House of Commons Hansard #32 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was reform.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Opposition Motion—Passage of Bill C-242 Members debate the Conservative's proposed "Jail Not Bail Act" (Bill C-242) for criminal justice reform. Conservatives argue that violent crime is up 55% due to Liberal "catch and release" policies, advocating for immediate passage to prioritize public safety. Liberals state they are developing significant bail reform for this fall, emphasizing comprehensive, constitutionally compliant changes, and addressing root causes of crime. The Bloc Québécois expresses concern for victims and supports measures to crack down on criminal organizations, but cautions against rushing the bill and infringing on fundamental rights. 53300 words, 7 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.
Larry Brock Conservative Brantford—Brant South—Six Nations, ON
Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate my friend as he is one of the few Conservative MPs in the Brampton area. The majority of those ridings are dominated by Liberal MPs.
My question to the member is simple: What is the community of Brampton saying about the weak, soft-on-crime agenda of the Liberal government?
Amarjeet Gill Conservative Brampton West, ON
Mr. Speaker, Brampton residents are completely fearful. They are living their lives in fear, thinking there is no hope for them. Being their member of Parliament, I keep telling them that I will leave no stone unturned to bring safety to their communities. I am tirelessly working toward bringing in safety for Brampton residents.
Vincent Ho Conservative Richmond Hill South, ON
Mr. Speaker, Canadians feel betrayed, stabbed in the back, both literally and metaphorically. Every day, the people of Richmond Hill South and families across Canada watch as violent offenders are being arrested in the morning and then let back out on our streets before nightfall, due to a decade of Liberal soft-on-crime laws. Seniors are afraid to walk to the grocery store. Parents are terrified to let their kids take the bus after dark. Who do we have to thank? The pro-crime Liberals, who have intentionally put the rights of repeat violent offenders ahead of the rights of law-abiding Canadians.
The Conservative jail not bail act is about one thing: standing with Canadians, not felons; standing with victims, not criminals; and standing with Canadians, not the pro-crime Liberals and their revolving door of a justice system that created the crime crisis. That is why Canadians from all walks of life agree that it is time to scrap Liberal bail.
Richmond Hill is under siege. Just weeks ago, gunfire ripped through a quiet Richmond Hill neighbourhood. A man was killed by an illegal gun, execution style, in the middle of a street in broad daylight. Parents dragged their children inside. Families huddled in fear. This is the question that echoed: Why is this happening in our once safe neighbourhood? Gangs are shooting up peaceful neighbourhoods and robbing homes, and this is often done by repeat offenders who are recommitting after being released, because of lax Liberal bail.
At Highway 7 and Leslie, someone was carjacked at gunpoint, Grand Theft Auto style. People were robbed in broad daylight at Major Mackenzie and Bayview. Places of worship were attacked by acts of hate on 16th Avenue and Bathurst. In the Hillcrest mall, robberies by repeat offenders, which have caused lockdowns, have seniors and shoppers scared to go out anymore. People are losing family members because of intentional acts of arson by criminals who are lighting up innocent people in their own homes at night, right in Richmond Hill. These are not just statistics. This is real people, real fear and real victims. Every single one of these tragedies was enabled by the pro-crime Liberal laws that keep criminals on the streets instead of behind bars. That is why it is high time to scrap Liberal bail.
The numbers do not lie and the human stories are heartbreaking, but the numbers confirm it. After 10 years of Liberal pro-crime laws, violent crime is up 55%, gun crime has more than doubled, extortion is up 330%, homicides are up 29%, sexual assaults are up 76%, and auto theft in the GTA is at levels never seen before. This did not happen by accident, but by design, because the pro-crime Liberals passed Bill C-5 and Bill C-75.
