Debates of Oct. 30th, 2025

Maria Florinda Pinheiro Leitão

[Carlos Leitão, Liberal, Marc-Aurèle-Fortin, QC]

Mr. Speaker, October is Women's History Month in Canada. It is a time to recognize the outstanding achievements of women who, over generations, have helped build a stronger and fairer country. To the many women in positions of leadership, I want to say that their courage and determination have opened doors for future generations.

Behind every major development, there are also everyday heroines: mothers, educators and workers like my wife and my mother. My mother, Maria Florinda Pinheiro Leitão, is a woman who immigrated to Canada for her children's future.

Through my wife, I want to acknowledge the efforts of all the immigrant women who have helped build this country.

Bill C-246

[Rachael Thomas, Conservative, Lethbridge, AB]

Mr. Speaker, discounts belong in grocery stores, not in courtrooms. Under the Liberals' soft-on-crime policies, sexual offenders often get discount sentences, where they serve one term for multiple crimes. This practice minimizes the gravity of their actions and denies victims the full measure of justice they deserve.

For example, in Toronto, a family doctor was convicted of nine counts of sexual assault and four counts of sexual exploitation involving three different patients over time. Despite these grave crimes, he received concurrent sentencing, which equated to three and a half years. His patients were supposed to feel safe and cared for, but instead, they were violated and betrayed. While they will carry the trauma for life, their abuser will soon walk free.

It is unthinkable, so I am proud to address this issue with my private member's bill, Bill C-246, the ending sentence reductions for sexual predators act. This act would ensure that every crime is punished in full and every victim receives the justice they deserve, because this place should always stand with victims.

Jacques St‑Jean

[Angelo Iacono, Liberal, Alfred-Pellan, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today, I am rising to pay tribute to the late Jacques St‑Jean, a passionate man who devoted 24 years of his life to serving the community of Saint‑François in Laval.

Jacques was a man with a larger-than-life personality and a heart of gold. His door was always open and he was always willing to help others. I met him when he was serving as a city councillor. He knew his constituents well and was deeply committed to their well-being.

A sports enthusiast and an extraordinary teacher, he founded a hockey school and devoted his energy to helping young people by passing on key values, such as perseverance, respect and solidarity. This visionary also helped establish the Montreal Heart Institute's EPIC Centre in 1969 and supported many local projects to promote Quebec culture.

His tireless dedication and kindness left a lasting impression on his community, and he continues to inspire all who knew him every day.

I hope my dear friend Jacques will rest in peace.

Energy Industry in Canada

[Greg McLean, Conservative, Calgary Centre, AB]

Mr. Speaker, last week the environment minister said that Canada must be “an energy superpower...low carbon, low risk and low cost”, but the government has deliberately chosen to ignore a proven opportunity: waste heat to power. Every day, heat from industries, such as metals, chemicals and cement, escapes unused. Industry makes up over half of Canada's energy use. Much of it lost as residual heat. That is zero-emission electricity, enough to power hundreds of thousands of homes.

Other countries act. The U.S. gives a 30% tax credit. France's is up to 50%. In Canada, it is nothing. The government decided to exclude waste heat to power in its clean technology incentives. This misguided mindset must be corrected now. Conservatives would do what this government will not, which is to manage Canada's energy future with economic sense.

Sonia Piché

[Marie-Hélène Gaudreau, Bloc, Laurentides—Labelle, QC]

Mr. Speaker, culture in the regions is fundamental to creation, dissemination and our artists.

Today, I would like to pay tribute to Sonia Piché, the former director of Théâtre du Marais in Val‑Morin. She is now retired, but she can be proud of her legacy as we celebrate the theatre's 25th anniversary.

At the celebration last month, she said, “Culture nourishes people. It does people good. There should be no more doubts about the need for organizations that promote the performing arts, theatre and dance, because these art forms are food for the soul. They're good for people's health.”

Today, October 30, I want to remind the House that Quebec culture is at the heart of who we are as a nation. It reflects our identity and our uniqueness.

Congratulations to Sonia Piché.

