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
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC
Madam Chair, has he visited any courthouse here in Ottawa to observe the broken bail system that he and his Liberals have caused, yes or no?
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Madam Chair, bail reform is critical, and that is why we passed Bill C-48. That is why we are always looking to protect Canadians from serious violent repeat offenders.
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
An hon. member
Oh, oh!
The Deputy Chair NDP Carol Hughes
Order. I am going to stop the clock for a second. I want to remind members that they have opportunities to ask questions. They have picked who will be asking the questions. I would ask them to allow their members to ask questions without disruption.
The hon. member.
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC
Madam Chair, what is the closest courthouse to the minister's constituency office?
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Madam Chair, the closest courthouses to my constituency office are probably the ones in downtown Toronto.
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC
Madam Chair, that is perhaps about six kilometres away, a short drive. Has he visited either of those to observe bail hearings?
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Madam Chair, I visit courthouses in my role as Minister of Justice, and I am seized with the issue of bail reform.
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC
Madam Chair, I have the same question. Has the minister visited courthouses to observe bail hearings, yes or no?
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Madam Chair, I work diligently on Criminal Code reform, including bail reform, to ensure to keep Canadians safe.
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC
Madam Chair, what is it like to be the Minister of Justice and not know what is happening on the ground at bail court?
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Madam Chair, in terms of bail reform, I have been working on that diligently since assuming the role—
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC
Madam Chair, I am not talking about bail reform. I am talking about what happens in the day-to-day courts, not in the ivory towers, but on the ground.
What is it like to be in charge of that and not even go to see whether it is working?
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Madam Chair, on bail reform, we passed Bill C-48 with the co-operation of that member opposite.
I would hope that with future Criminal Code reform, which would help keep Canadians safe, he would offer the same level of co-operation.
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC
Madam Chair, if he wants to co-operate with Canadians, he will learn what is happening on the ground.
Why has the minister not gone to bail courts?
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Madam Chair, the member opposite is clearly not listening.
I indicated in my first response about eight minutes ago that I attend courthouses frequently in my role as minister.
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC
Madam Chair, when was the last time the minister observed a bail hearing?
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Madam Chair, on bail, I think the critical issue for us to understand is that we need to—
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Madam Chair, I think of deterrence, the likelihood of reoffending and the need to send a signal to the community.
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC
Madam Chair, when was the last time the minister descended from the proverbial ivory tower and attended a bail hearing?
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Madam Chair, just for the member's edification, my office is very similar to his. There is no ivory in it.
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC
Madam Chair, when was the last time the minister attended a sentencing?