House of Commons Hansard #31 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was c-9.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Canada Post Members request an emergency debate on the government's proposed cuts to Canada Post services, including ending daily home mail delivery and closing rural post offices. They highlight the ongoing national strike and its impact on Canadians. 700 words.
Members' Access to Federal Penitentiary—Speaker's Ruling Members debate a question of privilege concerning an MP's alleged obstruction during a federal penitentiary visit. The Speaker rules that the right to visit isn't parliamentary privilege and the incident doesn't constitute a breach. 1300 words.
Combatting Hate Act Second reading of Bill C-9. The bill aims to combat hate and protect access to religious or cultural places. Liberals say it strengthens laws against hate-motivated intimidation, obstruction, and the display of hate symbols, creating a new hate crime offence. Conservatives argue it is "duplicative," lowers the definition of hate, removes safeguards, and fails to address rising crime or anti-Christian bigotry. Bloc members voice concerns about protest rights and a religious exemption, while NDP members cite "vague language" and the bill's failure to address white nationalism. 21300 words, 3 hours.
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
The hon. member for Calgary Midnapore will be leading us in the singing of the national anthem today.
[Members sang the national anthem]
Chris Bittle Liberal St. Catharines, ON
Mr. Speaker, to borrow a line, Jim Bradley was as “constant as the northern star”. From when he was first elected to city council in 1970, few can remember a time when Jim was not serving our community. He was elected to Queen's Park in 1977, becoming the second longest-serving MPP in Ontario's history, and served as Niagara's regional chair until his death.
As environment minister, he shaped the province by securing agreements to end acid rain and introducing the blue box program. In St. Catharines, his legacy is everywhere, from the widening of the QEW to our new hospital and the Performing Arts Centre, and so many others.
Jim's dedication was unmatched. He went to everything. If someone was at a community event over the last half century, the odds are that Jim was there. His great strength was knowing what mattered to regular folks, not just to what he called the chattering class.
I will miss my friend. I will miss our phone calls, his sage advice and our bemoaning about our beloved Blue Jays. Rest in peace, Jim. He served St. Catharines with distinction, dignity and heart.
Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative Calgary East, AB
Mr. Speaker, after 10 years of Liberals, Canadians are not safe anymore. Violent crime is up 55%, gun crime is up 130%, and extortions are up 330%.
Recently, the Swift 1200 radio station in Surrey was shot up, which was allegedly tied to extortion. A Calgary family reached out to me to say their house and business were shot up, and that was also tied to extortion. The Liberals' soft-on-crime policies have turned Canada into a lawless land where violent repeat criminals get bail easily. Liberals are now targeting law-abiding, trained, tested and licenced hunters, farmers and sport shooters in a $750-million gun-grab scheme. Even the Minister of Public Safety admits this scheme does nothing to stop crime and is nothing more than a Liberal, taxpayer-funded vote grab.
The Liberals need to scrap the gun grab now. Instead of hug-a-thug policies, Conservatives have proposed common-sense bills, such as the jail not bail act, which would keep our streets safe. If the Liberals are serious about getting tough on crime, they will pass these bills now to keep Canadians safe.
Ryan Turnbull Liberal Whitby, ON
Mr. Speaker, this past weekend, I was honoured to partner with the Whitby Chamber of Commerce in hosting our second annual Whitby job fair. More than 1,000 job seekers connected with 33 local employers, opening doors and building brighter futures in our community.
I thank the Whitby Chamber of Commerce, Karey Anne Large and Gizem Uysal for their help in making this event a success. It was a pleasure to engage with employers such as the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canada Border Services Agency, which offer fulfilling careers in service to all Canadians.
Our new government is creating jobs, supporting workers and driving growth with transformative projects, such as Ontario Power Generation's Darlington nuclear project, which will bring 1,600 new jobs to Durham region.
The Whitby job fair exemplifies our commitment to supporting Canadian workers and industries by helping them expand the opportunities they need to step boldly into the future. That is how we build Canada strong.
Stephanie Kusie Conservative Calgary Midnapore, AB
Mr. Speaker, this week, Imperial Oil announced it will lay off 20% of its workforce and relocate its headquarters out of Calgary. The stampede city gets the shaft again.
