House of Commons Hansard #316 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was quebec.

Topics

line drawing of robot

This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.

Petitions

Opposition Motion—Federal Intrusions in the Exclusive Jurisdictions of Quebec and the Provinces Members debate a Bloc motion condemning the federal government's repeated intrusion into the exclusive jurisdictions of Quebec, the provinces and the territories and demanding the right to opt out unconditionally with full compensation. The Bloc argues this centralizes power and leads to failures. Liberals defend their collaborative approach and national programs like dental care and child care, arguing they benefit citizens. Conservatives agree on respecting jurisdictions but criticize the Bloc for supporting Liberal spending. The NDP supports co-operative federalism and federal social programs helping Quebeckers. 45300 words, 6 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.

Statements by Members

Question Period

The Conservatives argued the Prime Minister is not worth the cost after nine years of failed policies. They highlighted increased homelessness (up 38%) and hunger, with many Canadians skipping meals due to inflationary spending and high taxes. They criticized the government's "obese" nature and called for ending policies like the carbon tax to provide relief. They also raised concerns about corruption and obstructing the foreign interference inquiry.
The Liberals defended their Budget 2024 supports and social programs, including the national school food program, dental care, and affordable housing. They criticized the Conservatives for voting against these measures and their lack of plans on homelessness and poverty. They also discussed cooperation with the foreign interference inquiry, protecting the Charter, and their climate plan.
The Bloc criticized Liberal secrecy on foreign interference hindering the Hogue commission. They highlighted Liberal actions contributing to the decline of French (including anglicizing the APF) and federal interference in provincial jurisdiction on university research chairs and EDI hiring criteria.
The NDP raised concerns about the condition of the St. Lawrence River, lack of a B.C. watershed fund for wildfires, risks of a Trans Mountain spill, mercury poisoning in Grassy Narrows, and the closure of rural post offices.

Respect for the Authority of the Chair Members debate a point of order concerning Conservative MPs' tweets about events on April 30, where two Conservative MPs were named and expelled. Andrew Scheer argues the Speaker lacks jurisdiction over statements made outside the chamber and criticizes public comments by the Speaker's spokesman regarding the events. The Speaker will consider the arguments. 1600 words, 10 minutes.

Criminal Code Report stage of Bill S-224. The bill amends the Criminal Code regarding human trafficking, aiming to remove the requirement for victims to prove fear to align with international standards. Supporters argue this is needed to increase low conviction rates, while opponents say it may hinder prosecutions. The bill was amended in committee, prompting motions to restore its original text. 8300 words, 1 hour.

Adjournment Debates

Electoral Reform Promise Elizabeth May accuses the Liberals of breaking their 2015 promise to end the first-past-the-post voting system. Kevin Lamoureux defends the government, stating there was no consensus and that the current system is acceptable. May insists the promise was unequivocal, and accuses the Liberals of lying. Lamoureux maintains there was a genuine attempt to change the system.
Support for Canadian Caregivers Bonita Zarrillo criticizes the government's inaction on caregiver support, highlighting delayed pension benefits and the need for a refundable tax credit. Kevin Lamoureux defends the government's efforts, citing the Canada caregiver credit, disability program investments, and the national child care program, while blaming previous NDP opposition for earlier childcare failures.
Navis Group controversy Michael Cooper accuses the Minister of Employment of a conflict of interest and possibly breaking the law by receiving payments from Navis Group while it lobbied his department and secured federal contracts. Kevin Lamoureux defends the minister, saying he followed ethics rules and accusing the Conservatives of character assassination.

Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25 Members debate Department of Justice estimates. Conservatives point to rising crime rates, particularly auto theft, blaming Liberal policies like bail reform and questioning the Minister's record. Liberals defend their actions on crime, including new auto theft laws and increased judicial appointments, while criticizing Conservative opposition and their leader's stance on the notwithstanding clause. Other topics include legal aid funding, online harms legislation, MAID advance requests, drug decriminalization, and victims' rights. 38400 words, 4 hours.

Was this summary helpful and accurate?

Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:30 p.m.

