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.
Patty Hajdu LiberalMinister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Madawaska—Restigouche for highlighting the exceptional work of early childhood educators across the country.
Our government has invested more than $1 billion to recruit, train and retain more educators. We are working with the provinces and territories to improve salaries and training. When we support educators, we support families and the future of our economy.
Éric Lefebvre Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
Mr. Speaker, this is embarrassing. The Prime Minister has the nerve to talk about economics lessons. His Minister of Public Works and Procurement wants to give lessons? Deal. I will take the deal, and Canadians can judge for themselves.
Here are the facts. The CRA's operating costs were $4.1 billion in 2015. After nine years of Liberal mismanagement, they are now $6.9 billion, a 70% increase. In response to that, today, the government is saying that it is going to increase the budget.
They have missed the point entirely. This is Canadian taxpayers' money. When will they start managing it wisely?
Joël Lightbound LiberalMinister of Government Transformation
Mr. Speaker, do you want to know what is embarrassing?
What is embarrassing is the Leader of the Opposition suggesting that his political opponents be imprisoned. The opposition leader is the one undermining the rule of law in this country and bad-mouthing the RCMP. That is embarrassing.
What is even more embarrassing is not that the Leader of the Opposition refuses to apologize, but that there are about a hundred MPs behind him who are unwilling to stand up and speak out against his completely unacceptable remarks.
The member should talk to his predecessor in Richmond—Arthabaska, follow his example, and speak out against the unacceptable.
Sandra Cobena Conservative Newmarket—Aurora, ON
Mr. Speaker, a business that fails to meet its service standards 95% of the time would go bankrupt, but under the Liberal government, that is the standard of the CRA. Its answer is to throw more money at the problem. Costs are up 70%, but still, 8.6 million calls are still being deflected, and 83% of the answers to individual tax questions are wrong. Even the CRA chatbot got questions wrong two-thirds of the time. It is hopeless.
If the Liberal government cannot even manage its own revenue agency, how can Canadians trust it to ever balance the budget?
Wayne Long LiberalSecretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions)
Mr. Speaker, Canadians deserve timely, reliable and accurate service from the CRA. That is why we thank the Auditor General for her report.
Earlier this fall, we embarked upon a 100-day plan to strengthen service, improve access and eliminate unacceptable delays, and we have good news: Since the launch of the plan, CRA call centre service levels have more than doubled, with 89% of Canadians getting an answer within 15 minutes.
The report will help the CRA build on significant service improvements it has made since September. It will also help guide our government to work—
Canada Revenue AgencyOral Questions
Jeremy Patzer Conservative Swift Current—Grasslands—Kindersley, SK
Mr. Speaker, the Auditor General report shows that the CRA had a huge increase in deflected calls, from one million to eight million in one year. People in the southwest wait hours, sometimes days, to reach a service agent, and then they have to deal with huge delays in resolving their file, even if the CRA made the mistake. The CRA fails to meet its own service standards after already lowering them, and the odds are high that the agents will give inaccurate information, but its budget went up 70%.
Why is it that with the Liberals, Canadians always pay more but get less?
Wayne Long LiberalSecretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions)
Mr. Speaker, let me be clear: The CRA is providing accurate information to Canadians in nearly all cases. The audit looked at a sample of 167 calls from last spring, before we launched our 100-day plan to fix our CRA service. The CRA reviews over 100,000 calls every year for accuracy and has found that more than 93% are accurate for inquiries related to taxpayer files.
We are focused on delivering service for Canadians. We will get this right.
Terry Duguid Liberal Winnipeg South, MB
Mr. Speaker, Kap Paper is an integral part of northern Ontario's economic security, supporting over 2,500 skilled, local careers in the region. However, a few weeks ago, the community was rocked by the news that Kap Paper would be shuttering its doors. This is devastating for the community and for workers and families throughout northern Ontario.
Can the Minister of Industry please tell the House how we are supporting Kap Paper and other industries and how our government is standing up for skilled careers and stronger communities?
Mélanie Joly LiberalMinister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my hon. colleague for his hard work, and I would also like to thank the minister for jobs and the minister for natural resources, because we worked together to lay down the groundwork for Kap Paper to continue its operations in the months ahead.
