House of Commons Hansard #41 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was c-12.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Peacetime Service and Sacrifice Memorial Day Act First reading of Bill C-252. The bill establishes October 22 as "peacetime service and sacrifice memorial day" to honour Canadian Armed Forces members who lost their lives in non-combat roles on Canadian soil, proposing the national flag be lowered. 200 words.
Strengthening Canada's Immigration System and Borders Act Second reading of Bill C-12. The bill aims to strengthen Canada's border security and immigration system. Liberals say it upholds humanitarian tradition and due process while streamlining asylum claims, including new rules for claims made after one year or irregular entry, and enhancing pre-removal risk assessments. Conservatives support some measures like strengthening CBSA and combating fentanyl, but criticize it as a "second attempt" to Bill C-2, alleging continued privacy overreach and failure to address bail reform or crime. The NDP strongly opposes the bill, arguing it grants unchecked cabinet power, lacks procedural protections for asylum seekers, and violates international human rights. 16000 words, 2 hours.
Canada's International Development Assistance Members debate Motion 14 to strengthen Canada's international development assistance by integrating reciprocal economic benefits for Canadians, establishing an Economic Partnerships Window, and requiring annual parliamentary reports. Liberals support the motion as a strategic modernization. Conservatives demand more accountability, while the NDP criticizes its "hyper-capitalistic approach." An amendment ensures equal opportunities for small non-profit organizations. 7500 words, 1 hour.
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem, led by the hon. member for Kamloops—Thompson—Nicola.
[Members sang the national anthem]
Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC
Mr. Speaker, forestry is a cornerstone of Canada's economy, supporting more than 200,000 good jobs and sustaining hundreds of rural, northern and indigenous communities from coast to coast, yet once again forestry workers are being left behind by the government's failure to secure a fair softwood lumber agreement. In August, the Prime Minister promised $1.2 billion in support, to respond to Trump's tariffs and duties, which the sector is still waiting for, and just $50 million is earmarked for workers. That is not a serious plan; it is a token gesture.
Almost 50,000 jobs in British Columbia alone are at risk, and entire communities could lose their livelihoods. Forestry families deserve more than press releases and photo-ops; they deserve real and urgent action. The government must stand with Canada's forestry workers, with urgent investments that protect jobs, strengthen communities and build a sustainable future.
Abdelhaq Sari Liberal Bourassa, QC
Mr. Speaker, October is Women's History Month, and I want to pay tribute to Maude Royal, a caring woman of action who has had a profound impact on the riding of Bourassa.
For 15 years, she enthusiastically managed the St-Hubert restaurant on Pie-IX Boulevard, making it into an inclusive gathering place. In 2018, at the peak of the construction work on Pie-IX Boulevard, she played a key role in setting up the Association des commerçants de Charleroi et Pie-IX, an initiative that led to the founding of a business development corporation in Montreal North. For the past seven years, she has also been serving on the board of directors for the Caisse Desjardins de Sault-au-Récollet-Montréal-Nord, and she is actively involved in governance and ethics.
Her commitment, vision and love for her community make her an inspiration to us all.
This Women's History Month, I thank Maude Royal for her leadership and dedication to the riding of Bourassa. I want to give a royal thank you to Maude Royal.
Brad Redekopp Conservative Saskatoon West, SK
Mr. Speaker, with Halloween almost here, Canadians are not scared of ghosts; they are scared of the Liberal budget on November 4.
After 10 years, families live in a haunted house of debt and a nightmare on main street: monster deficits, prices that jump-scare at the till and vampire taxes draining paycheques. Under the Liberals, too many cupboards are bare, and there are empty bank accounts, empty fridges and empty stomachs. Canadians do not need another pumpkin spice speech or a Frankenbudget stitched together with buzzwords; they need Conservative tax cut treats, not Liberal spending tricks.
Conservatives are calling for something simple: Make life affordable, end the hidden taxes that spook the grocery bill and stop the inflation tax by cutting waste and living within our means. Canadians have had enough of our carnival huckster Prime Minister's using scare tactics. On November 4, we had better see a real budget, not s'mores of his candy-coated, stomach-churning fudge-it.
It is time for the Liberals to put Canadians first, or will the budget be another nightmare on Wellington Street?
