House of Commons Hansard #104 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was elections.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Strong and Free Elections Act Second reading of Bill C-25. The bill proposes amendments to the Canada Elections Act intended to strengthen the integrity of federal elections against threats like foreign interference and digital disinformation. Key measures include prohibiting AI-generated deepfakes, regulating third-party funding to prevent foreign money, and restricting excessive nomination filings linked to "longest ballot" tactics. Members of Parliament generally support referring the bill to committee for further study, while debating the appropriate balance between security, privacy, and political financing regulations. 47600 words, 6 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.
Criminal Code Second reading of Bill C-238. The bill, intended to allow community organizations to seek restitution from offenders for costs related to drug trafficking and human trafficking, faces division. Proponents argue it provides accountability, while Conservatives and the Bloc Québécois contend it is impractical, unlikely to work due to legal hurdles like causation and enforceability, and would burden the justice system. The House has deferred the vote. 5700 words, 40 minutes.
Chris Bittle Liberal St. Catharines, ON
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Orders 104 and 114, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 22nd report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs regarding the membership of committees of the House.
If the House gives its consent, I move that the 22nd report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs be concurred in.
Procedure and House AffairsCommittees of the HouseRoutine Proceedings
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
All those opposed to the hon. member's moving the motion will please say nay. It is agreed.
The House has heard the terms of the motion. All those opposed to the motion will please say nay.
(Motion agreed to)
Brad Vis Conservative Mission—Matsqui—Abbotsford, BC
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition from Canadians concerned about the closure of the organic and regenerative research program at the Swift Current Research and Development Centre.
The petitioners note that this was the only dedicated organic research initiative within Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. It supported critical long-term work on soil health, crop rotation, pest management and scientific best practices writ large. They warn that its closure risks weakening Canada's agricultural research capacity and long-term competitiveness.
The petitioners therefore call upon the Government of Canada to stop its attack on agricultural science, reinstate the program and strengthen public research in organic and regenerative agriculture, which is an economic boost to the country of Canada and small businesses in every province and territory.
Dan Mazier Conservative Riding Mountain, MB
Mr. Speaker, it is always an honour to rise and present a petition on behalf of my constituents.
I rise for the 11th time on behalf of the people of Dauphin, Manitoba, to present a petition on the rising rate of crime. Residents of Dauphin and the Parkland region are demanding that the Liberal government repeal its soft-on-crime policies that have fuelled a surge in crime throughout their communities. Since 2015, there has been a 54% increase in violent crime and a 75% increase in sexual assaults across Canada.
The petitioners are deeply concerned by what they read in the local papers, including a November report that the Dauphin RCMP are searching for a wanted man with three separate arrest warrants. Our once safe communities have now turned into places where people fear for their lives because the government's catch-and-release policies have allowed violent repeat offenders to be out on bail instead of in jail.
The people of Dauphin and the Parkland region demand that the Liberal government repeal its soft-on-crime policies, which directly threaten their livelihoods and their communities.
I fully support the good people of Dauphin.
Cathay Wagantall Conservative Yorkton—Melville, SK
Mr. Speaker, I have two petitions I will present briefly.
The first petition is one that I continue to receive from constituents and Canadians right across the country with respect to Bill C-9. We know the bill has passed over to the other side, and hopefully it is being properly vetted. I believe the Senate will do the work that is required, which was perhaps not done properly in the House. It is with respect to freedom of expression and freedom of religion, which are fundamental rights that must be preserved in our country. The goal is to have the bill properly vetted by the Senate so that, when it comes back to the House, it no longer exists.
Cathay Wagantall Conservative Yorkton—Melville, SK
Mr. Speaker, I am presenting a second petition, which draws the attention of the House to the fact that, in the current federal criminal law, a preborn child is not recognized as a victim in violent crimes. Today, when a pregnant woman in Canada is assaulted or killed, we offer no legal protection for the preborn child. Therefore, no charge can be laid specifically for the death of the child. The death or injury of a preborn child is a violation of a woman's right to protect and give life to her child.
The Kaake family of Windsor, Ontario, continues to grieve the loss of Cassandra and her preborn daughter, Molly. Cassandra was 31 weeks pregnant with Molly when they were brutally murdered in December 2014.
The petitioners are calling upon the House to pass legislation that would recognize preborn children as separate victims when they are injured or killed during the commission of an offence against their mothers, allowing two charges to be laid against the offender instead of one. We need to value choice.
Sukhman Gill Conservative Abbotsford—South Langley, BC
Mr. Speaker, it is always an honour to rise in the House. Today I am tabling a petition on behalf of residents of Abbotsford—South Langley who are deeply concerned with the proposed changes to the salmon allocation policy that would decimate regular recreational fishing opportunities for coho and chinook salmon in British Columbia.