The Prime Minister has the power to eliminate Bill C-48 and Bill C-69, the emissions cap and the industrial carbon tax, but he does not care about the average Canadian. He does not have to tell his family he does not know how they will pay the mortgage or put groceries on the table. To add insult to injury, it is rumoured that Imperial's headquarters are being sold off to none other than Brookfield. Not only did the Prime Minister cause this demise, but he could also be profiting from it. The truth comes out.
The Prime Minister does not give a rip about Calgary, does not give a rip about Alberta or, for that matter, Canada. The bad news for him is that my Conservative colleagues and I still do, and we will not retreat until the promise of Canada is restored.
Peter Schiefke Liberal Vaudreuil, QC
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to acknowledge the 40th anniversary of the Centre de femmes La Moisson, a women's centre in my riding that provides invaluable support to women in our community, regardless of their age or circumstances.
For the past four decades, and through the efforts of its outstanding team, the centre has been providing more than just a welcoming place. It is a place for solidarity, education and personal development. Workshops, community activities and mentorship programs all contribute to the well-being of the community in Vaudreuil.
It is with great respect and much enthusiasm that we celebrate 40 years of the Centre de femmes La Moisson. May the coming years bring much success.
Laila Goodridge Conservative Fort McMurray—Cold Lake, AB
Mr. Speaker, breast cancer is the most common cancer in Canadian women. One in eight women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime, which impacts more than just the patients. It also impacts their families, friends and communities.
We know early detection and treatment saves lives. Leading experts, including the Canadian Cancer Society, Dense Breasts Canada, Breast Cancer Canada and the Canadian Association of Radiologists, are all calling on the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care to revise its guidelines to start breast cancer screening at age 40 and to extend it past age 75.
I thank all the brave women who are publicly sharing their journeys with breast cancer. They are not only raising awareness but also helping tackle the stigma associated with women’s health. I also want to give a special shout-out to my friend Pam Cholak and tell her to keep on fighting. She makes the world a better place.
I would say to all the ladies out there who are putting off getting a mammogram that they should talk to their doctor today. I would tell anyone out there in a battle with breast cancer to keep fighting. We are all cheering for them.
Not today, cancer.
Jacques Ramsay Liberal La Prairie—Atateken, QC
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding achievement of the Canadian women's rugby 15s team, which, despite their opponents' terrifying haka, won a historic victory last week against former world champions the Black Ferns.
This past Saturday, our players lost to the new world champions, the Red Roses, but not without putting up a stellar fight.
Anyone who has ever played with a Gilbert rugby ball knows that rugby is the ultimate team sport. Victory is impossible without cohesion and chemistry between team members, and our Canadian players demonstrated these qualities in spades both on and off the field.
I want to celebrate the courage and determination of these women, including Sophie de Goede, who will surely inspire an entire generation of young athletes. I thank them. They are Canada's ambassadors.
Ned Kuruc Conservative Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, ON
Mr. Speaker, I would say to the Hamilton steelworker and the workers of Arvin Avenue, who lose sleep over job security, and to the recently unemployed, that they have done everything right. The Prime Minister cannot make a deal and has failed them.
I would say to the many who visit food banks in Hamilton that they have done everything right. The Liberal inflation food tax has failed them.
I would say to the many who do not feel safe walking down the street in their own neighbourhoods that they have done everything right. The Liberals' soft-on-crime policy has failed them.
The Liberals had the chance last week to vote for a Conservative motion that would put violent repeat offenders behind bars. They voted against it. Soon we will have a vote on the Conservative jail not bail act. I hope the Liberals will join us in that vote. Today, we will vote on a Conservative motion to lower food inflation. Will the Liberals do the right thing and vote with us and Canadians ?
Yves Perron Bloc Berthier—Maskinongé, QC
Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to acknowledge three anniversaries that mark the collective history of Berthier—Maskinongé.
First, there is the 200th anniversary of Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon, which sits on the shores of Lake Maskinongé, the jewel of the Lanaudière region. Then there is the 175th anniversary of Saint-Paulin, a magnificent municipality that shines bright in the heart of the Maskinongé RCM. Finally, there is the 175th anniversary of Saint-Édouard-de-Maskinongé, a great place to live, surrounded by mountains and cottage country.
There is no shortage of of waterways, forests and agriculture in these three municipalities. These milestone anniversaries remind us that each village and each generation has shaped our region with heart and determination. Congratulations to all the engaged citizens who keep the spirit of these communities alive and who bring the celebrations to life. Together, let us honour the past and continue on the path towards a future that is worthy of our history.
