Debates of Oct. 31st, 2025

Citizenship Act

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Madam Speaker, there is a fundamental flaw in the proposition the member has put before the House. He tries to give the impression that the Bloc's working with the Conservatives, and anything they might decide in a committee, should ultimately prevail because they believe they make up a perceived majority.

I have been in a situation, when I was in opposition, where I was part of a political entity that did not have party status. I like to think that my value was just as great then as it was for any member of the Manitoba Legislature, just as I would ultimately argue that representatives from the New Democratic Party and the Green Party, inside the House, should be treated equally with respect to members' rights.

With respect to the 340-plus members, does the member believe that they should be treated equally inside the House, in terms of rights?

[Michael Barrett, Conservative, Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands—Rideau Lakes, ON]

Madam Speaker, of course the parliamentary secretary is ignoring his own actions and his government's own actions. Let us follow his argument all the way through.

The NDP asked to be given official party status to make sure they get the same rights. However, that is not how it works. It is a question of numbers and how many members they sent to the House. The Liberal government has said that.

We are sure that over the last 10 years of their government, the Liberals have said that committees are important and are the master of their own destiny, and that the House will respect what committees have to say. What has been the change? The change is that the Liberals do not have a majority, and they do not want to respect what happened at committee.

[Marilyn Gladu, Conservative, Sarnia—Lambton—Bkejwanong, ON]

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my hon. colleague for his military service.

People who stood in frozen trenches and fought for the freedoms of this country, and people who have fought all along, would not really be happy about the granting of citizenship to people who have never lived in Canada, because citizenship has to mean something. What does the member think about that?

[Michael Barrett, Conservative, Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands—Rideau Lakes, ON]

Madam Speaker, this was why they went to fight: for a future they could not have imagined. There were literal children who were lying about their age so they could go fight for an idea that they had only just come to understand as they were coming of age as adults. They believed in what we have had the blessing and the benefit to enjoy since then: parliamentary democracy.

I will note that committees do not serve in an advisory role to the executive, to the Prime Minister, that he should dismiss out of hand simply because he can. I would say that, responsibly and ethically, he ought not and cannot dismiss it, because this place has been structured in such a way that we send bills to committee. They are referred to a committee by the House.

If the Liberals are just going to do whatever they want to do at the end of the day, then why the pageantry of the more than two dozen standing committees? That is not what this place is for.

Civic Discourse

[Yasir Naqvi, Liberal, Ottawa Centre, ON]

Madam Speaker, we live in complicated times, when misinformation and disinformation are threatening the safety and security of our communities.

I had the chance to participate in an event hosted by Carleton University, in my riding of Ottawa Centre, with Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss, discussing hate, conspiracy theories and challenges to democracy. It was an important discussion, reminding us of the many forces that seek to undermine everything that makes Canadian democracy and our society the envy of the world.

Algorithms and echo chambers have polluted civic discourse, leading to rising disinformation, disagreement and hate in all forms. We must remember that the work of maintaining our values of democracy, rule of law and respect for rights is hard and ongoing, but it is work that we must always keep up. All of us in this Parliament have an important responsibility to always listen to each other and engage in thoughtful debates to build Canada strong.

The Economy

[Marilyn Gladu, Conservative, Sarnia—Lambton—Bkejwanong, ON]

Madam Speaker,

The budget is coming after Halloween
So I want to tell you the things I have seen
Spending so scary it will tax us to the brink,
With inflation so high it will drive us to drink
The crime in our streets is now terrifying
With all getting bail, we are now verifying
Food prices so high it will spook you for sure
With more hikes to come that no one can endure
With nothing being built and no trade deal in sight
This Liberal government is really a fright
Job losses are climbing like a very grim reaper
And this budget for sure will be driving them deeper
But there's hope in the midst of this terrible nightmare
For the safe homes and streets that we all want to share
For affordable lives in a country so free
Our Conservative team will bring it to thee
Conservative bills will stop all the crime
And bring a great outcome to the end of this rhyme

Caroline Gauthier

[Bienvenu-Olivier Ntumba, Liberal, Mont-Saint-Bruno—L’Acadie, QC]

Madam Speaker, today, I want to pay tribute to Caroline Gauthier, the director of Maison des jeunes de St‑Bruno, a youth centre in my riding of Mont‑Saint‑Bruno—L'Acadie. She has had a remarkable career and is celebrating 20 years of work at this vital organization.

For two decades, Ms. Gauthier has been pouring her energy, passion and commitment into giving young people a safe, inclusive and stimulating space. Thanks to her leadership, Maison des jeunes de St‑Bruno has become a true pillar of the community, a place where young people can gather, grow and develop their full potential.