Mandatory prison time was abolished for dozens of charges, and house arrest became the new norm. The Liberal catch-and-release came into effect, and the Liberal pro-crime revolving door in the justice system was set into motion. The Liberals handcuffed the police and set the criminals free. The result is that the people of Richmond Hill South, and Canadians across the country, live in fear while the Prime Minister shrugs and the minister of injustice makes jokes about the Wild West. That is not leadership; that is negligence. It is disgraceful. The only way to put an end to this and bring home safe streets again is by scrapping Liberal bail.
Let us talk about the real cost of this Liberal failure. The cost is paid by Canadians, by blood, trauma and the loss of loved ones. In Richmond Hill, seniors tell me they will not walk through the mall or go to the park anymore. It is no longer safe. Parents living near Yonge Street say that their children cannot take public transit after dark. Teens cannot ride their bikes anymore because criminals are preying on their bikes and their lives. Shopkeepers on Highway 7 do not even bother reporting theft because the same thief is back the next day thanks to the pro-crime Liberals and their lax bail laws.
What about the police officers who risk their lives arresting violent offenders only to see them walk free before their shift is even over. It has gotten so bad that the York Regional Police chief is asking victims of crime to simply comply with the demands of criminals who the Liberal injustice system has let out. That is not justice; it is betrayal. They have been straight-up stabbed in the back. That is the legacy of 10 years of the pro-crime Liberals. The only way to bring justice to the victims and families is by scrapping Liberal bail.
The Conservative jail not bail act would bring back sanity, common sense and peace of mind. It would lock up repeat violent offenders and slam the door on gang members. It would ensure that gun criminals, who are often using illegally obtained guns, stay behind bars where they belong. It would also force judges to finally put public safety first, not Liberal ideology.
First, this legislation would repeal the Liberal principle of restraint and put public protection first instead of the criminal. This would ensure that communities are not left at the mercy of the pro-crime Liberals after all they have endured with a decade of the Liberals' soft-on-crime approach.
Second, it would introduce a new major offences category, which would reverse the onus on bail conditions for crimes involving firearms, sexual assault, kidnapping, human trafficking, home invasion, robbery, extortion, arson and assault. It would require the accused to prove why they should be let out on bail. This would stop career criminals unleashed by the Liberal crime wave from taking advantage of this broken Liberal injustice system.
Next, it would mandate judges to consider the full criminal history of the accused and prevent anyone convicted of a major offence while on bail in the last 10 years from receiving bail, thus ending the Liberals' revolving door injustice system.
Lastly, this legislation would prohibit anyone with an indictable conviction from acting as a guarantor and would require non-residents to surrender their passports upon request.
Conservatives stand with victims, families and Canadians. That is the choice before the House. Will parliamentarians from all parties, and Liberals alike, come together and vote to scrap Liberal bail?
Let us call this what it is: a pro-crime Liberal record. Liberal pro-crime Bill C-5 scrapped jail time for violent crimes involving weapons and allowed for house arrest instead of mandatory prison time for serious offences and a dozen other charges. Liberal pro-crime Bill C-75 lowered the bar so that repeat offenders could walk free and tied the hands of provincial governments, judges and police.
What did Canadians and the people of Richmond Hill get in return? They received more Liberal-sponsored gang shootings, more Liberal-sponsored carjackings, more Liberal-sponsored home invasions and more victims.
The pro-crime Liberals talk about restorative justice. Tell that to the shopkeeper robbed for the third time because of lax Liberal bail laws. Tell that to the seniors imprisoned in their homes in fear of the crime wave unleashed by the Liberal government. Tell that to the mother who buried her son after a Liberal-sponsored gang shooting. Is the Liberal government going to restore her son's life? There is nothing restorative about that, only Liberal failure and injustice. To bring justice to victims and Canadians across this country, we must scrap Liberal bail.
Premiers, provincial attorneys general and police chiefs across the country, including from the York Regional Police in Richmond Hill, have begged Parliament to fix the Liberals' soft-on-crime bail before more blood is spilled by the Liberal-sponsored crime wave, but the pro-crime Liberals refused. They ignored the warnings and calls to action from victims, police and communities alike. They left officers demoralized and communities exposed to the crime wave the Liberals unleashed. It went so far that the Liberal minister of injustice mocked victims by referring to this Liberal-sponsored crime wave as not being the Wild West. It is Canada, but it sure feels like it.
