House of Commons Hansard #46 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was young.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
National Framework for a Guaranteed Livable Basic Income Act First reading of Bill C-253. The bill requires the federal government to develop a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income to address severe poverty and food insecurity across Canada, particularly in Nunavut. 200 words.
Criminal Code First reading of Bill S-233. The bill amends the Criminal Code regarding assault against health service providers and first responders, aiming to protect them from unprecedented violence. 200 words.
Bail and Sentencing Reform Act Second reading of Bill C-14. The bill strengthens Canada's criminal laws, focusing on bail and sentencing reforms. It aims to keep repeat violent offenders detained by clarifying the principle of restraint and introducing reverse onus for specific crimes. Sentencing changes include aggravating factors for crimes against first responders and critical infrastructure, consecutive sentences, and ending house arrest for serious sexual assaults. Conservatives deem it "good, but not good enough", while the Bloc questions its data basis and overall impact. 14100 words, 2 hours.
Admissibility of Committee Amendments to Bill C-4 Kevin Lamoureux raises a point of order on Bloc Québécois amendments to Bill C-4. He argues expanding the GST rebate for new housing infringes the Crown's financial prerogative, requiring a royal recommendation, and seeks their removal. 1100 words, 10 minutes.
National Strategy on Housing for Young Canadians Act Second reading of Bill C-227. The bill establishes a national strategy on housing for young Canadians (ages 17-34), aiming to address their housing needs. While the Liberal proponent sees it as complementing existing efforts and a relatively non-partisan issue, Conservatives argue it is another bureaucratic report that won't solve the current crisis caused by Liberal policies. The Bloc Québécois calls it useless and an empty shell, suggesting the government should instead release money owed to provinces. 9100 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 Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne.
[Members sang the national anthem]
Lori Idlout NDP Nunavut, NU
Uqaqtittiji, I congratulate the newly elected and re-elected MLAs in Nunavut. My deepest respect goes to all those who put their name on the ballot. Qujannamiik.
I encourage the MLAs to remember the people they represent. The dream of Nunavut is for Inuit self-determination. MLAs must keep their communities at the forefront of their work. Their communities have great solutions to offer. MLAs must be their voices in changing policies and laws.
There is much work ahead of the MLAs. Food security, housing, health care, the local economy and supporting hunter and trapper organizations all need their attention. They will be pulled in many directions, so they must serve with purpose. Together we can make the dream of Nunavut a reality.
Jake Sawatzky Liberal New Westminster—Burnaby—Maillardville, BC
Mr. Speaker, in politics it is easy to attack each other, but Canadians are tired of the divisions. We have seen where that road leads in other countries. Let us take a moment to focus on the topics we can agree on. There are many values that the Liberal Party shares with other parties. For the Conservatives, that is public safety, affordability and innovation. For the NDP, that is protecting workers, indigenous communities and people in need.
For the Bloc Québécois, that is the French language and the voice of Quebec.
For the Green Party, it is protecting our environment and building a sustainable future.
This is a critical moment. Canadians want unity, and they want us to act like leaders. When we work together, we serve Canadians best.
Kevin Waugh Conservative Saskatoon South, SK
Mr. Speaker, the cost of groceries has become a daily burden on Canadians, and the Liberal government's policies are the main culprit. Years of heavy Liberal spending have fuelled inflation, making it more expensive for families just trying to get by. Farmers and shippers face higher costs, which then get passed to the consumer. The result is that food insecurity is rising, grocery bills are soaring and too many households in this country are simply one price shock away from overdraft. Over two million Canadians a month are visiting a food bank.
Canadians want to be able to support their family and not have to rely on charity. It is time for the Liberals to hear the alarm bells and stop telling Canadians they have never had it so good. Canadians have sacrificed enough.
Viviane LaPointe Liberal Sudbury, ON
Mr. Speaker, in my riding of Sudbury, mining is in our DNA, and teaching students to explore the many careers in mining has never been more important.
This month, over 350 students from across Sudbury participated in the MineOpportunity Challenge, a day filled with learning about our mining industry. From geology and engineering to governance and social responsibility, students from grades 9 to 12 worked together to build mines, find answers to industry questions and complete hands-on activities, all while learning about what mining and mining innovation has to offer.
I want to acknowledge and congratulate Modern Mining & Technology Sudbury and also the Goodman School of Mines for their incredible work in making this event happen every year. It teaches the next generation about what is possible, and these young minds will ensure that Canada's mining industry will continue to thrive.