I want to sincerely congratulate Ms. Gauthier for her outstanding dedication and thank her for everything she has done for the young people of Mont‑Saint‑Bruno.

Yarmouth Business Awards

[Chris d'Entremont, Conservative, Acadie—Annapolis, NS]

Madam Speaker, last Thursday, the very best of Yarmouth businesses were recognized at the 18th annual Yarmouth Business Awards, hosted by the Yarmouth and Area Chamber of Commerce at the Mariners Centre in my riding of Acadie—Annapolis. It was an inspiring evening that celebrated our region's most dedicated entrepreneurs and community leaders. They are people whose hard work, creativity and determination continue to drive our economy and strengthen our community.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the 13 award recipients and all of the nominees. Their achievements inspire our community and reflect the resilience, innovation and pride that define the spirit of Yarmouth.

I give special congratulations to the D'Eon Oyster Company, a family-owned business that earned not one, but two awards this year: the export achievement award and the people's choice award. Its remarkable success not only showcases the world-class quality of our seafood industry, but proves how a business built on local roots, hard work and family dedication can achieve international recognition.

Elsie MacGill

[Madeleine Chenette, Liberal, Thérèse-De Blainville, QC]

Madam Speaker, as Women's History Month draws to a close, I want to honour an outstanding Canadian trailblazer: Elizabeth Muriel Gregory MacGill, commonly known as Elsie.

In 1927, Elsie became the first woman in Canada to earn an electrical engineering degree from the University of Toronto. Two years later she became the first woman in North America to receive a master's degree in aeronautical engineering. She was the first woman to take the lead in aircraft design, including the design of the Maple Leaf Trainer II and the Hawker Hurricane, a vital fighter aircraft of the Second World War.

As a feminist, she contributed to the historic Royal Commission on the Status of Women in Canada report in 1970. Elsie grew up surrounded by strong women. Her grandmother, Emma, was a women's rights activist, and her mother, Helen, became British Columbia's first female judge.

From one generation to the next, strong women are building a strong Canada. As Elsie once eloquently said, as soon as we see a need for change, we find a way to make it happen.

The Budget

[Harb Gill, Conservative, Windsor West, ON]

Madam Speaker, as Canada approaches the November 4 federal budget, families in Windsor are watching closely, and they are worried. Grocery bills are still climbing, housing remains out of reach and fuel prices are squeezing household budgets. Life costs too much, and the government seems to be out of touch.

Windsor is a city that was built on hard work by auto workers, manufacturers and small business owners, but instead of rewarding that work, Ottawa keeps piling on carbon taxes, red tape and runaway spending that drives up inflation.

Canadians do not need more talk; they need action. They need lower taxes on food, homes and energy; a firm cap on the deficit; and a government that puts working families first. Windsor deserves a budget that restores the promise of Canada that if a person works hard, they can build a great life here.

It is time for common sense. It is time to make life affordable again.

Cross-Canada Run for Mental Health

[Ernie Klassen, Liberal, South Surrey—White Rock, BC]

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary achievement by my constituent, Mr. Sachin Latti. This year, Sachin, the first South Asian to run across Canada, covered over 3,700 kilometres in 82 days, with only nine rest days, averaging more than 50 kilometres daily.

As a retired law enforcement officer with 20 years of service at the Canada Border Services Agency, Sachin understands the mental health challenges facing those who serve our communities. He channelled this into action, running 100 kilometres in 15 hours, completing nine ultra-marathons in nine months and running 22 marathons in 22 consecutive days.

Sachin has raised $300,000 for mental health initiatives across Canada supporting veterans, first responders, individuals struggling with addiction and youth in communities from coast to coast.

Join me in commending Sachin for his remarkable journey of hope, healing and barrier-breaking achievement.

Young People in Canada

[Eric Melillo, Conservative, Kenora—Kiiwetinoong, ON]

Madam Speaker, it is Halloween, the season of tricks, masks and make-believe. It is fitting, because Canadians have seen all three under the Liberal government.

Recently, the Prime Minister told a room full of students they will have to make even more sacrifices. Unfortunately, this is nothing new, as young Canadians have had to sacrifice plenty after 10 long years. They have given up completely on their dream of home ownership, as housing costs doubled, and they are struggling to afford groceries with skyrocketing prices. To make matters worse, youth unemployment reached record highs over the summer, at nearly 15%.

This is the season for ghosts and ghouls, but for many young Canadians, the true horror is simply viewing their bank accounts. That is why a Conservative government will cut taxes on food, work and homebuilding to restore the promise of Canada and ensure that young Canadians can have a good job, an affordable home and hope for a brighter future.

