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

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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.

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

10:30 p.m.

The Speaker Greg Fergus

The hon. member for Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo.

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

10:30 p.m.

Conservative

Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC

Mr. Speaker, does the minister have a King's Counsel designation, yes or no?

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

10:35 p.m.

Liberal

Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON

Mr. Speaker, with respect to sub judice, the purpose is to protect parties in a case awaiting or undergoing a trial—

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

10:35 p.m.

The Speaker Greg Fergus

The hon. member for Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo.

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

10:35 p.m.

Conservative

Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC

Mr. Speaker, does the minister have a King's Counsel designation, yes or no?

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

10:35 p.m.

Liberal

Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON

Mr. Speaker, with respect to my appearance in court—

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

10:35 p.m.

The Speaker Greg Fergus

The hon. member for Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo.

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

10:35 p.m.

Conservative

Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC

Mr. Speaker, I will presume the minister does have a King's Counsel designation. Did he give one to himself?

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

10:35 p.m.

Liberal

Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON

Mr. Speaker, as the member opposite is aware, what I had indicated is that I have not been—

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

10:35 p.m.

The Speaker Greg Fergus

The hon. member for Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo.

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

10:35 p.m.

Conservative

Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC

Mr. Speaker, will the minister just answer the question? Does he have a King's Counsel designation?

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

10:35 p.m.

Liberal

Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON

Mr. Speaker, my job is to be addressing the safety of Canadians and that is—

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

10:35 p.m.

The Speaker Greg Fergus

The hon. member for Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo.

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

10:35 p.m.

Conservative

Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC

Mr. Speaker, would Constable Pierzchala's alleged killer have been detained on the bail law that the minister has lauded so many times today?

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

10:35 p.m.

Liberal

Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON

Mr. Speaker, Constable Pierzchala's death was a tragedy, and it motivated us to act, and act quickly. I am thankful for the support of that member in terms of the quick passage of that bill.

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

10:35 p.m.

Conservative

Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC

Mr. Speaker, without the minister looking at his cheat sheets, what are the tertiary grounds of detention?

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

10:35 p.m.

Liberal

Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON

Mr. Speaker, it is important always to be looking at confidence in the administration of justice.

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

May 23rd, 2024 / 10:35 p.m.

The Speaker Greg Fergus

Order. I am going to invite members, if they would like to have a conversation, to please do so outside. The hon. member for Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo has the floor to ask questions. It is important that the minister be able to hear that question and to be able to respond.

The hon. member for Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo.

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

10:35 p.m.

Conservative

Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC

Mr. Speaker, does the Minister of Justice have a King's Counsel designation, yes or no?

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

10:35 p.m.

Liberal

Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON

Mr. Speaker, I do not have a King's Counsel designation.

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

10:35 p.m.

Conservative

Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC

Mr. Speaker, what was the minimum sentence for robbery with a firearm prior to Bill C-5?

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

10:35 p.m.

Liberal

Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON

Mr. Speaker, I believe it is governed by section 457 of the code.

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

10:35 p.m.

Conservative

Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC

Mr. Speaker, it was section 344, but what was the mandatory minimum sentence for robbery with a firearm prior to Bill C-5?

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

10:35 p.m.

Liberal

Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON

Mr. Speaker, it is four years for non-restricted or five or seven for a restricted.

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

10:35 p.m.

Conservative

Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC

Mr. Speaker, did Bill C-5 eliminate the non-restricted mandatory minimum penalty, yes or no?