William Stevenson Conservative Yellowhead, AB
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the vital role of the visitor economy in my riding of Yellowhead and across all of rural Alberta. Tourism is more than just sightseeing. For my riding it is an economic engine that supports nearly 9,000 jobs and more than 2,000 small businesses, most of which are locally owned and operated by proud Albertans.
Yellowhead is at the heart of Alberta's visitor economy, from the crown jewels of Banff, Jasper and Kananaskis to the hidden gems like Grande Cache, Nordegg and the Cowboy Trail. Like Travel Alberta says, we are “Canada's wild side”, a world-class destination that showcases our western heritage and attracts billions in investments and visitor spending, creating a stronger and more prosperous Alberta.
Tourism is the key to strengthening and diversifying Canada's economy. I urge all members of the House to recognize that for communities to prosper, we need a strong visitor economy. I invite all members to come experience the wonders of Yellowhead.
Élisabeth Brière Liberal Sherbrooke, QC
Mr. Speaker, as part of Women's History Month, I would like to pay tribute to an ally of women past and present: artist Adèle Blais.
From activist Thérèse Casgrain to civil rights figure Claudette Colvin and writer Gabrielle Roy, Ms. Blais chooses to use her art to celebrate iconic figures and give a voice to women who have been forgotten for too long.
She tells the stories of all these great women, but her own story is just as inspiring. Despite having a difficult time at school, she persevered, earned her diploma and taught herself to read after being functionally illiterate until the age of 25.
Today, the Sherbrooke native is charming the world with exhibitions in London, Hong Kong, and Stockholm. Her unique approach inspires the artists of tomorrow to use art to convey powerful messages.
If my colleagues find themselves in Sherbrooke, I invite them to stop by Whiting Alley to see for themselves the nuance of her striking works.
October is coming to an end, but the impact of women endures.
Fraser Tolmie Conservative Moose Jaw—Lake Centre—Lanigan, SK
Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan is known as the land of the living skies. This is especially true for the riding of Moose Jaw—Lake Centre—Lanigan, home of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. For over 50 years, the Snowbirds have thrilled air show audiences around the world, showing the professionalism of the Canadian military.
The Parliamentary Budget Officer pointed out today the government's shameful $18-billion shortfall in spending on our Canadian Forces. What I am hearing about the future of the Snowbirds I do not like: Their future seems to be in question. The Snowbirds are a Canadian icon. It is time to get our team new jets.
On behalf of my colleagues, I salute the dedicated personnel of 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, after a successful 2025 season. Their commitment to showcasing Canadian excellence continues to make our nation proud. We should return the favour by giving them proper equipment to do their job.
David Myles Liberal Fredericton—Oromocto, NB
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a beloved institution in downtown Fredericton, Tony's Music Box.
The family-owned musical instrument store has served the community with passion and dedication for 50 years. Founded in 1975 by the late Tony George, Tony's Music Box quickly became more than just a store.
It was a hub of creativity, a gathering place for musicians and a pillar of Fredericton's cultural landscape.
From beginners to seasoned professionals, generations of musicians were welcomed with warmth, encouragement and always an enthusiastic handshake. The store's legacy will live on through the countless people it inspired. The staff were not just salespeople; they were mentors, musicians themselves, teachers and champions of local talent.
With the store closing its doors later this year, we remember the memories, the music and the valuable contributions made by Tony's Music Box.
I thank the George family, Michael and Terri, and all the staff who made it such a special store.
Stephanie Kusie Conservative Calgary Midnapore, AB
Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, Calgary police reported that a man was stabbed in broad daylight in Fish Creek Provincial Park, a park in my riding that should be an oasis of peace and nature for community and families. Last August, a seven-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in that same park. This is unacceptable.
Just a decade ago, it would have been unthinkable that brazen daylight stabbings or sexual assaults would happen in Calgary Midnapore. However, as a result of the Liberals' soft-on-crime laws, like Bill C-5 and Bill C-75, they are becoming normal occurrences in south Calgary. Violent crime in my city has increased by 59% since the Liberals took office, and it is not getting any better.
Conservatives have responded with our jail not bail act. Liberals must work to pass this legislation as soon as possible to restore not just my great riding of Calgary Midnapore but all of Canada to a place of tranquility and safety.
Yves-François Blanchet Bloc Beloeil—Chambly, QC
Mr. Speaker, on October 30, 1995, Quebec's support for sovereignty grew from the 40% seen in 1980 to just under 50%. Quebec was just a hair's breadth away from becoming its own country.