Conservatives will stand with the police, who risk their lives—
Opposition Motion—Passage of Bill C-242Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
I am sorry for interrupting the member. He will have about a minute and a half left after question period.
Don Davies NDP Vancouver Kingsway, BC
Mr. Speaker, economic anxiety is rising across the country and Canadians are deeply concerned. Unemployment is at the highest level in a decade. This summer alone, 100,000 workers lost their jobs, with thousands more announced this week. Folks across our country are facing excessive costs for groceries, housing and utilities, and Trump's trade war threatens more damage. We must meet this moment with vision and resolve.
Yesterday, I met with the Prime Minister and made it clear that now is not the time for an austerity budget. Instead, Canada needs investment, not cuts. That means building infrastructure to strengthen communities, such as affordable non-market homes, clean energy and a strong public health care system. These are the kinds of nation-building projects New Democrats support, initiatives that create good, family-sustaining jobs and improve lives.
Now is our opportunity to deliver real results and lay the foundation for a prosperous and independent Canada for generations to come.
Chi Nguyen Liberal Spadina—Harbourfront, ON
Mr. Speaker, in June 2026, the FIFA World Cup is coming to Canada. All six Ontario matches will be hosted on the vibrant waterfront in my riding of Spadina—Harbourfront. Toronto has a proud record of hosting international sporting events, from the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup to the 2015 Pan Am Games. Time and again, we have delivered unforgettable moments on and off the field. Toronto's waterfront contributes over $13 billion annually to Canada's economy, and this next chapter will be unprecedented.
Co-hosting the World Cup will support and create up to 24,000 jobs, welcome over 500,000 tourists and generate over $2 billion in investment. It will also leave a lasting legacy of stronger public spaces, cultural programming and improved connections along our waterfront. Major games demand major collaboration across sectors and all three levels of government. We have a world-class waterfront, a thriving arts and culture scene and a proven record of hosting global events, and FIFA 2026 is our moment to shine.
Toronto is ready to welcome the world to our city.
Éric Lefebvre Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
Mr. Speaker, September 27 will go down in the history of sport in Quebec and Canada.
First, Kim Clavel made history when she became Quebec's first female boxer to capture an IBF belt in two weight classes in her career. A few days ago, she won the IBF strawweight title. She demonstrated the strength, determination and resilience that have made her a world champion.
That same day, thousands of kilometres away, another Quebecker thrilled Canada's sporting community. At just 24 years old, Magdeleine Vallières‑Mill achieved the impossible in Rwanda. She was the first Canadian woman in 127 years to win the UCI Road World Championship.
Two women, two historic achievements, one message for our young people: perseverance, passion and hard work open doors. Young people must believe in their dreams.
I congratulate them both.
Dominique O'Rourke Liberal Guelph, ON
Mr. Speaker, this summer I had the pleasure of meeting Guelph's own Navika Renganathan at the Royal City Masters chess tournament held at the University of Guelph. Navika has already accomplished what many dream of. She is the reigning Canadian youth chess champion and is already representing Canada on the international stage.
Here is the remarkable part: Navika is eight years old. Her achievements bring joy to her parents, Renganathan and Nivetha, and to her entire family, who have watched with pride as she pursues her passion. It is this same pride that flows through our community of Guelph and indeed all of Canada, especially among her classmates at Sacred Heart Catholic School. We are all standing behind her this week as she competes at the International Chess Federation's World Cadet Championship in Kazakhstan.
The Parliament of Canada is cheering for Navika as she makes her next move.