Nisa Foundation

[Sukh Dhaliwal, Liberal, Surrey Newton, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to recognize the Nisa Foundation for its invaluable work supporting women and children in Surrey Newton and communities across Canada. Through its Nisa homes program, led by program director Syma Nehal, the organization provides safe, culturally responsive housing, counselling and wraparound supports to those fleeing violence, poverty or homelessness.

The Nisa Foundation’s commitment not only restores dignity but also builds stronger, healthier families and communities. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Syma Nehal and her dedicated team for their tireless efforts to create a brighter, more inclusive future for women and children across the country.

The Economy

[Sukhman Gill, Conservative, Abbotsford—South Langley, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the elitist Prime Minister still has not shared an ounce of remorse for making remarks about students in Canada needing to sacrifice more for their future than they already do.

A poll from earlier this month found that nine in 10 Canadians are concerned about housing. Over half are worried about paying their mortgage or rent, especially Canadians my age.

More young Canadians are living paycheque to paycheque. Food banks are overwhelmed, gas prices are soaring and housing is out of reach. No one should sacrifice their basic needs.

To those told by the Liberal government to lower their expectations or give up on their dreams, it does not have to be this way. They deserve opportunity, stability and a fair shot at the Canadian dream.

The Conservatives will fight for affordable homes, good jobs and a better future, holding the Liberal government to account every step of the way.

Women's History Month

[Sameer Zuberi, Liberal, Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight women's history month.

Women shape our communities across Canada every day.

In my own family, I have seen women of different generations contribute in so many different ways.

Each one chooses a different path.

It is challenging for men to fully understand the lived experiences of women.

However, we must show them respect, not only this month, but every moment of every day.

As a father of two daughters, I want Canada to remain a country that supports and uplifts women and girls.

It is a country that promotes respect for women everywhere.

Taxation

[Gabriel Hardy, Conservative, Montmorency—Charlevoix, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is a champion of tax evasion. Last week, at the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics, we learned that Brookfield is one of the companies that evades the most taxes in Canada. Not that long ago, our Prime Minister was at the head of that company.

Over the past 15 years, the company has paid less than 5% in taxes in Canada, and in the last five years alone, it has evaded $6.5 billion in taxes. That is $6.5 billion that Canadians are not receiving, and the Prime Minister has the audacity to say that families and young people will have to make sacrifices.

After weeks of hearing the Liberals congratulate themselves on social programs that Canadians have to rely on more and more, as if that were a good thing, one has to wonder whether the Prime Minister is really able to understand the reality of those who actually pay their taxes here in Canada.

Young Polonia Leadership Summit

[Helena Jaczek, Liberal, Markham—Stouffville, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today marks the fourth Young Polonia Leadership Summit, hosted in Ottawa by the Canadian Polish Congress, in collaboration with the Polish embassy and the Canada-Poland Parliamentary Friendship Group. This summit brings together over 30 young Polish-Canadian leaders from across the country who represent the future of Polonia in Canada, a community whose contributions have enriched our country for generations.

As chair of the Canada-Poland Parliamentary Friendship Group, and with my own Polish roots, I am honoured to be part of it because Poland is Canada's close ally, one of the fastest-growing economies in the European Union and our largest trading partner in central and eastern Europe.

Our Prime Minister and Prime Minister Tusk affirmed in August that our countries are committed to strengthening our strategic partnership. This summit supports that effort for the benefit of both Poles and Canadians now and for years to come.

Food Affordability

[Branden Leslie, Conservative, Portage—Lisgar, MB]

Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister told us to judge him by the prices at grocery stores, so let us do just that.

Food inflation has blown past the Bank of Canada's target. Canadians are paying over $800 more for food this year than last, and 39% of Canadians have experience food insecurity over the last 12 months. However, the Liberals are plowing ahead with measures that will make groceries even more expensive. From the industrial carbon tax on fertilizer and farm equipment to the food packaging tax and inflationary spending, the story is the same.