History tells the tale. The so-called Canadian raison d'état served as a cover for cheating, lies and secrets, for voters who appeared out of thin air, for a love-in that smacked of hypocrisy, and much more.
Now, Quebeckers, all Quebeckers, must look to the future and simply ask themselves what country they want and how to make that happen.
Let us put aside the bitterness we feel at what was taken from an entire nation and focus our complete attention on the future, on the next opportunity, one we cannot afford to miss.
At the end of his life, Jacques Parizeau left us with a critical message about our destiny that resonates in light of the current context: Do not be afraid, do not be afraid, do not be afraid.
Maggie Chi Liberal Don Valley North, ON
Mr. Speaker, this past weekend I had the pleasure of joining the Toronto Netralya Lions Club for their wonderful Diwali and Thanksgiving celebration.
I want to take this occasion to acknowledge the Netralya Lions Club for their dedication to humanitarian causes and charitable organizations. I commend them for fundraising an incredible $143,500 to help equip North York General Hospital in my riding of Don Valley North with more cancer care and emergency beds. I advise the House of this great community-minded group of neighbours, professionals and retirees, who volunteer their time and effort to keep making Don Valley North a better place for everyone.
Colleagues can see that when the community calls, the lions roar.
Aaron Gunn Conservative North Island—Powell River, BC
Mr. Speaker, in a democracy, we elect leaders based on the promises they make and hold them accountable based on the promises they keep. The Prime Minister was elected on the promise to get the cost of living under control. Instead, prices at the grocery store keep going up. He was elected on a promise to “build, baby, build”, to double the pace of new home construction. Instead, CMHC says homebuilding will drop 13% over the next several years.
He was elected to get spending under control, to embark on a series of nation-building projects and to strike a trade deal with the United States. Six months later, there is not a single permit approved, not a single shovel in the ground, and Canada's spending and debt are higher than ever before. Not only is there no deal with the Americans, but the Prime Minister has removed Canadian countertariffs while getting nothing in return. It has been six months of broken promises.
Canadians want to know how much longer they have to wait before they start seeing results from the Prime Minister.
Ryan Turnbull Liberal Whitby, ON
Mr. Speaker, today I rise to spotlight two exceptional educators in my riding who are receiving the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence. These awards celebrate the finest in Canadian teaching, and both recipients represent the very best of Whitby. They are laying the foundation for a stronger Canada one student, one classroom and one lesson at a time.
I congratulate Melissa Runhart, recipient of the national certificate of excellence, and Penny Senior, recipient of the regional certificate of achievement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. I am thankful to Melissa and Penny for all they do. We are proud to honour them today. Their influence extends far beyond the classroom.
I ask colleagues to join me in recognizing these two exceptional teachers.
Michael Barrett Conservative Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands—Rideau Lakes, ON
Mr. Speaker, revelations at the ethics committee have exposed the Prime Minister's company, Brookfield, as one of Canada's largest tax dodgers. Leading tax transparency experts show that Brookfield avoided an incredible $6.5 billion in Canadian taxes over just five years through the use of offshore tax havens. While chair of Brookfield, the Prime Minister set up three multi-billion dollar investment funds in Bermuda and the Cayman Islands, shielding profits from Canadian taxes. Those are funds that could line the Prime Minister's pockets through future bonus payments.
Canadians deserve to know that the Prime Minister is making decisions in the public interest, not in his own financial interest. That is why it was shocking that Liberals voted to try to shut down this investigation to improve transparency for Canadians.
While Liberals vote to protect powerful politicians, Conservatives will stand up for hard-working Canadian taxpayers. We will not back down. We will defend hard-working Canadian taxpayers. We are going to hold the Liberal Prime Minister accountable.
Peter Schiefke Liberal Vaudreuil, QC
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible work of the Pure Art Foundation and the group of 39 Canadian volunteers who recently returned from their annual humanitarian trip to Pucallpa, Peru.
Led by Robert and Brigitte McKinnon of Hudson, this team built a new home for a family of 10 in the Manantay district. Through the foundation's CAST program, they worked alongside local tradespeople to lay bricks, install windows and build a home that will keep a family safe and dry during the rainy season. They even furnished it with new mattresses, pillows and sheets, a true gift of both comfort and dignity.
Since building its first home in 2007, the Pure Art Foundation has supported the creation of more than 40 homes, a medical clinic, a day care, a community centre and a sustainable sewing initiative that empowers women to support their families.
I thank every volunteer who participated in this year's trip to Peru for showing what true compassion looks like. The volunteers remind us that when we come together as a community, there is no limit to what we can achieve.