NDP

The Deputy Chair NDP Carol Hughes

The hon. member.

Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:30 p.m.

Conservative

Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative Calgary Forest Lawn, AB

Madam Chair, there were 6,900.

How many extortion cases were there in 2022? I would like just the number.

Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:30 p.m.

Liberal

Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON

Madam Chair, there were 7,671 charges over a period of nine years, 2012 to—

Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:30 p.m.

NDP

The Deputy Chair NDP Carol Hughes

The hon. member.

Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:30 p.m.

Conservative

Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative Calgary Forest Lawn, AB

Madam Chair, there were 9,700 cases of extortion in 2022. That is a 40% increase.

Have they doubled since 2012, yes or no?

Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:30 p.m.

Liberal

Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON

Madam Chair, the number that I have, as I have indicated repeatedly, is 7,671 charges completed for extortion between 2012 and—

Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:30 p.m.

NDP

The Deputy Chair NDP Carol Hughes

The hon. member.

Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:30 p.m.

Conservative

Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative Calgary Forest Lawn, AB

Madam Chair, the Liberal Bill C-5 made it easier for criminals to commit extortion with a gun. It makes it easier for them to get out of jail.

Have cases of extortion gone up since 2022, yes or no?

Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:30 p.m.

Liberal

Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON

Madam Chair, as I have indicated, extortion is on the rise. We have a mandatory minimum penalty for a repeat offender who uses a weapon for extortion. We are ensuring that extortion is being taken seriously because it is on the rise.

Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:30 p.m.

Conservative

Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative Calgary Forest Lawn, AB

Madam Chair, Bill C-5 took away mandatory minimums for criminals committing extortion with a gun. Why?

Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:30 p.m.

Liberal

Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON

Madam Chair, there is a mandatory minimum penalty in place for people who use a restricted or prohibited firearm. The—

Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:30 p.m.

NDP

The Deputy Chair NDP Carol Hughes

The hon. member.

Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:30 p.m.

Conservative

Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative Calgary Forest Lawn, AB

Minister, Bill C-5 repealed mandatory minimums for criminals committing extortion with a gun. Why?

Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:30 p.m.

NDP

The Deputy Chair NDP Carol Hughes

The member knows that he is to address questions and comments through the Chair.

Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:30 p.m.

Liberal

Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON

Madam Chair, the hon. member should know that is categorically incorrect, and I encourage him to read the Criminal Code. If someone commits an extortion with a prohibited firearm, that person is subject to a mandatory minimum.

Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:30 p.m.

Conservative

Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative Calgary Forest Lawn, AB

Madam Chair, I will give the minister one more chance.

Bill C-5 repealed mandatory minimums for extortion with a gun. Why?

Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:30 p.m.

Liberal

Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON

Madam Chair, there is a mandatory minimum penalty that is in place right now that was unchanged through Bill C-5. If someone does use—

Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:30 p.m.

NDP

The Deputy Chair NDP Carol Hughes

The hon. member.

Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:30 p.m.

Conservative

Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative Calgary Forest Lawn, AB

Madam Chair, extortion cases have doubled since 2019. Is the minister proud of that?

Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:30 p.m.

Liberal

Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON

Madam Chair, extortion is rising. We are seized of that matter and we are addressing it.

Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:30 p.m.

Conservative

Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative Calgary Forest Lawn, AB

Madam Chair, does the minister think it was wise to make it easier to commit violent extortion with a gun?

Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:30 p.m.

Liberal

Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON

Madam Chair, violent extortion that involves a prohibited firearm attracts a mandatory minimum penalty.

Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:30 p.m.

Conservative

Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative Calgary Forest Lawn, AB

Madam Chair, the minister is incorrect. I will give him one more chance.

Does he think it was wise to make it easier for a criminal to commit extortion with a gun through a Bill C-5, yes or no?

Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

May 23rd, 2024 / 8:30 p.m.

Liberal

Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON

Madam Chair, I would encourage the member to read the Criminal Code. The mandatory minimum remains in place for extortion that is committed with violence with a restricted firearm.

Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:30 p.m.

Conservative

Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative Calgary Forest Lawn, AB

Madam Chair, what about with non-restricted guns?