. This often results in negative economic effects for companies as well.
Not only will this help workers but be a preventive measure for our healthcare system. We have all experienced lockdowns throughout the last 20 months to avoid our hospitals from being overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases. This is another measure to prevent outbreaks at workplaces from driving up case numbers, putting our healthcare system at risk now or in the future.
For Canadians not employed in a federally-regulated industry, our Government will be engaging in consultations with federally regulated employers and workers towards the implementation of this legislation. Additionally, the Government will convene provinces, territories and other interested stakeholders to develop a national action plan to legislate paid sick leave across the country, while respecting provincial-territorial jurisdiction and clearly recognizing the unique needs of small business owners.
10 days paid sick leave is another tool in creating a more resilient economy as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.
John’s Address to the Speech from the Throne
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say I am visiting the unceded Territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation from the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples including the Katzie, Kwantlen, Matsqui and Semiahmoo First Nations.
I will be splitting my time today with my colleague, the member from St. John’s East.
Mr. Speaker, this throne speech echoes so much of what I heard at the doors this past summer, including:
- pushing forward positive, diverse, and inclusive politics;
- getting beyond the pandemic;
- moving forward faster on the path to reconciliation;
- addressing biodiversity loss through increased protection of our lands and waters;
- setting and acting on ambitious climate targets; and
- addressing inflation and the rising cost of living including 2 priorities:
o creating $10 a day childcare;
o implementing a comprehensive plan on housing.
This last issue, the issue of affordability, is a top priority in Cloverdale-Langley City. As the second-youngest riding population-wise in British Columbia, action on housing affordability and $10 a day childcare will have huge positive impacts on our community.
As someone with an extensive background with Parks Canada, and as a resident of BC – an area that has been seriously affected this past year by extreme heat, fires, and now floods caused by back-to-back-to-back atmospheric rivers - climate change has never been so urgent. The heat dome, wildfires, and as I speak, the devastating floods in B.C. demonstrate that we cannot afford to wait.
Cloverdale – Langley City is a diverse riding – consisting of many faith groups, cultural and linguistic identities, and people from backgrounds from around the country, and around the globe. In the last election, voters called for their next MP and Government to create an inclusive future that holds diversity as a symbol of strength – and our cabinet is the most reflective of Canada in our history.
I heard loud and clear that our Government needs to be more ambitious on climate change – and we demonstrated that ambition at COP26. Voters called for more affordable and accessible childcare – and our Government is ready to work with B.C. to cut costs in half by 2022 and create 40,000 additional spaces.
I heard door after door that a legitimate housing plan, which addresses the insufficient housing supply and makes buying a house more affordable is needed – and we created a housing minister to act swiftly on our housing plan. We’re going to help put home ownership back in reach for Canadians with a more flexible First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, a new rent-to-own program, and by reducing closing costs for first-time buyers.
The Throne speech reiterated and advanced our commitment to reconciliation. It recognized that, and I am quoting, “reconciliation is not a single act, nor does it have an end date. It is a lifelong journey of healing, respect and understanding. We need to embrace the diversity of Canada and demonstrate respect and understanding for all peoples every day.” This is the commitment we need.
When I was elected to the 42nd parliament, my private member’s bill, C-374, passed unanimously and was to implement a call to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 79. Unfortunately, my bill died in the Senate, but I am committed to continue pushing along and participating in initiatives to further reconciliation.
The Speech from the Throne also illustrates the urgency in finishing the fight against COVID-19. We acted quickly with the federal vaccine mandate and we will act quickly to support those who are still financially impacted by COVID-19 while ensuring businesses continue to drive our country’s economic recovery. We will continue to support provinces in the delivery of vaccines including for children to ensure we get everyone who wants a vaccine vaccinated as quickly as possible.
Mr. Speaker, Immigration is another focus on the Speech from the Throne that is so important for my riding. Whether it is increasing immigration levels to meet labour demands, reducing wait times to make the process easier for approved applications, family re-unification to bring families together again, or a world-leading refugee resettlement program that helps the most oppressed.
Business owners in my riding, like many throughout the rest of Canada, have come to me about labour shortages. I have already had conversations with them about how we can use our immigration system to help ease their shortages. Family re-unification continues to be important for my constituents and is a policy I continue to fully support. Reducing wait times is a particularly important now. The beginning of COVID reasonably, caused a significant slowdown, but now we must reduce those wait times. This is critical for driving our economy and for brining reuniting families.