Through the conversation we had with Kap Paper, one thing became clear: It is the heartbeat of Kapuskasing and a vital part of the community. That is why we came to the table with solutions. We were able to protect the jobs, 300 of them, and all the jobs around Kapuskasing linked to the mill, 2,500 jobs, as well.
Eric Melillo Conservative Kenora—Kiiwetinoong, ON
Mr. Speaker, after years of talk, the Prime Minister is breaking his promise to get shovels in the ground when it comes to the constantly delayed Ring of Fire in northern Ontario. Thousands of jobs and billions of dollars are on the line, yet the Liberals refuse to move the project ahead. The roadway will not even be built until 2028, and the Liberals ignored the project completely on their national priority list, a huge slap in the face to people across northern Ontario.
Will the Liberals stop with the delays, stop breaking their promise and get shovels in the ground so our region can get to work?
Patty Hajdu LiberalMinister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Mr. Speaker, I agree with the member that the Ring of Fire is an extremely important deposit in northern Ontario. We have been working with the Province of Ontario for years to ensure that we have a plan to move forward, and we have been working with the affected first nations in that riding, which is mine. We will continue to focus on the opportunity the Ring of Fire presents for not just northern Ontario but all of Canada.
Alexandre Boulerice NDP Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, QC
Mr. Speaker, the multinational company Newrest had an in-flight catering contract with Air Canada at the Trudeau airport. Even though the company knew that it was about to lose the contract, it still brought in temporary foreign workers on three-year closed work permits. Closed work permits are terrible things that prevent people from changing employers. Now, 50 people are left with nothing. They no longer have a job and are not allowed to find another one.
Will the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship listen to the request of the Confédération des syndicats nationaux and grant them open work permits so they can find new jobs?
Lena Metlege Diab LiberalMinister of Immigration
Mr. Speaker, allow me to clarify things a little.
The purpose of the temporary foreign worker program is to allow Canadian employers to hire foreign workers when no qualified Canadian or permanent resident is available. We are still reducing the number of temporary workers. We are also going to work with the member. Our purpose is to protect Canadians, but also to protect employers and businesses that need foreign workers.
Patrick Weiler Liberal West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, BC
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the second report of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans, entitled “Acting Together to Address Derelict and Abandoned Vessels in Canada”.
Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to this report.
Mel Arnold Conservative Kamloops—Shuswap—Central Rockies, BC
Mr. Speaker, as the vice-chair of the fisheries committee, I would like to take a moment to thank the chair of the fisheries committee for co-hosting the Salmon Forever reception last night, where we worked across party lines in the interests of all wild Pacific salmon.
The Conservatives' supplemental report on derelict and abandoned vessels is attached to the main report. I thank all of the witnesses from coast to coast to coast for contributing to the study.
While the main report provides a number of recommendations, the Conservatives' supplemental report only contains two very important recommendations. I urge all Canadians, especially those concerned with derelict and abandoned vessels, to read the reports, especially the Conservatives' supplemental report for the solutions it provides, and let their local MPs know that it is time for the Liberal government to get serious about protecting our waters, fisheries and biodiversity.
Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-252, An Act respecting a national day of remembrance to honour Canadian Armed Forces members who have lost their lives in peacetime in Canada.
Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise today to introduce the peacetime service and sacrifice memorial day act. Today marks 11 years since Corporal Nathan Cirillo was shot and killed while standing guard at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, and Monday marked 11 years since Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent was killed by a vehicular attack while on duty in Quebec.
Since 1914, an estimated 2,000 Canadian Armed Forces members have lost their lives in non-combat roles on Canadian soil during peacetime. I will take the time to extend condolences to each and every one of their family members.
This bill aims to honour these Canadian Armed Forces members, who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country. This bill proposes that October 22 become known as peacetime service and sacrifice memorial day and that the national flag of Canada on the Peace Tower be lowered to half-mast on this day.
I would like to thank the member for Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie for seconding this bill. I would also like to thank the former member for Cowichan—Malahat—Langford, Alistair MacGregor, who tabled this bill in the last Parliament.
I am honoured to carry this bill forward, and I hope all members of this House will support it.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
(Bill S-1001. On the Order: Private Members' Business:)
October 2, 2025—Connie Cody (Cambridge)—Second reading and reference to a legislative committee of Bill S-1001, An Act to authorize Gore Mutual Insurance Company to apply to be continued as a body corporate under the laws of the Province of Quebec.