Just this month, representatives of the Liberal government were at an international meeting backing the UN's net-zero shipping tax. Do they not see the obvious? If we tax the farmer who grows the food, those who package it and the shippers who move it, prices will go up.

Seniors are struggling to stay afloat and parents cannot afford to put a nutritious meal on their kids' plates. It is clear that Canadians simply cannot afford another dime in Liberal food taxes.

When will the Liberals stop driving up grocery store prices and finally give families a break at the checkout line?

Juliette Trudeau

[Marie-France Lalonde, Liberal, Orléans, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise today to pay tribute to Juliette Trudeau, who is retiring after 39 years of devoted service to Parliament.

Originally from Charlo, New Brunswick, Juliette began her career as a legal secretary before moving to Ottawa in 1986. That same year, she came to work for the House of Commons, where she served as a parliamentary assistant and then a ministerial assistant. Since 2006, she has worked in the office of the Sergeant-at-Arms, holding various positions, including that of liaison officer at the time of her retirement.

Throughout her career, Juliette demonstrated discretion, impartiality and exceptional judgment. Her superior, the Sergeant-at-Arms, often says she has a “Ph.D. in service to MPs”. Juliette supported generations of parliamentarians with professionalism, kindness and rigour.

As she begins a new chapter with her family and her grandson, Beau, we sincerely thank her for being so dedicated and such an inspiration.

We congratulate Juliette. She will be missed.

The Economy

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK]

Mr. Speaker, after 10 years of the Liberal government, elites and insiders have never had it so good. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister is telling young Canadians that they are going to have to sacrifice even more. Now we learn what all that sacrifice is for.

We learned today that the Liberals just paid out big bonuses to government officials. The Liberal housing agency, CMHC, whose main job is to make housing more affordable, paid out $30 million in executive bonuses at a rate of about $42,000 a pop. Each one of those could have been a down payment for a young Canadian.

Why is the Prime Minister telling young Canadians that they have to sacrifice so he can pay off government insiders?

[Rechie Valdez, Liberal, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians made it clear in the last election that they want more homes built, especially for young Canadians trying to buy their first home. That is why this government is moving fast. We are cutting the GST for first-time homebuyers, with up to $50,000 in tax relief and nearly $4 billion in savings. This work is building on our first home savings account and the national housing strategy, supporting purpose-built rentals for young Canadians.

While Conservatives are voting down affordability measures, we are stepping up and taking care of young Canadians who are finally getting the keys to their first home.

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK]

Mr. Speaker, if flushing billions of tax dollars through big bureaucracies actually worked, we would not be having this conversation. We have been hearing the same thing for 10 years from the Liberal government, and the results for young Canadians are terrible.

The youth unemployment rate is now 15%. Young people are being forced to move back into their parents' basement. Now the Prime Minister is telling them to sacrifice while he uses their tax dollars to pay off big bonuses for government officials.

Do the Liberals not realize that young Canadians simply have nothing left to give?

[Patty Hajdu, Liberal, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario]

Mr. Speaker, what young Canadians want is a great job. That is why we are making investments not only in the things they need, like good jobs, housing and major projects, but also in the skills training they need for picking up those jobs.

Canada's Building Trades Unions does a fantastic job of training young apprentices. That is why in our budget we will propose $75 million more for Canada's Building Trades Unions and other unions around the country to train our youth who want to do the work. They want to be part of this transformation.

[Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative, Calgary East, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister told young Canadians to make sacrifices while Liberal insiders and elites have never had it so good. Canadians are lining up at food banks while the Liberals use tax dollars to hand out bonuses.

CMHC executives got $30 million in bonuses for helping the Liberal housing crisis. EDC executives got $60 million in bonuses for the Liberal mismanagement of COVID benefits.

How many more sacrifices do young people need to make so the Prime Minister can keep lining the pockets of his insider buddies?

[Rechie Valdez, Liberal, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)]

Mr. Speaker, this is coming from a member whose leader, when responsible for this file, only built six homes in this country.

