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, what I can note is that the Canada Border Services Agency needs these investments to resolve the auto theft situation. With an investment of $28 million—
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L'Érable, QC
Madam Chair, how many maximum sentences will the minister be able to hand out to car thieves in order to reduce the number of auto thefts in the coming years?
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Madam Chair, I have another figure for the member opposite. Since our investments in Ontario and Quebec, we have announced the recovery of more than 600 stolen vehicles this year.
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L'Érable, QC
Madam Chair, does the minister honestly believe that simply recovering stolen cars and not arresting the criminals will stop auto theft?
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Madam Chair, I believe that with tougher prison sentences and changes to the bail system, we are going to eliminate or limit the—
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
NDP
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L'Érable, QC
Madam Chair, the measure is completely useless because there has never been a case where a criminal was arrested and received a maximum sentence for car theft. How can the minister try to make people believe that his proposal will change anything about auto theft?
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Madam Chair, it is rather strange because the position of the party opposite is to impose more penalties. We are targeting organized crime and violent crime. That is what we will continue to do.
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 visited bail court?
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, I am seized with the fact that bail court has been an issue with respect to the need for reform—
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC
Same question. When was the last time you went to bail court?
The Deputy Chair NDP Carol Hughes
The hon. member has to address questions and comments through the Chair, not directly to the minister.
The hon. minister.
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Madam Chair, I visit courthouses regularly in my functions as minister.
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC
Madam Chair, during those visits to the courthouses, when was the last time the minister spent the day in bail court?
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Madam Chair, the important thing for me as minister is ensure that bail reform is being undertaken. That is—
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC
Madam Chair, how about he just confirms that the answer is zero?
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Madam Chair, the member opposite is clearly not listening. I indicated that I go to courthouses around the country.
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC
Madam Chair, how far is the closest courthouse to Parliament Hill?
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Madam Chair, the important piece about bail is ensuring that we are making bail changes to ensure that serious violent repeat offenders—
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. How far is the nearest courthouse to Parliament Hill?
Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Madam Chair, I believe the nearest courthouse to Parliament Hill is the one on Elgin, opposite the Lord Elgin.
Department of Justice—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC
Madam Chair, has he attempted to visit that courthouse, which is 950 metres away, to observe bail hearings?