Connie Cody Conservative Cambridge, ON
Mr. Speaker, there have been consultations among the parties, and I believe you will find unanimous consent for the following motion:
That, notwithstanding any Standing Order or usual practice of the House, Bill S-1001, An Act to authorize Gore Mutual Insurance Company to apply to be continued as a body corporate under the laws of the Province of Quebec, be deemed to have been read a second time and referred to a Committee of the Whole, deemed considered in Committee of the Whole, deemed reported without amendment, deemed concurred in at report stage and deemed read a third time and passed.
Gore Mutual Insurance CompanyRoutine Proceedings
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
All those opposed to the hon. member's moving the motion will please say nay.
There being no dissenting voice, it is agreed.
The House has heard the terms of the motion. All those opposed to the motion will please say nay.
(Motion agreed to, bill read the second time and referred to a committee of the whole, considered in committee of the whole, reported without amendment, concurred in at report stage, read the third time and passed)
Dan Mazier Conservative Riding Mountain, MB
Mr. Speaker, it is always an honour to rise on behalf of the people of Riding Mountain.
The people of Swan River are experiencing an alarming increase in violent crime, which has threatened the safety and well-being of families across our region. A recent report by the Manitoba west district RCMP found that over an 18-month period, just two offenders in Swan River were responsible for over 150 offences.
The petitioners continue to suffer the consequences of soft-on-crime Liberal policies like Bill C-5, which repealed mandatory jail time for serious crimes, and Bill C-75, which forces judges to release repeat violent offenders right back onto the streets. The petitioners in the Swan Valley want to see an end to the Liberals' reckless catch-and-release policies so that criminals can stay behind bars. That is why the people of Swan River are demanding jail, not bail, for violent repeat offenders.
I support the good people of Swan River.
Brad Vis Conservative Mission—Matsqui—Abbotsford, BC
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition on behalf of small businesses, including convenience stores, asking to remove restrictions on the sale of nicotine pouches. Many adult Canadians make use of nicotine pouches to help them quit other tobacco products by relieving cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Only allowing pharmacies to sell the product from behind a counter takes away the freedom to choose where and how adults can access such products. Small businesses have a track record of selling age-restricted products, including nicotine replacement therapies.
The petitioners call on the Minister of Health to remove the restriction, and they would like to remind the government that in British Columbia, hard drugs are legalized, but they will not let convenience stores sell a nicotine pouch.
Cheryl Gallant Conservative Algonquin—Renfrew—Pembroke, ON
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present a petition signed by the outdoor-loving residents of my great riding of Algonquin—Renfrew—Pembroke.
The petitioners are calling on the government to intervene in the aerial spraying of toxic substances. They are concerned that the spraying of these substances may pose serious health challenges to the rural and indigenous residents living in the valley and will disrupt local ecosystems. The nature-loving petitioners are also calling for the government to ensure the use of toxic chemicals in our forest does not occur at all.
I will be presenting more petitions on this matter.
Peter Schiefke Liberal Vaudreuil, QC
Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to present a petition on behalf of animal rights activists and cat lovers across the country. Those who signed the petition from across the country have done so in hopes that the Government of Canada will take action to stem the tide of homelessness among the over four million homeless cats across the country and help support them.
They are calling upon the Government of Canada to put in place free sterilization nationwide, and the reason behind this is very simple. They say that sterilization would prevent unwanted litters and thus reduce the number of abandoned cats, would have positive effects on cats' behaviour, would reduce fights and the risk of communicable diseases, and, of course, would decrease the chance of cats being abandoned.
I support this 100%, and I thank all those who signed it from across the country.
William Stevenson Conservative Yellowhead, AB
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition from concerned citizens in my riding and across Canada regarding a proposal by the Liberal-led finance committee to remove the advancement of religion as a charitable purpose under the Income Tax Act. More than 30,000 registered charities, approximately 42% of all charities in Canada, fall under the category of advancing religion. These faith-based organizations operate food banks, refugee programs, long-term care homes, schools, hospitals, shelters and much more.
Canadians are deeply concerned that removing charitable status from these organizations would undermine not only freedom of religion and expression, but also the ability of these groups to continue their work serving those in need regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs. Therefore, the government must reject this harmful recommendation and protect the charitable status of religious organizations.