Conservatives claim to care about young people, yet every time a measure comes forward to support them, the Conservatives vote against it. They voted against the national housing strategy, against the first home savings account and against expanding mortgage criteria, and now they will not even commit to a GST cut that would save first-time homebuyers $50,000.

However, do not worry. Canadians can rely on our government and this side of the House to keep making life more affordable for Canadians.

[Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative, Calgary East, AB]

Mr. Speaker, housing was half the cost under our leader when he was the housing minister, and if all of those expensive programs worked, 700,000 kids would not be waiting in food bank lines every single month.

Rents have doubled. A P.E.I. senior reported that he is living out of his car because he cannot afford rent, but this is the new normal in Liberal Canada.

The only people eating and living good today are the Prime Minister and his elitist buddies. Why is he putting taxpayer-funded bonuses ahead of struggling Canadians?

[Patty Hajdu, Liberal, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario]

Mr. Speaker, this morning, I had the privilege of meeting with Minister Barb Ramsay of the Conservative government in Prince Edward Island. Do members know what Minister Ramsay and I talked about? It was how pleased people were that we made the national school food program permanent. In fact, they have been able to drive down hunger through the national school food program, and they are so happy to have a federal partner working with them so that kids can eat and have dignity, no matter who they are and no matter where they go to school.

[Luc Berthold, Conservative, Mégantic—L’Érable—Lotbinière, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals have been in power for 10 years and now more than 600,000 Quebeckers are using food banks every month, while the Prime Minister's friends are lining their pockets.

Last week, the Prime Minister had the nerve to tell our young people that they need to make sacrifices, while the executives at BDC and the CMHC are getting tens of millions of dollars in bonuses. Imagine: The Prime Minister is asking young people to make more sacrifices, but he is rewarding executives with tens of millions of dollars.

Instead of telling our young people to make more sacrifices, why does the Prime Minister not ask his friends to make sacrifices and cut their bonuses?

[Joël Lightbound, Liberal, Minister of Government Transformation]

Mr. Speaker, my colleague wants to talk about nerve. I would say to him that the Conservatives have the nerve to stand here in the House and preach virtue, but every time they have an opportunity to vote against programs that really help young Quebeckers and young Canadians, they do so.

Take, for example, the dental care program, which helps tens of thousands of people and young people in his riding access dental care. We could also mention the hundreds of thousands of young Canadians who have access to the national school food program, a program that his colleague called garbage. That takes some nerve.

[Luc Berthold, Conservative, Mégantic—L’Érable—Lotbinière, QC]

Mr. Speaker, members on the other side of the House seem unable to grasp the reality facing ordinary Canadians.

As I said, 600,000 people in Quebec are using food banks. Meanwhile, rents are doubling in every region of the province, and grocery prices just keep going up. On the weekend, Le Journal de Montréal reported that pregnant women are now cutting back on protein and vegetables. People can no longer afford to pay their rent. They can no longer afford to buy groceries.

Will the Prime Minister finally get the message and table an affordable budget so that families can afford to live?

[Joël Lightbound, Liberal, Minister of Government Transformation]

Mr. Speaker, it is simply astounding the way the Conservatives take every opportunity to vote against programs that truly benefit Quebeckers and Canadians.

Take, for example, the Canada child benefit, which has reduced child poverty in Canada by 38%, the Canadian dental care plan or the national school food program, which the Breakfast Club describes as a huge success that will help the youth of Quebec.

The Conservatives talk a good game, but every time they have a chance to do something, they go missing in action.

Justice

[Christine Normandin, Bloc, Saint-Jean, QC]

Mr. Speaker, 30 years ago, Quebeckers came within a hair's breadth of forming their own country. Now, the yes camp is back in action.

I have a message for all the Quebeckers who were part of that movement. It is time to roll up your sleeves and start again. To all the Quebeckers who, like me, were too young or not even born yet, to those who have changed their minds or who were living abroad, my message is this: Now it is our turn. This is something that should be decided democratically, but the federal government is preventing us from making that choice with its Clarity Act.

My question for the government is this. Will it commit to respecting the will of Quebeckers?