Salma Zahid Liberal Scarborough Centre—Don Valley East, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour the Toronto International Celebration Church for its remarkable 25th anniversary celebration service. Founded in 2000 by Pastor Peter Youngren, alongside current lead pastor, Nathan Thurber, it has grown into a beacon of faith, love and community in North York.
As a non-denominational, evangelical church, it embodies the motto “We love because God first loved us”, welcoming over 1,000 worshippers from more than 70 nations each Sunday. This milestone reflects a quarter-century of transformative impact: prayer services, outreach to shelters, youth programs, evangelism training and specialized ministries like the Champions Club for special-needs families. Its global vision through World Impact Ministries has touched over 100 nations, fostering cultural harmony and purpose-driven lives right here in Toronto.
I offer congratulations on its 25th anniversary and on its devotion. May—
Toronto International Celebration ChurchStatements by Members
Brad Vis Conservative Mission—Matsqui—Abbotsford, BC
Mr. Speaker, it is Small Business Week, and I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible role small businesses play in our communities and across the country. These entrepreneurs are the driving force behind innovation, job creation and local economic growth.
Small business owners are feeling the pressure, though, from rising costs, excessive red tape, unfair taxes, crime and ongoing economic uncertainty. Unfortunately, their struggles have been ignored by the Liberal government.
In recent years, Conservatives have pushed for overdue carbon rebates and have pushed against tax increases on payroll, capital gains and excise taxes. We are also leading the charge on criminal justice reform so people can operate a business safely. We will keep doing everything we can to help small businesses grow, through red tape reduction and tax cuts.
I encourage everyone this week to support a local small business. Know, on this side of the House, that we recognize the sacrifices entrepreneurs make and the taxes they pay to keep Canada going.
Sophie Chatel Liberal Pontiac—Kitigan Zibi, QC
Mr. Speaker, this Women's History Month, I would like to recognize the outstanding contribution of Rosaleen Dickson, a trailblazer in Pontiac—Kitigan Zibi.
In 1942, together with her husband, David, she acquired The Equity, the community newspaper of Shawville, which has long served as the voice of our community. Rosaleen went on to serve as its editor-in-chief for more than 30 years. A passionate, dedicated journalist, Rosaleen gave a voice to those who had none but whose stories deserved to be told.
Rosaleen Dickson embodies the strength, independence and passion that characterize the women who built our country, just like the women of Pontiac who continue to inspire us with their strength and leadership.
I thank Rosaleen.
Sandra Cobena Conservative Newmarket—Aurora, ON
Mr. Speaker, October is Latin American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the contributions of over one million Canadians of Hispanic and Latino heritage.
When we think of Latin America, we think of flavour and music: food like tacos or a soup that warms the soul on a cold Canadian winter, or music that makes us dance before we even realize it. At Fiesta in the 6ix, hundreds gathered to celebrate those values, a reminder that our stories, though diverse, are bound by hope and love for this country that gave us a home and a future.
Gabriel Garcia Marquez once wrote that people do not stop pursuing dreams because they grow old but that they grow old because they stop pursuing dreams. The journey might not be easy, but it is worth it. Keep dreaming. Keep building. Keep contributing in every field to this beautiful country we now call home.
Que viva Latinoamérica y que viva Canada.
Parm Bains Liberal Richmond East—Steveston, BC
Mr. Speaker, my hometown of Richmond, British Columbia, known for having the longest life expectancy in Canada, was recently recognized as Canada's most active city, winning the ParticipACTION Community Challenge, presented by Novo Nordisk.
ParticipACTION is a national charity that has been dedicated to promoting physical activity in Canada since 1971. The most active city award came with $100,000 to support physical activity and sport in our community. Since the community challenge began in 2019, ParticipACTION has awarded $1.5 million to communities across Canada.
I want to congratulate my community for its commitment to physical activity, and all communities that participated in the challenge. A healthier Canada is possible if we make room to move.
Scot Davidson Conservative New Tecumseth—Gwillimbury, ON
Mr. Speaker, it is unbelievable: This year marks 100 years since the Holland Marsh was established.
