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.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
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.
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.
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.
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Larry Brock Conservative Brantford—Brant, ON
Mr. Speaker, it is so difficult for Canada's chief legal officer to be honest with Canadians, so I am going to ask the question again.
How many guns has the Government of Canada collected so far?
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Mr. Speaker, what I would say, in terms of transparency, is that the member opposite's voting record includes voting against $83 million in funding through supplementary estimates (B) that would help with gun and gang violence in this country.
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Larry Brock Conservative Brantford—Brant, ON
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
The Speaker Greg Fergus
Questions should be posed through the Chair, not directly to members.
I would also remind all members to wait for their name to be recognized before taking the time. It does cut off the time that they have to respond.
The hon. minister has 16 seconds to reply.
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Mr. Speaker, with respect to Bill C-21, I would just underscore that it also includes red flag and yellow flag provisions. As a former Crown, the member opposite will appreciate that they will help keep people safe through an emergency weapons prohibition order to immediately remove a firearm for up to 30 days from an individual who may pose a danger to themselves or others, such as the member's constituents in Brantford—Brant.
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Larry Brock Conservative Brantford—Brant, ON
Mr. Speaker, again, it is incumbent upon the opposition to provide Canadians with transparency on this particular question. The answer is zero, to no surprise.
Here is the next question: How many guns will $40 million collect off the streets?
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Mr. Speaker, I just want to underscore that Bill C-21, which the member voted against, actually proposed to increase maximum penalties from 10 year of imprisonments to 14 years for firearms-related offences, including firearms smuggling and trafficking, which is a pressing issue not just in his riding but everywhere around the country.
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Larry Brock Conservative Brantford—Brant, ON
Mr. Speaker, clearly, he does not understand the question, so perhaps I will rephrase it.
For $40 million, how many guns will that collect, minister?
Mark Gerretsen Liberal Kingston and the Islands, ON
Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, that was at least the fourth time that the member directed his questions directly to the minister while asking a question and saying “minister”, “you” or “your”. Perhaps the Chair could remind the member of the rules and remind him that all questions need to be asked through the Chair?
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
The Speaker Greg Fergus
We appreciate that. The hon. member heard the intervention.
The hon. minister still has nine seconds on the clock to respond to the member for Brantford—Brant.
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Mr. Speaker, what Bill C-21 will also do is improve the ability of CBSA to manage inadmissibility to Canada when foreign nationals commit firearms-related offences upon entry into this country.
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Larry Brock Conservative Brantford—Brant, ON
Mr. Speaker, I would like just the number, through you.
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Mr. Speaker, the number of women, potentially, who are going to be safeguarded through—
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Larry Brock Conservative Brantford—Brant, ON
Mr. Speaker, through you, will the minister confirm that this plan will take guns from licensed, law-abiding hunters and anglers, and not illegal guns used to commit crimes?
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Mr. Speaker, when I say that we are targeting things like the trafficking of guns and border controls, those are the very specific provisions that the member voted against.
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Larry Brock Conservative Brantford—Brant, ON
Mr. Speaker, why is the minister attacking licensed, law-abiding hunters and anglers?
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Mr. Speaker, with all due respect, when the member voted against $83 million to control the flow of illegal drugs across our border, he was not targeting licensed owners.
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC
Mr. Speaker, does the Minister of Justice and Attorney General have a King's Counsel designation?
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Parkdale—High Park Ontario
Liberal
Arif Virani LiberalMinister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
Mr. Speaker, what I would reiterate, in terms of our previous interactions, is that the notion of my appearing in an open court process would render any—
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC
Mr. Speaker, there are people in my riding who are public officials, so I am not sure that really has any weight.
Does the Minister of Justice and Attorney General have a King's Counsel designation?
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Liberal
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Mr. Speaker, as a former Crown attorney, he knows that even the mere appearance of the chief law officer of the Crown could render potential suspicion of influence on a process. That is why I would not appear during a live criminal proceeding.
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC
Mr. Speaker, does he have a King's Counsel designation, yes or no?
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Mr. Speaker, avoiding court appearances in criminal matters by politicians would also be—