Philip Lawrence Conservative Northumberland—Clarke, ON
Mr. Speaker, faith is a word that has meant so much to so many, yet in today's world, often those who have faith are mocked as being naive or even ignorant. The truth is that faith is the very foundation of our civilization, bracing humanity against the unrelenting storms of life by providing us hope of something greater and better than ourselves. It acts as a north star leading us home and empowers great men, such as Lord Wilberforce in his unrelenting fight against slavery, to call out injustice and speak truth in a dark and divided world.
Canada is facing challenging times. Many struggle just to get through the day, but all is not lost. We press on to build a better nation and a better future. As we move forward to build better days and have a better future, may we all take faith, have faith and keep the faith.
Juanita Nathan Liberal Pickering—Brooklin, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary achievement from my riding of Pickering—Brooklin.
Joel Toscano from the community of Whitevale and his team have won the 2025 TIFF 48-hour film challenge, a prestigious national competition where filmmakers are given only two days to write, film and edit a short film. Out of many talented participants across the country, Joel's creativity and skills stood out, earning him this remarkable honour. His success is a testament not only to his dedication to the arts but also to the vibrant creative spirit that thrives in our community. We are so proud of Joel and his team and look forward to seeing where this talent takes him next.
I invite all members of the House to join me in congratulating Joel Toscano and his team on this outstanding accomplishment.
Michael Kram Conservative Regina—Wascana, SK
Mr. Speaker, it is my deep honour today to welcome the Balfour family to Ottawa. James, Heather and Taylor are visiting us today all the way from Regina, Saskatchewan.
Today is the birthday of their late daughter Rachel, who was killed when she was poisoned by fentanyl in 2019. Every year, the Balfour family tries to do something meaningful to remember and honour Rachel on her birthday. This year, they have chosen to share their story with us here in our nation's capital. Tragically, the Balfours are not alone in their loss. Last year, approximately 20 Canadian families per day lost a loved one to an opioid overdose.
For Rachel Balfour, her family and the thousands of Canadian families just like them, it is time to get fentanyl off our streets so that no family has to mourn another senseless loss to the scourge of fentanyl.
Tim Louis Liberal Kitchener—Conestoga, ON
Mr. Speaker, Kitchener—Conestoga recently celebrated the Wellesley and New Hamburg fall fairs, two events that showcase the best of rural life and bring neighbours together. These fairs connect us to our agricultural roots and highlight the values of hard work, community and tradition. They also help bridge urban and rural communities, raising awareness about agriculture and inspiring future farmers. I am thankful to the volunteers, organizers, sponsors and agricultural societies whose dedication keeps these traditions alive.
This past weekend, I flipped pancakes at the 50th Wellesley Apple Butter and Cheese Festival and was also honoured to mentor young performers at the Wellesley idol competition. This milestone 50th anniversary is a testament to the enduring spirit of community and volunteerism that has made the festival a beloved celebration for generations.
I congratulate everyone involved in the Wellesley Apple Butter and Cheese Festival.
Chris d'Entremont Conservative Acadie—Annapolis, NS
Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to pay tribute to my dear friend, a proud Cape Bretoner and a true servant of the people, Alfie MacLeod.
Alfie was more than a colleague in public life. He was a man of deep conviction, boundless compassion and unmistakable wit. A long-serving MLA and Speaker of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly, Alfie dedicated his life to the people of Cape Breton, always putting community first. He was first elected in 1995, returned in 2006 and served until 2019. As Speaker from 2007 to 2009, Alfie brought fairness, humour and dignity to the role, but it was outside the chamber, at fire halls, church basements and charity auctions, where Alfie’s love for his community truly shone.
Alfie faced his battle with cancer the same way he lived his life: with courage, resilience and a twinkle in his eye. He was a family man, a friend to many and a fierce advocate for Cape Breton. My wife Anne and I offer our deepest condolences to his wife Shirley, their children Daniel, Jessica and Sandra, and his grandchildren. Alfie’s legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the community he so dearly loved.
I bid rest well to my friend. He deserves it.