A century ago, Professor W.H. Day and a group of hard-working farmers looked over a vast swamp and saw possibility. With vision and grit, they transformed the black muck into one of the most fertile farming regions in Canada. For 100 years, that vision has fed communities, nourished generations and sustained livelihoods. Today, farmers steward more than 7,000 acres and grow over 60 crops, including four pounds of carrots for every Canadian. If we look across the marsh now, we see why it has earned the title of the soup and salad bowl of Canada. It is not just canals and fields but opportunity.
It is an honour to represent the Holland Marsh growers in Parliament and to have helped make Bill C-280 law.
Here is to the Holland Marsh's proud past and to the farmers who will carry its legacy forward.
Yves-François Blanchet Bloc Beloeil—Chambly, QC
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the administrators at the Université du Québec network and its president, our friend Alexandre Cloutier.
They inherited one of the most precious jewels bequeathed by the great builders of the Quiet Revolution, foremost among them the late great Guy Rocher: an institution of higher learning and research that literally elevated Quebeckers, in French, to the status of one of the most educated and well-trained peoples in just half a century. The Université du Québec network, with its French-speaking students from all over and its outstanding medical program for the regions of Quebec, has quite simply become the most important academic institution in Quebec, but also in Canada.
Its facilities include the Université du Québec à Montréal, or UQAM, which is its flagship institution in a way. I would like to pay special tribute to its president, Stéphane Pallage, who very recently was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Warsaw's school of management. Through its strong partnership with UQAM, for the past 30 years the university has been offering a program that is on par with UQAM's program, proving that a university education in Montreal can shine around the world.
The most recent person to have been awarded this honour was Volodymyr Zelenskyy. I want to congratulate Stéphane—
Université du Québec NetworkStatements by Members
Karina Gould Liberal Burlington, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Burlington's mayor, Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, and the Halton elected representatives group, which I am honoured to be part of, for launching the Elect Respect campaign.
This initiative began as a conversation among women elected at all levels of government in Burlington, in which we recognized a shared reality of harassment and threats. From those conversations came a commitment to create a safer, more respectful culture in public life. Elect Respect calls on both elected officials and citizens to pledge respectful and inclusive participation in our democracy. It reminds us that debate should be about ideas, not personal attacks, and that integrity and respect must guide our discourse.
Sadly, harassment of elected officials has been on the rise. In 2023, the RCMP reported more than 2,600 threats, which is double what was reported the year before. Campaigns like Elect Respect matter because they call on all of us to set a better tone for our colleagues, for our constituents and for the next generation of leaders.
I encourage all members of the House to join me in taking—
Elect Respect CampaignStatements by Members
Arnold Viersen Conservative Peace River—Westlock, AB
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister promised to make Canada an energy superpower and get projects built at lightning speed. Six months later, not a single project permit has been granted. There are no pipelines, no mines, no energy corridors, just broken promise after broken promise.
Now the Prime Minister is pushing forward with an emissions cap that will wipe out $20 billion in GDP, drive investment away from Canada and cost over 40,000 jobs right here at home. These are more broken promises. The Prime Minister seems to think that supporting oil and gas starts and ends with cheering for the Edmonton Oilers. Albertans do not need a Prime Minister to come up with a national wish list. We need him to get out of the way.
A Conservative government would scrap the emissions cap, end Bill C-48 and Bill C-69, and scrap the industrial carbon tax. Instead of broken promises, we would restore the promise of a Canada in which hard work can buy an affordable home in a safe neighbourhood and put food on the table for every Canadian.
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith Liberal Beaches—East York, ON
Mr. Speaker, Joeyband is an incredible story of Canadian innovation and entrepreneurship. Hayley Mullins, Ashley Wade and Sarah Cox are co-founders of the company whose medical device Hayley invented and globally patented in 2013.
Joeyband is a data-backed device used by hospitals around the world to safely support skin-to-skin contact and bonding for thousands of newborns. Hospitals that use it have reported higher breastfeeding rates, reduced NICU admissions, reduced opioid use and healthier outcomes for mothers and babies. This ingenuity received an honourable mention in Time Best Inventions of 2025, a timely recognition as this is the WHO's year of maternal and newborn health, a call for nations to invest in early-life innovation. Joeyband is also part of the Femtech Canada network of 200 companies dedicated to advancing women's health technology.
When only 17% of international patent holders are women, Joeyband's success shows us what happens when we support Canadian femtech and women's entrepreneurship. We drive progress in health, equity and innovation.
