Citizenship and Immigration Committee on June 9th, 2022

[Sukh Dhaliwal, Liberal, Surrey—Newton, BC]

If Madam Kwan feels that this is a filibuster, then we will stop and take a vote on this motion, as well, please. I wanted to put a very thoughtful process into this on what can be done and what can't be. Let's take a vote, then. Then I'll probably start speaking to the amendment if it passes.

[Marie-France Lalonde, Liberal, Orléans, ON]

As my colleague was stating, I think there was a lot of goodwill all throughout this process that took place to try to bring forward the consideration. It's very interesting for me the spirit of collaboration we've started. When I think about C-242—and I think my colleagues on both sides realize the importance of this—I have to say that I did congratulate Mr. Seeback myself, because I was very happy to see the goodwill we had in this committee, Madam Chair.

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

Thank you.

We have an amendment on the floor that has been moved by Ms. Lalonde. Seeing no debate, we can vote on the amendment proposed by Ms. Lalonde.

(Amendment negatived: nays 6; yeas 5)

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

We have a motion on the floor moved by Ms. Kwan.

Go ahead, Mr. Dhaliwal.

[Sukh Dhaliwal, Liberal, Surrey—Newton, BC]

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Madam Chair, I really feel very passionate about this topic and, even though some members might feel the other way around, I would love to take my time here to talk about the bill that is in front of this committee.

Madam Chair, as I said earlier, I come from Surrey—Newton, which is a very diverse riding. There are 65 different countries—

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

One member is speaking, so please allow the member to speak.

Mr. Dhaliwal has the floor. I would like to ask all the members to maintain order at the committee.

[Sukh Dhaliwal, Liberal, Surrey—Newton, BC]

Madam Chair, I'm going to be very short and sweet, and I'm going to ask for the vote. If you can give me an opportunity without disturbance—

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

Yes, the floor is yours.

[Sukh Dhaliwal, Liberal, Surrey—Newton, BC]

I have friends on the other side, Madam Chair. I have a tremendous amount of respect, no less, for Mr. Jasraj Singh Hallan. He comes from Calgary Forest Lawn.

If you look back, Madam Chair, I immigrated to Canada, and my first stop in Canada was in Calgary. Calgary was home to me, and my two daughters were born in Calgary. I understand how diverse his riding is and the amount of work that he does, not only in his riding of Calgary Forest Lawn but in other ridings that come to him as well. I'm sure, Madam Chair, Mr. Hallan, my brother-like friend, would be able to appreciate the importance of this super visa and also the appeal process.

At the same time, we have to be efficient in the House as well. When we bring this to the House, we have to make sure that we act in a way that does not stand in the way of House proceedings.

Taking that into consideration, Madam Chair, I should not exclude Mr. Brunelle-Duceppe.

Mr. Brunelle-Duceppe, I just wanted to tell you that I come from a riding that's very diverse. There are a lot of new francophones moving into my riding, and I'm very proud that there's an École Gabrielle-Roy there. Even though the students are bused into that school, I have seen elderly parents bringing their grandchildren to that school in person as well, so it's affecting every single community. I'm a big supporter of the francophone community outside of Quebec to have representation outside of Quebec. It's affecting every family.

The super visa is very key to the community of Surrey—Newton and many other communities. I certainly would love to support the super visa process, but at the same time, the minister has shown leadership and he brought those changes.

With that, Madam Chair, I want to thank you and the other committee members. I think they're getting anxious to go.

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

Please maintain order. Don't have side conversations. All the conversations should be addressed through the chair.

Mr. Dhaliwal, thank you.

Seeing no further hands raised, we will call for the vote.

(Motion agreed to: yeas 6; nays 5)

We are past 1 p.m., so the meeting is now adjourned.