New Canadians deserve to be reunited with their families and loved ones, they bring economic empowerment and strengthen diversity and inclusion. I have witnessed this firsthand in my community. Over the last several years, my community has grown to be one that is culturally diverse. We have benefitted from this. As MP in the 42nd Parliament, I held inter-faith meetings in Cloverdale – Langley City where we learned from each other and grew stronger as a community.
This throne speech reflects many of the commitments I made to Cloverdale – Langley City in my local platform. Our government’s infrastructure investments will help deliver Skytrain to Langley City, a much-needed transit lane that will shorten commuting times, reduce emissions, and better connect the lower mainland. I will work with provincial and municipal partners to ensure the Skytrain and other projects that support the current and future needs of Cloverdale – Langley City are prioritized and completed.
This throne speech reaffirms our government’s support for positive politics. I will take immediate action to restore positive, progressive, and inclusive politics to Cloverdale – Langley City so everyone can feel safe, respected, and included, regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability or income.
I am working to convene a Fairness, Diversity, and Inclusion Council to create solutions that reduce inequality in our community. The council will provide advice and insights so I can tackle the inequalities that Cloverdale – Langley City residents are facing.
The throne speech highlighted the urgency backed by investments to transition to a green economy. With these announcements, I will ensure Cloverdale – Langley City is included and leads in the emerging green economy. I’ll promote real climate change solutions and work with the BC Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy to secure investments in clean, zero emission technologies, and create sustainable jobs in Cloverdale – Langley City. This year, more than ever, has illustrated how both adaptation and mitigation policies are needed in our riding of Cloverdale-Langley City, in our province of B.C., in our country of Canada, and indeed globally.
Our government is committed to reconciliation with Indigenous communities. I have the same commitment for Indigenous Peoples in the constituency for whom I have been elected to represent. I will be pursuing, with appropriate consultations, an Indigenous-led urban cultural space and service delivery centre in Cloverdale – Langley City for Indigenous Peoples, particularly Indigenous persons living in our urban and suburban neighbourhoods. I’ll work with Indigenous leaders and local partners to create a place for delivery of Indigenous services and celebration of Indigenous culture in Cloverdale – Langley City. I’ll also advocate for federal support for local Indigenous history education programs and cultural celebrations.
We have committed to supporting communities thrive as our economy roars back from COVID-19. Part of the strategy, in my community, will be supporting the development of the Performing Arts in our region. I’ll secure federal support for accessible, sustainable spaces where the residents of the lower Fraser Valley can celebrate and experience our vibrant performing arts community. This will become a cultural and arts centre for the greater region, and fill a much-needed void in our rapidly-growing community.
Fighting for the needs of the agricultural sector and farmers will continue in this Parliament. In Cloverdale – Langley City, I will convene an Agricultural Advisory Council of farmers and other agricultural industry partners to share insights and advice to ensure that there is support for strong and sustainable agriculture in Cloverdale-Langley City.
Our government’s support for mental health and drug addiction was re-iterated in the Throne Speech. Both, especially finding solutions to drug addiction is critical for my province and many in my community. We must work quickly and fiercely to end the opioid crisis that has taken too many lives.
This throne speech represents our ambitious plan to make life more affordable, reduce our emissions while building an economy for the future, and act on reconciliation. As we resume this work in parliament, I will be listening to and advocating for my constituents. For every step of progress we make in this House, I will fight to have that progress delivered to Cloverdale – Langley City.
Most important to me, is that this is the moment to stand up for diversity and inclusion. When I heard the former Conservative Member of Parliament for Cloverdale – Langley City use scripture to attack the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community in this very Chamber, I knew that my work was not done. This is why I am proud to see our government commit to diversity and inclusion. That is why I am proud to be returned to this chamber, to support this Speech from the Throne and legislation that will flow from it including yesterday’s strengthened bill to ban conversion therapy.
For Cloverdale – Langley City I will, once again, advocate for, not degrade, vulnerable individuals and communities within our riding and across Canada.
Mr. Speaker, for all the reasons mentioned today, I am glad to be back as the representative for Cloverdale-Langley City as part of a government that both recognizes and acts on the needs of Canadians in 2021 and beyond.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.