Kelly Block Conservative Carlton Trail—Eagle Creek, SK
Mr. Speaker, in a scathing report from the Auditor General, it was revealed yesterday that complaints against the CRA's contact centres have risen 145% in the last three years. Their phone system is nearly four times over-budget, costing taxpayers more than $190 million, but few get through and the ones who do receive the wrong information 83% of the time.
To add insult to injury, the Liberal government failed to properly review contracts worth tens of millions of dollars before issuing payments: “there was no process documented or followed to ensure the amounts invoiced...were accurate”. Does that sound familiar? The Auditor General found the same issue during the Liberal arrive scam, in which federal policies were “frequent[ly] disregard[ed].”
Canadians are stuck with more of the same Liberal incompetence. Conservatives will continue to hold the government to account on its repeated failures to ensure Canadians receive value for their money.
Sukh Dhaliwal Liberal Surrey Newton, BC
Mr. Speaker, Canadians want safe neighbourhoods in which families and businesses can thrive.
Last week, I was proud to join my B.C. colleagues in Surrey for an echo announcement highlighting our government’s new steps to combat crime. These measures include tougher bail conditions for repeat violent offenders, stronger penalties for organized retail theft and the addition of 1,000 new RCMP personnel across the country. This investment will help ensure that fast-growing communities like Surrey have the resources needed to keep pace with growth and protect public safety.
Our government is listening to Canadians, supporting law enforcement and taking real action to keep our streets and communities safe.
Tamara Kronis Conservative Nanaimo—Ladysmith, BC
Mr. Speaker, the Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank, based in Nanaimo, feeds more than 15,000 families up and down the island who cannot afford to keep up with rising grocery prices. They have done everything right, but they are still waiting for the $5 million in federal funding they were promised by the Liberal government.
The Prime Minister said he would be judged by the prices Canadians pay at the grocery store, and Canadians are paying the price. Food inflation is double what it should be and beyond what we can afford. Liberal deficits are driving inflation every step of the way. Hidden Liberal taxes on fuel, packaging and production are baked into every grocery bill. Canadians do not see them on their receipts, but they feel them every time they buy food.
I will be watching this next federal budget closely, and I will be following up with the government to make sure Loaves and Fishes gets every penny.
Arielle Kayabaga Liberal London West, ON
Mr. Speaker, on October 15, I had the pleasure of joining local partners to announce 42 affordable housing units. Forty-two Londoners will now have a place to call home.
I want to thank the City of London and Indwell for their leadership and continued investment in the well-being of our communities.
Build Canada Homes is a national strategy that will get housing built faster, smarter and more affordably. It will cut red tape, unlock public land and preserve existing affordable rentals in the country. It brings every level of government together with mayors, builders and non-profits to deliver homes that Canadians can actually afford, in every region across this country. This is what leadership looks like.
While Conservatives continue to talk Canada down, our government is getting things built. Canadians can trust that we will get the job done.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, today, the Prime Minister and I will meet to discuss the tenth Liberal budget. Conservatives want an affordable budget so that Canadians can have an affordable life.
The Prime Minister has broken his promise to spend less. He has doubled the deficit he inherited from his government, and inflation is now on the rise. In fact, all measures are higher than the Bank of Canada's target.
Will the Prime Minister accept our demands for an affordable budget and an affordable life for Canadians?
Mark Carney LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, this budget will be affordable and bold. It will be affordable in terms of operating expenses. We are going to streamline operating expenses.
However, we will be investing in Canada. It will be the largest investment in our country's history.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, that is exactly what this Liberal government promised 10 years ago. The result was that they doubled the debt, doubled the lineups at food banks and doubled the cost of housing. Investments in Canada have dropped more than investments in any other G7 country, and more than at any other time in our nation's history.
Today, two million Canadians are using food banks, and food inflation is skyrocketing.
Will the Prime Minister learn from his mistakes, lower the deficits and get rid of hidden taxes on food?
Mark Carney LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned earlier, this budget will get our country's operational spending under control for the first time in 10 years.
Not only that, but for the 21st consecutive month, Canada's inflation rate is within the 1% to 3% target set by the Bank of Canada. The current rate is 2.4%.