Sébastien Lemire Bloc Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC
Mr. Speaker, for the first time in history, a Quebec woman is a world champion in cycling. Magdeleine Vallières-Mill, a young woman from Sherbrooke with roots in the Gaspé region, has achieved something remarkable. She just won the rainbow jersey at the world road bike championships in Kigali, Rwanda, becoming only the third non-European cyclist to win this prize. She amazed the crowd with her race strategy. While part of small group that broke away, decisive moves and a final sprint left all her competitors behind.
All of Quebec is proud of Magdeleine. Her victory will no doubt inspire many young women, especially those participating in this year's new women's Tour de l'Abitibi. I am already looking forward to next year, especially when Magdeleine Vallières-Mill will defend her rainbow jersey at home in 2026 on the roads of greater Montreal and the famous Camillien-Houde hill, which will host the next UCI Road World Championship.
Congratulations, Magdeleine.
Arielle Kayabaga Liberal London West, ON
Mr. Speaker, this week in London we announced a $3.5-million investment through FedDev Ontario delivered to TechAlliance to fuel local innovation and create opportunities across southern Ontario.
This funding will support innovators like Deep Breathe in developing health solutions, Vessl Prosthetics in transforming prosthetics with cutting-edge design, PolyAnalytik in advancing materials science, and many more companies. These companies prove that London has the talent, the creativity and the drive to lead. For our government, this is about more than just dollars. It is about delivery. We are backing people who take risks, solve problems and create real results for families.
From London to every corner of our region, this investment ensures that the next breakthroughs will not just be imagined here. They will be built here, create jobs here and strengthen Canada's economy. I am proud to serve in a government that is building a strong Canada through the strength of its people.
Andrew Scheer Conservative Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the tragedy Christians in Nigeria are experiencing.
The deadly terrorist organization Boko Haram is trying to eliminate the Christian faith in Nigeria. This is the same terrorist group that kidnapped dozens of young schoolgirls and burned innocent civilians alive in cages. According to reports, over 3.5 million people have been forced to flee their homes. Three churches are destroyed every single day. Seven thousand Christians were massacred this year alone and the faithful must now meet in secret or in burned-out sanctuaries.
Sadly, the world is turning a blind eye to the plight of Christians in Nigeria. There are no embedded journalists covering the violence. There are no daily updates. Politicians around the world are not asked questions about how they will respond. We cannot ignore this violence and tragic loss of life. We must speak out and shine a light on what is happening so that people can donate to relief efforts and provide support to those displaced by the violence.
To my brothers and sisters in Christ, we know they know the power of prayer. We will not forget them. Stay strong and keep the faith.
Terry Duguid Liberal Winnipeg South, MB
Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the late Dr. Jane Goodall.
Dr. Goodall was a world-renowned primatologist, conservationist and United Nations messenger of peace. She founded the Jane Goodall Institute, which continues her global mission to protect wildlife and inspire hope. Her groundbreaking discoveries about chimpanzees transformed humanity's understanding of our closest relatives and reminded us of a truth long held by indigenous peoples: that we are not separate from nature but deeply connected to it.
Her life's work sparked a revolution of empathy for animals, for the environment and for each other. In this time of climate crisis and biodiversity loss, her message has never been more urgent. Dr. Goodall gave hope to generations, especially young people, who carry forward a vision of a planet where all creatures are treated with compassion.
May her legacy continue to guide us and may we honour her memory through action to protect the natural world we all share.
Dane Lloyd Conservative Parkland, AB
Mr. Speaker, Edmonton police have sadly announced that 14-year-old Samuel Bird from Paul First Nation is now presumed dead months after he was declared missing. This child was murdered and police believe his killers have hidden his remains west of Edmonton. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
Samuel's case is not an isolated one. In 2010, Lyle and Marie McCann were also murdered. Their killer has been brought to justice but has refused to reveal the location of his victims' remains.
