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.
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Madam Chair, I attend courthouses around the country frequently in my capacity as minister, and I am invited to such courthouses.
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
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?
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Madam Chair, I attend courthouses frequently in my capacity as the Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC
Madam Chair, as the top legal official in this country, as Attorney General and Minister of Justice, does the minister not think he should attend a sentencing just once in a while?
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Madam Chair, I attend courthouses frequently. I do not attend active litigation, because my presence could be deemed a potential influencing factor on the litigation that is proceeding.
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative Calgary Forest Lawn, AB
Madam Chair, does the minister believe extortion is a problem in Canada, yes or no?
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
Madam Chair, extortion is on the rise in Canada, and it needs to be addressed.
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative Calgary Forest Lawn, AB
Madam Chair, the minister admits it is a problem. How many times was extortion mentioned in budget 2024? I would like just the number.
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Madam Chair, with respect to my previous response to the member, who spent a long time in the Crown courts, I would indicate that—
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative Calgary Forest Lawn, AB
Madam Chair, how many times is extortion mentioned in budget 2024? I would like just the number.
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Madam Chair, my presence could be deemed to be potentially influencing the process, which is why I do not—
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative Calgary Forest Lawn, AB
Madam Chair, it was mentioned zero times. Why?
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Madam Chair, I have indicated that extortion is an issue that needs to be addressed in Canada.
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative Calgary Forest Lawn, AB
Madam Chair, has extortion gotten worse since 2015, yes or no?
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Madam Chair, the rise in extortion, largely due to organized criminality, has seen a recent increase.
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative Calgary Forest Lawn, AB
Madam Chair, the minister said it is recent. How many extortion cases were there in 2021? I would like just the number.
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Madam Chair, there were 7,671 charges completed for extortion—
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative Calgary Forest Lawn, AB
Madam Chair, in 2021, how many extortion cases were there? I want just the number.
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Madam Chair, I have a statistic for the period from 2012 to 2021—