Sandra Cobena Conservative Newmarket—Aurora, ON
Mr. Speaker, there have been 2.2 million visits to Canada's food banks in a single month, and one in three of those walking through the doors is a child. That is over 700,000 little ones in a single month. Too many Canadian families cannot afford to feed themselves, and what do the Liberals say? They ask why parents should feed their children when the government can do it for them, as if dependence on the government were compassion.
Conservatives believe in a Canada where every parent can afford a safe home and good food for their family, but the Prime Minister stubbornly doubles down on the same inflationary policies that drove food prices through the roof. Every dollar the Liberal government overspends comes from Canadians and drives the price of everything up, including food.
When will the Prime Minister stop punishing Canadians, reverse inflationary deficits and remove hidden taxes on groceries, fertilizer and farm equipment so that food prices can finally come down?
Sima Acan Liberal Oakville West, ON
Mr. Speaker, today, as the first Canadian of Turkish heritage elected to Parliament, I am deeply honoured to join students from the Turkish Canadian community, who are right here in the gallery above, as we celebrate the 102nd anniversary of the Republic of Turkey.
This is a very special day for Turkish Canadians.
October 29 reaffirms our NATO ally's commitment to democracy and national sovereignty. Turkish Canadians honour the legacy of Atatürk, whose vision and determination gave birth to a secular, democratic and contemporary state. His enduring principle of “Peace at Home, Peace in the World” reminds us of the importance of stability and co-operation among both nations and the people. Atatürk's belief that sovereignty belongs unconditionally to the nation deeply resonates here in Canada, where democracy, freedom and diversity define who we are.
Long live Turkey, long live Canada and long live our enduring friendship and alliance.
Cumhuriyet bayraminiz kutlu olsun.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, after 10 costly Liberal deficit budgets that caused the debt to balloon and pushed up the cost of food and housing, Canadians deserve an affordable budget for an affordable life.
The Prime Minister promised that Canadians would be able to judge him by the prices they pay at the grocery store. Prices have ballooned and the number of people using food banks has doubled.
Will the government work with us, with our proposals, for an affordable budget and an affordable life?
Steven MacKinnon LiberalMinister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, we are indeed going to work for an affordable life and an affordable budget. However, the Leader of the Opposition is making proposals that he does not even dare put in his own election platform.
Six months ago, Canadians gave us a mandate to present a plan to spend less and invest more. That is what we are going to present on November 5. I hope that the Leader of the Opposition will vote in favour of our budget and not force a Christmas election.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, it is clear that the Liberal House leader wants to trigger a costly election on a costly budget. However, Canadians should not have to choose between a costly budget and a costly election. They should be able to choose an affordable budget for an affordable life, and that is what we are proposing.
Here is one of our proposals: Get rid of the industrial tax on our farmers so that Canadians can buy affordable food. Will the Prime Minister consider this proposal? It would be good for affordability.
Steven MacKinnon LiberalMinister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, we have announced a series of measures aimed precisely at affordability, including a school food program and automatic enrolment for benefits, which will reduce poverty among Canadians.
Every time we propose an affordability measure, the Leader of the Opposition orders his troops to vote against it, even though they are reluctant to do so. Which way is he leaning? Either he wants to help Canadians, or he wants an election over Christmas. What is the answer?
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, Canadians cannot afford a 10th costly budget that drives up the price of groceries and housing. What they need, in fact, is an affordable budget for an affordable life. The Prime Minister, though, has driven up the cost of the bureaucracy, the consultants and therefore inflation, so Canadians are paying more for everything. We have put forward common-sense proposals to make life more affordable, such as eliminating all the hidden taxes on food.
Will the Prime Minister put partisanship aside and work with us on an affordable budget for an affordable life?
Steven MacKinnon LiberalMinister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, these are happy days: There will be an affordable budget, for an affordable life, presented in this House on November 4. We certainly hope the opposition leader will order his troops to vote for it instead of ordering the very nervous ones to vote against it and cause a very expensive Christmas election here in Canada.
Will the opposition leader tell his very nervous troops to vote for our affordable budget on November 4?
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, there he goes, trying to use a costly budget to trigger a costly election. We know he wants to distract from the fact that the Prime Minister has broken every promise he has made, by triggering a costly election on a costly budget, but Canadians should not have to choose between a costly budget and a costly election. They can choose an affordable budget with an affordable life, and we are putting forward the proposals on how to do that, such as eliminating the industrial carbon tax on our farmers, who feed us.
Will the Liberals take our positive, collaborative ideas for an affordable budget and affordable life, yes or no?