Eric St-Pierre Liberal Honoré-Mercier, QC
Mr. Speaker, today is national energy efficiency day.
Energy efficiency saves Canadians money, cuts pollution and creates jobs. The sector employs nearly a half a million Canadians and has the potential to create a lot more. Energy efficiency circulates money back into all of our communities and contributes positively in all of our ridings.
As we strive to be the world's top energy superpower, Canada must invest massively in energy-efficient projects to strengthen our economy. Whether through accelerating the use of heat pumps, insulation, LED lights or smart thermostats, energy efficiency is the key to a greener, healthier, prosperous Canada. That is why energy efficiency deserves to be treated as a priority, not just today, but every day.
I urge all members to officially recognize October 1 as national energy efficiency day.
Branden Leslie Conservative Portage—Lisgar, MB
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has been racking up the air miles lately and Canadians are only seeing postcard pictures to show for it. I am starting to wonder if he is travelling to the U.K. so much just to pick up the extra clothes that he left at home.
If we measured success by jet lag and passport stamps, the Prime Minister would earn top marks, but here are the facts. He promised to remove tariffs and diversify markets, yet our canola producers are now facing crippling tariffs. He promised the fastest-growing economy in the G7, but we are the fastest-shrinking economy. He said to judge him by grocery store prices, but they are rising faster today than when he became Prime Minister. He said we are going to “spend less and invest more”, but somehow his deficit is set to be billions more than even his predecessor's.
The last time I checked, Canadians care about grocery store prices, out-of-control crime and stronger take-home pay, not photo ops in foreign capitals. Since the Prime Minister has failed to keep his promises, maybe he should park the plane, stay for a while and work on improving the lives of Canadians.
Emma Harrison Liberal Peterborough, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Canadian women's rugby team on its inspiring performance at the Rugby World Cup. The team is bringing home not only a silver medal but also the distinct honour of uniting Canadians and the House.
Last week, I talked to Danielle, the mom of number 22 Olivia Apps, about the struggles that athletes face in their pursuit to compete at the highest level. The challenging road that female athletes climb is familiar to me. In 2003, I had the privilege of playing for Canada at the world cup of lacrosse, a path that was created by the female athletes who came before me. Now, in 2025, the Canadian women's rugby team has undoubtedly paved the way for future generations of female athletes.
Today, I rise to not only congratulate the team's players but also to thank them. I thank them not only as a woman and a female athlete but also as the mother of a one-year-old daughter who will grow up watching the strength of female athletes on the world stage at sold-out stadiums. My hope is that her generation will see this as the way things have always been, but we will know.
I thank team Canada for inspiring us and propelling the future of women's sports forward.
Melissa Lantsman Conservative Thornhill, ON
Mr. Speaker, for once in this place, we can all agree on something. Congratulations to the 2025 Toronto Blue Jays for clinching the division. They stand tall as champions of the American league. Clinching the division is not just baseball. It is also a public service. Now the rest of Canada can stop doing playoff math like deranged accountants in the most stressful reality show there is.
The Jays have rocked the dome, they have made this country proud and they have given us permission to believe that this is our year. On behalf of Canadians from coast to coast to coast, I wish them best of luck in the playoffs. May the bullpen stay steady and the bats stay hot because, this year, we want it all.
Fly all the way south to the World Series, boys. October is for the birds.
David Myles Liberal Fredericton—Oromocto, NB
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Wolastoqey Tribal Council and Under One Sky for welcoming me and my family to their truth and reconciliation events yesterday. Hundreds of community members gathered at sunrise to remember through ceremony all those who never made it home after being sent to residential schools.
In the afternoon, many others gathered on the Sitansisk powwow grounds to share their stories and songs and to dance. It was a powerful reminder of resilience in the face of years of oppression.
There is a reason why “truth and reconciliation” are listed in that order. It starts with the truth of our past, listening deeply and sitting with that truth no matter how uncomfortable. Only then can reconciliation begin. Reconciliation is also about hope and the belief that a better relationship is not only possible but also necessary to live up to our full potential as a country.
Pierre Poilievre Conservative Battle River—Crowfoot, AB
Mr. Speaker, Canadians deserve to live in peace and security. That security was shattered like bullets through broken glass at a radio station in Surrey once again. Swift radio was hit with a third extortion-related gunfire attack just yesterday. I spoke with owner Kulwant Dhesi, who had invited me to his station earlier. He said his family cannot sleep. This joins countless other examples in Brampton and Surrey along with, now, a spate of shootings in Laval.