I introduced Bill C-236 in honour of Lyle and Marie. It would empower judges and parole boards to hold killers and their accomplices to account when they are known to have withheld information on the location of their victims' remains. Families have a right to give their loved ones a proper funeral, and those who would deny them this fundamental right must be held to account.
We owe it to Lyle, Marie, Samuel and their families to pass Bill C-236.
Steeve Lavoie Liberal Beauport—Limoilou, QC
Mr. Speaker, food self-sufficiency is becoming an important solution for our families and communities.
That is exactly what Urbainculteurs, a Quebec City organization, is doing: changing the way we think about urban agriculture. From rooftop gardens to the greening of schools and neighbourhoods, Urbainculteurs's innovative projects are giving people back the power to grow some of their own food while beautifying our communities. Its mission is clear and inspiring: to democratize agriculture, encourage food self-sufficiency and bring people together. This organization is not just cultivating vegetables, it is cultivating solidarity, resilience and hope for a greener and more inclusive city.
I want to sincerely thank the entire Urbainculteurs team for their tremendous commitment. They are showing us that, together, it is possible to build a future where access to healthy food is possible everywhere and for all generations.
Harb Gill Conservative Windsor West, ON
Mr. Speaker, we know that Liberal bail has unleashed crime and chaos on our streets. Violent crime is up 55% since the Liberals took office, gun crime has soared 130%, homicides are up 30%, sexual assaults are up 76%, hate crimes are up 258% and more Canadians have now died of overdoses than died in the Second World War. The Prime Minister promised criminal justice reform, but half a year later, that promise remains broken.
Liberals are obstructing our jail not bail bill, keeping in place their soft-on-crime, catch-and-release laws. In 2022, Constable Greg Pierzchala was killed by a suspect who had already been denied bail but was released anyway. His death was preventable.
Today, Conservatives are proposing a fast resolution to pass our jail not bail bill immediately to keep Canadians safe.
Will the Liberal government scrap the bail laws or get out of the way so that Conservatives can—
Public SafetyStatements by Members
Julie Dzerowicz Liberal Davenport, ON
Mr. Speaker, olé, olé, olé.
October is Latin American Heritage Month, and it is so exciting to know that we have a whole month to celebrate the amazing music, literature, food, art and language of 21 diverse and beautiful Latin American and Hispanic nations represented in Canada. This is one of Canada's fastest-growing communities: young, entrepreneurial and innovative.
From medicine to business and from arts to politics, their leaders are shaping our nation's future. They are also vital bridge-builders. This community strengthens our diplomatic and business ties with the Americas, opening doors to new partnerships and opportunities. Its members help Canada succeed in a region that is increasingly important to our prosperity. I say gracias to the leaders of the Latin American and Hispanic Canadian community. They are an inspiration not only within their community but for all Canadians.
This month, let us celebrate together, and let us recognize that Latin American and Hispanic Canadians are not just a part of our present but are building our future.
Viva los latinos y los hispanos en Canada.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, the body of a woman who was killed by her partner has been found in Saint-Jérôme. This woman was killed by a man who had been arrested 30 times before and released under Liberal laws. That is not all. A six-year-old child was found with a crack pipe in his mouth near Maison Benoît Labre, one of the federal government's so-called safe consumption sites.
Does the Prime Minister acknowledge that Liberal laws are threatening our children, our women and our citizens?
Mark Carney LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, I want to offer my deepest sympathies to the families, friends and community members involved in the cases that the member just mentioned.
We acknowledge that bail laws need to be strengthened. A comprehensive bill will be tabled in the coming weeks.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, crime victims do not want the Prime Minister's sympathy. They want to know why he has broken his promise. They want to know why Liberal bail remains in place, allowing for the same repeat offenders to offend again and again.
The body of a woman was found in the last few days in Saint-Jérôme, Quebec. She was killed by her partner, who had been arrested 30 times before but released on Liberal bail.
Will the Prime Minister finally scrap Liberal bail or, better yet, get out of the way so we can do the job ourselves?