Maison des jeunes de Boucherville

[Xavier Barsalou-Duval, Bloc, Pierre-Boucher—Les Patriotes—Verchères, QC]

Madam Speaker, I rise in the House to mark the 50th anniversary of the Maison des jeunes de Boucherville, or MDJ.

It all started in 1973 when a group of young people dreamed of a opening a youth centre in Boucherville. The community granted their wish, and it was such a success that the facilities have expanded and modernized several times.

Today, more than 1,200 young people from Boucherville regularly visit the MDJ, not to mention all those who participate in its many activities. I myself was a big fan of Pendragon's live action role playing games when I was a teenager.

I would like to congratulate the director, Marie-Claude Malo, who was once my day camp counsellor, Carole Chamberland, chair of the board of directors, and everyone who has made La Piaule a place for young people to meet, share, listen, support, and, above all, get involved over the years.

I wish the MDJ a happy 50th anniversary.

Max Short

[Philip Earle, Liberal, Labrador, NL]

Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the late Max Short, a recipient of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador and a proud Newfoundlander with strong roots in Labrador. As a fisherman, his life was devoted to the people of the fishery.

From his early days on the water to his leadership in the fisheries union and later as a representative of the federal government, Max brought deep knowledge, fairness and integrity to every role he held. He was the bridge between harvesters, industry and government, always focused on ensuring that the voices of coastal communities were heard and respected. Those who worked alongside Max will remember his steady hand, his sharp mind and his unwavering belief in the value of our fishery as the livelihood of rural Newfoundland and coastal Labrador.

We thank Max for a lifetime of service, leadership and friendship. On behalf of all Labradorians and Newfoundlanders, I extend sincere condolences to his family, colleagues and friends.

Ethics

[Eric Duncan, Conservative, Stormont—Dundas—Glengarry, ON]

Madam Speaker, this week, we learned that the Prime Minister's company, Brookfield, has been and continues to be one of Canada's largest tax-dodgers. Tax experts revealed that Brookfield avoided paying a stunning $6.5 billion in Canadian taxes over five years through the use of offshore tax havens.

While he was the chair of Brookfield, the Prime Minister set up three multi-billion dollar investment accounts in the Caribbean, claiming their headquarters was above a bicycle shop in Bermuda. Nobody believes that. He is shielding profits from Canadian taxes, and those are funds that could line the Prime Minister's pockets through future bonus payments. Canadians pay nearly half of their income in taxes and are rightly angered by seeing the Prime Minister dodging his share by putting his money in offshore tax havens.

The question is simple. Despite being asked multiple times, why will the Prime Minister not confirm that he has no investments in offshore tax havens? What is he trying to hide, and why will he not come clean to Canadians over his latest ethics scandal?

International Trade

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Winnipeg North, MB]

Madam Speaker, did members know that Canada makes up 2.5% of world trade? At the same, it makes up 0.5% of the world's population.

In the last election, the Prime Minister made a commitment to Canadians to look for trading opportunities beyond the United States, and we are aggressively doing so. Just last week, the Prime Minister had a wonderful discussion with President Marcos, and now we have set our targets on trying to achieve a trade agreement between the two great nations of Canada and the Philippines.

Some of the best coconuts in the world come from the Philippines. Some of the best beef and pork come from the Prairies in Canada. Some of the best potatoes come from P.E.I. There is so much opportunity for trade between Canada and the Philippines.

This is a Prime Minister and a government that are looking to other countries to get trade done.

Food Affordability

[Matt Strauss, Conservative, Kitchener South—Hespeler, ON]

Madam Speaker, I visited the Kitchener food bank. Its CEO told me that visits to the centre have quintupled in the last 10 years. What happened 10 years ago to start all of this? The Liberals came into power, promising to grow the middle class, but after 10 years of their massive spending on nonsense like gender-neutral rice in Vietnam, the middle class in Canada can no longer afford to eat. Some 39% of Canadians experienced food insecurity in the last 12 months.

I do not think the multi-millionaire Goldman Sachs banker Prime Minister has any idea what Canadians are going through right now. Every time we bring up this crisis, the Liberals say we should be thankful for their school cafeteria program. If that program was working, why has food bank use by children doubled over the last few years in our country?

Why would Canadians trust the Liberals, who cannot run a post office or a passport office, to do something as important as feed our children? We cannot and will not. Conservatives will fight for a budget that makes life affordable again so that parents can feed their own kids.