For generations, salmon has been managed as a common property resource held in trust by the government for the benefit of all Canadians. Altering this principle risks transforming a shared public resource into an exclusive privilege, which would limit access and erode public confidence in fishery management.
The petitioners call on the Minister of Fisheries to maintain the current salmon allocation policy while continuing to respect and uphold the cultural rights and traditions of all British Columbians.
Doug Shipley Conservative Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte, ON
Mr. Speaker, I am tabling a petition today on behalf of members of the Barrie Persian Association in my riding, as well as members of the Persian community across Simcoe county, who are deeply concerned about the ongoing systemic human rights violations being committed by the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The petitioners call on the Government of Canada to intensify diplomatic pressure on the Iranian regime, support international accountability efforts, amplify voices calling for a free and democratic Iran and take concrete measures to ensure that perpetrators of human rights violations are held accountable.
I am honoured to table this petition on their behalf, and I thank the members of the Persian community, in my riding and across Canada, for their courage and continued advocacy on this very important issue.
Melissa Lantsman Conservative Thornhill, ON
Mr. Speaker, I have a couple of petitions.
First is a group of petitions that come from Canadians across the country who are concerned about the government's assault on the use of cash in private transactions. Hundreds of business owners and consumers have signed these petitions. They believe that Canadians who follow the law should not have their freedoms impinged by government, and I agree with them.
Melissa Lantsman Conservative Thornhill, ON
Melissa Lantsman Conservative Thornhill, ON
Mr. Speaker, the next petition concerns the issue of anti-Semitism. The petitioners and many people recognize that it is out of control in this country.
The petitioners have made several requests, including defunding UNRWA and banning symbols of terror, which we have seen in our streets.
Melissa Lantsman Conservative Thornhill, ON
Mr. Speaker, the last petition I am presenting today is signed by over 46,000 people. It is one of the largest petitions I have seen in this place.
The petitioners call on the government to take a clear stand, one with moral clarity, for the millions of people who are fighting in Iran for their freedoms, their future and their leadership.
The petitioners note that the roar of the lion and the shining sun will prevail and that the government should not side with those who are trying to extinguish their freedoms. I would like to thank everybody who signed this petition and look forward to the government's response.
Marc Dalton Conservative Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge, BC
Mr. Speaker, I have three petitions to present on behalf of my constituents from Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge and Mission.
The first one regards Bill C-218. The petitioners state that Canadians with mental illness should be provided with treatment and support. They state that mental illness is complex and includes suicidal thoughts as a symptom. The lives of Canadians with mental illness will be at risk when they are eligible for medical assistance in dying on the basis of mental illness alone, especially when treatment and support are not readily available.
Marc Dalton Conservative Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge, BC
Mr. Speaker, the second petition I am presenting is in regard to Bill C-9.
The petitioners state they are concerned that the Liberal and Bloc amendments to Bill C-9 could be used to criminalize passages from the Bible, the Koran, the Torah and other sacred texts. The petitioners state that the government has no place in religious texts or teachings of any faith community, and that freedom of expression and religion are fundamental rights that must be preserved.
Marc Dalton Conservative Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge, BC
Mr. Speaker, the last petition regards post office closures, the axing of long-treasured postal services, particularly for those in remote and Indigenous communities, and the impact upon seniors. The petitioners are calling on the government to revisit its cutbacks on these important services.
Brad Vis Conservative Mission—Matsqui—Abbotsford, BC
Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, I would like unanimous consent to table one more petition.
Canada PostPetitionsRoutine Proceedings
Brad Vis Conservative Mission—Matsqui—Abbotsford, BC
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition on behalf of small business owners, including convenience store owners, to remove restrictions on the sale of nicotine pouches. Members of Parliament across all political parties love nicotine pouches. They use them every day, but they can only buy them at Shoppers Drug Mart. Why is Shoppers Drug Mart getting an exclusive monopoly for the sale of nicotine pouches?
The petitioners call on the Minister of Health to remove the restriction of the sale of nicotine pouches only to pharmacies, and allow convenience stores to sell them once again.
Elizabeth May Green Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC
Mr. Speaker, as pre-arranged through the desk for virtual petition presentation, I am presenting e-petition—
Nicotine Replacement TherapiesPetitionsRoutine Proceedings
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
Excuse me for a moment, but the sound quality is not sufficient. Maybe the member could come back to this tomorrow or next week.
The interpretation services will not interpret. We will have IT communicate with the member as well to straighten this out. I apologize.
Mike Kelloway LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport and Internal Trade
Mr. Speaker, I ask that all questions be allowed to stand.
Questions on the Order PaperRoutine Proceedings
Mike Kelloway LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport and Internal Trade
[For text of questions and responses, see Written Questions website]