Here are the facts. Violent crime is up 54% under the Liberal government's catch-and-release bail system. Extortion is up 330% after Liberals lowered the penalties for extortion with a gun. Extortion is up 600% in B.C. alone. It is time to repeal these Liberal catch-and-release laws, restore order at our border and bring peace and security to our people.
Juanita Nathan Liberal Pickering—Brooklin, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise to draw attention to a deeply troubling development.
The second phase of excavation at the Chemmani mass graves in Sri Lanka concluded on September 6, uncovering the remains of 240 men, women and mostly children. According to Amnesty International, Sri Lanka has one of the highest numbers of enforced disappearances in the world, with estimates of up to 100,000 over the decade. Each of these cases represents a profound loss for families still seeking answers.
As the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances reviews Sri Lanka's record, I call on the House to remember the disappeared, to stand with the families and to honour the dignity of those whose lives were taken.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, after the Prime Minister broke his promise to negotiate a win with the Americans by July 21, lumber tariffs have more than doubled and job losses are piling up. Kap Paper is potentially laying off 300 workers in northern Ontario. That is on top of 800 workers losing their jobs at Imperial Oil. TransCanada and Enbridge are building more in the United States as their headquarters move south, after the Prime Minister broke his promise to “build, baby, build”.
Does the Prime Minister not realize that when he does not do his job, Canadians lose theirs?
Mark Carney LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, our sympathies are with the families of the workers at Imperial Oil.
Our actions are with the workers and the management of Kap Paper. They are having meetings with the Minister of Industry and a variety of other government officials today.
Our support is four-square behind Algoma Steel, with $400 million between the federal government and the Province of Ontario to build Canada strong.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, since the Prime Minister took office, 86,000 more Canadians became unemployed. We have the second-highest unemployment in the G7. This is all the result of out-of-control government spending and taxes. Every dollar the Prime Minister spends comes out of the pockets of Canadians, and now the Parliamentary Budget Officer rates his deficits as “very alarming”, “stupefying”, “shocking”, “unsustainable”, “if you don't change, this is done”, “something's going to break” and as if we are at the edge of a cliff. Those are the words of the Parliamentary Budget Officer.
When will the Prime Minister stop his out-of-control spending? Is it when he is over the edge of the cliff?
Mark Carney LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, there is a little thing called cause and effect. The cause that the Leader of the Opposition is missing is the U.S. tariffs that are hitting steel, the U.S. tariffs that are hitting lumber and the U.S. tariffs that are hitting our auto sector. That is why we need to build this country strong. That is why we are getting spending under control. That is why we are going to spend less to invest more. I believe in this country. He can come join us.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, he says, “spend less”. Deficit spending is up almost 100% since the Prime Minister took office.
As for investment, it has fallen. In fact, $50 billion of net investment has left since he took office, yet he repeats the same promises the Liberals have been making for a decade. They said their deficit would lead to more investment. Since they took office, investment is down by 10%, the worst investment record in the G7. In fact, with $600 billion more debt under the current government, investment has fallen.
How much more debt would the Liberals have to add on the backs of Canadians to reverse this disastrous result?
Mark Carney LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, once again, it is time for a little fiscal lesson for the Leader of the Opposition.
We have the strongest credit rating in the world, a AAA from S&P and Moody's; the lowest deficit in the G7; the lowest debt level in the G7; the lowest net debt-to-GDP in the G7; and the biggest potential in the G7.
This side of the House believes in Canada.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, I know that it sometimes gets heated in this place. Recently, I said that the Prime Minister is just as irresponsible with money as Justin Trudeau. I now realize that was unfair to Justin Trudeau. In reality, he has increased the deficit by almost 70% above what Justin Trudeau left behind. Now, the Parliamentary Budget Officer describes the Prime Minister's deficit as “alarming”, “stupefying”, “unsustainable”, “if you don't change, this is done” and “something's going to break”.
How is it even possible for the Prime Minister to be more fiscally incompetent than the drama teacher?
Mark Carney LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, I cannot imagine why it gets heated in the House with language like that.
The government is conducting a comprehensive spending review. The government is building houses. The government is building projects in the national interest. The government is building Canada strong.
He can come join us.