Famous Five

[Linda Lapointe, Liberal, Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, QC]

Madam Speaker, Women's History Month serves as a reminder that equality in Canada is not a given, but rather the result of a struggle embedded in the very core of our institutions.

Over a century ago, the Famous Five—Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, Henrietta Muir Edwards and Louise McKinney—established a fundamental principle of our democracy, recognizing women as persons with rights, and therefore eligible to sit in the Senate. This decision laid the groundwork for women's participation in parliamentary life, with full civic and constitutional recognition.

This legacy continues thanks to five women who were recently honoured here in Ottawa, whose commitment reflects the same vision of justice, leadership and social transformation.

By celebrating them, we are affirming that women's history is not just a thing of the past, but rather it is still being written today in this Parliament, with 40% of the elected members on our side being women.

Toronto Blue Jays

[Scot Davidson, Conservative, New Tecumseth—Gwillimbury, ON]

Madam Speaker, strap in. Tonight, Canadians from coast to coast to coast will be on the edge of their seats as the Toronto Blue Jays take on the Dodgers in the pivotal game six of the World Series.

Across five games and 54 innings, the Jays have excited us, inspired us and shown us the kind of grit and determination that unite us all. Their impressive display against the Dodgers has the entire country believing this could be it. After 32 years, they are one win away from glory. It is an underdog story for the ages and so much more than just another ball game.

Whether they are watching at the Rogers Centre, at a local sports bar or with friends at home, every Canadian will be taking in every pitch, hit and homer with bated breath. Let us get behind the Jays, cheer them on and watch them make history.

We want it all. Go, Jays!

Jean Melançon

[Sherry Romanado, Liberal, Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne, QC]

Madam Speaker, today, I want to pay tribute to a remarkable leader, Jean Melançon, outgoing director of the Service de sécurité incendie de l'agglomération de Longueuil, or SSIAL.

After 37 years of service with the Longueuil fire department, the SSIAL, including 12 years as fire chief, Jean is getting ready to share his vast experience and expertise with another fire department.

As a man of courage and compassion, Jean dedicated decades to protecting the citizens and property of our region. At the same time, he also inspired generations of firefighters with his commitment to excellence.

In his roles as both firefighter and director, Jean helped create a safer and stronger community. His passion for safety and his sense of duty will always be remembered. His legacy will live on for years to come.

I thank him for all he has done, and I wish him all the best in his future challenges.

The Economy

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

Madam Speaker, even with a new Prime Minister, after 10 years of this Liberal government, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Liberal insider friends continue to line their pockets with millions of dollars, while hundreds of thousands of Quebeckers and Canadians are going hungry.

Why is the Prime Minister giving executives at Export Development Canada, Via Rail and the Business Development Bank of Canada annual bonuses of over $100,000 each instead of feeding young families who cannot afford groceries? Where does the Prime Minister get off asking young people to wait their turn, to make even more sacrifices, when he is paying his rich friends millions of dollars?

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Madam Speaker, first of all, I want to wish everyone here in the House a happy Halloween. Another holiday that is coming up is Christmas.

Canadians are looking forward to Christmas. This has been a big year for Canada. This year, people want to celebrate Christmas, but they do not want to go to the polls. We are going to table a budget. Canadians hope that the House will pass the Liberal plan, our Prime Minister's plan, to build Canada strong.

Will my colleague commit today to not be a grinch and vote in favour of the budget next week?

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

Madam Speaker, it is Halloween. Will the government leader stop trying to scare Canadians?

What Canadians need for Christmas is an affordable budget for an affordable life. It is this government's responsibility to deliver that budget.

While the government leader is making jokes, the 2024–2025 Nutritious and Affordable Food Basket Report says that products such as meat, fish, cheese and yogurt are now foods that many families can no longer afford on a regular basis. This is Canada in 2025.

Does the Prime Minister understand that people have nothing left to sacrifice?

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, the Conservatives have consistently voted against support measures that help Canadians make ends meet. Whether it is school food programs, dental care, drug coverage or child benefits, the Conservatives consistently vote against the measures we are putting in place to help Canadians make ends meet.

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

Madam Speaker, after 10 years, Liberal insiders and elites never had it so good, but the Prime Minister forces young Canadians to make sacrifices.

Young Canadians cannot afford a home, yet CMHC executives got $30 million in bonuses for helping contribute to the Liberal-made housing crisis. Over 700,000 kids line up at a food bank every month, yet BDC executives get $45 million in bonuses for helping cover Liberal incompetence on COVID benefits.

How many more sacrifices do young Canadians have to make so that the Prime Minister can keep lining the pockets of his elitist buddies?